By Alesha Capone
Residents fed up with long grass and illegal dumping on nature strips have fuelled a surge in complaints to Wyndham council, with thousands of rate-payers expressing concern on the issue.
In the 2020-21 financial year, the council received 2021 requests to investigate overgrown, obstructed, damaged, rubbish-covered or hazardous nature strips.
Wyndham’s director of city operations, Stephen Thorpe, said this was an increase compared to the 2019-20 financial year when the council received just 816 requests regarding nature strips.
“While nature strips are the responsibility of Wyndham city, residents are expected to maintain their nature strip by regular mowing and picking up any litter,” Mr Thorpe said.
“Residents can also consider landscaping their nature strip using gravel or mulch and approved plants.”
Wyndham residents who would like to landscape their nature strip must apply for a permit.
“When thinking about these options you need to consider allowing safe access for pedestrians, postal deliveries, vehicles, kerbside parking and rubbish collection,” Mr Thorpe said.
Since July 2019, the top suburb for nature strip grievances in Wyndham has been Point Cook, with a total of 730 complaints.
Werribee placed next with 516 complaints, followed by Tarneit (463), Truganina (414) and Hoppers Crossing (210).
Mr Thorpe said that in addition to nature-strip woes, the council receives an average of 150 requests a week relating to illegal dumping.”
“There are no excuses for dumping rubbish around Wyndham, especially when all residents have access to three free hard waste collections each year – including renters – as well as a free tip token,” Mr Thorpe said.
“Illegal rubbish dumping comes at a considerable cost to council that could be better spent on value-adding services such as playground and sporting facilities.”
The council has extended the expiration date of its tip vouchers from September 30 to November 30, due to the Werribee tip being closed to the public because of COVID-19 lockdowns.
To book a hard waste collection, and for information about other waste and recycling services council offers, go to www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/about-waste-and-recycling
To report illegal rubbish dumping call 1300 023 411.
