The Environmental Health team have declared war on neglected properties where overgrown vegetation can be a breeding ground for vermin.

Up until recently, action has been taken only when a report or complaint has been made by a member of the public, an ad-hoc reactive process that has left adjoining residents dealing with an overgrown mess much longer than necessary.

In a refreshing proactive approach, rangers have introduced a regular inspection cycle in all high-risk areas, such as new subdivisions where land can often be owned by people who don't live locally.  This scheduled process will mean properties are routinely monitored and any required action on properties deemed to be overgrown can be taken much quicker and more efficiently.

According to Shaye Barrow, Senior Ranger, "the new process means property-owners are alerted to an issue on their land much earlier, which then means it's being addressed sooner."

Around 80 per cent of all overgrown properties logged are located in areas classed as "high risk". 

"By introducing this proactive cyclical process, we anticipate a reduction in the number of overgrown properties across the region", added Shaye.

For more information about overgrown properties and to view the schedule of locations, please visit www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au.

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