By Casey Neill
A growing rubbish pile in Endeavour Hills is attracting vermin and has already sent one neighbour packing.
Sarah (not her real name), contacted the Journal following complaints to the City of Casey and the Aboriginal Housing Commission.
“This isn’t the first time,” she said.
“They’ve been there for a few years now.
“This is probably the fourth time that the rubbish has accumulated.”
She’s spotted mice and rats in her garage – again, not for the first time.
“I’ve had my house fumigated by the Aboriginal Housing Commission,” she said.
“This is the third time they’re going to have to do it.
“It’s starting to smell now because of all the heat we’ve had and the rain.”
Sarah said the “unhygienic” mound included dirty nappies.
“Casey Council have wiped their hands of it,” she said.
“That was the first thing they said to me when I first called a few years ago.”
She said they put her onto the Aboriginal Housing Commission (AHC).
“I don’t understand why no-one’s taking any action,” she said.
She said another neighbour sold up and moved out because of the issues.
“He had little kids, he just couldn’t do it anymore,” she said.
“My house is my house.
“I’ve been there for 15 years now and I shouldn’t have to get up and sell just because I’ve got people living in those conditions nearby.”
A statement from AHV said it had been “working with the tenant and neighbours for some time to address recurring issues”.
“We will continue to do so,” it said.
“As a result of a recent house inspection AHV has become aware that the tenant requires additional support and is engaging a range of agencies to ensure the tenant receives that support.”
The statement said this support would include removing the rubbish “and social supports to prevent further build-up”.
“The understanding and support of neighbours in these situations is always valuable and appreciated,” it said.
A Casey spokeswoman said council records did not indicate any complaints in relation to rats or mice coming from any property.
“However, council was contacted by an anonymous complainant in August and again in early September regarding litter at a property,” she said.
“Council inspected this address and no litter was evident, therefore no further action was taken.
“The council encourages the complainant to contact council with further details to enable an investigation to be undertaken.”
