Overgrown Allotments

An overgrown property is usually vacant or unoccupied land, whether residential or commercial, which in the opinion of an authorised council officer may:

• be likely to attract or harbour reptiles or vermin; or
• have seriously affected the visual amenity of the allotment

An overgrown property can be both a nuisance and a danger to neighbour's and the community. Please note that all residents have a responsibility to keep their properties neat and tidy to improve the appearance of our community, remove places for vermin to breed and reduce health risks.

Council is required to give the owner reasonable time to clear the overgrown material first. If this is unsuccessful Council gives warning of an intent to enter the property and clear it. The costs of clearing a block of overgrown vegetation will be the responsibility of the owner of the land. Please be aware that this process takes time.

Should you be aware of an overgrown property please report it to Council to investigate and action.

Unsightly properties

Unsightly properties can occur when objects or materials that are brought onto or allowed to accumulate on any vacant land, residential or commercial property, seriously affect the aesthetic of the property. Materials generally classified as unsightly include discarded or disused machinery, second-hand materials and similar objects, as well as derelict vehicles, old whitegoods, building materials and household waste.

Responsibilities of residents

Keeping your yard free from overgrown vegetation and objects makes our residential streets more visually appealing for everyone - here are a few tips on good ways to keep order in your home:

• Store goods out of sight in your garage and shed.
• Ensure you put your rubbish out for collection each week.
• Store objects and materials out of view and neatly stacked off the ground to ensure they do not harbour vermin.
• Dispose of old vehicles and machinery – some metal recyclers may collect and remove them free of charge.
• Cut or slash your grass regularly (whether dead or alive) and dispose of it responsibly in a compost pile or bin or appropriate green bin.
• Grass on larger properties (over 10,000m2) is not expected to be maintained to the extent of a lawn in an urban area.
• Organise for someone to come and maintain your yard if you are going away for a period of time.