“We’re here to help”: On the frontline with a Verge Compliance Officer
Gary Perryman is the first to admit that City of Stirling residents aren’t always thrilled to see him at first.
Lucky for them and him though, what he loves most about being a Verge Officer is finding solutions.
“The best part is definitely helping people land on a good outcome, especially when they’re not sure what they can do and you can guide them through it,” Gary said.
On the job since 2021, Gary’s days consist mostly of carrying out verge inspections, following up on complaints and checking compliance.
He provides guidance on crossovers, overgrown vegetation and Verge Treatment Applications, helping residents ensure their plans meet the City’s guidelines.
Gary also helps protect important verge assets like drainage, footpaths and street trees during permitted construction works.
Residents might be surprised to learn “how much problem solving is involved”.
“It’s not just enforcing rules, a lot of it is working with residents to find practical solutions that are safe and still meet the guidelines,” he said.
“The hardest part is probably dealing with frustration from residents, particularly when there are rules we have to enforce that they might not agree with.”
Gary wishes everyone knew “that we are a very approachable team and we are really happy to work with residents to help solve their issues – with the rules”.
One of the biggest misconceptions he encounters is the belief that if you maintain your verge, you can do whatever you like with it.
In reality, verges are public land. While adjacent householders are responsible for general maintenance, there are rules to keep streets safe, accessible and functional for everyone.
“People usually mean well but things like big rocks, certain plants or structures can end up being a hazard without them realising,” he said.
“Verge rules aren’t there to make life difficult – they’re really about safety and accessibility.”
For residents looking to spruce up their verge, Gary’s advice is to keep things simple and low maintenance, make sure there’s clear access for pedestrians, avoid anything that could become a trip hazard or obstruct visibility and if in doubt, ask first.
“It’s much easier to check with us first than fix it later,” Gary said.
To learn more about what you can (and can’t) do with your verge or ask us a question visit the On the Verge project webpage.
