Multiple snake sightings have been made at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve, prompting safety concerns from Burnside Springs United Cricket Club and renewed calls for assistance from authorities.
A snake was sighted on Friday 6 February emerging from the curator’s shed at the club’s grounds.
According to the club, the reptile exited through the door seal without the shed being opened and moved directly towards the club’s curator as he crouched to unlock a padlock.
It then reportedly travelled along the top oval while an under-10s match was underway, before leaving the playing surface and heading toward a drainage area between the shed and a shipping container.
Club committee member Tony Planinic said the incident had caused genuine concern among families.
“The area where the snake was first observed –near the curator’s shed and the adjoining grassed space -– is a popular spot where younger children often wait while their siblings or parents are on the field,“ he said.
“It’s understandable that the sighting has caused anxiety.”
Mr Planinic said after initial contact with Melton council snake‑removal line on Friday, the club was notified a snake-catcher would not attend.
“They acknowledged our concerns but advised that, because the snake had already vacated the shed, they were not required to attend,” Mr Planinic said.
“This was despite the snake entering the playing surface for a short time and later into a drainage area. It was considered to be within its natural environment.”
Another snake sighting occurred on Saturday 7 February, this time on the top oval before moving on to the drainage area.
The club said authorities were contacted a second time.
“Once again, they understood the concerns raised, but because the snake was technically located within a reserve, there were legal limitations on whether they could intervene or relocate it,” Mr Planinic said.
He said the close encounter had left the club’s curator shaken, with the snake emerging about 15 centimetres from his hand.
“That close encounter has left him with genuine fears for his safety … This has placed additional strain on our operations,” he said.
The club advised members via a Facebook post on Monday 9 February to avoid the walkway between the concourse and curator’s shed, keep children close and not approach the snake.
Mr Planinic said the club’s priority was to have the snake “safely removed and relocated” to a nearby creek area, but procedural constraints had complicated that process.
“Our intention has always been straightforward: to have the snake safely relocated to a more suitable habitat for the wellbeing of both the animal and the safety of our members, players, and the residents of Burnside Heights who use the facility,” he said.
“Whilst the club has an excellent working relationship with Melton council, this situation has highlighted how red tape and bureaucracy can sometimes get in the way of common‑sense approaches.”
A Melton council spokesperson told Star Weekly the removal of the snake was deemed “illegal”.
“We received a report of a snake sighting, and our licensed snake catcher promptly contacted the community member to confirm the location and provide advice. In this instance, the snake had already moved back into a nearby paddock.
“As the snake had also moved into an area that is considered its natural habitat, it would have been illegal for our snake catcher to try to remove or relocate it,” the spokesperson said.
“Our snake catcher is meeting with the cricket club to conduct some education in relation to snake behaviour and safety and provide further advice in terms of snake proofing the equipment sheds.”
