services special committee minutes · services special committee minutes 30/11/15 city of...

SERVICES SPECIAL COMMITTEE

MINUTES (Open to the public)

Monday 30 November 2015 Council Chamber, 8 Inglesby Road, Camberwell. Commencement 6.34pm Attendance Councillor Steve Hurd (Chairperson)

Councillor Jim Parke (Mayor) Councillor Jane Addis Councillor Kevin Chow Councillor Phillip Healey Councillor Heinz Kreutz (6.36pm) Councillor Philip Mallis Councillor Coral Ross Councillor Judith Voce Councillor Jack Wegman

Apologies Nil Officers Phillip Storer - Chief Executive Officer

Marilyn Kearney - Director Corporate Services John Luppino - Director City Planning Carolyn McClean - Director Community Development Bruce Dobson - Director Environment and Infrastructure Deb Ganderton - Executive Manager Communications &

Engagement Adam Hall - Manager Environment and Sustainable Living Chris Hurley - Manager Commercial & Property Services Kylie Mussared - Manager Family, Youth & Recreation Michael Somerville - Manager Local Laws Charles Turner - Manager Projects & Strategy David Thompson - Manager Governance Andrew McHugh - Snr Coordinator Recreation and Wellbeing George Batsakis - Snr Coordinator Asset Maintenance &

Support Christine Karabourniotis - Acting Coordinator Local Laws Pru Smith - Coordinator Landscape and Design Janet Shortal - Maternal & Child Health Coordinator Karl Sebbage - Coordinator Drainage Maintenance Cid Mariani - Coordinator Civil Projects John Lorkin - Coordinator Revenue and Property Andrew Dowling - Coordinator Governance

Michaela Skett - Team Leader Environmental Planning Adel Calache - Senior Project Architect Joe Capomolla - Project Manager Andrea Lomdahl - Senior Environmental Planner Tom Scanlan - Recreation Planner

Adoption and confirmation of the minutes Moved Councillor Parke Seconded Councillor Voce That the minutes of the Services Special Committee meeting held on 12 October 2015 be adopted and confirmed. CARRIED

Services Special Committee Minutes 30/11/15

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Table of contents

1. Declaration of conflict of interest of any councillor or council officer 4

2. Presentation of officer reports 4

SC1 Draft Sport and Recreation Strategy 16

SC2 Contract 2016/31, Provision of Animal Pound Services 5

SC3 Contract 2016/38, Drainage Pit Clearances and Associated Services 6

SC4 Contract 2016/85, Auburn Kindergarten and Childcare Centre Refurbishment Works 7

SC5 Graffiti Strategy - request to proceed with public consultation 18

SC6 Contract 2016/4, Glenferrie Oval, Grace Park and LE Bray Water Management Plan -Stormwater Harvesting - Stage 1 Construction 8

SC7 Rear of 976 to 988 Burke Road and 6 to 14 Wills Street and adjoining 2 Eyre Street, Balwyn - Proposed discontinuance and sale of right of way (road) 9

SC8 Rear 16 to 30 Renwick Street, 8 to 12 Howie Street and 17 to 33 Dillon Grove, Glen Iris - Proposed discontinuance and sale of road reserve 10

SC9 Contract 2016/62, North East Community Hub - Architectural Services 12

SC10 Burwood Village Shopping Centre - Marketing and Business Development Fund 13

SC11 Adoption of Updated Naturestrip Guidelines 19

3. General business

GB1 Leave of Absence Councillor Voce - 7 to 11 December 2015 20

GB2 International Day of People with a Disability 20

4. Urgent business 20

5. Confidential business 21


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1. Declaration of conflict of interest of any councillor or council officer Councillor Voce foreshadowed she would be applying for a leave of absence under General Business and would be declaring an associated conflict of interest. 2. Presentation of officer reports Procedural motion MOTION Moved Councillor Healey Seconded Councillor Parke That the following items:

SC2 Contract 2016/31, Provision of Animal Pound Services SC3 Contract 2016/38, Drainage Pit Clearances and Associated

Services SC4 Contract 2016/85, Auburn Kindergarten and Childcare Centre

Refurbishment Works SC6 Contract 2016/4, Glenferrie Oval, Grace Park and LE Bray Water

Management Plan -Stormwater Harvesting - Stage 1 Construction SC7 Rear of 976 to 988 Burke Road and 6 to 14 Wills Street and

adjoining 2 Eyre Street Balwyn - Proposed discontinuance and sale of right of way (road)

SC8 Rear 16 to 30 Renwick Street, 8 to 12 Howie Street and 17 to 33 Dillon Grove, Glen Iris - Proposed discontinuance and sale of road reserve

SC9 Contract 2016/62, North East Community Hub - Architectural Services

SC10 Burwood Village Shopping Centre - Marketing and Business Development Fund

be moved en bloc as per the officers' recommendations outlined in the agenda. CARRIED


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SC2 Contract 2016/31, Provision of Animal Pound Services This report seeks Council endorsement for the award of Contract 2016/31, Provision of Animal Pound Services. This contract will provide animal pound services for up to the next nine years and is a replacement for an existing contract which has reached the end of its maximum term. Costs under this contract will vary in accordance with a number of factors including the number and type of animals impounded or kept at the shelter. Costs will also be offset through the payment of release fees by animal owners retrieving their impounded animals. Based upon an estimated per annum cost, not offset by release fee revenue, of $104,347 (including GST), the estimated cost of this contract for the remaining seven months of the 2015/16 financial year is $60,869 (including GST), and is in accordance with Council's amended September budget. Expenditure in future years will be in accordance with approved budget allocations. Because of the value of the contract it was publicly tendered in accordance with the requirements of section 186 of the Local Government Act 1989. There were no speakers wishing to make submissions to Council for this item. MOTION Moved Councillor Healey Seconded Councillor Parke That the Services Special Committee resolve: 1. To award Contract 2016/31, Provision of Animal Pound Services, to:

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Victoria)

(‘RSPCA’) (ACN 131 965 761) at their tendered Schedule of Rates for an initial contract term of three (3) years with possible extensions to a maximum contract term of nine (9) years. The estimated contract cost for the maximum term is $939,124 (including GST) and excluding any price adjustment due to rise and fall or cost offset through release fee revenue. The estimated cost to Council after return of GST Input Credits is $853,749.

2. To authorise the Chief Executive Officer or such other person that the Chief Executive Officer selects for the purpose of giving effect to this resolution to execute the contract agreements with the above contractor.

3. To authorise the Chief Executive Officer or such other person that the Chief Executive Officer selects for the purpose of giving effect to this resolution to negotiate extensions to Contract 2016/31, Provision of Animal Pound Services, with the above contractor to the maximum nine (9) year contract term.

4. To note that expenditure under this contract in 2015/16 is in accordance with Council's adopted budget and expenditure in future years will be in accordance with the approved budget allocations.


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5. To note that the estimated cost of the contract and the amount of revenue

offsetting Council’s costs are dependent upon a number of variables, including; the number of animals impounded; the type of animal impounded; the number of animals collected by owners; the number of animals requiring rehousing; and the reason for an animal’s impounding.

CARRIED

SC3 Contract 2016/38, Drainage Pit Clearances and Associated Services This report seeks Council endorsement for the award of Contract No. 2016/38, Drainage Pit Clearances and Associated Services. This contract will provide proactive and reactive stormwater pit cleaning for up to the next five years and is a replacement for an existing contract which has reached the end of its maximum term. The estimated cost of this contract in 2015-16 is $75,000 which is in accordance with Council's current adopted budget. Expenditure in future years will be in accordance with approved budget allocations. Because of the value of the contract it was publicly tendered in accordance with the requirements of section 186 of the Local Government Act 1989. There were no speakers wishing to make submissions to Council for this item. MOTION Moved Councillor Healey Seconded Councillor Parke That the Services Special Committee resolve: 1. To award Contract No. 2016/38, Drainage Pit Clearances and Associated

Services, to MetroEnviro Maintenance Pty Ltd (ACN 167 038 495) as Trustee for the Metro Enviro Maintenance Trust (ABN 73 418 120 610) trading as Eldarin Services Metro, at their tendered Schedule of Rates for an initial contract term of three years with possible extensions to a maximum contract term of five years. The estimated contract cost for the maximum term is $750,000 (including GST). The cost to Council after the return of the GST Tax Input Credits is $682,000.

2. To authorise the Chief Executive Officer or such other person that the Chief Executive Officer selects for the purpose of giving effect to this resolution to execute the contract agreement with the above contractor.

3. To authorise the Chief Executive Officer or such other person that the Chief Executive Officer selects for the purpose of giving effect to this resolution to negotiate extensions to Contract No. 2016/38, Drainage Pit Clearances and Associated Services, with the above contractor to the maximum five year contract term.

4. To note that expenditure under this contract in 2015-16 is in accordance with Council's adopted budget and expenditure in future years will be in accordance with the approved budget allocations.

CARRIED


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SC4 Contract 2016/85, Auburn Kindergarten and Childcare Centre Refurbishment Works

This report seeks Council endorsement for the award of Contract No. 2016/85, Auburn Kindergarten and Childcare Centre Refurbishment Works. This project involves the upgrade and extension of the existing building to meet both current standards and provide a building layout that satisfies the centres operational needs. The estimated cost of this contract is $635,072 including GST which is in accordance with Council's September amended budget for this project. A selective tendering process was conducted from Contractors on the State Government Construction Supplier Register which is in accordance with the requirements of section 186 of the Local Government Act 1989. There were no speakers wishing to make submissions to Council for this item. MOTION Moved Councillor Healey Seconded Councillor Parke That the Services Special Committee resolve: 1. To award Contract No. 2016/85, Auburn Kindergarten and Childcare

Centre Refurbishment Works, to Kirchner Constructions Pty Ltd (ACN 073 445 388) at a cost of $635,071.80 (including GST). The cost to Council after the return of the GST Tax Input Credits is $577,338.

2. To authorise the Chief Executive Officer or such other person that the

Chief Executive Officer selects for the purpose of giving effect to this resolution to execute the contract agreement with the above contractor.

3. To note that expenditure under this contract is in accordance with

Council's 2015-16 September amended budget. CARRIED


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SC6 Contract 2016/4, Glenferrie Oval, Grace Park and LE Bray Water Management Plan -Stormwater Harvesting - Stage 1 Construction

This report seeks Council endorsement for the award of Contract No. 2016/4, Glenferrie Oval, Grace Park and LE Bray Reserve Water Management Plan - Stormwater Harvesting - Stage 1 Construction. This contract involves implementation of a stormwater harvesting system (including extraction, treatment, underground storage and distribution infrastructure), associated landscape works, and other necessary infrastructure to accommodate a future irrigation system. The estimated cost of this contract is $1,475,940 excluding GST which is in accordance with Council's 2015-16 September Amended budget which includes $1,200,000 in grant funding from the State Government and Melbourne Water. Because of the value of the contract it was publicly tendered in accordance with the requirements of section 186 of the Local Government Act 1989. There were no speakers wishing to make submissions to Council for this item. MOTION Moved Councillor Healey Seconded Councillor Parke That the Services Special Committee resolve: 1. To award Contract No. 2016/4, Glenferrie Oval, Grace Park and LE Bray

Reserve Water Management Plan - Stormwater Harvesting - Stage 1 Construction, to Simpson Construction Company Pty Ltd (ACN 006 655 376) at a cost of $1,623,534 (including GST). The cost to Council after the return of the GST Tax Input Credits is $1,475,940.




Council's adopted 2015-16 budget. 4. To authorise the Chief Executive Officer or his delegate to vary this

contract by up to $221,391 excluding GST (approximately 15% of the contract sum) should the contractual requirement warrant such variation and the project costs are within the allocated budget.

CARRIED


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SC7 Rear of 976 to 988 Burke Road and 6 to 14 Wills Street and adjoining 2 Eyre Street, Balwyn - Proposed discontinuance and sale of right of way (road)

This report is to consider commencement of the statutory procedures to discontinue and sell the road at the rear of 976 to 988 Burke Road and 6 to 14 Wills Street and adjoining 2 Eyre Street, Balwyn. The section of road is no longer required for public access and has been enclosed with the adjoining properties for in excess of 15 years. Consultation has been undertaken with relevant Council departments and external service authorities as detailed in section 5 of the report. No objections have been received. Adjoining owners have also been notified of the proposal and to date no objections have been received. The proposed commencement of the statutory procedures requires Council to give public notice of its intention to discontinue and sell the road and invite submissions from affected parties. The report also proposes that consideration be given to applying relevant Policy Statements from Council’s Discontinuance of Roads and Reserves Policy. There were no speakers wishing to make submissions to Council for this item. MOTION Moved Councillor Healey Seconded Councillor Parke That the Services Special Committee of Council acting under section 206 clause 3 of Schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 1989 (“the Act”) resolve to: 1. Commence the statutory procedures to discontinue the road at the rear of

976 to 988 Burke Road and 6 to 14 Wills Street and adjoining 2 Eyre Street, Balwyn, shown hatched in Attachment 1 and as annexed to the minutes.

2. Give Public Notice of the proposed discontinuance in the appropriate

newspaper and on Council’s website, under sections 82A, 207A and 223 of the Act, and for such notice to state that if discontinued, Council proposes to sell the land from the road to the adjoining owners by private treaty.

3. If no submissions are received following the publication of the Public

Notice, authorise the Chief Executive Officer, or such other person as the Chief Executive Officer approves, to undertake the necessary procedural steps to complete the formal procedures for the discontinuance and sale of the land from the road, to the adjoining owners, including the execution of all relevant documentation, in accordance with the purchase price detailed in Attachment 4 and annexed to the confidential minutes.


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4. Note that the discontinuance and sale will not affect any right, power or

interest held by Yarra Valley Water Corporation and Boroondara City Council, in the road in connection with any sewers, drains or pipes under the control of Yarra Valley Water Corporation and Boroondara City Council in or near the road.

5. In the event submissions are received, note that a further report will be

presented to Council to enable consideration of the submissions. CARRIED

SC8 Rear 16 to 30 Renwick Street, 8 to 12 Howie Street and 17 to 33 Dillon Grove, Glen Iris - Proposed discontinuance and sale of road reserve

This report is to consider commencement of the statutory procedures to discontinue and sell the road adjoining the rear of 16 to 30 Renwick Street, 8 to 12 Howie Street and 17 to 33 Dillon Grove, Glen Iris and the reserve (revenge strip) adjoining 17 to 33 Dillon Grove, Glen Iris. The section of road is no longer required for public access and has been enclosed within the adjoining properties for in excess of 15 years. The section of reserve (revenge strip) is no longer required for the purpose for which is was reserved and has been enclosed with the adjoining properties for in excess of 15 years. Consultation has been undertaken with relevant Council departments and external service authorities as detailed in section 5 of the report. No objections have been received. Adjoining owners have also been notified of the proposal and to date no objections have been received. It will be necessary for Council to undertake the following: Procedures under section 206 Clause 3 of Schedule 10 of the Local

Government Act 1989 to discontinue and sell the road. Procedures under part 4 of the Planning & Environment Act 1987 and sections

24A and 35(8) of the Subdivision Act 1988 to vest the reserve in Council, remove (discontinue) reserve status from the reserve and subdivide the land from both the reserve and discontinued road.

Procedures under section 189 of the Local Government Act 1989 for the sale of the land from the discontinued reserve.

The proposed commencement of the statutory procedures requires Council to give public notice of its intention to discontinue and sell the road and reserve and invite submissions from affected parties. The report also proposes that consideration be given to applying relevant Policy Statements from Council’s Discontinuance of Roads and Reserves Policy.


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There were no speakers wishing to make submissions to Council for this item. MOTION Moved Councillor Healey Seconded Councillor Parke That the Services Special Committee of Council resolve to: 1. Commence the statutory procedures, pursuant to section 206 Clause 3 of

Schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 1989 (“the Act”) for the discontinuance and sale of the road at the rear of 16 to 30 Renwick Street, 8 to 12 Howie Street and 17 to 33 Dillon Grove, Glen Iris, shown hatched in Attachment 1 and as annexed to the minutes.

2. Commence the statutory procedures, pursuant to section 189 of the Act

for the sale of the land from the 0.3m wide reserve (revenge strip) at the rear of 17 to 33 Dillon Grove, Glen Iris, shown cross-hatched in Attachment 1 and as annexed to the minutes.

3. Give Public Notice of the proposed discontinuance and sale of the road

and reserve in the appropriate newspaper and on Council’s website, under sections 82A, 189, 207A and 223 of the Act and for such notice to state that Council proposes to sell the land to the abutting property owners by private treaty.

4. Note that procedures will be undertaken pursuant to part 4 of the

Planning & Environment Act 1987 and sections 24A and 35(8) of the Subdivision Act 1988 to vest the reserve in Council, remove (discontinue) reserve status from the reserve and subdivide the land from the reserve and the discontinued road.

5. That the land from the road and reserve be sold to the adjoining property

owners in accordance with the purchase prices detailed in Attachment 5 and annexed to the confidential minutes.

6. If no submissions are received following the publication of the Public

Notice, authorise the Chief Executive Officer, or such other person as the Chief Executive Officer approves, to undertake the necessary procedural steps to complete the formal procedures for discontinuance of the road and reserve and sale of the land to the adjoining owners, including the execution of all relevant documentation.

7. In the event submissions are received, note that a further report will be

presented to Council to enable consideration of the submissions. CARRIED


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SC9 Contract 2016/62, North East Community Hub - Architectural Services The North East Precinct Action Plan 2010-12 was endorsed by Council in 2010. It included actions to expand existing services/facilities in the North East, to cater for the identified needs of different demographic groups, and to explore the feasibility of an additional community facility in the Balwyn North area. In 2013-14, Council consulted with the North Balwyn RSL Sub-Branch about using its site in 2 Centre Way, Balwyn for a community hub. In mid-2014, the Sub-Branch members generously voted to give Council a long-term lease to the site to enable this. The hub is planned to incorporate the Maternal and Child Health Centre and the Greythorn Early Childhood Centre at 4 Trentwood Avenue, the two vacant lots at 2 Trentwood Avenue, and the RSL building. These buildings will be demolished in the second half of 2016. Extensive community consultation was undertaken during late 2013 to determine the service needs for the North East Community Hub. During 2014 sketch plans were developed and cost estimates prepared on the basis of the identified service needs. In November 2014, Croxon Ramsey Architects were appointed for Architectural Services, stage 1 - Planning and concept plan development. Consultation proceeded with the community and users of the facility, and this feedback has informed the project design. Croxon Ramsey Architects have now completed the concept plan based on the approved project brief and community consultation feedback. For the project to proceed, Project Architects need to be engaged for the detailed design, tender documentation and contract administration for this project. This report seeks Council endorsement for the award of Contract 2016/62, North East Community Hub Development Architectural and Consultancy Services to Group GSA Pty Ltd and endorsement of the concept plan developed in accordance with the project brief and community consultation. There were no speakers wishing to make submissions to Council for this item. MOTION Moved Councillor Healey Seconded Councillor Parke That the Services Special Committee resolve: 1. To award Contract No. 2016/62, North East Community Hub Development

- Architectural and Consultancy Services, to Group GSA Pty Ltd (ACN 002 113 779) at a cost of $688,776.00 (including GST). The cost to Council after the return of the GST Tax Input Credits is $626,160.00.




Council's adopted 2015-16 budget.


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4. To note and endorse the concept plan for the North East Community Hub

included in Attachment 2 (as annexed to the minutes). CARRIED

SC10 Burwood Village Shopping Centre - Marketing and Business Development Fund

This report recommends that Council give public notice of its intention to declare the Burwood Village Special Rate and Charge (proposed Scheme renewal) as required under Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989 (the Act). The current Burwood Village Special Rate and Charge Scheme will expire on 30 June 2016 and the Burwood Village Traders Association (BVTA) has requested that Council introduce a special rate and charge for the Burwood Village Shopping and Business Centre (Centre) to apply for five years from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2021 (inclusive). The current Scheme also has a five year term. The proposed Scheme renewal, if declared by Council, will support the Centre in achieving the vision and actions outlined in the Burwood Village Traders Association Strategic Business Plan 2016-2021 (Strategic Plan), and ensure that it is well placed to respond to ongoing competition from other centres as well as pressures for growth and development, helping the Centre to remain competitive and viable into the future. There are currently 105 rateable properties included in the proposed Scheme renewal as shown in the Plan outlined in Attachment 3. Further details of the proposed Scheme renewal are outlined in Attachment 4. In summary:

The area of the special rate includes properties along Toorak Road bounded by Warrigal Road to the east and Outlook Drive to the west and including a small number of properties on Warrigal Road to the south and north of Toorak Road.

A rate of 0.09 cents in the dollar of the Capital Improved Value (CIV) will be levied on each rateable property in the proposed Scheme renewal area subject to a minimum charge of $550 in years one, two and three and a minimum charge of $600 in the fourth and fifth years payable per occupancy per annum.

No Consumer Price Index (CPI) will be applied to the rate in the dollar during the term of the proposed Scheme renewal.

The BVTA Committee has been actively involved in the formulation of the proposed Scheme renewal and has considered the needs of the Centre and the current economic climate in striving to minimise costs to businesses and property owners associated with delivering the marketing and promotion program for the Centre. The proposed Scheme renewal, if declared, is anticipated to raise approximately $76,000 in the first year with a total levy of approximately $386,000 expected over five years. The amount levied is likely to increase along with increases in the CIV of rateable properties over the life of the proposed Scheme due to revaluations. Supplementary valuations can also result in variations in the CIV of rateable properties and thus the amount levied


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There were no speakers wishing to make submissions to Council for this item. MOTION Moved Councillor Healey Seconded Councillor Parke That the Services Special Committee resolve to: 1. Receive and note the request from the Burwood Village Traders

Association (BVTA) to commence the statutory process for the proposed declaration of a Special Rate and Charge for a Marketing and Business Development Fund for the Burwood Village Shopping and Business Centre (the Centre) for five years, commencing 1 July 2016.

2. Give notice of its intention to declare a Special Rate and Charge for the

Centre in accordance with Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989 as follows:

a. a Burwood Village Special Rate and Charge be declared for a period

of five years commencing on 1 July 2016 and concluding on 30 June 2021.

b. the Burwood Village Special Rate and Charge be:

i. declared for the purpose of defraying expenses of advertising,

promotion, centre management, business development and other incidental expenses associated with the encouragement of commerce in the Centre, which Council considers is or will be of special benefit to those persons required to pay the Burwood Village Special Rate and Charge; and

ii. implemented by carrying out or enabling to be carried out

activities that help achieve the purpose ("the function");

c. the following be specified as the manner in which the Burwood Village Special Rate and Charge so declared will be assessed and levied:

i. A rate of 0.09 cents in the dollar of the Capital Improved Value

(CIV) will be levied on each rateable property in the proposed Scheme renewal area subject to a minimum charge of $550 in years one, two and three and a minimum charge of $600 in the fourth and fifth years payable per occupancy per annum.

ii. For the purposes of this paragraph, the CIV of each parcel of

rateable land is the CIV of that parcel of land at the time of levying the special rate and charge in each year (so that the CIV may alter during the period in which the special rate and charge is in force, reflecting any revaluations and supplementary valuations which take place).


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d. the following be specified as the area for which the special rate and

charge is so declared: the area highlighted in the plan annexed to this report ('the area').

For the purposes of this paragraph, the area can be described generally as follows:

i. The area of the special rate includes properties along Toorak

Road bounded by Warrigal Road to the east and Outlook Drive to the west and including a small number of properties on Warrigal Road to the south and north of Toorak Road. (Attachment 3).

e. the following be specified as the land in relation to which the

Burwood Village Special Rate and Charge is so declared: all land within the area primarily used or adapted or designed to be used for commercial purposes.

f. the following be specified as the total amount of performing the

function and the total amount of the special rate and charge to be levied: the amount of approximately $76,000 in the first year of the scheme with a total amount of approximately $386,000 over the five years of the scheme having regard to adjustments in the CIV of the rateable properties and the minimum charges as described in paragraph 2(c) of this resolution or such other amount as is lawfully levied as a consequence of this resolution.

g. for the purposes of section 163(2B) of the Local Government Act

1989, the benefit ratio, being the estimated proportion of the total benefits of the scheme to which the performance of the function or the exercise of the power relates (including all special benefits and community benefits) that will accrue as special benefits to all of the persons who are liable to pay the special rate and charge, is 100%, as the community benefit is considered to be nil.

h. the following be specified as the criteria to be used as the basis for

declaring the special rate and charge: ownership of any land described in paragraph 2(e) of this resolution.

i. the owners of the land described in paragraph 2(e) of this resolution

will, subject to further resolution of Council, pay the special rate and charge in the following manner: on the same date or dates as Council's general rates are due.

j. Council will, subject to the Local Government Act 1989, require a

person to pay interest on any special rate and charge which that person is liable to pay and has not been paid to the date specified for its payment.

3. That Council records the reasons for the proposed declaration is because

in Council's opinion the Burwood Village Special Rate and Charge is or will be of special benefit to the persons required to pay it and is an exercise of its powers and functions in the best interests of the local community and for the peace, order and good government of its municipal district.


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4. Direct public notice of the proposed declaration of the Burwood Village

Special Rate and Charge be published in the local Progress Leader newspaper, and that written notice also be given to each person who will be liable to pay the special rate and charge generally as set out in the Public Notice and Letter to those liable to pay that are annexed to this report.

5. Consider any submissions and objections received by Council in

accordance with Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989 at the Council meeting on Tuesday 26 April 2016 or such other date as Council subsequently determines.

CARRIED

SC1 Draft Sport and Recreation Strategy A draft Sport and Recreation Strategy (the draft Strategy) has been developed and will supersede the 2006 Sports Strategy. The purpose of the draft Strategy is to provide a roadmap for further development of sport and recreation across the municipality to enable all people to be more active more often. The draft Strategy builds upon the achievements of the Boroondara Sports Strategy 2006. Since the development of the Strategy in 2006, there have been significant changes to sport and recreation trends. The draft Strategy identifies contemporary issues and provides a strategic framework to guide Council’s decision making in response to the sport and recreation needs of the Boroondara community. A policy and literature review, audit of sport and recreation activities in Boroondara, demographic and participation analysis and extensive community consultation involving more than 3,465 people has informed the development of the draft Strategy. As an outcome, key priorities have been identified. Sport and recreation makes a substantial contribution to the overall physical, social and economic health of the community. While all forms of physical activity contribute to health and wellbeing, many activities, including sports clubs and group based activities, also provide opportunities for social connections and contribute to building social capital. The combination of physical activity and social connections can lead to improved mental health and social inclusion. Integral to the provision of sport and recreation in Boroondara is the role of volunteers. It has been identified that many people would like to volunteer at a sporting activity but currently do not; including a large number of young people. By comparison, sporting clubs identified the difficulty in recruiting and retaining volunteers which is impacting on their sustainability. There is a clear opportunity to facilitate linkages between people wanting to volunteer and clubs looking for volunteers, further strengthening the social capital of the community. Sport and recreation participation rates by Boroondara residents are higher than National and State levels. Consultation with the community identified that Boroondara residents appreciate the extensive range and network of high quality and well maintained sportsgrounds, open spaces and recreation facilities available to them. These spaces and facilities are likely to be a major contributor to the high participation rates in sport and recreation by Boroondara residents. There is a broad range of uses that these assets cater for, including structured and unstructured sport and recreation as well as informal activities.


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While the overall participation rate in sport and recreation is high for Boroondara residents, research has found that some members of the community face additional barriers to participation and therefore participate less. This is particularly true among people with a disability, older people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. More broadly, residents of Boroondara identified that not having enough time, lack of programs or access to facilities, cost, difficulty in getting to, and no one to go with are the main barriers to participation. There are readily achievable ways to overcome many of these barriers however some may be more complex to remedy. There are high demands placed on sportsgrounds across Boroondara, with structured and unstructured sport and recreation, school use and some commercial use all vying for access. This provides a challenge for Council however a number of actions are proposed to encourage the coexistence of various activities. Further to this, with limited ability to develop new sportsgrounds, there is an opportunity to increase the capacity of existing sportsgrounds to meet the high levels of demand. Initiatives to increase capacity include the installation of synthetic surfaces, sportsground lighting, improved drainage and irrigation and effective allocation of ground users. Similarly it has been identified that the demand for indoor courts within highball stadiums are reaching capacity at peak times and opportunities should be explored to partner with local schools to increase capacity and community access. It has also been found that there is demand for a skate and BMX facility in the north of the municipality to meet the needs of young people and families. Consultation and research also revealed the following opportunities for the draft Strategy:

improve communication to increase the community’s awareness of physical activity opportunities

maintain valid participation data to make informed decisions reduce barriers to participation for underrepresented groups to encourage

participation by all improve the safety of residents to participate in sport and recreation provide effective management of sport and recreation infrastructure allocation build the capacity of community sport and recreation groups.

The draft Strategy’s objectives are designed to respond to challenges and opportunities and will align with the Boroondara Public Health and Wellbeing Plan themes. This alignment demonstrates the role that sport and recreation plays in improving health and wellbeing. It is anticipated that an internal reference group will help guide the delivery of the draft Strategy’s action plan in order to achieve the desired outcomes. There were no speakers wishing to make submissions to Council for this item. MOTION Moved Councillor Ross Seconded Councillor Parke That the Services Special Committee resolve to endorse the draft City of Boroondara Sport and Recreation Strategy to be placed on public exhibition for community consultation from 1 December 2015 to 18 December 2015. CARRIED


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SC5 Graffiti Strategy - request to proceed with public consultation The existing Boroondara Graffiti Program was adopted in 2001 and introduced a multi-faceted approach to graffiti management across the municipality. The program has aimed to develop a consistent process for removal and reporting, to increase public awareness of the issue of graffiti and to develop education and prevention programs.

Council has implemented initiatives that were identified in the Program, as well as introduced additional initiatives based on consultation with other councils and best practice. There has however been no formal review since that time. Council officers with the assistance of specialist consultants have undertaken a review of the existing Graffiti Program which has included benchmarking, researching, and exploring modern initiatives in graffiti management including approaches to prevention, reporting and response.

A draft Graffiti Management Strategy has been developed with the purpose of setting out a proactive, coordinated and collaborative approach to graffiti management in Boroondara. The strategy is structured around six themes into which specific objectives and actions have been grouped, as follows:

Reporting - this theme covers reporting of graffiti to Council, and by Council to other parties

Removal - addresses the action that Council takes in order to remove graffiti on Council and private property

Partnerships - covers the ways in which Council works with other organisations to assist in graffiti management

Prevention - focuses on efforts by Council to prevent graffiti occurring including physical deterrents

Advocacy - this theme informs action in relation to graffiti on assets owned by other authorities which Council does not control

Internal Governance - the structure within Council to oversee implementation of the strategy

Objectives have been determined for each strategy and an accompanying action plan has been developed with a mix of continuing current actions and new initiatives. The draft strategy included as Attachment 1 considers the approach to graffiti on Council property, as well as how Council may influence the removal of graffiti on assets managed by other public authorities. The accompanying action plan is included as Attachment 2. Having prepared the draft strategy, it is now intended to seek feedback from the community before the strategy is then finalised for adoption by Council.


City of Boroondara

There were no speakers wishing to make submissions to Council for this item. MOTION Moved Councillor Ross Seconded Councillor Voce That the Services Special Committee resolve to endorse the draft Graffiti Management Strategy (as annexed to the minutes) for the purpose of community consultation. CARRIED

SC11 Adoption of Updated Naturestrip Guidelines Council’s Naturestrip Guidelines (Attachment 1) were adopted in August 2010 as an Administrative Policy with a revocation/sunset date of five years. The Urban Biodiversity Strategy Implementation Plan 2013 - 2017 includes a funded priority initiative to ‘review and revise the guidelines to be more user-friendly and to encourage planting of appropriate indigenous species in naturestrips adjacent to biodiversity corridors’. Most policy aspects of the current guidelines (and associated permit process) have remained unchanged in the revised draft Naturestrip Guidelines 2015 (Attachment 2). The (non-lawn) alternatives permitted remain: planting with suitable groundcovers and/or low growing shrubs; or a permeable treatment or organic mulch or compacted fine gravel. The list of ‘not permitted’ elements has been consolidated and clarified. The updated Naturestrip Guidelines presents information on renovation and maintenance of naturestrips in Boroondara in a user-friendly format and with a particular focus on supporting local biodiversity. Once the updated Naturestrip Guidelines have been endorsed by the Services Special Committee, they will be published on Council's website. Three speakers opposed to the officers' recommendation addressed the meeting. MOTION Moved Councillor Ross Seconded Councillor Mallis That the Services Special Committee resolve to: 1. Endorse the Naturestrip Guidelines 2015, as annexed to the minutes

subject to the removal of “fragrant herbs” as a suggested groundcover for use in naturestrips.


City of Boroondara

2. Receive a further report in February 2017 to consider community

feedback and review the operation of the Naturestrip Guidelines 2015 including, but not limited to, the potential for a “user pays” system for risk mitigation and a discussion of risk mitigation employed by other Councils.

CARRIED 3. General business

GB1 Leave of Absence Councillor Voce - 7 to 11 December 2015 Councillor Voce requested a leave of absence from Council for the period 7 to 11 December 2015 inclusive. Councillor Voce declared a direct Conflict of Interest in this item in accordance with Section 77B of the Local Government Act 1989. Councillor Voce advised the nature of the interest was "Council's decision will directly affect my interests”. Councillor Voce left the Chamber at 7.29pm prior to the consideration and vote on this item. Councillor Ross left the Chamber at 7.30pm. MOTION Moved Councillor Parke Seconded Councillor Healey That the Services Special Committee resolve to grant a Leave of Absence to Councillor Voce for the period 7 to 11 December 2015 inclusive CARRIED

GB2 International Day of People with a Disability Councillor Hurd advised Council that Thursday 3 December 2015 was International Day of People with a Disability noting Council was holding an event on disability employment pathways in the Parkview Room at the Camberwell Civic Precinct and encouraged Councillors to attend if possible. 4. Urgent business Nil


City of Boroondara

5. Confidential business Nil The meeting concluded at 7.32pm Confirmed Chairperson ____________________________________________ Date ____________________________________________

MINUTES ATTACHMENTS

Services Special Committee Monday 30 November 2015 Attachments annexed to the minutes for the following items: SC5 Graffiti Strategy - request to proceed with public

consultation SC7 Rear of 976 to 988 Burke Road and 6 to 14 Wills Street

and adjoining 2 Eyre Street, Balwyn - Proposed discontinuance and sale of right of way (road)

SC8 Rear 16 to 30 Renwick Street, 8 to 12 Howie Street and

17 to 33 Dillon Grove, Glen Iris - Proposed discontinuance and sale of road reserve

SC9 Contract 2016/62, North East Community Hub -

Architectural Services SC11 Adoption of Updated Naturestrip Guidelines

Graffiti Management Strategy 2015

1


Responsible Directorate: Environment and Infrastructure Authorised by: <Council> Date of adoption: <Date> Review date: <Date> Expiration date: <Date>


City of Boroondara SC5 Page 1 of 22______________________________________________________________________________________

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2

Table of contents

1. Executive summary ......................................... 3

2. Introduction ...................................................... 42.1. Purpose 42.2. Policy context 4

3. Background ...................................................... 53.1. Legal framework 53.2. Cost of graffiti 63.3. Areas and assets most vulnerable 73.4. Boroondara Graffiti Program 2001 93.5. Partnerships and community involvement 10

4. Research ........................................................... 124.1. Community Voice Panel feedback 124.2. Comparative approaches / benchmarking 16

5. Strategy themes and objectives ..................... 21

6. Implementing and monitoring ........................ 226.1. Accountabilities 226.2. Evaluation 22



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3

1. Executive summary

The existing Boroondara Graffiti Program was adopted in 2001 and introduced a multi-faceted approach to graffiti management across the municipality. The program aimed to develop a consistent process for removal and reporting, to increase public awareness of the issue of graffiti and to develop education and prevention programs.

Council has implemented initiatives that were identified in the Program, as well as introduced additional initiatives based on consultation with other councils and best practice. There has however been no formal review since that time.

The City of Boroondara engaged the services of Capire Consulting Group in 2014 to undertake a review of the existing Graffiti Program. The review process focused on the following items:

Benchmark Council’s current practices against other local governments throughout Australia and internationally.

Research the current practices of public asset owners in order to understand how Council can work better with them to address graffiti on their assets in the municipality.

Explore modern initiatives in graffiti management including approaches to prevention, reporting and response.

The purpose of Council’s Graffiti Management Strategy is to set out a proactive, coordinated and collaborative approach to graffiti management in Boroondara.

The strategy is structured around six themes into which specific objectives and actions have been grouped, as follows:

1. Reporting - this theme covers reporting of graffiti to Council, and by Council to other parties 2. Removal - addresses the action that Council takes in order to remove graffiti on Council and

private property 3. Partnerships - covers the ways in which Council works with other organisations to assist in graffiti

management 4. Prevention - focuses on efforts by Council to prevent graffiti occurring inlcuding physical

deterrents. 5. Advocacy - this theme informs action in relation to graffiti on assets owned by other authorities

which Council does not control 6. Internal Governance - the structure within Council to oversee implementation of the strategy

Objectives have been determined for each strategy and an accompanying action plan has been developed with a mix of continuing current actions and new initiatives.

The strategy considers the approach to graffiti on Council property, as well as how Council may influence the removal of graffiti on assets managed by other public authorities.

Council will work together with internal stakeholders, external agencies and the community to deliver the actions outlined in the strategy.



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4

2. Introduction

2.1. PurposeCouncil has been providing graffiti removal services since 1996 and has implemented the Boroondara

Graffiti Program that was adopted by Council in 2001. This program has taken a multi-pronged approach

to graffiti management across the municipality. While additional activities have taken place over time, the

Program has not been formally reviewed since its implementation.

The review of the Program and development of a refreshed Graffiti Management Strategy has included

the following elements:

Benchmark Council’s current activities against other local governments and authorities both in

Australia and internationally.

Research the current approaches of public asset owners and utility providers in order to

understand how council can better work with them to address graffiti across the municipality.

Explore modern initiatives in graffiti management including approaches to prevention, reporting

and response.

Use the findings of this investigation to develop a revised graffiti management strategy.

The strategy considers the approach to graffiti on Council property, as well as how Council may influence the removal of graffiti on assets managed by other public authorities.

2.2. Policy context Council’s vision, set out in the Council Plan 2013-17, is for Boroondara to be ‘a vibrant and inclusive community with an outstanding quality of life’. The vision is supported by a number of themes, objectives and strategies including:

Theme Strategic objective Strategy

Enhanced amenity The character of our neighbourhoods is protected and improved

12 - Safety and amenity - We will implement appropriate policies, strategies and practices that will improve neighbourhood amenity and safety.

The development of the Graffiti Management Strategy and associated implementation plan directly supports the strategy of ‘safety and amenity’ and contributes to the achievement of the vision for Boroondara.



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5

3. Background

3.1. Legal framework

3.1.1 Victorian legislation

The Graffiti Prevention Act 2007 defines graffiti as to ‘write, draw, mark, scratch or otherwise deface

property by any means so that the defacement is not readily removable by wiping with a dry cloth’.

The Act identifies six offences as follows:

1. Marking graffiti on property that is visible from a public place, without the owner’s consent

2. Marking graffiti that is visible from a public place if any part of the graffiti would offend a reasonable

person

3. Possessing a prescribed graffiti implement in certain places without a lawful excuse

4. Possessing a graffiti implement with the intent to mark graffiti

5. Advertising for sale a prescribed graffiti implement if the advertisement is likely to incite or promote

unlawful graffiti and the person intends this to be so.

6. Sale of aerosol paint container to a person under 18 years of age unless evidenced to be for work

purposes.

The penalties for infringement include a range of fines through to two years’ maximum imprisonment.

While enforcement of the Act is the role of Victoria Police, the Act provides the following powers to

Councils relating to removal of graffiti from private property:

1. Serve a notice on owner or occupier giving 28 days’ notice of the intended graffiti removal if entry into

the property is required. If entry is not required, only 10 days’ notice must be given. In either case, if

the property or occupier objects to the graffiti removal, Council cannot remove it;

2. Once permission is gained to remove graffiti Council can take further action to remove subsequent

graffiti within 12 months without giving further notice

3.1.2 Amenity Local Law

Council’s Amenity Local Law clause 41.1.5 states ‘An owner or occupier of private land must ensure that

the private land and any building or other structure on private land is kept free of any graffiti’ and further at

clause 41.2.3 that ‘An owner or occupier of private land must not allow any building or other structure on

that private land to be defaced’.

The Local Law provides for a penalty for a first or subsequent offence of 20 penalty units and 2 penalty

units for each day after a finding of guilt or conviction for an offence during which the contravention

continues.

There is an opportunity to review the Local Law to determine what further measures it could include to

assist with removal of graffiti from property not owned by Council.



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6

3.2. Cost of graffiti

The financial cost to Council of its graffiti management and removal programs over the past five financial

years is included below. This includes the direct cost of engaging contractors to remove graffiti, along

with materials provided by Council to private property owners such as subsidised paint and graffiti

removal kits.

Figure 1 - shows the total cost of graffiti management in Boroondara between 2009/10 and 2013/14.

Figure 1: Total cost of graffiti management in Boroondara

As illustrated, graffiti has cost Council a total of $1.432 million over the last five full financial years at an

average of $286,571 per annum. In real terms the total cost of graffiti management has remained

relatively steady over this period, apart from the spike in 2012-13, this provides some indication that

Council’s graffiti management program has been effective in dealing with graffiti on Council assets in the

municipality.

Graffiti clean-up in Boroondara is currently undertaken by an approved contractor who has a 24-hour

period in which to remove graffiti following notification, or a four-hour window for pieces deemed offensive.

Table 1 below shows the square meterage of graffiti removed and total spent on contracted graffiti

removal in Boroondara over the period from 2009/10 to 2014/15.

The data shows that while the scale of removal has remained relatively consistent over this period, the

cost of removal per square metre has increased due to the greater use of chemicals to remove graffiti as

a more effective treatment on non-painted surfaces rather than paint outs



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7

Table 1: Graffiti removed in Boroondara

Financial year Square metres of

graffiti removed

from Council

owned property

Total spend Ave cost per

square metre

2009/10 23,228 $186,808 $8.04

2010/11 25,117 $194,176 $7.73

2011/12 21,998 $213,040 $9.68

2012/13 23,735 $246,464 $10.38

2013/14 19,026 $217,082 $11.41

2014/15 18,055 $203,840 $11.28

The figures in Table 1 relate to graffiti removed from Council owned assets under contract. They do not include the cost of materials provided to residents to assist with graffiti removal on private property or the cost of the 50/50 cost share arrangement with shopping centre trader associations.

In recent years approximately $25,000 per annum has also been spent on graffiti education.

Table 2 shows the total spent on graffiti education in Boroondara primary and secondary schools in the last two financial years.

Table 2: Graffiti spent on Education Program

Financial Year No of

primary

schools

No of primary

school students

attended

No of secondary

schools

No of secondary

students attended

2013/14 18 1936 8 794

2014/15 14 898 7 788

3.3. Areas and assets most vulnerable

In contrast to general perceptions, no specific profile exists for a graffitist. Traditionally, it was assumed

that graffitists came from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and were males under 18. However, recent

graffiti related charges under the Graffiti Prevention Act 2007 in Victoria indicate a number of graffitists are

aged over 18 and come from a range of backgrounds.



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8

Prime locations for graffiti include “trains (and tracks), buses, shelters, vehicles, walls facing streets, traffic

signs, statues, vending machines, park benches, electricity poles, billboards, parking garages, schools,

fences, sheds and business walls”1. Targeted areas are generally highly visible. However areas where

graffiti is likely to be removed quickly are less preferred2.

Research and consultation with local government representatives identified a number of common factors

which may contribute to some areas being more prone to graffiti than others. These include:

Changes to the social demographic, including an increase in population or an increase in youth

travelling through the municipality.

Busy entertainment and nightlife precincts.

Proximity to major transport routes and pedestrian thoroughfares.

Heightened approaches towards graffiti management in adjacent council areas.

Knowledge in the graffiti community of a lack of security surveillance, and ongoing record

management systems.

An influx of vacant buildings in industrial and commercial precincts.

Neglected open spaces, potentially attracting criminal behaviour.

New developments, resulting in a new ‘blank canvas.’

Lack of application of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles,

including:

Passive surveillance

Lighting

High visibility and strong sightlines

Secure fencing

Appropriate landscaping

Specifically, a number of areas and assets have been identified in Boroondara which are most vulnerable

to graffiti across the municipality. These are listed in Table 3.

1 Morgan, A and Louis, E (2009) Key Issues in Graffiti: Research in Practice No. 6. Australian Institute of Criminology, December 2009 2 Bandaranaike, Suniti (2003) Graffiti Hotspots: Physical Environment or Human Dimension? Paper presented at the Graffiti and Disorder, Brisbane, 2003; http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/a-new-look-at-graffiti-writers-lives/



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Table 3: Areas and assets susceptible to graffiti in Boroondara

Council assets Private/public property

Public toilets

Council buildings, particularly in

parks/reserves

Playground equipment

Perimeter fencing at parks/reserves

Council owned bus shelters

Signs including directional, information and

traffic

Street furniture (bins and seats).

Railway sidings, bridges and stations

Buildings, particularly shops abutting laneways

Residential homes with rear access from laneways

Large industrial properties near railway corridors

Tram and bus shelters

Schools, including perimeter fences

Buildings with light coloured and/or rendered walls

Residential front fences

Tram and Power poles

Acoustical Walls along Freeways

3.4. Boroondara Graffiti Program 2001

Council’s Graffiti Program, adopted in 2001, has intended to provide a framework to remove and minimise

the occurrence of graffiti from public and private property. To achieve this, the program recognised that ‘a

co-ordinated and comprehensive approach is required by the whole community’.

In addition to private property, Council’s program also identified Council assets such as public toilets,

Council buildings, parks and reserves, fencing, bus shelters and signage as common targets for graffiti.

Public authority assets such as railway stations, utilities and schools were also identified as common

targets. However, it was recognised that responsibility for the maintenance of these assets ultimately rests

with public authorities.

To address the issue of graffiti in Boroondara, the existing strategy identified the following areas of focus,

along with a series of associated actions.

Timely cleaning and removal of graffiti – following notification, a 24 hour response time is allowed

for the clean-up of general graffiti, with a four hour response window for graffiti deemed offensive. A

graffiti hotline, managed by Council, has been established and promoted to enable the public to notify

Council of graffiti incidents.

Proactive graffiti audit – undertaken at monthly intervals along twelve main roads. Following these

audits, property/asset owners are informed in writing that graffiti removal is required.

Mandatory reporting of graffiti incidents on Council-owned buildings by contractors – reporting

mechanisms require contractors to report graffiti on daily basis.

Design responses –Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, lighting

design, colour selection and landscaping to enhance passive surveillance, increase the perception of

safety and reduce the likelihood of Council assets and buildings being a target for graffiti.



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10

Police reports – all graffiti is reported to police to assist them in the apprehension of graffiti

offenders. Reports also include photographic evidence as a visual record of the incident.

Community education –focused on crime prevention and includes education though media and in

schools. Community forums are also considered to discuss, educate and respond to issues.

Education programs have been provided to 3,020 students across 23 primary and seven secondary

schools over the last twelve months. The strategy recognised the opportunity to use the internet to

disseminate the message to a larger audience.

Community initiatives – to promote community involvement in response to the issue of graffiti. The

strategy recommended a number of initiatives on this theme.

Engagement with public authorities – to discuss current practices on graffiti removal and how to

minimise the occurrence of graffiti.

3.5. Partnerships and community involvement

Graffiti removal on Council-owned assets in Boroondara is currently undertaken by contractors engaged by Council. However, Council has entered into a series of partnerships to support a multi-pronged approach to graffiti management within the municipality.

Trader Associations

Partnership agreements have been established with nine Shopping Centre Trader Associations to remove

graffiti on private property via a proactive program. Partner associations oversee the following areas:

Camberwell Centre, incorporating Burke Road

High Street, Kew Junction

Mailing Road, Canterbury

Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn

Doncaster Road, Greythorn

High Street, Ashburton

Doncaster Road, North Balwyn

Toorak Road, Burwood

Trader associations operate graffiti management programs through a 50/50 cost share arrangement with Council.

Private property owners

While private property owners are responsible for graffiti removal from their properties, Council provides

assistance through a variety of arrangements:

Supported by Dulux through the provision of subsidised paint, Council issues up to four litres of free

paint to private property owners with reported graffiti.

Provision of a free environmentally friendly and biodegradable graffiti removal kit.

A graffiti hotline.



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11

The trial of a painting program for private fences abutting public open spaces commenced in 2006. It

is now common practice to paint out these fences with the owners’ consent.

Loaning larger graffiti removal kits to property owners for the removal of large areas of graffiti by high pressure cleaning. Council was successful in obtaining these kits through a Department of Justice grant application.

Broader community participation

Council has been committed to engaging community groups in public realm projects. With respect to graffiti management, council has previously implemented an ‘adopt a public place’ program which encourages the public to take ownership of a public area including proactive regular inspection and reporting of graffiti.

Public art

Council has undertaken a number of community arts programs including:

The Maling Road Shopping Precinct mural which depicts community life, but avoids the typical ‘street

art’ aesthetic.

The appointment of a network of graffiti artists to paint eight Vic Roads traffic signal boxes with

artwork in Canterbury Rd between Union Rd, Canterbury and Burke Rd, Camberwell. These works

incorporated tree motifs and have been a successful graffiti deterrent for these assets which are

regularly targeted by graffitists.

A community arts project was undertaken by Council's Youth Services department on a container at

the Boroondara Farmers Market. This project has reduced graffiti on the container and the parkland

near it.

A mural commissioned in the Camberwell Market laneway. The initiative was introduced to add colour

to the streetscape, and has also resulted in a significant reduction in graffiti incidences, both on the

mural surface and adjacent walls.

Public Asset owners

There is a lack of consistency in graffiti tolerance and management of public assets owned or managed

by authorities other than Council. Council has no jurisdiction to manage or remove graffiti on public

authority assets. These remain the responsibly of the asset owners such as VicRoads, Telstra, Citipower,

AGL, Metro Trains, United Energy, Yarra Trams, Australia Post and United Energy, and are subject to

their own reporting, management, and response processes.

The strategy identifies an opportunity to take a renewed approach to seeking agreed response times for public authorities' graffiti practices, and a targeted advocacy approach to this issue.



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12

4. Research

4.1. Community Voice Panel feedback The presence of graffiti can have a significant and direct impact on feelings of safety and security

experienced by the community3. A 2011 survey of Victorian local government areas completed as part of

the Inquiry into Locally Based Approaches to Community Safety and Crime Prevention4, found that 68 per

cent of respondents identified vandalism and graffiti as a key crime and safety issue for their municipality.

In March 2014, as part of Council’s ongoing ‘Our Voice’ forum, the community was asked about the issue

of graffiti in the local area. Boroondara Community Voice Panel members were asked ‘How can we

proactively reduce graffiti in Boroondara?’

A total of 24 comments were received from 20 individual panel members. While acknowledging the

relatively small sample size, the comments nonetheless provide useful information. The proposals in the

draft strategy will tested more broadly with the community and feedback considered when finalising the

strategy to be adopted by Council.

The primary themes emerging from these discussions are summarised below:

Graffiti is a complex issue; however, there is general support for Council’s zero tolerance

approach.

Education is deemed to be an important preventative measure and should focus on developing

a better understanding of graffiti culture.

Offenders should be educated to reduce the incidence of graffiti.

Creative solutions should be developed to divert offenders’ creative energy towards more

appropriate applications.

There is support for stronger enforcement, including greater accountability for offenders,

imposing higher penalties, and making offenders responsible for clean-up.

There is support for physical and design based preventative and deterrent measures including,

landscaping, surveillance and security in identified graffiti hot spots.

It was recognised that Council cannot be solely responsible for graffiti solutions and that

community involvement and collaboration with state government authorities and police is

important.

With respect to proposed solutions for graffiti in Boroondara, the panel’s responses were broken down

into five key themes listed below:

Policy Responsibility Prevention Deterrence Tools

3 Australian Institute of Criminology (2010) AI Crime Reduction Matters. No 18, January 2010; Morgan, A and Louis, E (2009), Key Issues in Graffiti: Research in Practice No. 6. Australian Institute of Criminology, December 2009 4 Parliament of Victoria, Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee (2012), Inquiry into Locally Based Approaches to Community Safety and Crime Prevention – final report



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13

Policy

Comment themes in this category were divided into five areas focussed on policy considerations to deter graffiti. Definitions for each area are provided below:

Deterrence - Policy measures focussed on deterring offenders Education - Increased education; education programs at schools. Perpetrator accountability - Policy measures focussed on making perpetrators/their family more accountable to the crime of graffiti. Alternative models - Suggestions to consider successful alternative models of controlling graffiti from jurisdictions outside of Boroondara. Zero Tolerance - Support for the current zero-tolerance approach in Boroondara; support for zero-tolerance approaches in other jurisdictions.

Responsibility

Comment themes in this category were divided into five areas focussed on how responsibility could be allocated to prevent graffiti. Definitions for each area are provided below.

Collaboration with police - work with police to catch offenders Volunteers - find volunteers to remove graffiti Business involvement - involve local businesses in the removal of graffiti Community involvement - increase community involvement in reporting and removing graffiti. State authorities - work with State Government authorities to remove graffiti; advocate for unified approach to graffiti removal.

0 5 10 15

Zero tolerance

Perpetrator accountability

Deterrence

No. of comments

Co

mm

ent

them

es

Policy

0 2 4 6 8

State authoritiesCommunity involvement

Business involvementVolunteers

Collaboration with police

No. of commentsCo

mm

ent

them

es

Responsibility



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14

Prevention

Comment themes in this category were divided into four areas focused on ways to prevent graffiti. Definitions for each area are provided below.

Mural designs - use murals to prevent graffiti; the rise of mural art overseas Battle of the laneways - use laneways as approved areas for street art; create a competition in laneways to promote street art Plants - grow plants such as creepers on walls and surfaces to prevent graffiti Approved locations - provide approved areas for street art

Deterrence

Comment themes in this category were divided into four areas focussed on deterring offenders. Definitions for each area are provided below.

Security patrols - use security patrols at night/graffiti hot spots to deter offenders Cameras - install security cameras in graffiti hotspots Financial dis/incentives - fines to punish offenders; fines for businesses/residents who do not remove graffiti within set timeframes; reduce rates for businesses/residents who remove graffiti within set timeframes.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Approved locationsPlants

Battle of the lanewaysMural designs

No. of commentsCo

mm

ent

them

es

Prevention

0 1 2 3 4

Financial dis/incentives

Cameras

Security patrols

No. of comments

Co

mm

ent

them

es

Deterrence



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15

Tools

Comment themes in this category were divided into two areas focussed on using tools to help manage graffiti reporting. Definitions for each area are provided below:

Technology - create smartphone applications for reporting and mapping graffiti. Hotline - establish a hotline to report graffiti

The detailed nature and the counter perspectives included in the forum comments demonstrate the complexity of addressing the problems and solutions in managing graffiti. While there is strong support for Council’s current zero-tolerance approach, forum participants recognise Council’s control of the issue of the graffiti is limited.

In developing new solutions, one perspective suggests Council should pursue a path to better understand what drives the graffiti culture, particularly tagging. This view believes an educative approach which works with perpetrators (past and present) will help reduce graffiti. It also believes solutions lie in measures which recognise the creative aspirations of offenders such as providing approved locations and programs for ‘street art’.

Counter to this perspective is a view that Council should pursue measures focussed on greater enforcement. This view believes there is a need for more accountability for offenders/their families which can be achieved by increasing penalties and consequences. It also believes solutions lie in measures such as making offenders being responsible for removing their graffiti, increasing fines and by ‘naming and shaming’.

In addition to these perspectives a range of preventative and deterrence solutions also arose from the discussion. There was support for a preventative idea of using plants (eg growing creepers over walls) as a way of greening streets and preventing graffiti. Another idea suggested creating murals and using street art. Counter to these solutions were ideas focussed on deterrence measures such as increasing surveillance and introducing security in known graffiti hotspots.

Whatever the perspective, there is a consensus that solutions for reducing graffiti cannot be delivered by Council alone. Forum participants believe there is a greater need for community involvement in both the reporting of graffiti and its prevention. They also believe more collaboration with State Government Authorities and police is necessary to ensure there is a united and consistent approach.

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2

Hotline

Technology

No. of comments

Co

mm

ent

them

esTools



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4.2. Comparative approaches / benchmarking Through research and consultation, the approaches adopted in several other municipalities in Australia

and internationally were investigated. Other asset owner approaches were also investigated. The list of

other organisations whose approaches were reviewed is included below.

Councils Other asset owners

Stonnington Public Transport Victoria

Darebin VicRoads

Yarra Telstra

Casey Australia Post

Melbourne Ventura Buses

Hume Citipower

Knox AGL

Port Phillip

Frankston International experience

Brisbane New York, USA

Ballarat London, UK

Greater Dandenong Vancouver, Canada

Gold Coast Hamilton City Ward, NZ

The research revealed a number of key themes of note for ongoing graffiti management in Boroondara.

Boroondara’s multi-faceted approach reflects best practice

Generally, the most successful local government responses to graffiti comprise multi-faceted approaches

involving prevention (including education and awareness campaigns), deterrent measures through urban

design, timely removal programs and the use of comprehensive records management databases.

Boroondara applies most of the approaches that are considered best practice, including mandatory

reporting of graffiti on public buildings, rapid removal including the provision of removal kits and paint

subsidies for private property owners, and partnerships with community groups such as local trader

organisations. Council also promotes its graffiti hotline to encourage the public to report incidences.

Regular auditing and rapid removal are a continually successful aspect of graffiti management

A zero tolerance approach is generally supported by a vigilant approach to graffiti removal. This approach

is employed by most councils consulted in this investigation.



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17

Although rapid removal is a cost and resource intensive approach, case studies illustrate that this can be

highly effective in combating graffiti and reducing reoffending. Examples identified that dedicated teams

and multi-departmental involvement assist in making resources available to support this approach. It has

been found that rapid removal of graffiti also made each cleaning episode easier.

Boroondara removes reported graffiti within 24 hours or 4 hour for offensive material. It is removed during

normal working hours or after hours if required. Council carries out monthly proactive audits of main roads

and removes graffiti as required.

Partnerships are integral to the management of graffiti

Community involvement and partnerships was a strong theme consistent across many authorities.

Australian councils generally acknowledge that a successful response to graffiti management typically

involves ‘whole of community’, multi-faceted approaches. A number of Victorian councils have also forged

individual relationships with community organisations and agencies to create arrangements that draw on

available resources to respond to graffiti in local areas.

Boroondara is partnering with the Department of Justice to utilise community service participants in graffiti

removal programs and has entered into partnership agreements with shopping centre trader associations

to remove graffiti from shopping precincts.

Councils consider community partnerships as having multiple benefits through developing pride of place

and shared ownership in the issue, as well as reducing council’s resource and financial liability with

respect to graffiti management.

There is an opportunity for Boroondara to further develop programs such as ‘Adopt a public place’

program through Neighbourhood Watch and community volunteers, and also to apply for grants through

the Department of Justice to develop community programs for graffiti removal. More formal relationships

and graffiti removal practices with public authority owners can be explored.

Graffiti is being recognised as a health and wellbeing and social development issue

A number of councils have approached graffiti from a health and wellbeing perspective, recognising that it

is a social issue that has a number of underlying causes.

Council’s existing multi-faceted approach to graffiti management provides a comprehensive response for

rapid removal from Council assets; however this can be further expanded. It is recommended that council

establishes an internal graffiti reference group which will ensure that the breadth of skills and knowledge

across council that are required in managing graffiti are part of strategy implementation. In time, the

police and community groups could also be members of the group.

Approaching graffiti as a broader social issue also can be reflected in Council’s general communications.

Graffiti messaging in Council’s promotional and educational material can be reviewed to ensure that it

refers to graffiti as a wider social issue, not just an aesthetic nuisance.



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There may be opportunities to allow legal art in appropriate neighbourhoods

Council’s existing zero tolerance stance is generally consistent with community sentiment in Boroondara.

However, community arts projects in mural styles have been successfully undertaken at selected

locations throughout the City with the involvement of graffiti artists and other councils have found that

identifying areas for legal art can help with prevention.

The inconsistency in graffiti management approaches of public asset owners is an issue for most Councils

A key issue with regard to graffiti management is council’s lack of authority to influence the graffiti

management approaches of public asset owners. Consultation with other councils indicated that they are

also grappling with the same issues.

The most success that councils have had are partnerships around removal of graffiti on behalf of the

asset owner. However, it is expected these partnerships are initiated and managed entirely by council.

The Strategy includes specific initiatives relating to public authority graffiti management.

The City of Boroondara should investigate a more comprehensive reporting system

It is very important to report graffiti as it allows for quick removal and assists the police in identifying

trends, similarities and patterns which may result in apprehending offenders.

Council has a requirement that public toilet cleaning contractors report graffiti on Council-owned assets

and Council encourages public reporting through its graffiti hotline. As well as supporting a rapid removal

approach, this provides Council with consistent data to trace trends in graffiti incidence over time.

Council can consider using ‘snap send solve’ application for reporting graffiti and promoting this to the

community and investigate apps which can collect GIS mapping and feed directly into Council’s reporting

database.

Graffiti prevention can be further embedded into Council’s planning process and development of Council assets

Prevention needs to be a key focus of ongoing graffiti management. Graffiti can be prevented a number of

ways including CPTED principles which will assist in providing safer and more secure environs around

buildings which may reduce graffiti offences.

Boroondara has implemented physical deterrents in the development and maintenance of Council’s

assets; however a consistent protocol can be established around adopted treatments. Deterrents (in

addition to standard urban design approaches that enhance safety) include darker or anti-graffiti paint,

surface treatments, landscaping, lighting and security measures.

A checklist could be developed for private property owners that are undertaking the planning and

development process, providing them with ideas for how they can prevent graffiti on their property.

Table 5 provides a snapshot of current approaches used by other Australian councils and compares them

to Boroondara’s approach to graffiti management.



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Table 5: Comparative approaches between Boroondara and benchmarked councils

BENCHMARKED APPROACHES Does Boroondara currently dothis?

Yes No

Tolerance

Generally zero tolerance

Increased (but managed) tolerance in neighbourhoodswithin the municipality based on character

Reporting

Avenues for public reporting phonehotline,emails,

Regular auditing

Reporting to police

A comprehensive GIS database

Removal

Rapid removal

Free resident clean up kits

Partnerships

With public asset owners around removal somewhat

With community groups and government for removal somewhat

With private property owners somewhat

Community involvement

For clean up

For prevention

For diversion somewhat

Prevention

School education

Promotion to increase awareness



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BENCHMARKED APPROACHES Does Boroondara currently dothis?

Yes No

Physical deterrents

Landscaping, security, colour treatments somewhat

CPTED design

Surface treatments somewhat

Murals and painted designs somewhat

Governance and resourcing

Multi departmental approach somewhat

Engagement of contractors for removal somewhat



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5. Strategy themes and objectives

In order to continue to tackle the incidence of graffiti in the municipality, the following themes and objectives have been developed as key focus areas for Council over the life of this strategy. Specific actions relevant to each of the objectives are included in the action plan which accompanies this strategy. It is recognised that many objectives will relate to more than one theme, and the objectives have been allocated to the ‘best fit’ theme.

Theme Objectives

1. Reporting - this theme covers reporting of graffiti to Council, and by Council to other parties

1.1 Provide multiple ways for community members and contractors to easily report any graffiti identified in Boroondara

1.2 Instances of graffiti will be promptly reported to Victoria Police to assist with its enforcement responsibilities

1.3 Graffiti identified on assets belonging to other public authorities will be reported to those entities for clean-up

2. Removal - addresses the action that Council takes in order to remove graffiti on Council and private property

2.1 Graffiti on Council property will be removed within specified timeframes

2.2 Assistance will be provided to owners of private properties to remove graffiti

2.3 Ensure Local Law provisions appropriately support removal of graffiti from property not owned by Council

3. Partnerships - covers the ways in which Council works with other organisations to assist in graffiti management

3.1 Support traders to reduce and remove graffiti in shopping centre areas

3.2 Engage with residents and community groups to assist in graffiti reduction

3.3 Develop effective partnerships with other public authorities to reduce graffiti on non-Council assets

4. Prevention - focuses on efforts by Council to prevent graffiti occurring including physical deterrents

4.1 Provide targeted education to schools regarding graffiti

4.2 Provide relevant and appropriate information on graffiti to community members

4.3 Consider the application of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles for Council assets



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Theme Objectives

4.4 Support community art projects which act as an effective graffiti deterrent in appropriate locations

5. Advocacy - this theme informs action in relation to graffiti on assets owned by other authorities which Council does not control

5.1 Council will advocate strongly for a consistent and timely approach to graffiti removal by other authorities.

6. Internal governance - the structure within Council to oversee implementation of the strategy

6.1 Implement an appropriate structure to ensure an integrated approach to graffiti management and strategy implementation

An accompanying action plan has been developed setting out specific initiatives to implement the objectives set out in this strategy.

6. Implementing and monitoring

6.1. Accountabilities The Council department with lead responsibility for this strategy is:

Contact Department Contact number Contact email

Infrastructure Services 9278 4444 [email protected]

6.2. Evaluation Implementation of the strategy will be overseen by a cross-departmental graffiti reference group. Progress with the actions will be monitoring and reviewed annually throughout the life of the strategy.

Preparation for a subsequent Graffiti Strategy is planned to commence in the 2018/19 financial year.



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MINUTES ATTACHMENTS

Services Special Committee Monday 30 November 2015 Attachments as annexed to the resolution: SC7 Rear of 976 to 988 Burke Road and 6 to 14 Wills Street

and adjoining 2 Eyre Street, Balwyn - Proposed discontinuance and sale of right of way (road)

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Attachment 1

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City of Boroondara SC7 Page 1 of 1

MINUTES ATTACHMENTS

Services Special Committee Monday 30 November 2015 Attachments as annexed to the resolution: SC8 Rear 16 to 30 Renwick Street, 8 to 12 Howie Street and

17 to 33 Dillon Grove, Glen Iris - Proposed discontinuance and sale of road reserve

Road proposed tobe discontinued

Reserve (revengestrip) proposed tobe discontinued

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MINUTES ATTACHMENTS

Services Special Committee Monday 30 November 2015 Attachments as annexed to the resolution: SC9 Contract 2016/62, North East Community Hub -

Architectural Services

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kadams

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Attachment 2

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MINUTES ATTACHMENTS

Services Special Committee Monday 30 November 2015 Attachments as annexed to the resolution: SC11 Adoption of Updated Naturestrip Guidelines

NaturestripGuidelinesRenovation and maintenance of naturestrips in Boroondara

December 2015

Contents1 Introduction 1

2 Basic functions of a naturestrip 2

3 Additional benefits of naturestrips 2

4 Who is responsible for maintaining naturestrips? 3

5 General guidelines for naturestrip landscaping 4

6 Options for your naturestrip renovation 5

7 What is not permitted on naturestrips? 9

8 Applying for a permit 10

9 Related reading 10

The 2015 Naturestrip Guidelines were updated by Council’s Environment and Sustainable Living Department and Parks and Gardens Departments. This document replaces Council’s 2010 Naturestrip Guidelines.

Revocation Date: 2020

Images: Native Seeds Pty Ltd., Ian Moodie, Colleen Miller

City of Boroondara Naturestrip Guidelines December 2015 1

1Naturestrips account for a surprising amount of public land within Boroondara. They play a range of important functions — practical, aesthetic and environmental. Council is responsible for ensuring naturestrips allow for safe and accessible public use.

In Boroondara the most common type of residential naturestrip is mown grass, often with one or more street trees. This is Council’s preferred naturestrip treatment and does not require a permit.

Council relies on the established community expectation that residents maintain their own naturestrips as neat and tidy.

For a variety of reasons, some residents are interested in renovating their naturestrip, and may wish to convert it from a conventional mown grass naturestrip to an alternative landscape treatment. The motivation(s) behind a naturestrip renovation can vary, for example:

to replace grass that is failing or performing poorly

to beautify and bring visual interest to the naturestrip

to avoid the maintenance of regular mowing to support local biodiversity by planting

indigenous or native plants to avoid or minimise the need for watering,

herbicide or pesticide use.

If appropriately planned and carried out, alternative naturestrip treatments can be practical, beautiful and require (somewhat) less maintenance.

However, before changing a naturestrip to anything other than mown grass, residents need to apply for a Naturestrip Renovation Permit from Council, and to comply with these guidelines.

These guidelines explain:

functions and benefits of naturestrips responsibilities of residents/property owners, Council and utility companies

to act as habitat ‘stepping stones’ supporting local flora and fauna options and requirements for residents wishing to renovate their naturestrip

how to apply for a permit from Council.

Introduction

2 City of Boroondara Naturestrip Guidelines December 2015

3

2Naturestrips refer to the area of public land between a private property boundary and the road kerb or gutter. The land is Council-owned and controlled, and technically part of the ‘road reserve’.

This land is set aside for a number of purposes, providing space for:

footpaths for pedestrians, prams, mobility scooters and the like

people to get in and out of motor vehicles infrastructure for essential services such as

water, sewer, gas, telephone and power lines (sometimes underground and sometimes above ground on poles)

the establishment of street trees placement of waste and recycling bins for

kerbside collection street lighting, bus stops, bus shelters or seats.

Beyond the practical functions listed above, naturestrips can contribute to the development of good streetscape character, particularly through the growth of street trees.

Because naturestrips in residential areas are open and largely unpaved, they allow for penetration of rainwater and air into the soil, which improves soil health and promotes growth of nearby trees and gardens. Both street trees and the ‘permeable’ ground on the naturestrip act to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff and pollution that flows into local drains and waterways.

Naturestrips also improve public safety by enabling clear ‘line of sight’ between pedestrians, vehicle drivers and cyclists at driveways, road curves and intersections.

Trees and other naturestrip vegetation help shade and/or cool the local environment, making for more pleasant streets, especially during hot summer weather.

When carefully designed and maintained, naturestrips planted with indigenous or native plants can provide opportunities to support local biodiversity and enhance an area’s natural ‘sense of place’ - this is especially relevant in streets adjacent to the Yarra River and Boroondara’s other biodiversity corridors and nature reserves. See page 7 for details.

Basic functions of a naturestrip

Additional benefits of naturestrips


4Unsure ‘who is responsible for what’? The key responsibilities of different parties are listed here.

Boroondara residents/ property owners:

Council relies on the goodwill and established community expectation that residents will mow and/or otherwise maintain the naturestrip abutting their property to present a neat and tidy street frontage.

Residents are invited to help support the health of street trees by watering the tree(s) outside their property during dry conditions.

Residents are not permitted to plant, prune or remove any trees within the naturestrip. To enquire about your existing street tree, or to request a street tree, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9278 4444 or [email protected]

If the naturestrip has been damaged by building works undertaken either on your property or an adjoining property, the property owner or builder is responsible for repair.

Residents wishing to renovate their naturestrip - except for drought tolerant exotic and/or native grass lawn - must apply to Council for a permit.

Boroondara Council:

Council is the ‘responsible authority’, and must ensure the condition of the naturestrip is not a risk to public safety (for example, as a potential fire hazard, or a pedestrian trip hazard). Council does not undertake renovation or maintenance (including mowing, watering or spraying with herbicides) of naturestrips unless there is a risk to public safety.

Council plants, prunes and maintains all street trees in accordance with its tree management policies.

Council issues permits for naturestrip renovations.

Utility authorities:

From time to time, Council or utility authorities (such as Melbourne Water or your electricity network provider) will access naturestrips to undertake repair, maintenance or renewal works on services (for example, to stormwater drains, mains water or gas pipes).

After these works are complete, the service authority is responsible for repair of the naturestrip to a ‘normal condition’ (generally topsoil with grass seeds, relying on residents to assist with watering). The service authority is not obliged to reinstate any alternative landscaping (such as groundcover plantings). Council is not responsible for replacing plants or landscape materials as a result of such works.

Residents may be able to negotiate protection and/or reinstatement of naturestrip plants or materials with the relevant service authority.

Who is responsible for maintaining naturestrips?


5 General guidelines for naturestrip landscaping

Residents wanting to undertake a naturestrip renovation will need to comply with the following general guidelines.

Dial Before You Dig

All underground services (which may include gas, electricity, telecommunications, water supply, sewer and stormwater) are to be located prior to any works. Call ‘Dial Before You Dig’ on 1100 to identify service locations. This step is critical as failure to locate and protect underground infrastructure can result in serious injury (or even death) and/or disruption to essential services. Additionally, you would be responsible for the cost of repairing the damaged service infrastructure.

Be a good neighbor

Your naturestrip impacts on the amenity of the streetscape; so ensuring neighbours are supportive / accepting of your planned naturestrip landscaping will be important to maintaining good relations. Talk with your neighbours about your proposal and consider their feedback. Their views will be taken into account when assessing your permit request. You could also provide them with a copy of these guidelines.

Maintain safe public access

Ensure naturestrip vegetation allows easy opening of car doors and pedestrian access to the footpath. Where there is on-street parking, maintain a clear zone of only mulch along the naturestrip edge closest to the kerb/road (minimum 60cm wide). One or two flat ‘stepping stone’ pavers, laid flush with the ground level, may be used to help guide foot traffic through a planted naturestrip.

Care for your street tree

Any landscaping should support the ongoing health of your street tree (for example, maintaining organic mulch around the tree can help maintain soil moisture). Minimise soil disturbance within the tree’s root zone by using hand tools rather than machinery if planting groundcovers and small shrubs.

Other considerations:

Allocate space for placement of waste and recycling bins for kerbside pickup.

Near driveways, street corners and intersections, take particular care to keep all naturestrip vegetation below 50cm in height to ensure good sightlines for road users and pedestrians.

To support healthy waterways and local biodiversity, minimise or avoid using synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides.

To minimise risk and inconvenience to people using the footpath and road, keep all plants and mulch within the naturestrip area itself (not spilling onto the footpath or kerb).

Soil, plants and mulch must not cover or impede access to service pits.

Only undertake landscaping works on your own naturestrip (directly abutting your property).


6 Options for your naturestrip renovation

For residents wanting to undertake a naturestrip renovation, there are a number of options available. Which option you choose will depend on the motivation(s) behind your project.

No permit required

If you are re-establishing a grassed naturestrip due to failure or poor performance of your existing grass, give careful consideration to your choice of grass species.

Choose drought tolerant or ‘warm season’ grasses as, once established, these will remain in good health with little to no watering. Use of certain native grasses can provide a soft lawn like appearance and drought

Native grasses such as Wallaby Grass (Austrodanthonia spp.) shown above or Native Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides) are a low maintenance and drought tolerant option that also supports local biodiversity.

Drought tolerant exotic and/or native grass lawn

Alternative treatments

Permit required

Potential alternatives to mown grass are:

Option A Planting with groundcovers and/or low growing shrubs

Option B Permeable surface treatment of either organic mulch or compacted fine gravel (such as granitic sand or toppings).

These alternatives do require a permit but, if properly installed and maintained, won’t compromise the public function of the naturestrip. If the requirements of either Option A and/or B are met, and your neighbours find the proposed change acceptable, then a permit will be granted.

tolerance. Recommended native species are Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides), Kneed Wallaby Grass (Austrodanthonia geniculata) and Clustered Wallaby Grass (Austrodanthonia racemosum). These species are indigenous to the area and require only periodic mowing.

No permit is required to establish or maintain grassed lawn within the naturestrip.


Option A

Planting with groundcovers and/or low growing shrubs

Use of suitable groundcovers, tufting grasses, wildflowers and/or low growing shrubs within a mulched naturestrip can provide a soft and beautiful alternative to mown grass.

In particular, in streets near Boroondara’s biodiversity corridors and nature reserves – such as the Yarra River, Gardiners Creek and Hays Paddock – planting naturestrips with locally native groundcovers and small shrubs can extend the natural landscape aesthetic and provide precious extra habitat for native birds, insects and lizards. See the breakout box on the following page for guidance.

Whether using native or exotic species, or a combination of these, appropriate plant selection is critical, and helps ensure the landscaped naturestrip is attractive and can be easily maintained.

Select plants that are:

of sun or shade

grasses or small shrubs and/or low growing exotic perennials

pedestrian and driver ‘line of sight’).

You must avoid using any plants that are known environmental weeds, prickly or spiky, poisonous or a common cause of allergies.

It’s also worth carefully considering the placement and spread of plants. For example, unless you have a large area to cover, avoid groundcovers that spread very wide and grow quickly, or you will need very regular pruning to keep the footpath and kerb clear.

Low growing, drought tolerant perennials are ideal plants for naturestrips.

Tufted bluebells (Wahlenbergia communis) and sticky everlastings (Xerochrysum viscosum)

Common appleberry (Billardiera scandens)

Cut-leaf daisy (Brachyscome multifida)

Here are just a few examples of low growing indigenous and native plants suitable for naturestrips. See Council’s Backyard Biodiversity booklet for further examples or visit a native or indigenous nursery for advice.


The common brown butterfly (above) is a regular visitor to wildlife-friendly gardens in Boroondara.

Boroondara’s network of biodiversity corridors are shown above. We encourage residents living near any of our biodiversity corridors, including the Yarra River and smaller creeks, to support local biodiversity by including indigenous and native plants in their gardens.

Creeping boobialla (Myoporum parvifolium)

White correa - prostrate form (Correa alba)

Ground cover varieties of Banskia (shown above) and Grevilleas

Naturestrips as ‘stepping stones’ for local flora and faunaNaturestrips planted with indigenous grasses and ground covers can provide valuable habitat for native birds, lizards and insects especially in streets located near biodiversity corridors and bushland sites.

Across Boroondara there are 15 biodiversity corridors and several reserves that protect rare and threatened plants and habitats. Plants and native animals surviving in smaller, isolated sites are at risk of inbreeding and becoming locally extinct. The Yarra River, small creeks and the City’s linear walkways act as natural biodiversity corridors. These corridors help to connect biodiversity sites and allow animals (and the seeds and pollen they carry on fur, feathers and skin) to move through the tree canopy, among bushes and along the ground in search of mates and new food sources.

Wildlife-friendly private gardens and naturestrips can play a role in extending existing nature corridors and creating new links and habitat ‘stepping stones’ for birds, insects and other wildlife.

Council’s Backyard Biodiversity booklet provides tips for wildlife friendly and sustainable gardening. Visit www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/biodiversity to find out more.

The common brown butterfly (abTh b b tt fl ( b

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Major Corridors

Creek Corridors

Linear Corridors (small creeks, disused rail lines, walkways)Stepping Stone Corridors(links between parks and reserves)Biodiversity Encouragement areas (where you can help by planting indigenous and native plants)RoadsFreeway

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Canterbury Road

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Doncaster Road

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Wattle Park Corridor

Back Creek Corridor

Ashburton Creek Corridor

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Option B

Permeable surface treatment using either organic mulch or compacted fine gravel

A low maintenance alternative to mown grass is to use organic mulch (such as recycled wood chips or bark mulch) to create a permeable treatment that will support the health of your street tree(s). To suppress weed growth, the mulch should be kept to a depth of around 7.5cm and will need topping up every year or so.

On level sites (not subject to erosion), use of fine gravel mulches such as granitic sand or toppings, lightly compacted to a depth of 7.5cm, will not require watering but will require periodic weeding.


7Regardless of which of the landscaping option(s) (outlined on previous pages) you prefer for your naturestrip renovation, the following elements are not permitted:

synthetic grass plants that are known environmental weeds,

prickly or spiky, poisonous or a common cause of allergies

hard landscaping elements including stakes, retaining walls, raised edging, planter boxes/beds, bollards or ornaments, protruding rocks or timber

planting of fruit or vegetable crops. While there are benefits to using naturestrips to grow fruit and vegetables, there are also risks and for this reason this option is not supported by Council. Key concerns include damage to street tree roots from soil cultivation and health risks associated with potential soil contamination

planting of trees (including fruit or nut trees) impervious or synthetic weed mat (for example,

plastic sheeting under mulch) mulches such as straw, underfelt, scoria, blue

metal, pebbles or other loose stones irrigation systems laying of additional concrete or asphalt altering the width of the naturestrip, road, kerb or

channel interfering with the natural levels or drainage

of the street (for example, through excessive mounding of soil, use of loose materials, or other changes that block drainage).

What is not permitted on naturestrips?

Landscape features including rocks, raised edging, bollards, ornaments and planter boxes are not permitted on naturestrips.

8 Applying for a permit

Related reading

Residents wishing to renovate their naturestrip – except for drought tolerant exotic and/or native grass lawn – must be granted a permit before commencing work. This is a requirement under Council’s Amenity Local Law.

Applying for a permit is important because it confirms, in writing, that you are aware of – and committed to complying with – these guidelines. This helps ensure the core functions and public safety of the naturestrip is protected. It also enables Council to ensure your direct neighbours find the proposed change to the streetscape acceptable. If there are objections to the proposed change then the permit application may be refused.

To apply for a permit, complete and submit the ‘Naturestrip Renovation - permit application form’ (to download, visit www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/naturestrips).

You should hear the outcome of your permit application within 15 working days of its submission.

Visit www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/biodiversity for related City of Boroondara documents including:

For further information, please contact City of Boroondara ph: 9278 4444

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