By BRIDGET COOK
A NARRE Warren South resident has expressed her anger over the lack of action taken to long grass in an area that was affected in the Black Saturday fires.
Stacey, who did not want her last name used, said grass had grown taller than her five-year-old son on privately owned, vacant land along Ormond Road and Langbourne Drive.
Stacey said she contact the council on two occasions about the long grass, but said nothing was done for at least two weeks.
However City of Casey manager of Community Safety, Caroline Bell said the council had now addressed the issue and the grass had been cut.
Stacey said she was angry that the grass had been let to grow that long.
“I know I always have to ring to get the grass addressed, as well as my neighbours,” she said.
“It was at least 80 centimetres high when I called. It’s really not good enough.”
“The area was affected on black Saturday.
“I fear that if a fire started in there again, it wouldn’t take long for it to get to the houses.
“It went through so quick last time, it could happen again.”
Stacey said she was also worried about snakes making their way into the residential area nearby.
Ms Bell, from the council, said the grass had now been cut.
“Council advises residents who are concerned about the length of grass on properties to phone the City of Casey’s Customer Service team on 9705 5200 to lodge a request, which will be inspected,” she said.
“If grass is found to be over-length, a Notice to Comply is sent to the property owner requesting the grass to be cut in a specified timeframe, based on the level of risk.
“When assessing these requests council officers particularly consider weather conditions during the summer fire season.
“At the end of the Notice to Comply timeframe, a follow-up inspection is undertaken and council will arrange for the grass to be cut, and may issue infringements to the property owner, if they have not taken action.”
