What is a nature strip?

A nature strip is the public land between the property boundary, footpath, roadside kerb and driveway.

Here in Brimbank, nature strips are part of the road reserve and their use and treatment is subject to specific regulations and limitations.

Clear sightlines need to be maintained on nature strips for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. This is why there are restrictions on what can be planted or installed—such as tall vegetation, dense shrubs or structures— that can obstruct visibility or access for essential services and utilities.

Nature strips often house essential underground services (gas, water, electricity, telecommunications and drainage), so any landscaping other than grass is not encouraged due to the risk of damage to these assets and to ensure they can be accessed easily if required.

Brimbank Council does not encourage residents to undertake landscape planting on nature strips.

Nature strips are an important part of our urban environment. They contribute significantly to neighbourhood character, enhance our local streetscapes and through street trees, provide important shade and habitat for wildlife.

Whose responsibility is it to maintain the naturestrip?

Residents and property owners are responsible for maintaining their nature strip to ensuring it is safe and accessible for everyone. Council relies on the goodwill and established community expectation that residents will mow, weed and maintain their nature strip and keep it free from hazards.

Council is responsible for planting, pruning and maintaining street trees to ensure they remain healthy, safe and clear of powerlines.

Council and various authorities have the right to inspect nature strips at any time and to undertake any necessary works to keep them safe and the underground assets functioning.

What's not permitted on a nature strip?

To ensure safety, accessibility, and to protect street trees, certain things are not permitted on nature strips, including:

•   Granitic sand
•   Rocks, sleepers and edging
•   Rubbish, furniture and household items
•   Planting of shrubs
•   Parked vehicles or caravans etc.

Penalties may apply if an Authorised Officer of Council reasonably believes there has been a breach of Council’s Local Laws.

My naturestrip is uneven

Our Parks Services Unit can help with the condition of your nature strip this can include a soil top up and some spreading of seeds.

Log a service request here or contact us on 03 9249 4000.

Roadside and Median Strips

VicRoads Asset Maintenance Update

From March 17, 2025, VicRoads will take over median strip maintenance on their roads, including:

Mowing and litter removal
Edging and weed control
Garden bed and tree management

The Department of Transport (DOT) will manage median strips on their roads, while Council will continue maintaining roadside nature strips.

VicRoads remains responsible for major roads like the Western Ring Road and Calder Freeway, plus road surfaces, drains, signage, and debris removal.

For requests, contact VicRoads at 13 11 70 or visit VicRoads Website.

Are you allowed to park on the naturestrip?

The Road Safety Road Rules 2017 prohibits parking on the naturestrip, as such, Authorised Officers may issue an infringement to a vehicle parked on the Naturestrip.

For further information refer- Parking in Brimbank.

Contact us

If you have any questions about naturestrips, you can reach us by email or 03 9249 4000.

Last updated: 18 December 2025 - 9:39am

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