By Danielle Kutchel
They say the grass is greener on the other side, but in Dandenong South it’s just tall, dry and a potential fire hazard.
Tenants in Venture Court in Dandenong South are fed up with an overgrown, messy patch of land along their street, saying it attracts negative attention and is ripe for a fire.
The land, which runs behind the factories and along the train line, is owned by VicTrack and appears to be used as a holding yard for materials for the rail line upgrade.
Grass ringing the block is, in some places, more than waist high.
It’s a similar situation at a block across the road, which the Dandenong Journal understands is owned by Metro Trains.
Declan Kirkham, owner of Vurgel Precision Automotive which backs on to the VicTrack land, said he has been trying since November to have the grass cut before the worst happens.
After contacting the council multiple times, he was told that the owners would be given notice to clean up their act.
Nothing was done however, and he’s been watching the grass grow steadily taller and drier ever since.
“I was nervous over the string of hot days because I don’t want to lose my workshop,” he said.
“It wouldn’t take much to start a fire. It’s fuel that doesn’t need to be there.”
He said the grass also attracts unwanted attention, with looters and thieves driving by to steal the leftover materials and copper wire.
The grass also provides perfect cover for vermin and stray cats.
Mark, owner of a nearby gym which overlooks the block, said the grass was a serious concern for himself and his clients – at one point growing to well over head height.
“Now it’s just a fire hazard,” he said.
In response to enquiries, Greater Dandenong Council was unable to confirm whether VicTrack had been presented with a clean-up notice.
“Council will investigate and take appropriate action if the property is considered a hazard or safety issue,” Greater Dandenong Council’s city planning, design and amenity director Jody Bosman said.
But Mr Kirkham said he’s sick of waiting and wondering.
“How long do we wait, do we have to wait for a fire?” he said.
VicTrack was approached for comment but did not respond before deadline.
