Nature strips permit to be removed

Council has endorsed the updated Nature Strip Planting Policy and Guidelines at the October 2025 meeting.

The review of the Policy and Guidelines, starting back in 2024, was shaped by two rounds of community feedback where we received 332 responses. Many respondents wanted nature strip planting to be easier, and wanted to remove the need to apply for a permit.

We had to change a local law to make this happen. This has now occurred with the Local Law Review in 2025, with Council also endorsing the Community Amenity Local Law 2025 at the October 2025 meeting.

You can view the minutes and livestream of the Council Meeting on our website.

In February 2024, we shared the draft Nature Strip Planting Policy and revised Guidelines with the community for comment.

Feedback could be provided via an online survey, at an in-person event, or by email to the project team.

Proposed changes to the draft Policy and revised Guidelines included:

• clarity around the use of planter boxes, edible plants, non-permitted weeds, offsets, lawn alternatives (surfacing), and pavers and stepping stones to assist with designing nature strips
• adjustments to the permit application process with the introduction of an online application form
• extended timing to complete planting once the permit is received (18 months compared to three months previously).

The first community conversation sought views of nature strips generally and asked for ideas on how they should be developed in the future. We also wrote to current permit holders with additional questions on the permit process.