Welcome to the City of Ballarat’s Nature Strip Garden Guidelines.

Creating thriving nature strips is dependent on good design, preparation, installation and maintenance. These guidelines can help you with each stage of the process!

Nature strips are more than just buffers between pedestrians and vehicle traffic – they are a collective opportunity for you and your neighbours to create vibrant, green streetscapes filled with plants and wildflowers.

Much of the habitat for wildlife has been lost in the region. Planting native plants supports local wildlife and insects. Nature strip gardens can create vital new habitat refuges to help wildlife to thrive and move through the city and the region.

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What is a nature strip garden?

A nature strip garden is planted within the nature strip. It can include wildflowers, grass tussocks, low shrubs or ground covers maintained at a height, depending on where it is located in Ballarat, to ensure safety and access between the road and footpath. It can be prepared to reduce the ongoing maintenance of lawn cutting. These gardens are typically created and maintained by residents to beautify streets, attract wildlife, such as butterflies and birds, and to foster neighbourly connections.

Why do biodiverse native gardens matter?

  • Social benefits

    • Nature strips contribute to creating beautiful streets
    • Nature strips with places to rest, play or meet neighbours provides for social connection, contributing to health and wellbeing
    • Local native plants enhance the sense of place and showcase the unique flora of your area
    • Pedestrian comfort will encourage active transport.

  • Ecological benefits

    • A green and biodiverse landscape can help clean the air and cool our city
    • Reduce flooding through enhanced soil absorption and reduced runoff
    • Increase ground water recharge through soil water absorption
    • A place for native wildlife and plant habitat, also increasing the presence of pollinators and natural pest controllers that will benefit our gardens
    • Create habitat connections between urban landscapes and Ballarat’s nature reserves

  • Economic benefits

    • Improve property values
    • Reduce energy bills through cooling the city climate.
    • Lower maintenance costs compared to traditional lawns, as native plants generally require less watering and mowing.

See What’s Possible

Before you get started, what you need to know

To create the most successful nature strip garden possible, it’s important to plan ahead and start small. Before you start planting, take some time to review the Nature Strip Garden Guidelines, they’re your go-to resource for understanding what’s allowed and how to design a garden that thrives.

Here are the key things to think about:

  1. Talk to your neighbours - collaboration makes for a better street.
  2. Stay safe - consider traffic, visibility and personal safety.
  3. Consider your location - every site is different.
  4. Steep slopes - these may need special treatment.
  5. Swales and water sensitive design treatments - check if these apply.
  6. Bush fire areas - choose plants and designs that reduce risk.
  7. Environmental and heritage protection - check if these apply.
  8. Arterial roads - extra safety and compliance measures may apply.
  9. Leave enough space - for pedestrians, bins and access.
  10. Dial before you dig! - avoid damaging underground services.
  11. Remember it is a public space - designs should be safe and inclusive.
  12. Heritage Precincts - additional requirements may apply.
  13. When is a local law permit required? - know the rules before you start.
  14. Works within roads reserve permit - check if you need one.
  15. Service Authority Works - be aware of future maintenance needs.

For full details and a checklist, view the Nature Strip Guidelines.

If we consider that these guidelines have not been complied with or that a particular nature strip garden is creating a nuisance, risk to safety, or is interfering with City of Ballarat assets or the environment, then we will require either rectification of the garden so that it complies, or removal of the garden at the property owner’s cost. Residents are reminded that planting a nature strip garden is at their own risk, and they are responsible for its maintenance and safety. This guideline supports the City of Ballarat Community Local Law 2017. Nature strip gardens must comply with this guideline.