Softened stance on nature strip rules

Winchelsea's community food stand can continue while Surf Coast Shire council reconsiders its nature strip policy. Photo: FACEBOOK

GRAVEL on nature strips could soon be banned as Surf Coast Shire Council moves to clarify rules for roadside green space through a dedicated policy.

Councillors endorsed its draft Nature Strip Policy and Guidelines at last week’s council meeting, which will go on public exhibition for a month from August 22.

Under the new rules, hard surfaces such as gravel or mulch would be banned due to issues with stormwater run-off and waterway pollution.

The council will instead encourage well-kept grass and modest plantings for their environmental benefits, ability to reduce heat and to soften streetscapes.

Property owners may also seek permits for works outside of the guidelines that the council would consider case-by-case.

Cr Liz Pattison backed the changes, which she said would simplify rules for locals.

“This minimises need for permits and enhances our shared natural spaces,” she said.

“Possibly, it allows us to remove red tape and replace it with green.”

Cr Gary Allen said the update would better align with other council strategies including its climate response.

“Complex issues can arise from use of a nature strip and we know that community members have been seeking more clarity on a range of issues,” he said.

“The draft policy and guidelines aim to provide more certainty across a broad range of topics and we look forward to hearing responses from our community while they are out for public review.”

It’s the shire’s first dedicated policy regarding nature strip management. It currently relies on guidelines that are more than a decade old.

A council report at the July meeting indicated the absence of a policy had resulted in a “lack of clarity” for both community members and council officers in recent years.

The issue received publicity earlier this year when Winchelsea residents petitioned the council to rescind a fine issued for a popular “honest and free” community garden on a local nature strip.

The shire has allowed the stall to continue while it finalises the policy.