New Brisbane City Council Guidelines Allow Gardens Along Footpath

Brisbane City Council have recently announced new guidelines which will allow residents to plant gardens on the verges outside their homes.

Brisbane City Council's environment, parks and sustainability chairman David McLachlan told brisbanetimes.com.au the new laws allowing residents to plant gardens on council property, as long as they followed the guidelines, will be a great way to enhance the city.

"With a simple checklist that we've created, gardening gurus can now establish a verge garden outside their homes to help beautify local streets and show pride in their neighbourhood,” Cr McLachlan said.

The guidelines apply to verge gardens at properties that are identified as a “Residential zone” within the Brisbane City Plan 2014 and are between the property boundary and the road kerb, allowing a minimum width of 1.2 metres for pedestrian access.

Unfortunately, the new policies surrounding the idea of gardens on council footpaths has sparked disagreement within council.

Independent Councillor Nicole Johnston believes the allotted 1.2 metres for pedestrian access amongst verge gardens was a crazy idea, under the belief that it was simply not enough space for people to pass each other and that unregulated gardens would lead to blocked footpaths restricting the elderly, vision impaired, disabled and parents with prams who struggle and injuries occur.

Despite the objection to the initiative,the Brisbane Times revealed Cr McLachlan's reassurances that common sense will prevail, and as long as the guidelines are adhered to the region will be aesthetically better off.

Further information on the verge garden guidelines can be found on Brisbane City Council's website.