Maribyrnong resident Debra Harding is relieved she will be able to continue caring for her verge garden, after a close call with council.
Late last year, Ms Harding received notice from Maribyrnong council advising her she would need to remove her nature strip garden in one week’s time or pay a $1000 fine per day.
To her relief, Ms Harding has since received notice from council she is no longer required to remove the garden.
Ms Harding has lived in Seddon for 30 years, the same amount of time she has had the garden.
In support of her quest to keep the garden, a petition was created to stop council from removing the garden.
The petition amassed more than 700 signatures, which Ms Harding believes is one of the reasons council abandoned its stance.
“We had a site meeting at my house which was followed by an email informing me that council will not proceed with enforcement and is encouraging the maintenance of the garden,” she said.
“Council is also reviewing its nature strip policy and is asking the community for feedback.
“Council said officers will contact me once the nature strip policy is finalised.”
Ms Harding encouraged the community to provide their feedback on the policy.
“I’m really grateful to the community and to everybody that signed the petition, as well as everyone telling me how much they like the garden,” she said.
“It would be great if people could provide their feedback to the Your City, Your Voice page.”
Jennifer Pittorino
