Who is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the nature strip?

While nature strips are an important aesthetic element of our streets, they are also an important part of the road reserve. Nature strips provide space for important Council and utility infrastructure as well as providing important open space for the community. The nature strip also acts as a buffer between road vehicles and pedestrians and private property.

Both Council and residents play a role in maintaining our nature strips.

The person occupying the property must maintain the nature strip by regularly mowing, weeding and picking up litter.

If your grass is over 20 cm or there is a lot of rubbish on your nature strip, Council may issue a letter of advice to you.  If you do not comply, Council may arrange to have the nature strip cleared and you may be expected to pay any expenses and or fines as a result of the clean up.

Changes in soil levels can be expected over time and re-levelling or topping up the nature strip is another maintenance activity that residents need to undertake.

Council limits what can be installed on nature strips and may require the removal of unacceptable items. Council has three approved landscaping options for the beautification of nature strips and these are detailed in the guideline booklet downloadable below.     

If the nature strip becomes damaged following Council works, service authority works (such as water, gas, electricity or telecommunications) or as a result of building work, the organisation performing the work is responsible for nature strip repairs and clean up. In these cases the Council or the service authority will only be required to reinstate the nature strip to one of the approved landscaping option standards. 

Council does not mow, water or otherwise maintain nature strips.

For more information, contact Council's Customer Service on 9747 7200 or download Nature Strip Guideline Booklet.