Neighbourhood concerns

Abandoned vehicles are unsightly and dangerous, creating an eyesore which can encourage vandalism and arson, endangering lives, property and the environment. 

Vehicles may include: 

• cars and motorbikes; and/or  

• trailers, caravans or horse floats. 

When is a vehicle considered abandoned? 

A vehicle may be deemed abandoned if: 

• it has been left in the same place for an unusual length of time;  

• it appears damaged, derelict or inoperable; 

• it has no registration; and/or  

• the owner cannot be identified. 

 How Council removes abandoned vehicles 

When a report is received: 

• a Authorised Officer inspects the vehicle; 

• a notice is placed on the vehicle requiring removal within 7 days, in accordance with the Transport Operations (Road Use and Management) Act 1995; 

• if not removed, Council arranges for towing and storage.  

If ownership can be identified, Council will attempt to contact the owner. 

Owners are responsible for: 

• removal costs; 

• towing and storage fees; and  

• any applicable penalties. 

What if your vehicle is missing? 

If your vehicle is missing: 

• contact Queensland Police Service immediately;  

• contact Council to confirm if it has been removed. 

To reclaim a vehicle, proof of ownership and payment of applicable fees is required. 

Unclaimed vehicles 

Unclaimed vehicles may be: 

• stored by Council 

• sold at auction 

Proceeds are used to recover costs associated with removal and storage.

An overgrown property can be both a nuisance and a danger to neighbour's and the community. All residents have a responsibility to keep their properties maintained. 

Council defines an overgrown allotment as land where vegetation (such as grass) is: 

• affecting the visual amenity of the area; 

• likely to attract reptiles or vermin; and/or  

• creating a fire hazard. 

Why it matters 

Overgrown land can: 

• provide shelter for vermin such as rats, mice and snakes; 

• obstruct footpaths, roads, visibility and traffic signage; 

• increase mosquito breeding, especially in the wet season; and/or  

• become a fire risk during dry periods. 

Unsightly allotments 

An unsightly allotment is where objects or materials have accumulated and negatively impact the appearance of the property or surrounding area. 

This may include: 

• discarded or unused machinery; 

• building materials; 

• derelict vehicles; 

• old appliances (e.g. white goods); and/or  

• general household waste. 

Prevention tips 

A well-maintained property helps protect the whole community. You can help by: 

• keeping grass and vegetation trimmed; 

• storing materials neatly and out of sight; 

• using Council’s waste and recycling services; 

• using the free green waste disposal available at Council facilities; 

• removing old vehicles and unused machinery; and 

• regularly cleaning up and maintaining your property. 

What if you notice an issue? 

In many cases, concerns can be resolved through respectful conversation with your neighbour. 

If you are not comfortable approaching them, or the issue is not resolved, you can report the matter to Council via council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or call (07) 4776 4600. 

How Council manages overgrown and unsightly properties 

Council regulates these matters under Local Law No. 3 (Community and Environmental Management). 

The process includes: 

1. Inspection by an Authorised Officer; 

1. Issuing a Compliance Notice, giving the property owner time (generally 10 days) to address the issue; and 

1. If unresolved, Council may undertake the required work. 

Costs are passed on to the property owner and additional penalties may apply for repeated non-compliance. 

It is important to note that compliance action takes time, and despite lodging a compliant, you may not see immediate action due to mandatory timeframe requirements.

Council abide by a standard process and compliance procedure, which may take time to execute. Updates regarding complaints will be provided as appropriate.