Roses Cut, Snakes Spared? Wyndham Councillors Debate Vital Services

Wyndham City Council will on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, debate two motions responding to growing community concerns about service cancellations and a lack of transparency in decision-making.

Cr Jasmine Hill has tabled a motion calling for greater councillor oversight of significant public-facing services. The proposal would require that any decision to discontinue a major Council service or event be formally debated and resolved in the chamber, rather than left to officer delegation.

The change comes after Council’s cancellation of the State Rose and Garden Show, a popular event with strong community following. Cr Hill’s motion defines “significant public-facing service” as any program or event with a budget exceeding $100,000 annually that has been promoted as a Council initiative. While urgent safety matters would remain exempt, she said services that carry community and reputational impact should always be decided by councillors .

Also on the agenda is Cr Peter Maynard’s motion to continue the free residential snake catching service beyond 31 August 2025. The program, which relocates native snakes in line with the Wildlife Act 1975, had been slated for discontinuation. Cr Maynard argued the service is critical for safety across Wyndham’s fast-growing residential areas, and ensures equal access for all residents. He also proposed that local providers be prioritised when the service is next tendered .

Both motions reflect a broader frustration among residents that Council has too often cancelled popular and valued services — from the Rose Show to snake catching — without properly consulting ratepayers beforehand. Critics say Council has not listened to the community when making decisions that impact well-loved programs.

Councillors will debate both motions at the meeting on Tuesday, 26 August 2025.