Almost 1000 Sanctuary Lakes residents have called on Wyndham council to reconsider its closure of a free snake removal service.
In a petition tabled at last week’s council meeting, residents accused the council of negligence and said removal of the service threatened community safety.
Sanctuary Lakes Resort Services general manager Tony Ferreri supports the petition, which gathered signatures from more than 10 per cent of the suburb’s population in just two weeks.
“On behalf of the 9000 residents of Sanctuary Lakes, we respectfully request that councillors reconsider their position on this issue in the interest of community safety,” Mr Ferreri submitted.
“Costing a reported $30,000 per annum and operating for a 25-year period, continuing the service is in the best interests of the Wyndham community and council, which has a strong commitment to community safety.”
A council report reveals 163 people required snake removal services during 2013-14 – up more than 42 per cent on the previous year.
Council officers will prepare a report on the petition for councillors at their meeting on October 26.
The snake removal service is due to be discontinued from September next year.
