Maddingley residents who have spent years railing against the unsightly condition of a Lodge Street block say the land is a fire hazard and pest haven.
Cameron Wilson, who said rubbish dumped at the site attracted rats that ate $1400 worth of ducting under his house, is demanding action.
“My neighbour across the street complained for three years and has now given up,” he said.
“[Moorabool] council told me they’ve had a word to the owners, and all they did was mow around their house.”
Piles of rubbish, discarded timber and truckloads of dirt are scattered around the block bordering Werribee Vale Road and Peppertree Park.
Mr Wilson said he first approached the council with his concerns last October, and was put in contact with a fire-safety officer who agreed that piles of wood were a fire hazard.
The land is owned by a South Melbourne developer who applied to have 26 units built on it. However, indigenous bones were discovered during a cultural heritage survey, meaning the applicant was required to assemble a heritage plan.
The matter has been referred to the Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation. The registered Aboriginal party has recommended that the number of dwellings be reduced to 14.
In a report to councillors, a spokesman from council’s planning department confirmed they had relayed Mr Wilson’s concerns to the landowners on several occasions.
“[They] have been seeking advice as to the extent of tidying that may take place given the site’s significance,” the spokesman said.
“It has recently been determined that the site may be tidied, however, no earthworks may take place.”
Cr Allan Comrie said piles of rubbish looked “awful”. “Council have written to them about the state of the land, but whatever is done to solve it hasn’t lasted,” he said.
The developer did not return requests for comment.
