Wyndham council is urging residents to be patient amid an increase in overgrown vegetation removal requests around the municipality.
Council’s director, city operations Stephen Thorpe said the increased seasonal rainfall, along with high overnight temperatures has created the ideal conditions for grass and weed growth.
“Wyndham city recognises the increase in vegetation growth throughout the municipality and is working hard to address the situation,” Mr Thorpe said.
“Our teams are doing their best to manage the workload.
“Staff have been working overtime on weekends since September to keep up with the increased growth.”
The Bureau of Meteorology’s October state climate summary confirmed Victoria had its wettest October on record and warmer than average nights.
A resident on social media expressed concerns about the dangers that could be lurking in the long grass.
“It’s [the grass] up to your knees along Bulban Road…I’m worried about snakes now it’s getting warmer,” The resident wrote.
Other residents called on council to consider hiring additional staff to help with maintaining the vegetation.
“As someone that works in the industry, we are run off our feet,” another resident responded.
“To everyone saying hire more staff…all industries across the board are struggling to fill positions [it’s] hard to get workers.”
Mr Thorpe said Wyndham council is responsible for maintaining more than 400 play spaces, 2100 hectares of parks and open space and more than 1000 individual parcels of land.
“Each month, council staff and contractors mow around three million square metres of grass – the equivalent of 170 MCG ovals,” he said.
“We appreciate the public’s patience as we work through the increased demand on services.”
Residents can make an enquiry or report an issue using council’s online portal.
Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/submit-customer-service
