“WHAT happened to our tidy town?” was the question on many ratepayers’ lips this month as residents expressed disappointment at the state of the city’s streets.
Veronica Yates posted images of an overgrown footpath and “weeds up to the knees” near her home to a community chat group on Facebook, prompting an outpouring of discontent.
“When we moved to Mount Gambier the thing that really impressed us was the cleanliness and lovely gardens along with the evident pride the council took with maintaining our footpaths, lawns, and gardens,” Ms Yates said.
“I think in the last three years or so there has been a gradual decline – there is no attention to detail or pride in workmanship.”
Speaking to The Border Watch, Ms Yates said untidy grass verges, footpaths and median strips were “not a good look” for tourists.
“Council are promoting the town as a tourist destination and this is a truly beautiful city, but visitors notice when a place looks untidy or uncared for,” she said.
“When you drive around the Blue Lake the median strips have knee-high weeds and there are a number of areas right across town that look neglected.
“It makes you wonder if after council won the Tidy Town awards they became complacent.”
City infrastructure manager Nick Serle said 51 outdoor staff were employed by Mount Gambier City Council, including two trainees.
“At this time of year we bring in contractors to assist our team on an as needs basis,” Mr Serle explained.
“There are over 80 reserves and gardens across the city for council staff to maintain – that’s a huge number and many of those areas are not small.
“Some sporting grounds and key community reserves are serviced weekly while the majority of the reserves are on a schedule of two to three weeks.
“We welcome the community calling us or emailing us to report any areas they believe need attention.”
The issue was raised by elected member Ian Von Stanke at council’s January meeting.
“The grass is growing over in the gutters and there is a lot of leaf material in the gutters – I have noticed it all around town,” Cr Von Stanke said.
“Is the street sweeper broken down or what’s going on?”
Mr Serle explained the street sweeper had in fact broken down and had been out of service for two weeks.
“The street sweeper was sent to Melbourne for repair and we expect it will be back in service this week,” he said.
