05/11/2026
It’s not April Fools day but Council is reminding residents to maintain their land and backing it up with the old 1993 Local Government Act stuff to sound important. For those that don’t know, before 1993 Local Government was like the wild west. So most legislation says 1993. Some would say not much has changed. But with so much not being properly resourced in Harden by Council and Council’s own infrastructure being neglected, is Council for real being the pot calling the kettle black here? Hypocrisy at its best!
Media Release - 5 November 2026 - Hilltops Council Urges Landowners to Maintain Properties Ahead of Summer
Hilltops Council is reminding property owners across the region of the importance of maintaining their land ahead of summer to help reduce fire risks and improve community safety.
Council continues to receive requests and complaints about overgrown residential and vacant blocks throughout the Hilltops Local Government Area. Long grass, weeds, dense vegetation and accumulated organic debris can create significant fire hazards during the warmer months, as well as provide ideal harbourage for snakes, rodents and other vermin.
Landowners are encouraged to inspect their properties and undertake routine maintenance before conditions become a risk to neighbouring residents and the wider community.
Overgrown and poorly maintained blocks can quickly become a safety concern, increasing the potential for fire to spread, attracting vermin and pests, and negatively impacting the amenity of surrounding neighbourhoods.
During routine inspections, Council Officers commonly identify issues including:
• Excessive overgrown vegetation, including long grasses, weeds and shrubs exceeding 500mm in height.
• Accumulated organic debris, including fallen branches and leaf litter.
• Conditions likely to harbour vermin and pests.
• Increased fire hazards, particularly as summer approaches.
• Poorly maintained land that adversely impacts the amenity of surrounding properties.
Under the Local Government Act 1993, Council may issue orders requiring landowners to maintain their properties in a safe and healthy condition where vegetation, debris or other conditions create risks to public health, safety or local amenity.
Property owners are encouraged to:
• Regularly slash or mow long grass.
• Remove excessive weeds and overgrown vegetation.
• Clear fallen branches, leaf litter and other combustible materials.
• Maintain vacant blocks to minimise fire risk.
• Ensure properties do not provide harbourage for snakes, rodents and other vermin.
Council also reminds landowners that failing to comply with an Order may result in enforcement action. Non-compliance may attract a penalty infringement notice of $330. Council may also arrange for the required works to be carried out and recover the associated costs from the landowner.
Maintaining properties throughout the year helps protect families, neighbours and the broader community from preventable risks. Taking action now can significantly reduce fire hazards while contributing to a safer, cleaner and more attractive Hilltops region.
Residents with concerns regarding overgrown vegetation are encouraged to contact Hilltops Council on 1300 445 586 to discuss the matter or lodge a request for an investigation.
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Media enquiries – Hilltops Council 1300 445 586
