By Lilly O’Gorman
AN OVERGROWN lot of waist-high grasses and weeds in Lakeside has had neighbouring residents worried for the past four bushfire seasons.
Judy and David Mynott, who live in Botanic Drive, said a vacant lot at the corner of their street and Arbour Rise had caused them concern ever since they moved in, and had become a haven for snakes, rats and mice, and domestic garbage.
The couple said they had written countless letters to Cardinia Shire Council and Lend Lease, only to be told that nothing could be done to force the owners of the land to slash the block.
“They do maintain it, but only about once a year, and it’s always May or April which is after the fire season,” Mr Mynott said.
“It should be slashed during summer.
“It’s over waist high, and it just sits there and gets fried. One spark and it will go up.
“(Lend Lease) at one stage said there would be an arrangement with the owner that would see it done every six weeks, which would be fine, but that didn’t happen.”
Lakeside Pakenham project director Sharon Coates said the block of land was not deemed a fire hazard when last inspected by Cardinia Council Officers, and Lend Lease was in regular contact with the owners regarding the maintenance of their property.
“It is the purchaser’s responsibility to maintain their land, however we will endeavour to take action if necessary,” Ms Coates said.
“We are on site to respond to issues in a timely manner, and run weekly site inspections. In the summer months, we pay particular attention to landscaping with regards to fire hazards and snake safety.”
Cardinia Shire spokesperson Paul Dunlop said council staff would be inspecting properties in the Pakenham area this week, as part of its annual program to identify and mitigate risk.
“The property at lot 368 Arbour Rise will be inspected, and if deemed to be a fire hazard a fire prevention notice will be issued,” Mr Dunlop said.
“This property has been inspected in previous years, and its owners have complied with any notices issued.
“It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that the vacant lot is maintained and does not pose a risk to neighbours. Council can take action to enforce works to reduce the risk if necessary.”
Mr Dunlop said The Walkway (Derwent Link/Derwent Walk) is maintained by the council and mown about every three weeks, but the nature strip is the land owner’s responsibility.
Mrs Mynott said the footpath was overgrown and residents, especially mothers with prams, were forced to walk out on the road.
“Pedestrians are forced to walk on the road, through a roundabout which is dangerous,” she said.
“The owner will not maintain the lot, (Lend Lease) can do nothing and Cardinia Council will not do anything. Who will remove this fire hazard?”
Residents should contact council on 1300 787 624 or alternatively email mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au if they have concerns about a property being a fire risk.
