Management of Urban and Rural Residential Verges

Road reserves and nature strips serve as vital open spaces that ensure safe pedestrian movement and clear sightlines for vehicles and cyclists. In addition to these essential functions, road verges play a significant role in absorbing rainwater and softening the visual impact of surrounding concrete surfaces, such as roads, footpaths and driveways benefiting both residents and the broader community. During periods of increased rainfall and sunshine, rapid vegetation growth can lead to overgrown land impacting both the visual appeal and safety of road verges. 

 

Property owners and residents are responsible for maintaining the gardens and turfed areas within the nature strip adjoining their properties, excluding Council-planted street trees.  This responsibility may include: 

• Mowing, slashing, hand weeding, watering or edging of turf. 
• Watering street trees within the road verge.
• Pruning or trimming approved gardens within the road verge along your property. 

Noosa Council greatly values the efforts of residents in maintaining the road verges adjoining their urban and rural properties. As these verges are not actively managed by Council, we rely on the support and cooperation of adjacent residents and property owners. This community-driven approach not only improves the neighbourhood's appearance but also reduces the financial impact on Noosa Council, allowing resources to be redirected to other essential services, while allowing residents the flexibility to maintain their verges according to their own standards of presentation. 

Road Verge Gardens  

To promote this collaborative effort, Council has endorsed an Encroachment Policy along with organisational procedures to guide verge management. These resources provide clear guidelines for establishing road verge gardens and other verge enhancements, ensuring alignment with broader urban and rural planning goals while also maintaining safety and accessibility. Council supports the planting of low-growing ground covers and small shrubs (under 2 metres) by adjacent property owners in urban areas and rural residential estates with formalised verges, provided the planting complies with these guidelines.  

Please note, Council does not install, maintain, or reinstate private gardens, turf, or landscaping on road verges or in parks. This applies even if the garden was previously approved by Council or installed by a past property owner. Similarly, Council is not responsible for repairs if the area is damaged by Council activities or other public service providers. 

Considering a Road Verge Garden? 

Residents wishing to establish a road verge garden must review the following guidelines and refer to the Fact Sheet(PDF, 2MB) for further information and self-assessment criteria: 

• Pathway Clearance: To maintain safe access for pedestrians and cyclists, leave at least a 1.5-metre wide path between the kerb and your verge garden. 
• Plant Selection: Choose native, non-invasive ground covers and shrubs that grow to less than 2 metres in height. These plants are ideal for road verges and help preserve local biodiversity. 
• Site Suitability: Ensure the plants you select are suitable for the local conditions, such as sunlight, aspect and drainage. 

Next Steps 

Residents who can confidently meet all requirements in the self-assessment criteria are not required to contact Council and may proceed with their road verge garden. However, if your proposed landscaping plan falls outside these guidelines, you must contact Council for advice and formal approval. 

Lodging Your Concern with Council: 

If you are concerned about overgrown vegetation in recreational areas, verges, or footpaths we encourage you to lodge a customer request regarding overgrown or unsightly properties using our online form or by contacting Council directly at (07) 5329 6500.