Anyone know the rules/regulations/requirements that apply to the maintenance of front gardens/yards of private properties in the suburbs of Canberra? Or where to find such? In our area I have begun to notice an increase in the number of private houses that seem to be using the front areas of the property for either the storage of derelict cars (I have counted up to nine such vehicles in the driveway and yard of one otherwise normal sized, detached porperty — only about three of which appear driveable), the long-term placing of mid-sized shipping containers, even in one case a derelict caravan that seems to have been in place long enough to have a small tree grow up through its body. All these, however, are topped by the full-size, mobile crane that I have seen parked for ten years (with apparently never having been moved) in the front yard of a house in the suburb of Chifley.
The ACT government will jump pretty quickly when such situations are brought to their attention and which affect street verges. However, I have been able to elicit little response from them when it comes to such situations as those described above.
The condition in which a neighbour keeps his or her property affects the property values of others living around the area. It also impacts upon the general atmosphere of a street. A tone begins to be set which can all too quickly bring all down and, again, has a considerable impact on property values.