Welcome to On the Verge!

Need technical policies, requirements or permit applications? Streets, verges, crossovers and traffic is where you’ll find all the official and authoritative information.

Want to know more about footpaths on verges? Head to the Footpaths program page.

Planning a waterwise native verge? Living green is your go-to for garden guidance.

Need help with verge issues right now? Enquiries is where you can report or request verge matters like trip hazards.

Use those page for the formal steps, then come back here for the simple, fun version.

Official documents including the Verge Treatment Policy, Verge Treatment Guidelines and Crossover Policy are also set for review so check back regularly for easy-to-understand updates as they become available.

Verge-related issues come up frequently during community engagements and customer enquiries, especially around overgrown vegetation, verge or footpath hazards, and breaches of permit conditions.
 

Myth 1: “Council is responsible for maintaining verges.”

While verges are public land managed by the City, the maintenance of verge treatments is the responsibility of the adjacent householder. This includes mowing lawns, weed control, pruning native gardens, topping up mulch and maintaining approved pavement or synthetic turf.

The City is responsible for maintaining street trees and footpaths. The City also mows verges on major roads only that require traffic management. If a verge elsewhere becomes unkempt to the point that it creates a safety or visibility issue, the City may step in to carry out a basic tidy-up only, with clippings left on site.

Myth 2: “I can do whatever I want with my verge.”

Not quite. Verges are public land, so there are rules to keep streets safe, accessible and functional.

You can personalise your verge but only within the City’s guidelines. Some things require approval (like paving or synthetic turf), and some things aren’t allowed at all (like hazards, obstructions or damaging tree roots).

The goal isn’t to restrict creativity. It’s to make sure verge treatments are safe for pedestrians, protect underground utilities, and remain accessible.
 

Myth 3: “Anyone can park on anyone’s verge.”

Parking on a verge requires the adjacent householder’s permission, unless signage or rules say otherwise. Even with permission, or when parking on your own verge, you cannot park commercial vehicles, buses, trailers or caravans (unattached to a motor vehicle). Parking that blocks sightlines, damages infrastructure, or creates safety hazards can result in fines.

By contrast, anyone can park on the street in front of a property unless signage indicates otherwise. This includes vehicles such as trades vans parked on the street while building or renovating a home.

Myth 4: “Council does nothing about rubbish dumped on verges.”

Dumping rubbish on verges is illegal and can result in fines.

Residents have plenty of legal disposal options, including skip bins, recycling centres and scheduled waste services. Skip bins must be placed safely to avoid obstructing footpaths or sightlines.

If you spot illegal dumping, you can report it to the City. The City investigates reports and arranges appropriate clean-up where needed, and may issue infringements to those responsible.

We’re growing this page over time and we want your help.

If you’re on the verge of a meltdown, misunderstanding or mystery, let us know! We’ll turn the most common questions into helpful community FAQs for everyone.

Check back regularly for new content including verge videos, tips, and answers shaped by your conversations and community sentiment.