Nature strip plantings to be allowed in Knox
People will be able to grow native or edible plants on their nature strips in a move set to boost Knox’s reputation as a green and leafy municipality. But homeowners will have to follow rules to ensure any additions don’t pose a risk to the community.
Outer East
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A move to allow Knox green thumbs to plant native and edible plants on their nature strips has been hailed “ a ripper idea”.
Knox councillors approved a Green Streets Policy allowing people to plant on their nature strips, as long as they get a permit from the council first and follow a number of rules.
The idea has sparked controversy in other council areas in the past, with councils ordering residents to remove plants that didn’t meet guidelines or were deemed “unsafe”.
But Knox environmentalist Darren Wallace said it was a “ripper idea”.
“As long as people comply with the requirements of it, obviously the council and the community don’t want tripping hazards on nature strips, but it opens the door for people to beautify their nature strip,” Mr Wallace said.
“This won’t appeal to everyone … but I think it’s a great idea and a long time coming, other councils have been doing it for decades.
“I can’t see a problem with it as long as people don’t create obstructions to the community.”
He said it might get neighbours talking and build community spirit.
Watering systems, artificial turf, bricks, boulders, sleepers and trees are among the items people will be banned from using, and homeowner-initiated landscaping will only be allowed through an application and the council’s approval process.
Knox Mayor Jake Keogh said some plant species which are known to cause problems will not be permitted — such as invasive roots, sharp spikes or leaves, or poisonous species, among others — and plants cannot exceed 450mm in height at full maturity, to ensure clear sightlines for pedestrians and vehicles.
Nature strips that don’t meet the council policy will need to be modified within 30 days of the people being notified, and if not the plantings will be removed by the council at the resident’s expense.
There is no annual fee associated with the policy.
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Cr Marcia Timmers-Leitch said the Green Streets Policy would allow residents to plant on nature strips and contribute to protecting and enhancing Knox’s natural landscape; something people really valued about living in the area.
“As well as the environmental benefits, integrating natural spaces into our suburbs can improve health and wellbeing, benefit property values by developing high-quality streets, and foster good neighbourhoods that bring the local community together,” Cr Timmers-Leitch said.
“Once proper soil testing has been completed, residents may be able to plant a variety of native or edible plants.
“Evolving policies like this allows us to think creatively about new ways to enhance and protect Knox’s ‘green and leafy’ identity, and encourage the community to participate in this effort.”