Overgrown and Unsightly Properties
All residents are responsible for keeping their properties neat and tidy. Properties allowed to become overgrown and unsightly can be both a nuisance and a danger to neighbours and the community.
Keeping a Tidy Property
Is your property untidy?
In order to keep a tidy property, residents should consider:
- storing objects and materials out of sight in a shed or garage
- rack and stack and tie down items 30cm off the ground
- putting waste and recycling out for collection regularly
- disposing of old vehicles or machinery (some metal recyclers will purchase scrap metals)
- mowing the lawn regularly and clearing palm fronds (there is free green waste disposal at our transfer stations)
- organising for someone to maintain the garden.
Talk to your Neighbour
Is your neighbour's property untidy?
Conversation is key! Talk to your neighbour or give them the Dear Neighbour letter (PDF, 28.4 KB) as soon as the problem arises. They may not be aware that their property is overgrown or unsightly.
If there is no resolution, Report a Problem or Contact Council to request an investigation.
More Information
For more information, read:
- Local Law 3 (Community and Environmental Management) 2011 (PDF, 81.9 KB)
- Overgrown and Unsightly Properties Information Sheet (PDF, 584.8 KB)
Overgrown Properties
Overgrown properties, are properties which in the opinion of an authorised Council Officer, contain grass, weeds, plants or other vegetation to such an extent as to seriously affect the visual amenity of the surrounding area, or is likely to attract or harbour reptiles or vermin.
This does not include protected vegetation.
Unsightly Properties
Unsightly properties, are properties which in the opinion of an authorised Council Officer, have an accumulation of objects or materials that seriously affect the visual amenity or are likely to attract or harbour reptiles or vermin. This could include untidy accumulations of building materials, plant matter, or other materials or objects.
Council Investigations
Council will always investigate any complaints made. If the Council Officer forms the opinion that the property is overgrown or unsightly, then the property owner will be asked to tidy the property to an acceptable level.
An inspection is carried out to determine if there is a breach under Local Law 3 (Community and Environmental Management) 2011. Council may take action such as issuing a notice to the property owner to address the problem within a certain timeframe.
Should the owner not undertake clearance of the land within the specified period, Council's contractor will enter the property and carry out the required works.
If Council contractors are required to enter and clear land after the expiration of notices, an administration cost and the cost of carrying out the clearing of the land will be placed as a charge against the owner of the land.
More information about Council’s investigation processes can be found on the Investigations Process page.
