By PETER DOUGLAS
YARRA RANGES residents will need to wait longer before winning the green light to landscape their nature strip.
At its Tuesday meeting, Yarra Valley councillors opted to defer ‘The Guidelines for Nature Strip Landscaping in Yarra Ranges 2015’, so the document could be reviewed further.
If passed, the guidelines, which took 12 months to develop, would provide scope for the landscaping of nature strips, which is presently banned within the shire.
Deputy mayor Jason Callanan, moved a motion for deferral, citing confusion over allowances for residential letterboxes and large trees.
Cr Callanan, who won unanimous support, argued the guidelines needed to be clear over these issues before it reaches the public consultation stage.
Cr Len Cox agreed deferral was the best option.
“In its present form, it’s a bit silly if we put it out, because it warrants being looked at further,” Cr Cox said.
“The guidelines need more time before being released for public comment.”
The guidelines are designed to address the many inquiries council receives annually from residents who want to improve their nature strip, or reduce maintenance.
Yarra Ranges executive officer of Health and Local Laws Peter Wright said the guidelines would allow some works, within reason.
“Basically, ratepayers are out there, maintaining nature strips now, but not really changing anything,” he said.
“We must make sure we prevent a safety issue, or ensure accessibility, and is in keeping with the landscaping that is there.”
Mr Wright said the guidelines offered some scope for creativity.
“Nothing is ruled out, but an arrangement (of large rocks), wouldn’t be permitted.
“That doesn’t mean someone couldn’t come up with an idea.”
Mr Wright said the guidelines were broad enough that people only needed to look, which would take away the burden from having a permit or approval process.
