Noosa Council recently endorsed a new Encroachments Policy and supporting organisational procedures which, for the first time, condones garden planting on verges at the front of properties in urban and many rural residential areas.
Key principles for gardens include:
- Consult with your neighbours.
- New garden beds must be set back 1.5 from the kerb and allow pedestrian traffic, access to the kerb for car parking and bin collection.
- All plants planted by the resident must be less than 2 metres including shrubs, grasses and groundcovers.
- Visibility for driveways and traffic safety must be maintained, as well as access to your letterbox.
- All trees, and any garden beds adjacent to the kerb, are to be planted by Council.
- Planting lists are provided with locally native plants recommended.
The policy also proactively addresses encroachments into adjacent bushland reserves at the back of properties. Noosa Council should be congratulated for this initiative which allows valuable extension of garden habitat areas, as well as protection of our wonderful bushland.
Council is expected to release user friendly guidelines to help property owners understand their obligations and opportunities.
Shaun Walsh
Click here for more info: Noosa Council Organisational Procedures Encroachments