Councils and Policies

Council policies are listed here. Councils can claim their listings and maintain their own information. Register here to add or claim your listing. Listing is free.

Darwin have verge guidelines and help residents set up their verge. They have a nature strip assistance program and provide materials to get started on...

     Councils and Policies /  Northern Territory

    "To make sure your verge garden meets the City of Marion Council requirements, residents are encouraged to read the attached Verge Garden and Development Guidelines....

       Councils and Policies /  South Australia

      City of Vincent council is a leader in verge gardening. Not only do they allow gardens, they include a verge garden category in their annual...

         Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

        Merri-bek City Council (was Moreland City Council) encourages residents to plant native plants or vegetables in their nature strip in line with their Nature Strip Guidelines....

           Councils and Policies /  Victoria

          You do not need approval for: a low growing water wise garden reticulation verges mulched with organic mulch lawn You do need approval for: paving...

             Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

            You do not need permission for low growing water-wise verge gardens. An application form is available for alternative gardens. See the City's Street Verge Landscape...

               Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

              The City allows residents to plant or install lawn, plants and/or organic mulch on the verge without prior approval. Materials which require approval include paving,...

                 Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

                There is no verge garden policy but this council allows residents to plant street trees. See the link to the fact sheets on planting and...

                   Councils and Policies /  Queensland

                  Council permission is not required if you stay within their guidelines. However, there is no guidance in language aimed at residents. They refer them to...

                     Councils and Policies /  Australia

                    Limited planting for verge gardens is permitted without a permit. "The landscaping must be adjacent to the property boundary and no wider than 500mm." Anything...

                       Councils and Policies /  Queensland

                      Very restricted planting is permitted in Geelong "Where a footpath exists, residents have the choice to use gravels, synthetic turf or ground covers below 10...

                         Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                        Verge gardens are encouraged but permits are required. No structures e.g. frames or arches to support plantings, garden edging, retaining walls, rocks, bollards. Planter Boxes only...

                           Councils and Policies /  South Australia

                          This policy assumes that you are going to plan your garden upfront and complete the planting within 14 days from date of approval - and...

                             Councils and Policies /  South Australia

                            Permits are required. No payment is required. See announcement from the Mayor at https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=246158297460901 "Council's current position is that fruit and vegetable gardens are not...

                               Councils and Policies /  South Australia

                              Permits are required for all verge gardens. Plan drawing are to be included with applications. Property owners may develop their verge areas, provided the type...

                                 Councils and Policies /  South Australia

                                "The City encourages residents to take pride in their street verges to enhance the visual and economic value of their properties and the streetscape as...

                                   Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

                                  From their Vibrant Verges Booklet (pdf) which has a good list of recommended plants, plants to avoid, and some examples of verge treatments. "The City...

                                     Councils and Policies /  South Australia

                                    "The City encourages residents to grow water-wise, native, or edible gardens on their verges. Converting verge lawns to water wise gardens is estimated to save around...

                                       Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

                                      This council encourages residents to get together with neighbours to transport their verges to increase biodiversity and reduce water usage. Rebates are available. You need...

                                         Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

                                        Guidelines for establishing a verge garden in Brisbane are at https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/clean-and-green/natural-environment-and-water/plants-trees-and-gardens/verge-gardens "Residents are encouraged to use native or water-wise plants where possible." You cannot include...

                                           Councils and Policies /  Queensland

                                          "In the interest of our future wellbeing, the Town wishes to encourage verge gardens that are water wise, aesthetically pleasing and that reflect our natural,...

                                             Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

                                            The Shire encourages the residents to plant drought tolerant verge treatments Link to policy "Road Verge Development" is available on the Council's policies page https://www.esperance.wa.gov.au/council-policies or...

                                               Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

                                              "The City encourages the planting out the verge with ground cover, grass, small shrubs or an edible garden. Where the verge is adjacent to a...

                                                 Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

                                                Council has a new Street Garden policy which allows residents to have a garden in the nature strip out the front of their home. The...

                                                   Councils and Policies /  New South Wales

                                                  Bendigo have quite a restrictive policy and discourage verge gardens claiming that they are much more work and much more expensive than grass. They do...

                                                     Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                    "Nature strips are to be grassed between the property boundary and the kerb. Compacted granitic sand can be used in non-heritage overlay areas. If you'd...

                                                       Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                      There are the usual concerns about safety and visibility but this is quite restrictive and permits required. Interestingly, most of the suggested plants are not...

                                                         Councils and Policies /  Queensland

                                                        "The City of Mandurah encourages soft landscaping treatments and supports the Water Corporation’s initiative of Waterwise verges." Any resident can register their verge as "No...

                                                           Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

                                                          Planting guidelines are similar to other councils - street trees are done by the council, residents can only plant low growing plants. Their guidelines are...

                                                             Councils and Policies /  Canberra

                                                            This council is clearly not keen so staying well within the guidelines. Nature Strip Modification Permit and fee required before planting. Applicable only to nature...

                                                               Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                              Permits are required before planting. Organic garden practices only (no snail bait or chemical sprays). Emphasis on protecting the street trees. Ensure mulch doesn’t spill onto...

                                                                 Councils and Policies /  Queensland

                                                                The current guidelines are under review with a new policy expected in late 2023. See https://www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/nature-strips

                                                                   Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                  Permits are required - and obtained by using the Online Nature Strip Approval Form. If you sell your property, you need to return to grass...

                                                                     Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                    Excellent policy and guidelines with lots of tips to assist residents in establishing their verge gardens, particulary with native plants. "The City encourages the use...

                                                                       Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

                                                                      Street trees are cared for and maintained by Wyndham City. Contact the council and ask for one. The common restrictions are there re maintaining sightlines,...

                                                                         Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                        No approval is necessary if you stay within the guidelines. Maximum plant height 700mm. Contact the council to request street trees. Native plants preferred. Guidelines,...

                                                                           Councils and Policies /  New South Wales

                                                                          Another council who sees verge gardens as an important part of the Urban Forest. This is a fairly low-key policy where you can proceed providing...

                                                                             Councils and Policies /  New South Wales

                                                                            Some verge planting is allowed on nature strips: low-growing, non-invasive, less than 50cm high.  Access required for pedestrians and people alighting from parked cars. Non-arterial...

                                                                               Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                              No permit is required for lawns, reticulation or low growing (<600mm in height) native gardens on nature strips if you stay within the guidelines. Applications...

                                                                                 Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

                                                                                Approval is not required for low shrubs and groundcovers, mulch, organic and some surface treatments but the installation must meet the Guidelines A Waterwise Verge...

                                                                                   Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

                                                                                  We’ve officially launched our Verge Garden Program! Residents and local businesses can now plant on suitable “nature strips” near them, after 3 simple steps: Check...

                                                                                     Councils and Policies /  New South Wales

                                                                                    The Street Garden Guidelines are for gardens in planter boxes on nature strips and median strips. Residents need to pay to apply for a permit,...

                                                                                       Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                                      This policy has been in place for some years. It's not particularly encouraging but if you follow the guidelines, you should be able to plant...

                                                                                         Councils and Policies /  New South Wales

                                                                                        This is a cautious policy. Permits are required. Food gardens and fruit trees are prohibited. Permits are required. You will need to ensure that your...

                                                                                           Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                                          This council requires landscaping plans and public liability and seems aimed at large projects rather than individual gardeners. You cannot change a naturestrip without Council approval. Recommend...

                                                                                             Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                                            No written approval is required for verges containing natural lawn, garden or organic mulch. ​For any other materials acceptable under their policy, you must submit...

                                                                                               Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

                                                                                              The policy for Nature Strips is at the bottom of the page about Community Gardens. This is the first policy I have seen state explicity...

                                                                                                 Councils and Policies /  New South Wales

                                                                                                'Residents are permitted to plant ground covers and low-growing shrubs and grasses as an alternative to grass. Indigenous plants are preferred as they provide habitat...

                                                                                                   Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                                                  Recommended plants are native and indigenous wildflowers, ground covers and low growing shrubs. A soil contamination report before edible plants such as vegetables, herbs or...

                                                                                                     Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                                                    You need to apply for approval if garden beds or landscaping are beyond 900mm of the front boundary or your property; you want to install...

                                                                                                       Councils and Policies /  Queensland

                                                                                                      No permits required if you stay within their guidelines and plant native and indigenous plants. Download pdf documents from https://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Live-Work/Roads-Drains-Paths/Footpaths-and-nature-strips/Nature-Strips

                                                                                                         Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                                                        "Residents, through the Nature Strip Landscaping Guidelines are supported to develop landscapes." This is a light policy with many of the standard features - space...

                                                                                                           Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                                                          See the Verge Garden (for the verge outside your home) and Adopt-a-spot Policy and Guidelines. Complete the online Verge Garden Application Form. You need to...

                                                                                                             Councils and Policies /  New South Wales

                                                                                                            This council actively encourages verge gardens, including providing a paid service to remove dolomite if you don't want to do it yourself. They also have...

                                                                                                               Councils and Policies /  South Australia

                                                                                                              The City of Subiaco encourages residents to establish and maintain the verge adjacent to their property. The city encourages landscaping that uses low water use...

                                                                                                                 Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

                                                                                                                As the land owner, the City of Adelaide needs to assess and approve your proposal. We do this by way of a simple nature strip...

                                                                                                                   Councils and Policies /  South Australia

                                                                                                                  Review the Road verge planting guidelines and then complete the New community plantings within the road verge checklist All responses to the checklist questions must...

                                                                                                                     Councils and Policies /  Queensland

                                                                                                                    "Well maintained nature strips add value to adjoining private properties and contribute neighbourhood character.  Landscaping in nature strips should also enhance and reinforce neighbourhood character."...

                                                                                                                       Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                                                                      Council supports the planting of verge gardens which make a positive contribution to the local streetscape, provided property owners receive consent from Council and maintain...

                                                                                                                         Councils and Policies /  New South Wales

                                                                                                                        Council also allows the planting of low-growing (less than 0.5m), soft foliage plants, with written approval. Council will want assurance that: a 1.5m clearance is...

                                                                                                                           Councils and Policies /  New South Wales

                                                                                                                          You can plant on your nature strip without Council approval if you meet the guidelines. However, you will need approval from Council and also VicRoads...

                                                                                                                             Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                                                                            Broken Hill's policy, "To allow residents and property owners the opportunity to beautify their nature strips by various landscaping works which comply with Council Regulations",...

                                                                                                                               Councils and Policies /  New South Wales

                                                                                                                              Permits are required for all projects. Plants are to be no more than 400mm high, 1 metre clearance against the road for car passengers, 1...

                                                                                                                                 Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                                                                                Excavation and cultivation must be by hand. Low growing plants, no weeds, fine gravel or organic mulch. Prune plants so they do not protrude onto...

                                                                                                                                   Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                                                                                  This policy was updated March 2023. Free permits are required. Low growing indigenous plants local to your area are encouraged. There is a plant list...

                                                                                                                                     Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                                                                                    Plants must be maintained at a maximum height of 500mm. Ground cover plants are required to be set back 500mm from back of kerb to...

                                                                                                                                       Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                                                                                      "Council has developed guidelines to assist residents who are keen to plant and maintain indigenous vegetation on their nature strip. Planting indigenous plants on nature...

                                                                                                                                         Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                                                                                        Extensive and prescriptive policy, includes option to apply online. Requires resident to have public liability insurance. https://www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/info/20006/roads_footpaths_and_drains/430/nature_strips

                                                                                                                                           Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                                                                                          Logan City is between Brisbane and the Gold Coast in Queensland. You need to apply for a permit online but they are self-assessable and you...

                                                                                                                                             Councils and Policies /  Queensland

                                                                                                                                            Sunshine Coast guidelines and planting list are here. (updated 22 June 2022) They provide an approved plant list. To be eligible for planting under self-assessment,...

                                                                                                                                               Councils and Policies /  Queensland

                                                                                                                                              Prior to any works commencing, complete and submit the Landscaping a Verge Application Form and have it approved. This council also has a No Weed...

                                                                                                                                                 Councils and Policies /  South Australia

                                                                                                                                                Council website includes what is and isn't allowed as well as plant lists and an Indigenous Plant Guide https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/looking-after-your-nature-strip See also Council's Gardens for Wildlife...

                                                                                                                                                   Councils and Policies /  Victoria

                                                                                                                                                  This council also has a Water Wise Verge Incentive Scheme that offers residents a rebate of up to $500 on creating a WA native waterwise...

                                                                                                                                                     Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

                                                                                                                                                    Local native plants encouraged. Permits not needed if you stay within the guidelines. See the website for guidelines and application form. https://www.bassendean.wa.gov.au/develop-build/engineering-infrastructure/verges.aspx

                                                                                                                                                       Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

                                                                                                                                                      See the council website for policy and Verge Garden Tips booklet. Low growing local natives are recommended. The City’s Bushcare officers can provide advice on...

                                                                                                                                                         Councils and Policies /  Western Australia

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