We want a verge garden policy for the NSW Central Coast!
The issue
Central Coast Council has no clear policy on verge gardens. Contact Council about permission to plant on the verge and you will be told that it is not permitted. This advice is confusing, given that grass is a plant and that it is extensively planted on verges throughout the Region. You will also be advised that trees can only be planted with Council permission and only when a whole street agrees.
Across the Region there is ample evidence of verge gardens and street trees planted by both Council staff and residents. In some places, resident verge gardens create hazards for pedestrians or contain species likely to invade water and sewerage systems. This creates an enforcement issue for Council staff that potentially generates ill will. Nobody likes to have their garden destroyed.
How much better would it be to have a clearly stated policy that allowed verge gardens, provided they did not obstruct pedestrians or traffic, did not include dangerous plants and improved the beauty and the amenity of the area. Verge gardens typically replace mown lawns, reducing the use of fossil fuels. They also sequester far more carbon and cool the air through plant transpiration. Verge gardens can be planted to reduce the need for watering and mitigate the heat island effect caused by roadways and footpaths. Encouraging them helps Council to meet its commitment to combating Climate Change.
Having reviewed verge garden policies throughout Australia, we have identified an excellent policy currently implemented by the Canterbury Bankstown Council. This comprehensive policy balances residents' wishes with the need to ensure access for garbage removal, postal services, pedestrians and those with disabilities. It also requires consideration of underground services, maintenance and insurance. It includes a simple check list to facilitate quick approval by Council staff.
We therefore call upon Central Coast Council to adopt the Canterbury Bankstown Verge Garden Policy for this Region.
A copy of the policy and the guidelines can be found by searching cbcity verge garden policy (link unavailable).
The brochure the Council provides to their residents can be found here:
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The issue
Central Coast Council has no clear policy on verge gardens. Contact Council about permission to plant on the verge and you will be told that it is not permitted. This advice is confusing, given that grass is a plant and that it is extensively planted on verges throughout the Region. You will also be advised that trees can only be planted with Council permission and only when a whole street agrees.
Across the Region there is ample evidence of verge gardens and street trees planted by both Council staff and residents. In some places, resident verge gardens create hazards for pedestrians or contain species likely to invade water and sewerage systems. This creates an enforcement issue for Council staff that potentially generates ill will. Nobody likes to have their garden destroyed.
How much better would it be to have a clearly stated policy that allowed verge gardens, provided they did not obstruct pedestrians or traffic, did not include dangerous plants and improved the beauty and the amenity of the area. Verge gardens typically replace mown lawns, reducing the use of fossil fuels. They also sequester far more carbon and cool the air through plant transpiration. Verge gardens can be planted to reduce the need for watering and mitigate the heat island effect caused by roadways and footpaths. Encouraging them helps Council to meet its commitment to combating Climate Change.
Having reviewed verge garden policies throughout Australia, we have identified an excellent policy currently implemented by the Canterbury Bankstown Council. This comprehensive policy balances residents' wishes with the need to ensure access for garbage removal, postal services, pedestrians and those with disabilities. It also requires consideration of underground services, maintenance and insurance. It includes a simple check list to facilitate quick approval by Council staff.
We therefore call upon Central Coast Council to adopt the Canterbury Bankstown Verge Garden Policy for this Region.
A copy of the policy and the guidelines can be found by searching cbcity verge garden policy (link unavailable).
The brochure the Council provides to their residents can be found here:
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Petition created on 16 January 2022