Planting native wildflowers and ground covers on the nature strip is a great way to support local biodiversity and reduce the need to mow. Nature strip planting can also look amazing!
Council has a permit system in place to ensure that the plants chosen for the nature strip will allow other people in the community to access the space and that views for drivers and pedestrians will not be impeded. We also encourage people to discuss their plans to plant out the nature strip with their neighbours who may even choose to follow suit.
If you would like to discuss ideas for a future nature strip planting, book a Gardens for Wildlife visit and our knowledgeable volunteer Garden Guides can help you with plant selection ideas.
Before submitting an application to Council for consideration, please think about these points:
- An application will only be considered if it is made by the owner of the property the nature strip is in front of
- Areas planted out must be mulched with an approved organic mulch
- Plants must be under 50cm in height at all times
- Any plants other than lawn must be a minimum 50cm from the kerb to enable clear egress from cars
- Non-weedy, drought-resistant species are preferred
- For long-fronted properties (exceeding 15 metres of nature strip length), allow a plant-free pedestrian access pathway from curb to footpath
- Accessibility to essential services and infrastructure placed in or underground must be maintained at all times and any restoration work and costs must be met by the permit holder
The Urban Forest Strategy ( PDF 2.08MB) must be followed when making alterations to a nature strip. The Nature strip Planting guidelines ( PDF 1.86MB) have been developed to assist you in selecting suitable pre-approved plants.
The permit holder must maintain the area to an acceptable standard determined by Council at all times.
Council has the right to reject any application if it considers the application inappropriate to the area.
Council may issue a permit with conditions that outline certain requirements, including the need to reinstate the nature strip at any time, at the cost of the permit holder.
Apply online for a Nature Strip Planting Permit.
Nature Strip Planting Permit Conditions
Permit Conditions
- The permit holder must ensure that all the permit conditions are complied with at all times.
- The permit is not transferrable:
- Permits are not to be photocopied and the copies used by someone not named on the permit
- Permits are not to be leased, sold or given away
- No form of advertising of a permit for rent, lease, sale profit or other beneficial or fraudulent consideration of causing such an advertisement to be published is permitted.
- The permit is only valid for the stated location.
- Planting may only be undertaken on the nature strip adjacent to the permitted property.
- Planting must not cause an obstruction to pedestrians or vehicular traffic.
- The permit holder must plant in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) principles and relevant codes and standards to provide unobstructed access to others using the area.
- Plants are not to grow above a height of 500mm (50cm) from the ground.
- Plantings must be a minimum 50cm from the kerb to enable clear access.
- Plantings must be spaced to allow pedestrian access to the footpath for properties exceeding 15 metres of nature strip length.
- Clear continuous access of at least 1.8 metres must be maintained for pedestrian access.
- Accessibility to essential services and infrastructure placed in or underground must be maintained at all times and any restoration work and costs must be met by the permit holder.
- The City of Whitehorse Urban Forest Strategy ( PDF 2.08MB) must be followed when making alterations to a nature strip.
- Non-weed, drought-resistant species are preferred. Permit holders should follow the Whitehorse City Council Nature strip Planting Guidelines ( PDF 1.86MB) and may not plant environmental weeds.
- Planting of noxious weeds is prohibited under the Whitehorse Community Local Law 2024 ( PDF 973.95KB) S3.4.
- Planted out areas must be mulched with an approved organic mulch.
- Plants must be kept in a tidy state so as not to distract from the amenity of the area.
- Council will NOT allow, without a valid Council permit, the installation of permanent structures or objects such as seats, ornaments, stakes or rocks or similar.
- Council will conduct a routine annual inspection to ensure the conditions are being met. No additional material is to be placed on the nature strip than was in place at the time of the initial inspection.
- The permit must be produced for an Authorised Council Officer on request.
- The permit holder will comply with all directions by a member of Victoria Police or an Authorised Council Officer.
Permit Condition Breaches
If the permit holder breaches the permit conditions:
- The permit may be cancelled.
- Fines may be issued.
- Costs incurred by Council may be charged directly to the permit holder.
- Goods or equipment may be impounded.
- The permit holder may be asked required to reinstate the nature strip to its prior condition at the cost of the permit holder.
- Future permit applications may be declined.
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