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Draft Residential Nature Strip Policy & Guidelines

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Submissions will be open from August 22 to September 22

Have your say on the draft Residential Nature Strip Policy and Guidelines 

Council has created a new draft policy and guidelines for the use and maintenance of residential nature strips.

At its meeting on 26 July, Council endorsed the draft documents for public exhibition.

Submissions will be open for a month from 22 August.

View the draft Residential Nature Strip Policy(PDF, 147KB)

View the draft Residential Nature Strip Guidelines(PDF, 2MB)

You can also view the Council Report(PDF, 2MB)


About the draft Policy and Guidelines

Residential nature strips are public land, owned and controlled by Council and part of the road reserve. Residents also play a role in maintenance, including mowing and weeding.

The policy and guidelines aim to provide clear direction for property owners and residents about permitted uses, including approved surface treatments, plant heights, growing of edible plants, installations and maintenance responsibilities.

The policy is based on five principles. That nature strips:

  • Provide a public space which contributes to sense of place and community.
  • Should be safe and accessible spaces.
  • Contribute to healthy environment for people, plants and animals.
  • Can play an active role in supporting Council’s Climate Change response.
  • Play a role for location of essential services.

Under the draft policy it is proposed that:

  • Hard surfaces such as gravel or mulch are no longer permitted as they lead to more stormwater run-off and lead to materials being washed into downstream water bodies like wetlands, rivers and the ocean.
  • Well-kept grass and modest plantings are preferred due to their environmental benefits, their ability to reduce radiated heat and to soften streetscapes.
  • Residents wishing to undertake works varying from the nature strip guidelines will need to seek a permit so Council officers can individually assess the proposed works against the guidelines and broader Council objectives.
  • Property owners or occupiers are required to maintain nature strip grass and any plants excluding street trees, which are solely Council’s responsibility.

People seeking more information can call Council on 52610600 or lodge a request via www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/request

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