By VANESSA CHIRCOP
HOBSONS Bay residents may soon be unable to plant certain trees and plants on their nature strips, if the draft Hobsons Bay Nature Strip Landscaping guidelines are passed by the council.
As reported by Star in August 2010, the council’s previous draft Nature Strip Planting Policy, which suggested residents apply for a permit to alter their nature strips or be fined $1000, received a great deal of negative feedback from residents.
The latest guidelines have canned the idea of permits but have introduced restrictions to the types of plants and trees that can be planted.
Targets include woody plants, plants with spikes or prickles, shrubs which grow to 500mm or higher, plants that obscure drivers’ sightlines or plant species considered to be weeds.
The guidelines will also prohibit hard surfaces such as concrete, pavers, asphalt or stepping stones, irrigation systems and synthetic turf, river pebbles and polished pebbles to name a few.
The draft Hobsons Bay Nature Strip Landscaping guidelines will be placed on public display until 11 July for the community to have its say.
To view the guidelines, go to www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
