SNAKES ON PLAINS

SNAKES have infested a neglected property on the outskirts of Geelong adding to the danger posed by the overgrown grasses, plants and rundown buildings.

The Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday the Shelford eyesore had been a problem for the Golden Plains Shire for about a decade, with the owner repeatedly requests to clean it up.

Sue Turner, who lives at Indented Head, did not appear in court, but was convicted and fined $1555 for failing to comply with a fire prevention notice.

The court heard neighbours complained about the upkeep of the property to the shire each summer, and the shire had estimated it would cost it $12,000 to step in and clean it up on Ms Turner’s behalf. ignoring

On one occasion a council officer tried to inspect the property but aborted the mission after being confronted by a large snake.

Brown and red-belly black snakes are said to be among those seen at the property, which contains three heritage listed buildings and is located at 1739 Bannockburn-Shelford Rd.

The shire inspected the property early last summer, and issued Ms Turner with a notice early this year, but said requests had been ignored.

The maximum sentence that can be imposed on someone who fails to comply with a fire prevention notice is a fine of up to $18,000 and a year in jail.

Shire chief Rod Nicholls said it was time for the owner to clean up the property.

“We have issued repeated fire prevention notices against this property, with the high costs of clean-up works being its an obstacle to council carrying out the necessary clean-up works,” Mr Nicholls said.

“The buildings are also heritage listed, preventing any demolition works.

“This is the first time we have taken the property owner to court over this matter.”

Golden Plains Shire issued 948 fire prevention notices last fire season, identified 105 noncomplaint properties, and issued 23 infringement notices.