QUEANBEYAN residents are being reminded to look out for snakes in the warmer weather after a metre-long brown snake ventured into a children's playground near Wright Park on Tuesday.
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East Queanbeyan resident Fiona O'Rourke and two-year old son Orin were making their daily trip to a local suburban park on Tuesday morning when they came across the snake basking in the long grass.
She said Queanbeyan City Council hadn't mowed the park for eight weeks, allowing the grass to grow to knee length and provide shelter for snakes. And several calls to Council about the situation had not made it passed the reception desk, she said.
"It's absolutely ridiculous.
"Does my son or myself have to be bitten by a snake before something gets done about it?"
Ms O'Rourke was so concerned she hired a private contractor to mow half the park on Tuesday. Council staff have now mowed the park, and a spokesman said it was the busiest time of year for grounds staff.
"Spring/summer is Council's busiest time of the year for mowing," the spokesman said.
"Council employs three mowers, with one of these dedicated to Jerrabomberra. The mowers are responsible for parks, sports fields and the side of the road in some areas. Our mowers work on a regular schedule around the local government area and give priority to high usage areas."