Editorial: On the Verge

COUNCIL issued a media release yesterday asking all residents to mow their lawns since snake season is upon us.

Mayor Wayne Bedggood warned of the dangers of long grass which can harbour mice, rats and snakes and implored people to do the right thing for the safety of all residents.

Grass grows longer on the verge.

While it is up to landowners to mow their own property and their footpath, when this does not happen Council can take care of the matter and bill the owner.

There are areas in town where there is already a risk to residents and in some locations it is a recurring theme each summer.

scone.com.au asked Council what they were proactively doing in these areas to prevent risks to the community.

In response we were sent a form which their own media release states will take six to eight weeks to investigate and remedy.

While it may be the owners responsibility to maintain their verge and when that does not happen the Council can step in to remedy the verge, but if both parties refuse to budge and wait for the other to make a move content for the risk to the community to grow like the grass beneath their feet; neither party can claim the moral high ground on that verge.

Council might like to get off their high horse and start riding a mower instead.

Elizabeth Flaherty
Editor, scone.com.au

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• The Verge Deepens