Your Naturestrip

Naturestrips are an integral part of the urban landscape of Swan Hill contributing to the character of our neighbourhoods and streetscapes.

Traditionally grass or turf is the most common treatment on urban naturestrips. This treatment requires high amounts of water especially during summer.

Alternative Waterwise Landscape Treatments

• Arid zone/waterwise & indigenous native plantings
  Planting of waterwise groundcovers and shrubs no larger than 500 mm reduces maintenance and improves the streetscape.
• Drought tolerant exotic planting
• Drought tolerant summer grasses
  Species such as kikuyu, Buffalo, Couch or Lippia, are all easily propagated by runners and are low water users.
• Mulching using compacted gravels (no larger than 10 mm)
  Covering the naturestrip with a mulch provides a low maintenance option that greatly reduces water and maintenance costs. Mulches and gravels also reduce water evaporation and improves water retention.

Before changing your naturestrip

Before changing your naturestrip you need to provide Council’s Environment Unit with a sketch diagram of your proposed waterwise naturestrip treatment including your plant species list.

Please note: All costs of establishment, maintenance and renewal is to be borne by landowner.

Waterwise naturestrip species list

A list of waterwise indigenous and exotic ground covers, shrubs and plants.

Guidelines

• Retain flat spaces for garbage and recycling bins.
• Landscaping elements such as rocks, bollards or sleepers are NOT permitted.
• Irrigation systems are NOT permitted on naturestrips.
• Landscape materials must be kept stable and properly maintained
• Do not impact on existing street trees
•  It is recommended that the owner/occupier extend their house and contents Public Liability insurance to include naturestrip planting

Preparing your naturestrip

• Spray existing plant material using commercial herbicide.
• If the excavation depth is greater than 200 mm contact “Dial Before You Dig” on #1100 to obtain services plans.
• Excavate turf /topsoil up to 100 mm.
• Take care not to cultivate under dripline of the existing street trees.

Mulch Gravel or Bogadust

• Place crushed rock /recycled concrete or Bogadust, maximum of10 mm particle size
• Maintain gravel 5-10 mm below kerb level
• Use a roller to compact the crushed rock.

Organic Mulch

• Organic mulch can be sourced from the Swan Hill Landfill at no cost.
• After excavation, add mulch layer 25-50 mm below kerb level
• Plant your naturestrip using approved Waterwise Plants from attached list.
• Maintain a level surface and compact

Please Note

• Council and service authorities reserve the right to access pre-existing assets and future assets.
• Disturbance resulting from utilities works will only be reinstated to a neat finish plants will not be reinstated.
• Council reserves the right to remove any unsuitable or poorly maintained plantings in any naturestrip pavement.
• Under the Local Government Act (1989) Council has the right to request removal of landscaping that does not comply with these guidelines.

These guidelines only apply to naturestrips under the management of Council. It does not include street trees.