Central Highlands’ residents are cutting it fine when it comes to their lawns, but not in a good way.
The Central Highlands Regional Council received more than 45 complaints about overgrown properties in March, with another 33 reported so far this month.
‘An overgrown property is not only unsightly but can be a serious health and safety concern for the community,’ Mayor Cr Kerry Hayes said.
‘Long grass contributes significantly to the risk of fire, and at the moment that risk is high for the Central Highlands region.
‘All residents and property owners have a responsibility to maintain their property to an acceptable standard. If they can’t do so, council’s rangers can and will step in, but this process takes time. We really need to work together on this issue.’
Under local laws and the Local Government Act 2009, council governs the management of overgrown allotments within the urban area.
Council investigates all overgrown complaints and a site visit is generally conducted within two days.
If the allotment is deemed overgrown or unsightly an Information and Compliance Notice may be served on the owner or occupier, who have 21 days to comply.
Should the land owner or occupier fail to comply with the notice, council may issue a Reasonable Entry Notice and a $589 fine.
‘If you know of an overgrown or unsightly allotment in your area, please contact council on 1300 242 686 and lodge a complaint,’ Cr Hayes urged.
More information on overgrown and unsightly allotments can be found under Local Law No. 3 (Community and Environmental Management) 2011, which is available at www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au