KAIMKILLENBUN resident Glen Booth claims the footpaths overgrown with waist-height grass is a sign his area is “getting left behind”.

Drenching rainfall across the Western Downs - up to 200mm - throughout the past two weeks has transformed the region from a barren land to greener pastures.

While many Western Downs residents have enjoyed the overdue rain, Mr Booth said he believed Kaimkillenbun had not received the same amount of support with cleaning up and maintenance efforts.

“The grass has overgrown that much that kids are forced to walk on the roads instead of footpaths,” Mr Booth said.

“Since we had that first lot of good rain, I have been ringing council asking them when they are coming to clean up the overgrown grass - but it seems to have fallen on deaf ears.”

Mr Booth said the grass lining the footpaths had become so long that other residents can’t mow it if they tried.

“People are trying to stay on top of their own yards let alone trying to make the rest of the town look tidy.

“I don’t know why we aren’t getting any help, we pay our rates like anyone else.”

A Western Downs Regional Council spokesman reassured the Herald that work had began to clean up the Kaimkillenbun area.

“Council is currently undertaking a major grass cutting program following recent rain, with multiple Council crews and contractors tending to various public spaces right across the region.

“Grass cutting is already being undertaken in Kaimkillenbun, with works on accessible areas expected to be completed this week, weather permitting.”

The spokesman said council workers are working hard to keep up with grass growth across the region, and residents are asked to be patient and mindful that the current rate of growth is consistent with a home lawn having to be mowed twice a week.

Wet weather can also impact on council’s efforts as the wet ground can hamper access.

If residents are concerned about overgrown grass on private property, they are encouraged to report it to Council on 1300 COUNCIL (268 624) for investigation.