Verges
Your verge (sometimes called a nature strip) is the strip of land between your front boundary and the road. Its public land managed by the City of Prospect, and with a bit of care it can be one of the most visible and valuable parts of your street — cooler in summer, friendlier to local fauna, and more welcoming to walk past.
This page explains how verges are looked after, how to apply to improve yours, and how to claim a rebate of 50% of eligible costs (including GST), up to a maximum of $1,000 per property once your approved works are complete.
- About your verge About your verge
- Maintaining your verge Maintaining your verge
- Weed control on verges Weed control on verges
Under the Local Government Act 1999, a public road extends from one property boundary to the other and includes the road itself, the kerb, the footpath and the verge. That means your verge is public land — not private land — even though it sits directly outside your home.
Verges also carry some of the most important infrastructure in the city: water mains, sewer, power, gas, telecommunications, street lighting and street trees. Any change to a verge needs to keep all of those things safe, functional and accessible.
Most verge maintenance is a shared effort. Council looks after street trees, kerbs and the general safety of the verge. Residents are encouraged to look after the grass, mulch or plants in front of their home — mowing, weeding, watering and keeping the surface safe underfoot.
If you are unable to maintain the verge outside your property, or choose not to, Council will provide a basic level of service to keep the area safe. Typically, this level of service is compacted verge material and programmed weed spraying.
What’s Council’s role in verge management
- Maintains street trees.
- Mows and maintains verges it has planted where required for safety and amenity (i.e. along Prospect Road).
- Treats declared pests and weeds on public land.
- Maintains footpaths and kerbs on the verge.
How residents typically support verge management
- Maintain any grass in front of their property.
- Water and care for plants they have installed under an approved verge development.
- Keep the landscaped verges tidy and free of long grass, weeds and trip hazards.
- Keep driveways and the bin-presentation area clear.
- Report any damage, trip hazards, tree issues or other safety issues to Council.
Council controls weeds on public land using a combination of methods, including hand weeding, slashing and — where appropriate — registered herbicides. Staff continue to work with other councils and experts to identify new, suitable weed-control methods as they become available.
This weed control does not extend to verge landscaped areas performed by property owners (or with their authority) which are the responsibility of that adjoining property’s occupier.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is Australia's statutory authority for regulating agricultural and veterinary chemicals. The APVMA's current position is that glyphosate is registered for use in Australia and APVMA-approved glyphosate products can continue to be used safely in accordance with label directions. More information is available on the APVMA website.
Request to opt out of weed spraying
Residents who maintain the verge adjacent to their property can ask Council not to carry out weed-spraying treatments on that verge. To opt out, contact Council on (08) 8269 5355 or email admin@prospect.sa.gov.au with your property address.
Related policies and useful links
- Verge Improvement Rebate Program Guidelines
- Verge Improvement Rebate Claim Form
- Verge Development Policy
- City Works Guide and Application Form
- Recommended Plant List for Prospect Verges
- Driveway Crossover Policy
- Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) — Glyphosate information
Contact
Questions about your verge, a verge development, or the Rebate Program? We're happy to help.
- 128 Prospect Road, Prospect SA 5082
- PO Box 171, Prospect SA 5082
- Phone: (08) 8269 5355
- Email: admin@prospect.sa.gov.au
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Any alteration to a Council verge — including landscaping — needs authorisation under Section 221 of the Local Government Act 1999. Apply through the City Works Permit Application Form before you start any works.
No. The rebate is not an approval pathway — it's a reimbursement you can claim after your permitted works are complete. The City Works Permit remains the sole approval pathway for altering a verge.
No. Claiming a rebate is optional. You can apply for a City Works Permit and carry out verge works without claiming a rebate — many residents do. The Rebate Program just provides a financial incentive for works that meet the eligibility criteria.
The rebate is up to $1,000 per property, subject to the actual eligible costs you've incurred and available program funding. It is paid as a reimbursement after you've completed the works, submitted your claim with receipts and photos, and Council has confirmed the works meet the program's criteria. Payment is by EFT, usually within 14 days of a satisfactory claim.
Before you start works, contact Council with a brief description of your proposed verge landscaping. We'll let you know whether your works would meet the rebate eligibility criteria. Email admin@prospect.sa.gov.au or call (08) 8269 5355.
You can claim provided
- (a) the works were done under an approved City Works Permit,
- (b) the works meet the rebate eligibility criteria,
- (c) you have dated tax invoices from on or after your permit was issued, and
- (d) you lodge the claim within three months of the works being completed. If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies, please get in touch.
No. Artificial grass and synthetic turf are not permitted on Council verges under any circumstances and are not eligible for the rebate. Artificial turf contributes to urban heat, sheds microplastics, and prevents water reaching tree roots and the soil.
Existing street trees must be protected. A minimum 1.5 m² of permeable, unplanted space must be maintained around the trunk. You must not change soil levels, compact soil over the root zone, damage roots or cover them with impermeable material.
No. Corner blocks with works on more than one verge frontage cannot submit a separate rebate claim for each frontage. Each frontage is not treated independently and is not eligible for its own rebate. Only one claim per property is permitted.
Yes, with written authority from your property owner. You'll need to attach the owner's authorisation with your claim. The rebate can only be paid to the property owner or a bank account nominated in writing by the owner.
The adjoining property owner is responsible for ongoing maintenance — watering establishing plants, weeding, pruning to maintain sightlines, and replacing failed plants. Council is not responsible for the growth or performance of plants installed under the program.
Council reserves the right to alter or remove verge landscaping where required for safety, drainage, service access, public works, street tree planting or other reasonable Council purposes. Council may also require an unsightly, unsafe or non-compliant verge improvement to be rectified or removed.
Contact us on (08) 8269 5355 or email admin@prospect.sa.gov.au with your property address and ask to be added to the 'no spray' list. This is available to residents who maintain their verge themselves.