Council dump on private land

COUNCIIL contractors have removed a private gate, dumped a load of soil and erected temporary fencing on private farming land in Cape Peterson without the owner’s knowledge or consent.  

David Duke received a rude shock when he returned home on Thursday morning last week to find that Bass Coast Shire Council contractors had broken into and were accessing and installing infrastructure on the land.

“The gate was padlocked, and the contractors unscrewed the latch to allow them to remove the gate so they could access the land,” David explained, flabbergasted at the audacity of the Council appointed labourers.  

Davids’ wife Robyn is the title owner of the land that was being torn up by heavy vehicles leaving deep muddy wheel ruts, in Seaward Drive, Cape Paterson. 

“Contractors have put up temporary fencing and are using the land as if it is their own, while they fix the drainage on the roadside,” said David. 

When questioned, the contractors informed David that John Armstrong from the council had tried to contact the landowner – Robyn - but had been unable to reach her. 

Council reportedly then gave the go ahead to the contractors to access and use the land anyway.

This response caused David’s absolute dismay. 

“Council know where to send rates, so they know where to send a letter,” he said.

When contacted by the Sentinel–Times regarding the issue, a spokesperson for Bass Coast Shire Council stated:

“This project is to improve stormwater drainage flows in the surrounding area and will reduce the chance of flooding from excess water during rain events.

“Council can confirm that permission was sought to access private land to fix the drainage in the area. Unfortunately, a miscommunication occurred and this land was accessed prior to agreement and some excavated material was stored onsite. The responsible contractor will rectify this issue.

“Council apologises for the inconvenience this has caused.”