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6 - 19 NOVEMBER, 2020
BELLARINE’S NUMBER ONE NEWSPAPER
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Park snake fears By Justin Flynn An Ocean Grove couple has claimed that their local park is a “snake trap” due to a lack of maintenance by the City of Greater Geelong. Mark and Katrina Hutson said the park, which sits in the middle of Milborne Drive, Oakdene Boulevard and Holburn Rise and has a small reservoir, is an eyesore and a hazard to pets and children because of overgrown grass and weeds. Mr Hutson said a dog was killed by a snake at the park last year and he fears it could be a child next. He said the park was impeccably maintained by Kingston Estate before council took responsibility for the upkeep. Mr Hutson said Kingston Estate still maintains the adjacent area on Oakdene and Parkside boulevards, which is always immaculate. “I don’t throw the ball for my dog to chase here any more,” he said. “It’s too dangerous. People are trying to have picnics and are sitting on the path. “We have to get in the car now to run the dog.” “I won’t walk through here when it’s not cut down,” Mrs Hutson said. “There was a dog bitten here last year and kids are walking through the grass. This is depressing.” Neighbour Jack Murphy said he used to live near Melton and has experience in catching snakes. “Where there’s long grass and water, there’s snakes,” he said. “It’s a combination just built for snakes. I saw a dead tiger snake here last year.” Geelong city services director Guy Wilson-Browne assured residents the park would be maintained more regularly. “This open space area within Kingston Ocean Grove is scheduled for maintenance this week,” he said. “We thank local residents for their feedback and recent conversations regarding this area. “In response to these discussions we have increased the maintenance schedule for this area from six weeks to monthly. “We will continue working to ensure this is a safe and accessible space for everyone to enjoy.”
Main: Mark and Katrina Hutson are appalled at the lack of upkeep of their Ocean Grove park. (Justin Flynn) Above: The park that is maintained by Kingston Estate (left), and the adjacent park that is maintained by council. (Pictures: Supplied)
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