The new draft guidelines have been updated to include a range of changes that residents will be able to make to their nature strip, including the ability to plant additional plants, edible crops such as vegetables and shrubs. A complete list of suitable materials is outlined in the guidelines.

To ensure that any changes made to nature strips do not pose a risk to pedestrians and road users or cause damage to assets, street trees or stormwater systems, it is proposed some modifications will not allowed. This includes synthetic grass and plants, compacted crushed rock or sand, pebbles, stones or rocks, retaining walls, ornamental statues or spiky plants. A complete list of items not suitable for nature strips is outlined in the guidelines.

Synthetic surfaces such as grass, do not generally provide adequate drainage and can lead to issues with the soil and stormwater run-off. In addition, synthetic grass generates surface heat, particularly in the hotter months of the year. Our goal is to create a liveable and climate resilient future, with greater tree canopy to provide shade and cooling to our streets. Synthetic grass does not help us meet these future community goals.

We understand that there are residents who have installed synthetic grass or compacted sand/stone on their nature strip with a valid permit in line with the requirements of the current Urban Nature Strip Guidelines. These residents will be able to keep this surface in place, as long as it continues to be maintained in accordance with the original guideline requirements which state that:

• synthetic grass must be green and properly secured with no loose edges 
• it must form an even surface that is level with all surrounding infrastructure such as kerbs, footpaths and vehicle crossings, and
• it must be kept free of weeds and contained within the nature strip area at all times. 

The soil in nature strips is highly likely to be contaminated by vehicle traffic and other uses of the road reserve. To avoid potential risks associated with planting edible crops directly in a nature strip, edible planting will only be allowed in planter boxes. Planter boxes will also be subject to height and placement requirements to ensure safety of pedestrians and road users.

As with the previous guidelines, residents will be required to submit a permit application that outlines the planned changes they would like to make to their nature strip. If the changes meet the requirement of the guidelines, a permit will be issued. Once the modifications have been made, Council will inspect the works as a final step in the approval process.