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Find out more about permissible verge treatment

Permissible Verge Treatments

Plants:

To reduce water consumption and contribute to biodiversity, the City prefers verges to be landscaped with waterwise and/or local native plants;

  • The maximum height up to 750mm, should the plant grow taller it will need to be pruned back.
  • Some Plants such as Anigozanthos (Kangaroo Paws) have a flower spike taller than the 750mm and need to be trimmed back.
  • If there is no footpath plants must be planted a minimum of 2m from the back of the kerb and maintained so that a minimum 1.5m wide strip, parallel and adjacent to the kerb.  This area must be clear and stable enough for foot traffic, such as a grass, paving, stabilised gravel, mulch, or other approved surface

Paving

  • Brick paving is permitted – however only a 1/3 of the total verge can be paved (Excluding the crossover). If this material is proposed, it can be laid in any layout design. That is, several rows parallel to the kerb or property boundary or in a block adjacent to the cross over (this is ideal for extra verge parking or for replacement of rubbish bins on collection day).

Mulch

  • Any organic mulch such as pinebark mulch or hardwood mulch. A  minimum depth of 100mm is recommended to aid in weed suppression and minimise maintenance.
  • Inorganic mulch such as decorative stone or gravel to a recommended depth of 100mm, rocks must not exceed a particle size of 25mm and
    • Rocks compliment the undeveloped nature of the surrounding terrain
    • Rocks are placed no closer than 1 metre from a path and 2 metres from the road
    • Size type and locations to be detailed on the landscaping plan

Please note the finished level for both organic and inorganic mulch must be level with the road kerb and the adjoining ground levels, so as not to spill over onto the roadway or footpaths.

Ongoing Landholder Responsibilities

It is the adjacent landholders’ responsibility to maintain the verge so that footpaths, roadways and sightlines remain free from obstructions at all times.

Specifically, the landholder must:

  • Keep the verge treatment in a good and tidy condition and ensure any gardens or lawns are not obstructing any footpaths or road.
  • Ensure any verge treatment does not cause a physical or sight obstruction for anyone crossing the verge or using the footpath on the verge.
  • Not disturb or damage any existing kerbs, footpaths, infrastructure or trees.
  • Ensure any irrigation and sprinklers installed are unobtrusive to people using the thoroughfare and do not cause nuisance or obstruct. Any sprinkler heads must sit below the lawn surface so they do not become trip hazards for others walking across your verge.

Page Last Reviewed 3 May 2023