By BRIDGET SCOTT
A FRUSRATED shop owner from Junction Village has blamed a snake infestation and overgrown bushland for his lack of business.
Joe Khoury who runs the milk bar in Junction Village has said “nobody is stopping by” and said the area is plagued with snakes every summer.
“They’re everywhere, it’s happening all over,” he said.
Mr Khoury urged City of Casey council to maintain the parklands behind his business where he believes the snakes come from.
He said the land is overgrown and uninviting.
“There is not one passing trade because the park is a jungle,” he said.
Councillor Geoff Ablett raised a notice at a council meeting last month which asked the council to consider the possibility of employing a snake catcher during the warmer months.
However an officer’s report presented to Tuesday night’s council meeting said the “council does not provide a wildlife (snake catcher) service for private properties during the hotter months”.
The officer’s report also recommended that the council continues to fully utilise the services available to manage wildlife such as snakes provided by the State Government.
Casey’s acting manager for environment Warren Smith said the council had met with traders in Junction Village to discuss clearing the grass and scrub.
The council also suggested a number of ways that residents and business owners could discourage snakes, which included removing hiding places, keeping gardens tidy, reducing food sources and placing pet water bowls away from houses.
“If residents see snakes on their land they are encouraged to contact the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning on 136 186 or a licensed snake catcher in the first instance,” Mr Smith said.
Resident Lisa Watts said she had a snake on her property a few weeks ago which had slithered past her front door.
“One came from our neighbour’s front yard and got under the fence,” she said.
Mr Khoury, who has owned the milk bar for 22 years, said he wants council to “clear the jungle” and have the park maintained.
“It’s the only strip of shops we have here in Junction Village and, sadly, nobody is stopping by,” he said.
“We are supposed to be seen from the highway.
“There is an issue and it needs to be addressed.”
