Lake Mac on the verge of greener streets

Suburban green thumbs can take a hands-on approach to streetscape beautification after the release of Lake Macquarie City Council’s new standards for verge gardens and street trees.

After a quick and easy online application, residents can get the nod to start planting street trees or growing a garden on their nature strip.

To encourage use of suitable local native species, Council is offering 10 free local tubestock plants to residents following approval of their verge garden application.

Council’s Manager Environmental Systems Brendan Callander encouraged people to consider enhancing their neighbourhood environment in line with Council’s Urban Greening and Urban Heat Strategies.

“Street trees and verge gardens make a real difference to how our neighbourhoods look and feel,” he said.

“They help cool the city, improve health and wellbeing, and provide important habitats for local wildlife, all while reducing stormwater runoff and filtering pollutants.

“We want people to enjoy greener neighbourhoods, and the standards set out how it can be done in a way that’s safe and accessible for everyone.”

The standards ensure pedestrians can safely use the space, motorists can park along the kerb where allowed, sightlines are maintained for traffic safety and utilities such as water, gas and electricity are not impacted.

Applications need to be approved by Council before any planting takes place but after that the verge area just needs to comply with basic standards, be well maintained and safe.

“It’s really important that we plant the right trees in the right places, and that any verge gardening doesn’t create safety or access issues on our streets,” Mr Callander said.

Visit lakemac.com.au to read the standards, find recommended plant and tree species and to submit an application.