Glen Eira Council supports plants, shrubs on nature strips

Residents in Melbourne’s inner south could soon be able to plant natives, flowers and shrubs in their previously-forbidden nature strips — but it will come at a cost.

Glen Eira Cr Nina Taylor is all for residents being able to plant their own greenery on their nature strips. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Controversial laws allowing people to plant natives, flowers and shrubs on their nature strips in Glen Eira are one step closer to being approved — but the move will cost ratepayers up to $45,000 a year.

The cash would go towards salary for a new part time position tasked with managing nature strip planting permit applications.

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Residents can now comment on proposed new guidelines, which would allow for annuals, perennials, ground cover, low shrubs and low grasses up to 500mm.

Councillor Nina Taylor called for planning regulations around nature strips to be relaxed in March last year, with councillors this week voting to progress with plans.

Vegetables and fruits, landscaping including bricks and pavers, planter boxes and artificial turf would not be allowed, and only grass is allowed in heritage areas.

People would also need a permit to go ahead with works.

Cr Taylor, who initially wanted vegetables allowed, said it was still exciting to see the plans come to fruition.

“Most people feel overwhelmed by concrete so this is one way into tapping into open space that is fairly accessible,” Cr Taylor said.

“There will be no ponds on nature strips and I think all these guidelines are reasonable.”

Cr Clare Davey said if it was done properly, it could make a difference to biodiversity and all the benefits that came with that.

In 2016, Caulfield South homeowner John Walys became engulfed in a turf war with the council after landscaping his nature strip.

The council threatened a $1000 fine if he didn’t remove pavers and plants outside his Keeron St property after a complaint was made to the council.

Caulfield South resident John Walys was ordered to remove the plants and pavers from the nature strip of his newly renovated home.

At the time, Glen Eira council planning and place director Ron Torres said the council received inquiries or complaints every week about planting on naturestrips.

Residents face fines of up to $300 for illegal planting on nature strips.

“Council responds to complaints or inquiries from neighbours,” he said.

“Action is taken if there is an identified pedestrian or vehicular hazard.”

Neighbouring Port Phillip Council also encourages vegie patches on some nature strips.

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