Vegetated Road Verge &

Nature Strip Maintenance

Approval Policy
Date of Adoption: 16 July 2014
Responsible Officer: Open Space Policy and Tree Management
Coordinator
Unit: Civil and Open Space Maintenance

Blacktown City Council Nature Strip Policy Page 1

 CONTENTS

Introduction 3
Policy Objectives 4
Responsibility for the Maintenance of Vegetated Road Verges and Nature Strips 5
Approval Process for the Conversion of a Nature Strip or Vegetated Road Verge 6
Nature Strip Planting Options 7
Grassed Nature Strips 7
Approved Plantings for Nature Strips 7
Synthetic Turf 8
Not Permitted on Nature Strips 9
Excavation and Cultivations 9
Utilities and Maintenance Work 9
Risk Management and Safety 10
Maintenance of Modified Nature Strips 10
Existing Modified Nature Strips 10
Exceptional Circumstances Assistance 11
Frequency of Service 11
Mowing Private Property 12
Suspension of Service 12
Rubbish 12
Delegations 13
Roads Act 1993 (as amended 13
APPENDIX A – Recommended Species List 14
APPENDIX B – Nature Strip Details 15
APPENDIX C – Exceptional Circumstances Application 18
APPENDIX D – Application to Modify a Naturestrip 20

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Introduction

A vegetated road verge or nature strip is an area of public land between the property
boundary and the back of kerb, this excludes any footpath or other assets such as
driveways, utility pits, or fire hydrants. In most cases, these areas are grassed
however this policy sets circumstances in which these areas can be modified by an
alternative landscape treatment.
This policy only relates to formalised vegetated road verges and nature strips in urban
areas, where kerb and channel exist.
It is important to note that utility service authorities such as water, gas, electricity, fire
services and telecommunications, as well as Council all have access rights to the road
reserve. These service authorities and Council may be required to excavate the nature
strip periodically and residents who chose to modify the nature strip area will not be
compensated for any loss of vegetation or landscaping items and will be required to
reinstate the road verge at their own expense.
Council will only mow and maintain vegetated road verges and nature strips in
locations which meet the following criteria:
1. Community Facilities (e.g. leisure centres, public swimming pools,
neighbourhood centres, libraries and works depots).
2. Vegetated road verges and nature strips fronting properties belonging to those
residents who meet the eligibility criteria as set out in this policy under Council’s
exceptional circumstances provisions.
Council will not mow vegetated road verges and nature strips fronting private
properties, commercial properties or properties owned by government authorities,
except in cases where the property owner/s has made an application under Council’s
exceptional circumstances provisions.

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Policy objectives

Blacktown City Council in conjunction with private, commercial and government land
owners is committed to establishing and promoting high quality streetscapes as a
reflection of its local character and to foster a sense of community pride.
Traditionally, most nature strips have been grassed, however, some alternative
landscape treatments are acceptable. The following policy provides some acceptable
options and guidelines for vegetated road verges and nature strip treatments.
The objectives of this Policy are to:
1. Enhance the overall visual amenity of Blacktown City.
2. Highlight the obligations and responsibilities of Council and the community in
relation to the maintenance of vegetated road verges and nature strips.
3. Ensure that an area on the nature strip is available for pedestrian use and to
accommodate utilities and Council activities adjacent to the roadway.
4. Ensure that the maintenance practices undertaken by property owners on
nature strips and verges contribute to the overall streetscape amenity of
Blacktown City.
5. Compliment the Street Tree Planting Guidelines and Landscape Strategy as a
means to enhance the aesthetic and environmental qualities of the City.
6. Ensure that nature strips provide an open space which open view lines for
vehicle traffic and cyclists at intersections and curves.

Blacktown City Council acknowledges the importance of vegetated road verges and
nature strips in the urban environment and their role in:
 Accommodating overhead and underground utilities (power, water, gas and
communications).
 Providing delineation between the road and footpath to allow a refuge for
pedestrian access and an interface for the exchange of goods and services to
commercial and private properties.
 Establishing an area for street trees, lawns and gardens and to ‘soften’ hard
landscape features.
 Reducing the effects of dust and pollution, storm water runoff and heat storage
associated with hard pavements.
 Provides habitat linkages between streets and open spaces.
 Providing the space for community expression and neighbourhood interaction.

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Responsibility for the maintenance of vegetated road
verges and nature strips

It is accepted practice throughout Blacktown City for property owners and residents of
adjacent properties to maintain all landscaped features on the nature strip. Generally,
this includes, mowing, edging of turf and weeding.
Council does not carry out the renovation or maintenance (including mowing and
watering) of nature strips and vegetated road verges.
Council will undertake the mowing of nature strips and vegetated road verges in areas
including:
 Community Facilities (e.g. leisure centres, public swimming pools,
neighbourhood centres, libraries and works depots).
 Open Space recreational areas, parks and reserves.
 Areas located along key transport corridors and entry vistas (e.g. major roads,
railway corridors and public car parks).
Blacktown City Council relies to a large degree on the voluntary contributions of its
residents to maintain the streetscape through the mowing and minor maintenance of
road verges and nature strips fronting their properties.
Whilst this contribution is greatly appreciated it is also acknowledged that not all
members of the community are able to participate in these activities.
Council has traditionally provided assistance to the community in maintaining
vegetated road verges and nature strips, in exceptional circumstances and subject to
certain eligibility criteria.
Requests to convert traditional grass nature strips into planted out garden beds or
synthetic grass must comply with the policy criteria on pages 7 & 8 and the application
process and form on page 20 of this document, must be used. If approved, the works
are on the provision that the property owner bears all cost of the installation and must
maintain the landscaped nature strip area to Council’s specifications.
Any restoration works which may be required following excavation works undertaken
by Council or Utility Service Authorities must also be carried out at the expense of the
property owner.
Any nature strip areas or vegetated road verges which are converted into gardens or
synthetic grass and are not maintained to the prescribed standard under the policy
must be returned to grass verge at the expense of the property owner and to Council’s
satisfaction.

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Approval process for the conversion of a nature strip or
vegetated road verge
It is Council’s preference for vegetated road verges and nature strips to remain
predominantly grass or turf species with a street tree planted in the vegetated road
verge. However, should the resident wish to convert their vegetated road verge from
grass to a low shrub garden bed or to synthetic grass, these requests must be made in
accordance with criteria on pages 7 & 8 and application forms on page 20 within this
policy.

An application form can be found as an attachment to this document or can be

downloaded separately from Council’s Website at www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au.

Works are NOT to commence on the modification of nature strip areas without
the written consent of Council.
Once approval is obtained property owners are advised to call ‘Dial Before You Dig’
(Phone: 1100) to determine the location of underground services within the nature
strip area before any works are undertaken.

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Nature strip planting options

Nature strip planting options include:

 Grassed nature strips.
 Approved plantings.
 Synthetic turf.

Grassed nature strips

Grassed nature strips are the most common form of nature strip treatment within
Blacktown City. The use of drought-tolerant grasses provides a low maintenance
treatment which requires periodic mowing and weeding maintained at the same
frequency as the internal lawn of the property. Grass nature strips are to be kept at no
higher than 75mm.
PLEASE NOTE: No permit is required to maintain a grassed nature strip.

Approved plantings for nature strips

A planted and mulched nature strip area provides a soft, visually pleasing alternative
to a grassed nature strip area. This treatment involves the use of the nature strip area
as a garden bed with the area being planted with low growing native plants, and the
use of organic mulch as ground cover.
The following policy criteria as shown in Appendix B – Nature Strip Details (attached)
apply to planted nature strips:
 A minimum footpath width of 1.5m behind the kerb is to be retained where
existing formed path paving is not present. This can be grassed, mulched or a
compacted material such as decomposed granite.
 Where formed path paving exists, the planting must be kept back from the
footpath and kerb edge by a minimum of 300mm to allow for the safe
pedestrian access along the footpath. This strip must be mulched such as
woodchips.
 One (1) approved street tree per road frontage.
 Approved plantings are to be maintained below a height of 450mm and consist
of plants which are listed in Appendix A – Recommended Species List
(attached).
 The planting must be of a density which suppresses the growth of weeds
(planting will be a minimum of 5 plants per square metre), however does not
interfere with safe pedestrian access along the footway area.
 Hard landscaping elements such as rocks, timber, retaining walls and
ornaments must NOT be used.
 All mulch material must be kept stable and properly contained. It is
recommended that organic mulch, such as woodchips, be used for this
purpose.
 Large mulch materials such as decomposed granite, chunky woodchips or
crushed rock greater than 10mm in diameter are NOT to be used.
 Irrigation systems must NOT be placed within the nature strip.

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For a detailed explanation of approved nature strip planting, please refer to Appendix
B – Nature Strip Details (attached).

Synthetic turf
The use of all synthetic turf is not encouraged throughout Blacktown City due to the
adverse effect it has on the environment. Any application for the use of synthetic turf
must adhere to the following criteria and may only be permitted in exceptional
circumstances:
 Synthetic turf MUST be installed by a qualified, insured professional company
on a subgrade of compacted material such as road base or fine crushed rock.
 The synthetic turf product MUST comply with Australian Standard AS
4422:1996.
 The synthetic product MUST have a sand or rubber infill, ensuring that the pile
stays in an upright position at all times.
 The synthetic turf MUST be maintained in a neat, level and weed free condition.
 The synthetic turf must NOT interfere with the growth of any existing street tree
planted on the nature strip area.
 The synthetic turf must be laid in accordance with the details as shown in
Appendix B– Nature Strip Details (attached).

PLEASE NOTE: Council retains the right to request the removal of synthetic turf and
replacement of turf grass in instances where the property owner does not comply with
Council’s standards. All costs in these instances are to be borne by the property
owner.

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Not permitted on nature strips
The following treatments are NOT permitted on nature strip areas or vegetated road
verges:
 Hard surface materials, such as concrete, pavers, asphalt or stepping stones
are not permitted as a substitute for a vegetated road verge on residential
property. In the instance that a hard surface is required for vehicular access
purposes, a Vehicle Crossing Application Form is to be submitted to Council for
approval.
 Irrigation systems.
 Rocks, raised edges, railway sleepers or retaining walls as these items are
potential trip hazards.
 All letterboxes MUST be established on private property and provide suitable
access to Australia Post delivery drivers.
 Temporary or permanent electrical wiring must NOT be installed on the nature
strip area (e.g. lighting of trees is prohibited).

Excavation and cultivation

All excavation and cultivation works MUST be completed by hand. Any mechanical
excavation (e.g. bobcat or Dingo) or cultivation (e.g. rotary hoe) may damage
infrastructure, existing underground services or existing street trees and root systems.
Hand excavation and cultivation (e.g. spade or fork) ONLY will be permitted. As hand
digging may also expose existing underground services, all property owners and
contractors are advised to contact ‘Dial Before You Dig’ on 1100 to confirm the
location of any underground services prior to all works being carried out.
Should any damage occur to existing underground services and infrastructure as a
result of an landscaping works, the property owner is responsible for repairing all
damage and notifying the utility provider of any damage occurred.

Utilities and maintenance work

Utility companies which supply water, gas, electricity and telecommunications may
require access to the nature strip area or vegetated road verge to perform
maintenance work. All utility companies are required to undertake basic repairs to the
nature strip area following any maintenance work; however these companies are NOT
required to repair residential nature strips which have been landscaped to include
treatments other than turf grass.
Council does not guarantee that any utility companies or maintenance contractors will
replace plants and mulch to match the condition of the nature strip prior to
maintenance work.
Any replacement of synthetic grass, plants or landscaping on nature strip areas due to
maintenance works will be the responsibility of the property owner.

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Risk management and safety

Blacktown City Council is aware of the need to provide a safe environment within
urban areas throughout the City. As the nature strip area is public land, Blacktown City
Council must be aware of threats to public safety.
Any treatment or feature deemed by Council to be a risk to the public as a trip hazard,
falling hazard or obstruction of public thoroughfare may be removed from the nature
strip area without consultation or warning.
Council will endeavour to take appropriate action in relation to trip hazards or safety
issues by liaising with the property owner and requesting that the issue be remedied.
Should the property owner not comply with this request, Council will issue a ‘Notice of
Non-Compliance’, giving the property owner 28 days to rectify the issue. Any failure to
take action by the property owner after this notice is issued will result in works
undertaken by Council at the expense of the property owner.

Maintenance of modified nature strips

Following the installation of any approved nature strip modifications, the property
owner will remain responsible for all maintenance works such as weeding, mulching,
edging, mowing, rubbish removal and repairs and infilling to synthetic grass.
Should the property owner fail to carry out these maintenance activities or keep the
nature strip area in a serviceable condition, a ‘Notice of Non-Compliance’ will be
issued requesting the property owner rectify the issue within 28 days.
Any failure to take action by the property owner after this notice is issued will result in
works undertaken by Council to remove all nature strip modifications and the
restoration of the area to turf grass at the expense of the property owner.

Existing modified nature strips

If your nature strip is already modified, please contact Council’s Civil and Open Space
Maintenance Section to ensure that this area complies with Council’s specifications.

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Exceptional Circumstance Assistance – vegetated road
verge & nature strip maintenance

The following criteria are considered in assessing the eligibility of a property

owner/resident for Exceptional Circumstance Assistance – Vegetated Road Verge and
Nature Strip Maintenance:
 The applicant MUST be a permanent resident of Blacktown City and
own/occupy a single (1) property which is the subject of the Exceptional
Circumstance Assistance – Vegetated Road Verge and Nature Strip
Maintenance Application.
 The applicant MUST be receiving or assessed as eligible to receive Home and
Community Care (HACC) Services such as home care or mowing assistance;
and/or
 Have a disability or medical condition making it impractical for that person to
maintain their nature strip area; and/or
 Have no other member of the household, friends or relatives able to maintain
the nature strip area on behalf of the applicant; and/or
 Have a private residential property consisting of no lawn area which adjoins the
grass nature strip area; and/or
 Have a private residential property with an excessively large grassed nature
strip area requiring maintenance, e.g. front, back and side nature strip areas;
and/or
 Have a private residential property where the nature strip area is not accessible
from the property.

Applications for Exceptional Circumstance Assistance – vegetated road verge and

nature strip maintenance, are to be made in writing and Appendix C – Exceptional
Circumstances Application Form is to be completed and returned to Council.
PLEASE NOTE: Under no circumstances will Council undertake the maintenance of
private internal lawn areas on residential property.

Frequency of service for Exceptional Circumstance Assistance –

vegetated road verge & nature strip maintenance

On vegetated road verges and nature strips where approval has been granted for
assistance and at other nominated locations as set out in this policy, Council will
undertake maintenance in accordance with Council’s Open Space Mowing Schedule.
Areas will receive servicing approximately every 20 working days in the summer high
growth period (1 October – 30 April) and every 40 working days in the winter low
growth period (1 May – 30 September).
Council has an ongoing partnership with Corrective Services NSW to utilise offenders
to assist the community with the maintenance of residential nature strips. This
partnership provides temporary assistance to those unable to maintain their nature

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strip and who meet the necessary criteria for assistance under this policy, while also
providing offenders with an opportunity to compensate the community for their crimes.
All maintenance on nature strips where approval has been granted for assistance will
be undertaken by Probation & Parole.

Mowing private property

This Policy does not extend to the maintenance of internal lawns on private property.
This obligation remains the responsibility of the owner or occupier of the property.
Council generally will not consider mowing a residential nature strip if lawns within the
adjacent private property are currently being maintained.

Suspension of service

Council reserves the right to remove any applicant from the Exceptional
Circumstances Assistance Program at any time (with two weeks’ notice) if any of the
following occurs:
 The property is sold or transferred to another party.
 The circumstances of the applicant change so that they no longer meet the
eligibility criteria as set out in this policy.
 An applicant does not confirm their eligibility within a reasonable time frame.
 Funding is no longer available to provide this service.

Council reserves the right to alter service provisions at any and all times following
notification of the affected property owner.

Rubbish

Council may remove material which results from works carried out in the maintenance
of the nature strips, e.g. excessive grass clippings.
No other rubbish, debris or green waste will be removed from the nature strip or
private property at the time of maintenance.

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Delegations
This Policy is to be administered under delegation by Council to the Director of City
Assets and Manager Civil and Open Space Maintenance.
A register of all vegetated road verges and nature strips maintained by Blacktown City
Council under this policy shall be established and regularly updated.
The Vegetated Road Verge & Nature Strip Maintenance Approval Policy shall be
reviewed at the frequencies identified for Blacktown City Council’s Policy Register or
by separate resolution of Council.

The Roads Act 1993 (as amended)

Persons making application to modify a vegetated road verge or nature strip through
the installation of synthetic turf, edging and/or vegetation are permitted to do so by
way of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).
Under this Act, Council also has the right to remove any modification which does not
comply with the Vegetated Road Verge and Nature Strip Maintenance Approval
Policy.

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APPENDIX A – Recommended species list
The following table is a starting point to indicate the plant types that are suitable under this policy: ie less than 450mm
in height and are either water wise, native or salt tolerant. Other species may be used if they meet the policy criteria.

Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name

Blue Bell Wahlenbergia communis Livingstone Daisy Dorotheanthus bellidiformis
Blue Flax . Lily Dianella sp Mat Rush Lomandra longifola
Blue Margeurite Felicia amelloides Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus
Blue Tussock-grass Poa poiformis Native Violet Viola hederaceae
Catmint Nepeta faassenii Old Mans Beard Clematis aristate
Chocolate Lily Dichopogon strictus Ruby Saltbush Enchylaena tomontosa
Climbing Guinea Flower Hibbertia scandens Running Postman Kennedia prostrata
Coastal Geranium Pelargonium australe Sage Salvia sp
Common Dampiera Dampiera linearis Seaside Daisy Erigeron karvinskianus
Common Thyme s Thymus vulgari Shore Juniper Juniperus conferta prostrate
Convulvulus Convulvulus sp. Short Wallaby Grass Danthonia carphoides
Creamy Candles Stackhousia monogyna Snow Grass Poa clivicola
Creeping Boobialla Myoporum parvifolium Spider Lillies . Nerine sp
Creeping Saltbush Einada nutans Spider Plant, Ribbon Plant Chlorophytum comosum
Dusky Coral Pea Kennedia rubicunda Spiny Saltbush Rhagodia spinescens
Dwarf Kangaroo Paw Anigozanthos sp. Statice, Sea Lavender Limonium sinuatum
Dwarf Mat Rush Lomandra "Tanika" Sticky Everlasting Xerochrysum viscosum
Emu Bush Eremophila sp. Strawflower, Paper Daisy Helichrysum bracteatum
Fan Flower Scaevola sp. Sun Plant Portulaca grandiflora
Flannel Flower Actinotus helianthi Swan River Daisy Brachycome multifida
Garden Pink Dianthus Toadflax Linaria maroccana
Gazania Gazania tomentosa Ullaulla Beacon Melaleuca hypericifolia
Globe Amaranth Gomphrena globosa Vanilla Lily Arthropodium milleflorum
Grevillea prostrate Grevillea sp. Veldt Daisy Osteospermum ecklonis
Guinea Flower Hibbertia sp Verbena Verbena gaudichaudii
Happy Wanderer Hardenbergia violacea Vinca Vinca sp.
Karkalla or Pigface . Carpobrotus sp Westringia, Rosemary Westringia lucida, rigida, kydrensis
Lamb's Ear Stachys byzantina Wonga Wonga Vine Pandorea pandorana
Lippia Phyla nodiflora Yellow Buttons Chrysocephalum apiculatum

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Appendix B – Nature Strip Details

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Blacktown City Council Nature Strip Policy Page 16
 EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES APPLICATION

Road Verge and Nature Strip Mowing Service

Blacktown City Council is grateful to its community in helping to maintain the

environmental amenity of their neighbourhood including the maintenance of nature
strips. We realise that not all of our community are able to participate in this activity,
therefore Council provides a service to those residents who meet certain eligibility
criteria.

The following information is requested to determine eligibility for Exceptional

Circumstances Assistance under Blacktown City Council’s Vegetated Road Verge and
Nature Strip Maintenance Approval Policy.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please read and complete the form in spaces provided.

Name of Person/s requesting Exceptional Circumstances Assistance: (please print)

Mr/Mrs/Ms First Name: ___________________ Surname: _________________________

Name of Person lodging this Application (if different to above): (please print)

Mr/Mrs/Ms First Name: ____________________ Surname: ________________________

Address of Person requiring the Service:

H/No: __________ Street: ____________________________________________________

Suburb: __________________________________________ Postcode: ____________

Contact Details: (Please tick preferred method of contact)

 Home ( ) ___________________  Work ( ) ___________________

 Mobile ( ) ___________________  E-mail ____________________________

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Date of Birth: _____/_____/_______

Are you a permanent resident of Blacktown City Council? Yes  No 

Number of properties owned in the Blacktown Local Government Area?

 Single residential property  Multiple residential properties

CRITERIA UNDER WHICH APPLICATION IS BEING MADE:

 Assessed as eligible for Home and Community Care (HACC) assistance (Note: Certified
copy of assessment must accompany application as evidence).
 Have a disability or other medical condition that renders maintenance of the nature strip
impractical.(Note: Medical Certificate required)
 Have no other members of the household, friends or relatives able to assist in maintaining
the nature strip.
 Have a private residential property, devoid of lawn, adjoining a grassed nature strip.
 Have a private residential property with excessively large grassed nature strips, eg. a front,
back and side requiring mowing.
 Have a private residential property where the grassed nature strip is not readily accessible
from the property – Provide a map or details outlining the situation

Details of other person(s) residing at the applicant’s property, if any:

1. ___________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________
3 ___________________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________________

How has the nature strip been maintained up until this point in time?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

OFFICE USE ONLY

File No: ______________________

 Check list???

Approved:
 Yes  No Date: ___/___/___ Signature: __________________________

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 Application to Modify a Naturestrip
Blacktown City Council
62 Flushcombe Road
BLACKTOWN NSW 2148
Phone: 9839 6000 Fax: 9831 1961
Email: council@blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Prior to completing this form, please ensure you have read the Blacktown City Council
Vegetated Road Verge and Nature Strip Maintenance Approval Policy .
For more information in relation to this policy or application, please contact Council’s Civil
and Open Space Maintenance Section on the above number.
APPLICANT
Name

Postal Address

Property Address
(Location of
proposed planting)
If you are not the property owner, you must attach a letter of approval from the owner of the
property.

Contact Phone Email

PROPOSED NATURESTRIP PLANTING YES NO

I have advised my neighbours on both sides about my proposed naturestrip modifications.  
I have attached a basic plan of my proposed nature strip modifications.  
A list of proposed plant species to be used is attached (if applicable).  
I confirm that I have contacted Dial-Before-You-Dig (Ph: 1100) and identified the location of
all underground services.  
I have read, and agree to abide by Blacktown City Council’s Naturestrip Policy (2013).  
I attached a copy of a Certificate of Currency for my public liability insurance policy.  
My application includes the installation of synthetic turf.  

I understand that approval to modify my road verge through the installation of synthetic turf,
edging and/or vegetation is by way of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Under this Act,
Council also has the right to remove any modification which does not comply with the
Vegetated Road Verge and Nature Strip Maintenance Approval Policy

Signature Date

PRIVACY: The personal information supplied on this form is required in order to provide the service requested. It will
be used by Council staff and stored in our record system for only as long as necessary. During this time it can be
accessed and amended by you. We will only give your information to a third party with your consent or if we are
required to do so by legislation.

OFFICE USE ONLY

Date Received File Proposal  Approved
Inspected by Date  Not
Approved
Comments

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Blacktown City Council Nature Strip Policy Page 20