A Wyndham resident is calling on council to reinstate the free removal of snakes from private properties after the service was axed in August.
Aijaz Moinuddin has submitted a petition calling for the return of the service to council and said he felt obliged to fight to get the service back.
“The community has been frustrated, ignored, and left exposed,” Mr Moinuddin said.
Mr Moinuddin said council should reinstate the service because the difference between private land and council-managed land is not a consideration of snakes.
“Snakes don’t read boundary fences – they move straight from council-managed creeks and reserves into our backyards.
“Safety cannot be a ‘user pays’ system when the risk of snakes comes from public land such as creeks – council must help manage the consequences.”
The Tarneit local said the service is most needed in summer and that is why he acted now.
“When I checked the council website in September, I found the service for private homes had been removed..
“That’s when it hit me: snakes are increasing, services are decreasing — and families are left on their own.
“This gap affects everyone, especially during summer when snake activity is highest.”
He said ultimately the rapid development of new estates and the displacement of the animals in the process is why private properties need the same access to free snake removal.
“A perfect example is new housing developments around Davis Creek and along the Werribee River are pushing snakes out of their natural habitat and straight into nearby neighbourhoods.
“When we keep expanding suburbs but reduce safety services, we’re creating the perfect storm — more snakes, less support.
“If we shrink their habitat, their movement becomes our problem and our risk.
“That’s why a proper snake response service is essential — it protects both residents and wildlife as Wyndham continues to grow.”
A Wyndham City spokesperson said council has received the petition.
“The petition will be dealt with in line with the governance rules,” the spokesperson said.
The petition will be tabled at the Tuesday 16 December council meeting.
