We want Carlton North's median strips kept open for people to actually use, and we're against enforcement that ignores how the community already treats these spaces. The strips along Rathdowne, Canning and Drummond Streets aren't just road reserves. They're green spaces people rely on, in one of the densest parts of Melbourne.

We're asking the City of Yarra to:

• Recognise the strips as important community gathering spaces.
• Pause enforcement of road-reserve restrictions that limit respectful community use.
• Formally name the strips through a community-led process.
• Develop a shared stewardship approach that balances neighbourhood amenity with access to public space.
• Ensure future decisions are informed by the broader community.

 

Why this petition exists
Recently, concerns about gatherings on the strips have led to calls for increased enforcement based on the fact that the strips are technically classified as road reserves. This includes the potential enforcement of restrictions on activities that have become a normal part of community life in these spaces.

There's a more important conversation to be had here. The question shouldn't be whether these strips meet the technical definition of a road reserve. The question should be whether public spaces that are actively used, valued and cared for by the community deserve to be recognised as community places.

Rather than responding with enforcement first, we'd like to see a conversation about how these spaces can continue to be enjoyed responsibly while respecting nearby residents.

Green spaces are only becoming more important
As our neighbourhood becomes denser, access to shared outdoor spaces matters more than ever.

The City of Yarra's Open Space Strategy notes that only around 13.5% of the municipality is public open space, while the vast majority of residents live in medium and high-density housing. Many people in Carlton North live in terraces, apartments or homes with limited private outdoor space.

Therefore, for many residents, these strips are an extension of the community's backyard.

More than that, green spaces are shown to improve mental health, reduce social isolation, encourage walking and active transport, support biodiversity, provide shade and cooling, contribute to climate resilience, and create places for people to connect with nature and each other.

We're not defending bad behaviour
Nobody wants excessive noise, rubbish, damage to public spaces or to be kept up all night. Public spaces come with responsibilities, and everyone who uses the strips should respect nearby residents and help care for the environment.

We believe there is a path forward where genuine issues are addressed directly, without removing a valued community space from everyone else.

Connection matters
We are living through a time of rising costs, increasing loneliness and growing climate pressures. Free, shared public spaces help people build friendships, strengthen local connections and create a sense of belonging in their neighbourhood.

These everyday interactions are part of what makes the inner north such a vibrant place to live.

Let's recognise these spaces for what they are
Rather than treating these strips solely as pieces of road infrastructure, we believe it's time to recognise what they have grown into, some of Carlton North's most loved public spaces.

A community-led naming process could be an opportunity to celebrate their history, identity and role in neighbourhood life while creating a stronger sense of shared stewardship, connection and care.

We are collecting signatures because we believe decisions about the future of these spaces should be informed by the broader community.

If these strips have been part of your life, reach out @free.thestrip
We'd love to hear your story and invite you to add your name.

Brought to you by two of the Canning Strips biggest fans, Abbey Dyson & Tara Faulkner

References
City of Yarra. Open Space Strategy 2020.
City of Yarra. Open Space Strategy Action Plan.
City of Yarra. Nature Strategy 2024-2034.
Ground News. Free the Strip: Beloved Drinking Spots Face Crackdown.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Access to Green Space and Health and Wellbeing Research.