Roadsides & Nature Strips
Did you know we maintain 1800 km of roadside vegetation? Management of roadsides is important for safety, fire management, township appearance, conservation of significant vegetation and the provision of services such as gas and electricity.
Maintenance of Nature Strips and Roadsides
Nature strips are in place to provide services to each property, such as drainage, sewage, gas, phone and electricity. Although the nature strip is classed as government land, these services benefit the property owners and/or tenant. As a result property owners maintain nature strips.
We will mow roadsides at intersections and high traffic areas to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. We will also mow some roadsides around townships, shopping districts and tourist locations.
Maintenance programs for roadsides are varied and depend on location, the significance of the vegetation and the vegetation of neighbouring properties.
Fire Management on Roadsides (Roadside Slashing Program)
The roadside slashing program is carried out annually to reduce fire fuel loads and manage potential fire hazards on strategic network roads. The program is determined by the criteria set in the Country Fire Authority (CFA) roadside management guidelines and strategic roads are designated by the CFA.
Planting Guidelines for Nature Strips & Roadsides
Where possible, we prefer that indigenous plants are used on nature strips and roadside reserves. If indigenous plants are inappropriate, non invasive native plants are preferable to exotic species. Enter your address on our online maps to find a list of indigenous vegetation for your area.
Environmental weeds should not be planted on roadsides. Please visit our weed control page for a list of environmental weeds.
Some other important things to remember:
- Plant trees/shrubs at least 2.4m from driveways
- Plant trees/shrubs at least 2m from drainage pits, service pits and fire hydrants
- Plant trees/shrubs at least 3m from power poles, street lights and service wires
- Plant trees/shrubs at least 8m from corners of property boundaries at intersections of minor roads
- Plant trees/shrubs at least 15m from corners of property boundaries at intersections of main roads
- Ensure plants will not obscure or prevent access to signage, mailboxes, gates, lighting and footpaths
- Don't plant over household water and gas connections
- Ensure plants will not impede pedestrian access along the roadside.
- Also consider sight lines, speed zones, topography, road layout and space required for rubbish bins.
For more information please contact us on 1300 368 333 or email us.