The nature strip has long been deemed a no-man’s land. 

The land belongs to the council, but it is the responsibility of residents who live nearby to nurture them.

But this could change under a concept being spearheaded by Ballarat councillor Amy Johnson, who has put forward the idea of establishing communal fruit and vegetable boxes on nature strips.

The idea is that the ‘verge gardens’ are planted with free, low-maintenance, edible plants for the community to share.

“It is a brilliant idea,” Cr Johnson said.

“It provides the opportunity for a community garden to be created out the front of every house.”

Cr Johnson said the concept had numerous health and wellbeing benefits and fostered a sense of community.

The controversial concept is not a new one. 

In 2013, a Soldiers Hill couple were ordered to remove flower boxes from the front of their house.

The boxes were discovered by council officers during a routine inspection and were deemed to be a tripping hazard.

The inspection concluded with demands for damage to the footpath to be re-asphalted and the removal of the flower boxes that were installed at a cost upward of $3000.

Within hours, a post on the issue on Cr Johnson’s Facebook page was flooded with comments and ‘liked’ by more than 100 people. 

A resounding number were in favour of the initiative, with many lobbying the City of Ballarat to get behind it.

Others said the concept was flawed and that it could devalue properties if gardens were inconsistent, unkempt or presented safety hazards.

Cr Johnson said if it was to go ahead there needed to be guidelines in place, including residents submitting plans for their gardens to the council for approval.

The concept is backed by Councillor Belinda Coates, who said the initiative was part of a bigger global movement which encouraged healthy living.

But Councillor Vicki Coltman said the council exhibited the nature strip policy in November and no submissions were made.

Cr Coltman said while she was not opposed to the idea, any changes to the current policy must be in the interests of the whole community. 

The nature strip strategy will be put on public display again next week. For details or to make a submission, visit ballarat.vic.gov.au 

melissa.cunningham@fairfaxmedia.com.au