Overgrown & Unsightly Properties

Weipa residents have a responsibility to keep their properties (vacant, residential and commercial) neat and tidy to improve the appearance of our community, remove places for vermin to breed, reduce health risks and be prepared for cyclone season. An overgrown or unsightly properties can be both a nuisance and a danger to neighbours and the community.

Overgrown premises

Weipa Town Authority defines "overgrown" as vegetation (grass) that affects the visual amenity of the allotment (over approx 0.4 meters in height) and/or is likely to attract reptiles or vermin or is deemed a fire hazard.

Problems caused by overgrown land may include:

  • It can create a visual eyesore
  • It may impede the public's access to footpaths and streets
  • It becomes a breeding ground or a resting place for vermin
  • Can increase the risk of disease from mosquitos
  • It can create a fire hazard.

Unsightly premises

Weipa Town Authority defines "unsightly" as objects or materials that are brought on to, or allowed to accumulate on, an allotment causing its visual amenity to be seriously affected.

Unsightly objects may include:

  • Discarded or disused machinery
  • Second-hand material
  • Derelict vehicles
  • Old white goods
  • Household waste.

Prevention

Here are a few tips on how to take pride in the appearance of your home:

  • Store goods out of sight in your garage or shed
  • Put your rubbish out weekly for collection.
  • Store objects or materials out of view and neatly stacked but ensure they do not harbour vermin
  • Dispose of old vehicles and machinery at the Weipa landfill
  • Cut or slash overgrown vegetation regularly and dispose of it responsibly, such as composting in an appropriate compost bin
  • Organise for someone to come and maintain your yard if you are going away for a period of time or the premises is vacant.

What do I do if I have a concern about a neighbour's property?

Conversation is key! Talk to your neighbour or give them the Dear Neighbour letter(PDF, 47KB) as soon as the problem arises. They may not be aware that their property is overgrown or unsightly.

If there is no resolution, contact Weipa Town Authority to request an inspection.

How does Weipa Town Authority deal with overgrown and unsightly premises?

Weipa Town Authority regulates a range of potential nuisances relating to overgrown and unsightly conditions on private property under its Local Law No 3 - Community and Environmental Management 2018(PDF, 449KB).

If we receive a complaint about an overgrown or unsightly property, we will commence investigation which includes:

  • The premises will be inspected
  • Weipa Town Authority will provide notice to the landowners to remedy the breach
  • If the breach is not remedied, Weipa Town Authority will issue and Enter and Clear Notice to appropriately treat the overgrown or unsightly premises (at the property owners' expense)

Please note additional penalties apply to the landowner for non-compliance.

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