Residents are fearful after grass on a vacant block grew to shoulder height during the fire danger period, despite repeated complaints to Cardinia Shire Council for five weeks.
The vacant property at 98 Dusseldorf Avenue, Pakenham, has been flagged by resident Max and his neighbours since late October, shortly after the fire danger period began on 1 November.
“The fire danger period started in early November, and we’re now nearly halfway through December with no action taken,” Max said.
“The grass is up to shoulder height. During that time, the block could catch fire.”
The overgrown block is seen as a serious safety risk, with shoulder-high grass raising fears of fire spreading to nearby homes, as well as concerns about snakes and rodent activity.
Max said council officers advised the matter was subject to a legal process that could take up to 30 days.
“It’s a disgrace. That’s an extra 30 days where this could catch fire and take out homes,” he said.
Another neighbour on the street said the situation has caused ongoing anxiety.
“I had sleepless nights worrying my home could burn down,” she said.
Many believe the issue is not new, saying the same property becomes overgrown once or twice every year.
“This has been happening for seven years at the same property,” Max said. “Council is aware it’s a high-risk spot. They shouldn’t need residents to keep reporting it before action is taken.”
Cardinia Shire’s acting general manager, Allison Southwell said Council inspected the private property at Dusseldorf Avenue on 19 November, shortly after the Fire Danger Period began on 17 November.
“A Fire Prevention Notice was issued requiring the owner to reduce the fire hazard. This property is one of more than 6,000 inspected so far this season, and Council has issued more than 600 enforcement notices,” she said.
“If the owner does not comply, Council will arrange for the property to be cleared and recover costs through enforcement processes.”
Ms Southwell explained that the compliance timeframe ensures property owners have a “fair opportunity” to act on notices and exercise their legal rights, including appeal options.
“This process is important for successful enforcement and cost recovery,” she said.
“While these timeframes can be frustrating, they are necessary to ensure Council can act lawfully and effectively. In this case, the timeframe has not yet expired.”
At this stage, Council will continue to monitor the property and take further action if required.
In an email sent on 11 December, Cardinia Shire Council General Manager of Community and Planning Services advised a resident that if they were not satisfied with the outcome, they could seek an external review through the Victorian Ombudsman.
Residents say the response does little to ease concerns while the grass remains overgrown.
“The danger is there now,” Max said. “It needs to be addressed immediately, not after something goes wrong.“
