Nature Strips

At the November 2025 Council Meeting the Nature Strip Garden Guidelines were adopted. Nature strip gardens that meet the requirements described in this guideline are permissible.

In accordance with Community Local Law 2017 you need to register your nature strip garden and agree to the Nature Strip Garden Guidelines. There is no fee for registering your garden.

View the Nature Strip Garden Guidelines

Find out more about the guidelines and share your feedback on the MySay page

Register your Nature Strip Garden

Under the City of Ballarat’s Road Management Plan, property owners have an obligation to maintain the nature strip bordering their property. 

If your nature strip is suitable for planting, low-growing flexible ground covers, wildflowers, grasses and small shrubs are allowed provided they are maintained in accordance with the City of Ballarat’s Nature Strip Garden Guidelines. 

• Plants native to Ballarat are recommended for planting in nature strip gardens
• Traditional Grass lawns are permissible (choose drought tolerant varieties)
• Plants that do not pose a risk to the public or environment are permissible

Maintenance tasks may include pruning, weeding, mowing, watering, and planting ground covers and grass.

Street trees are not to be planted or pruned by the public. Please contact the City of Ballarat about street tree planting and maintenance.

As per Victoria’s Road Safety Road Rules 2017, cars are not to be parked on nature strips. Fines may apply and vehicle owners held liable for any damage.

Permits ensure the owner accepts responsibility for maintenance and safety regarding changes to nature strips.  

Download the Nature Strip Alterations Fact Sheet

Download the Nature Strip Planter Boxes Fact Sheet

How do I apply for a permit?

Online

• Visit eServices, find your property, and follow the prompts.  
• You will need to register before you can access the permit application.

In person

• Visit our Customer Service Centre.

These fees are current for Nature Strip Alteration and Planter Box permits the 2025/26 financial year and are subject to change each financial year.  

• Nature strip alteration; manual (hand excavation) - $50
• Nature strip alteration (mechanical) – $100  
• Planter Box application - $100

The City of Ballarat’s Urban Weed Control Program is undertaken throughout the year to control vegetation and weeds on urban streets, footpaths, kerb, gutters, and laneways, using low-level glyphosate that is commonly used in home gardens and aquatic environments, and across our city, including our lakes, parks, gardens and outdoor spaces. There are a number of spray cycles per year which are based on the life cycle of the weeds and are aimed at preventing the spread of any new seeds. The timing of this program depends on seasonal growth and weather conditions.

If you choose to register your property on the No Spray Register, you assume responsibility for the management of weeds on the road reserve in front of or alongside your property. This may include management of weeds to ensure our drainage network continues to operate efficiently and prevent drains from blocking and possible flooding. Inclusion on this register does not impact Council’s weed spraying activities elsewhere across the city, including our parks, trails, reserves and waterways that may adjoin your property.

Please note: The No Spray Register is renewed each year on 30 June, you will receive a renewal in the post and be required to return this form to renew your interest to continue on the register.

Apply to be on the register by providing the following information:

• Your name
• Contact information
• Property Location
• Acknowledgement that: By applying to be on the No Spray register, you assume the responsibility for the management of weeds on the road reserve in front of and alongside your property.

You can apply using the following methods:

• Online: Complete the No Spray Register form via E-Services
• By email: Add the subject line 'No Spray Register' and send to info@ballarat.vic.gov.au
• By phone: Call Customer Service on 5320 5500
• In person: Visit the Customer Service team at: The Phoenix, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat
• By post:  
  Attention: Customer Experience Team
  City of Ballarat
  PO Box 655, Ballarat, VIC 3353