A Two Rocks resident says the owner of the property next door uses it as a dumping ground.
Camera IconA Two Rocks resident says the owner of the property next door uses it as a dumping ground. Credit: Supplied/Emma Goodwin

The City of Wanneroo takes action against owner of nuisance vacant land in Two Rocks

Lucy JarvisNorth Coast Times

Amy Johnson said the unoccupied and overgrown Two Rocks Road property had become a ‘dumping ground’ in recent years, with several disused cars left on it.

‘It has also become increasingly dangerous due to fire season approaching and is a breeding ground for mice and in turn attracts snakes,’ she said.

Miss Johnson said she counted five snakes last summer ” four dugites and one western brown ” and had already seen another dugite this month.

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‘It was the western brown that came all too close to my young daughter who was playing in the sunroom which is the room closest to the neighbouring block,’ she said.

Miss Johnson said she and her partner had tried unsuccessfully to contact the owner, who they believe is overseas. She said they had also contacted the City of Wanneroo and an employee had delivered rat poison three months ago, but she felt it should do more.

City business director Chris Morrison said the City had been pursuing investigations of the property and was in the final stages of taking action.

‘There has been a history of issues with this site but due to prosecutions pending we cannot reveal any data at this time,’ he said.

‘The City has lodged a building order which will allow us to clear and make the lot safe ” we expect this period to be within the next three weeks.

‘The City urges the community to contact us with any similar concerns so we can investigate.’

Mr Morrison said the building compliance team could enforce parts of the Local Government Act to take action on properties considered untidy.

He said the Act required property owners to ensure overgrown vegetation, rubbish or disused material was removed or face fines.

‘This will result in a 28-day letter to rectify and failure beyond this may lead to prosecution, with fines set at $5000, and if the offence is of a continuing nature $500 for each day or part day thereof,’ he said.

Mr Morrison said the environmental health team could take action under the Health Act if a property harboured rodents and the City could issue orders under the Bush Fires Act if it was deemed a fire hazard after November 15.

‘A third option is the City’s Private Property Law 2001, part 10 storage of disused motor vehicles, which allows only one disused vehicle on a property,’ he said.

Mr Morrison said they were in the process of identifying any untended lots to make the City safer and tidier.

Residents can lodge a complaint about the state of a property by calling 9405 5000.

To report anti-social behaviour, call police on 131 444.