Macedon Ranges residents could be cultivating nature strip fruit and vegie patches if a new policy gets off the ground.
The council is developing a framework for a nature strip policy that would allow residents to develop their nature strips as community gardens.
Mayor Jennifer Anderson said nature strips presented a unique opportunity for the community.
The idea sprouted after she attended an agricultural conference in Melbourne last year.
“Councils throughout Australia are starting to do some of this work,” Cr Anderson said.
“Some councils have very strict policies and some have completely thrown the rule book out the window and said that as long as people keep to a certain set of criteria, they can do what they like.
“We need guidelines around what you can and can’t do … so many people want to do it and we want to help them to do it instead of restrict them. We want to get things started so that we can talk to the community and get them to tell us what they want.”
Cr Anderson said important issues to consider in the use of nature strips included technical considerations such as road, cycling and pedestrian safety, as well as public liability and maintaining access to utility services.
“The social implications of it, the aesthetics of it and the use of water for the gardens instead of into the drains are just some of the advantages.”
The council will seek public feedback on the plan. However, MountMacedon Horticultural Society president Stephen Ryan has some reservations about the idea of growing food near footpaths.
“My concern … is that people have a very good chance of picking up all sorts of nasty pollutants,” Mr Ryan said.
“Fair enough if you live in the country where only five cars a day pass by, but in the town centre, I think it’s inappropriate.
“There are cars going past, dogs, cat and animals pooping.
“I don’t mind fruit trees because they are above everything, but I certainly wouldn’t want to be pulling carrots or picking parsley off a nature strip. It’s a matter of picking the right places.”
He said growing trees, plants and shrubs on nature strips should be encouraged.
“A well-grown and maintained nature strip is pleasing for any passer by,” he said.
“It’s helping to beautify any area and I don’t see why people shouldn’t be allowed to do so.”
Cr Anderson will attend the Macedon Ranges horticulture society’s next meeting at 8pm on Tuesday, April 4, at Mt Macedon Golf Club to discuss the idea. The meeting is open to the public.
