Jennifer Pittorino
Maribyrnong resident Debra Harding is again fearful over the future of her verge garden, following findings from council’s review of its Nature Strip Landscape Policy.
In its meeting on Tuesday, February 20, council received feedback from the community on the existing policy and endorsed the release of the draft policy for further community consultation, which Ms Harding said was “disappointing”.
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 in January, Ms Harding received notice from council that she was no longer required to remove the garden.
Council informed Ms Harding they would reassess after the review of the policy was addressed at a further council meeting, which would focus on permits.
Now that the meeting has taken place, Ms Harding is worried as she feels nothing has changed since prior discussions.
“In fact the process for getting a permit is probably stricter,” she said.
“It seems that nothing has really changed so I am disappointed and fearful for what will happen to my garden.
“I don’t see how for me in my situation that anything’s changed as they don’t address gardens that are already there.”
The document revealed that opportunities have been identified to improve the permit process, however Ms Harding feels this doesn’t apply to her.
“We came to an impasse on many occasions with many conversations that I couldn’t apply for a permit because the garden doesn’t comply with the guidelines,” she said.
“It makes me fearful for my own garden and I am very sad for the municipality of Maribyrnong.”
Councillor Bernadette Thomas said there is a clear push for change in the community.
“It shows there is an interest in planting nature strips, but there is also an appetite for change and for revising and reviewing the current guidelines and Policy,” she said.
Councillor Anthony Tran said it is part of council’s job to make sure the community are aware of the policy requirements.
“In terms of keeping our community informed, we need to ensure that all the permit applicants remain in line with the policy,” he said.
