CouncilNow

Complaints set to ramp up on overgrown and unsightly properties

Ipswich City Council is preparing for significant complaints about overgrown and unsightly private properties with an extremely wet summer predicted.

Health, Security and Community Safety Committee Chairperson Cr Sheila Ireland said there had been 42 complaints from residents in September – which was one of the driest months on record and included the hottest September day ever in in Ipswich (40.1 on the 27th).

“The volume of requests always increases significantly over the warmer months and is somewhat dependent on climatic conditions for the actual volumes of requests received,” she said.

“The Bureau of Meteorology weather outlook issued 26 October 2017 shows that for the November 2017 to January 2018 period there is a 50 per cent probability of above average rainfall. This is likely to result in significant volumes of requests being received and needing to be actioned by Council.”

October had proved to be one of the wettest months on record across Queensland.

Cr Ireland said Council had increased its focus on being proactive, rather than wait for complaints to come in about overgrown and unsightly land. It had implemented an Overgrown Yard Operational Plan as part of a compliance strategy.

“Seventy-five properties have been identified as being the subject of at least two relevant notices to comply within the last 12-month period. These properties will be inspected to ensure they are compliant with relevant requirements and relevant action taken to achieve compliance if they are not,” she said.

“In an effort to minimise the impact on residents, measures will be undertaken to proactively deal with properties which are the subject of repeated issues, personal contact will be made with landholders to advise of requests and request co-operation in maintaining their properties.

“Assistance will be sought where social welfare issues may be contributing to properties not being maintained appropriately.”

Cr Ireland said Council assisted in some clean-ups, depending on the resident’s circumstances.

Add something useful to your inbox

Back to top button
X
X