To: Wyndham City Council


Subject: Reinstatement of Free Snake Removal Services on Private Property

We, the undersigned residents and community members of Wyndham City, respectfully petition Wyndham City Council to reverse its decision to discontinue free snake removal services for private properties from 1 September 2025.

Background

Wyndham City has announced that free snake removal services will continue only on Council-owned land, with private property residents required to arrange and pay for their own snake management. This decision was based on a service review indicating that many callouts involved no snakes or misidentified blue-tongue lizards.

While we understand the intent to improve efficiency and focus on education, this change raises serious concerns for community safety, public health, and equity.

Why This Matters

* Snakes pose real safety risks, particularly to children, elderly residents, pets, and people with disabilities.

* Not all residents can afford private snake catchers, potentially leading to delayed responses or unsafe attempts to manage snakes themselves.

* Fear of costs may result in underreporting of snake sightings, increasing risks across neighbourhoods.

* Urban expansion has increased human–snake encounters, making professional, accessible services more important than ever.

Misidentification of reptiles highlights the need for expert assessment, not reduced access to services. A trained professional presence prevents panic, misinformation, and unsafe outcomes.

Our Request

We urge Wyndham City Council to:

* Reinstate free or subsidised snake removal services for private properties, or

* Introduce a means-tested or capped-cost alternative to ensure affordability, and

* Continue education initiatives alongside, not instead of, direct support services.

Conclusion

Community safety should not depend on a resident’s ability to pay. A balanced approach that combines education, prevention, and accessible emergency response best serves Wyndham City’s diverse and growing population.

We respectfully request that Council reconsider this decision and engage with the community to implement a fair and safe solution.