Singleton Heights resident Jamie Buckett is frustrated that local authorities appear unconcerned by the state of a neighbouring vacant block of land which he describes as being a fire hazard.
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Mr Buckett and his wife Christie bought their home three months ago and since that time he has been kept busy clearing grass, branches and leaves out of his backyard and swimming pool.
All the green rubbish that is landing in his backyard is coming from an overgrown vacant block, that was formerly owned by the NSW Department of Education, and is located on Gardener Circuit opposite Skallywags Pre-school.
“The block which is about six acres needs to be cleaned up immediately is poses a high fire risk to all the neighbouring residents,” he said.
After contacting Singleton Council twice Mr Buckett was told the Council would send the owners a letter and then they had 14-28 days to respond and if they failed to do anything Council may eventually impose a fine.
“That process could take months to finalise and in the meantime our backyard is a complete mess but worse than that in the weather like we have this week I would hate to see a fire start in the block,”he said. “The property simply needs to be mowed and the dead trees removed – not a big ask one would have thought.
Mary-Anne Crawford, Council’s Manager Development and Environment said “The property in question is a large parcel of land that is privately owned.Council is acting on the information received from members of the community and will inspect the property this week with a view to issue the landowner a Notice under the Local Government Act 1993 for Unhealthy Land.
“The Notice means the landowner will have 21 days from receipt to take action to improve the condition of the site.Fire hazards are dealt with by the NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Fire Brigades. However, Unhealthy Land is a matter that can be dealt with by Council under Section 124 of theLocal Government Act 1993 to address issues associated with overgrown properties such as the potential for vermin.”
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
