Maribyrnong City Council is currently reviewing its Naturestrip Landscape Policy & Guidelines and is seeking feedback before 24th March. We believe that the current draft policy does not actively promote a culture of planting and relies too heavily on compliance and consequent punitive action. 

Underlying the policy is a strong risk aversion, for example “…managing any risks that could arise as a result of landscaping to minimise loss and damage…" (p.4). We fear that this will lead to a restrictive enactment of the policy which will hinder rather than encourage residents planting their naturestrips. Given that green space and urban forest coverage is especially limited in Maribyrnong, our focus should be on sustainability and countering the effects of urban heat. There are countless more risks involved in Council management of existing footpaths, roads and traffic.

Our naturestrips – which account for more than a third of all public green spaces – could contribute to a much richer and more biodiverse urban ecology. Council has the opportunity to encourage and support community engagement in naturestrip planting, and consequently provide leadership around climate action and neighbourhood liveability.

Other Councils around Australia have shown that communities can be trusted to act responsibly and enthusiastically to nurture vibrant, rich and safe naturestrips on their streets.

We the undersigned petitioners of the City of Maribyrnong ask that the new Council Naturestrip Landscape Policy & Guidelines include:

1. Allowance for permit-free naturestrip planting within given guidelines (provided by Council and consistent with similar guidelines adopted by other local government areas in Melbourne).

2. A simple online permit application and timely process of applications for naturestrip plantings that do not meet the permit-free guidelines.

3. A commitment to desist from retrospectively enforcing permits on existing naturestrip gardens unless there is a safety concern submitted with Council.

4. No insistence that renters require landlord clearance before proceeding with naturestrip works or permit applications.

To provide further feedback to Council, please go to:

https://www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/nature-strips
by Sunday 24th March. You could cut and paste the above 4 points or provide your own personalised feedback.

Thank you!