Verges

The area of road reserve between the edge of a made roadway or constructed kerb and water table if in place and the boundary of the adjoining certificate or crown title boundary.

The area can include landscaping, made footpath or parking areas, trees, bus stops and a variety of street furniture and signage.

Verges are classified as public land as the Local Government Act provides that a road extends from property boundary to property boundary and includes the carriageway, footpaths and verge.

Establishing a verge garden helps to green your local streets, improve biodiversity, shows pride in your neighbourhood and builds a strong sense of community.

The Verge Incentive Fund provides a rebate to encourage more residents to beautify the verge area.

A total of 50 per cent of the costs of developing the verge, capped at a rebate of $500 per property can be applied for. Please note there are a limited number of rebates available.

To apply, you will need to take the following steps:

• Read the Verge Development Guidelines to ensure your verge garden plans meet the City of Marion requirements
• Submit your application using the Verge Development Application Form.
• Once approved and development is complete, apply for your rebate using the Verge Rebate Form.

For more information, including the step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a permit to develop your garden and receive a rebate, please visit the Verge Incentive Fund FAQs page.

What if I do not want to apply for the fund?

Read the Verge Development Guidelines, then simply fill out the Verge Development Application Form below.

Council operates a city wide weed control service for verge areas. Spraying is undertaken three to four times a year. A No Spray Register is maintained for residents who choose not to have the verge sprayed and are willing to maintain the area themselves.

Council will treat any verges where declared pest plants have been identified. A common pest plant found on verges is Caltrop (3 Cornered Jack) which will be treated on both a programmed and reactive basis and will be undertaken regardless of a specification on the No Spray Register.

If the area is not maintained by the resident, Council reserves the right to remove all vegetation and maintain the area as part of the weed control program.

Natural landscaping on verges creates a healthier environment for everyone. It allows for rainwater to be absorbed into the soil, provides habitat for birds and insects, reduces soil erosion and makes our streets better spaces to walk and cycle.

The use of artificial turf on verges has negative impacts on the environment. For this reason, its use on verges has been prohibited by Council.

The environmental impacts of artificial turf:

• It creates heat
  Artificial turf can be up to 20-30oC hotter than natural grass
• It creates pollution
  Artificial turf is made of plastic. It breaks down over time and can enter our stormwater system – adding to pollution in our creeks and oceans
• It affects the health of plants
  Artificial turf can act as a barrier preventing water from filtering into the soil which impacts the ability of a plant to absorb nutrients, oxygen and water from the soil.

Street trees planted by Council will be pruned to ensure they don't impede street lights and signs and as required by its maintenance standards according to Street Tree Audit data.

If plants or grass are present on a verge, it is the resident's responsibility to maintain the area.

If you have concerns about lack of maintenance of a verge and would like Council to assess the situation, please call our customer service centre on 8375 6600 and provide the following information:

• Exact location of the nature strip/verge
• Nature of the concern/s
• Extent of the problem

When any development of a verge is altered or removed by the activity of a service authority, reinstatement will be subject to negotiation between the property owner and that service authority.

Where a Council activity or operation alters or removes a conforming verge development, Council will endeavour to restore the verge to a reasonable standard.

A road extends from property boundary to property boundary and includes the carriageway, footpaths and verges.

Under Section 221 of the Local Government Act 1999, it is an offence to alter a road without prior Authorisation from Council. This includes:

• the construction or arrangement of the road to facilitate access to and from a property
• erecting or installing a structure (including pipes, wires, cables, fixtures, fittings or other objects) in, on, across, under or over the road
• changing or interfering with the construction, arrangement or materials of the road
• changing, interfering with or remove a structure (including pipes, wires, cables, fixtures, fittings or other objects) associated with the road
• planting, interfering or removing a tree or vegetation from the road

Council will consider applications to alter a road, however, in some instances the proposed use of the council land may not be deemed appropriate and therefore may not be approved.

Please contact our Customer Service Centre to determine whether a permit is required for your activity.