Verge Improvement Rebate Program

The Verge Improvement Rebate Program helps cover the cost of landscaping the Council verge outside your home. Eligible residents can receive a rebate of up to 50% of eligible costs (including GST), up to a maximum of $1,000 per property towards the cost of verge improvement works they have carried out under an approved City Works Permit.

The rebate is paid as a reimbursement after the works are complete — not up front. It's a separate, optional step you can take once your approved verge works are finished.

At a glance

What costs the rebate can cover

• Soil preparation, loam, compost, organic mulch and similar landscaping materials
• Low-growing, drought-tolerant or otherwise suitable plants from Council's recommended palette (including natural lawn)
• Permeable edging or minor landscape treatments that do not create a trip hazard or obstruct access
• Installation costs charged by a contractor for approved verge landscaping works
• Water-wise irrigation components where they are appropriate, discreet and do not create hazards.

What the rebate can't cover

• Any works carried out without an approved City Works Permit
• Artificial grass or synthetic turf of any kind
• Impermeable paving, decorative structures, furniture or retaining walls
• Tools, equipment hire, routine maintenance, watering or replacement planting
• Costs dated before your City Works Permit was issued
• Costs without clear, legible tax invoices or receipts.

Who can claim

You can claim if you are:

• The adjoining property owner, or
• A tenant, occupier, builder or managing agent — provided you have written authority from the adjoining property owner.

Corner blocks with works on more than one verge frontage cannot submit a separate claim for each frontage. Where the applicant is not the owner, the rebate will be paid only to the owner or to a bank account nominated in writing by the owner.

How we assess rebate claims

Council will check:

• That the works were carried out under an approved City Works Permit
• That the completed works match the scope approved in the permit (minor variations are usually fine; significant variations may affect the rebate)
• That the materials, plants and treatments used meet the rebate program's eligibility criteria
• That the tax invoices and receipts relate to the approved works and are dated after the permit was issued
• That the verge is safe, accessible and compliant with Council's design requirements.

Council may approve the claim, approve it for a reduced amount, request additional information, or decline it. We'll let you know the outcome in writing.

Payment

• The rebate paid is the lesser of:
  • (a) the amount you've claimed
  • (b) the actual eligible cost incurred
  • (c) $1,000 per property.
• Payment is by electronic funds transfer, usually within 14 days of a satisfactory claim
• Council may inspect the verge before paying and may reduce or refuse the rebate where the completed works differ materially from the permit, are incomplete, or do not meet Council's requirements.

Ongoing responsibilities

• The adjoining property owner is responsible for ongoing maintenance of any verge landscaping unless Council advises otherwise.
• The completed verge must continue to meet Council's safety and access requirements — clear paths, protected trees, accessible services and clear sightlines.
• Council reserves the right to alter, remove or reinstate verge landscaping where required for safety, drainage, service access, public works, street tree planting or other reasonable Council purposes.
• Where landscaping is removed or altered by a utility provider, reinstatement is subject to negotiation with that authority.
• Council is not responsible for the success, growth or ongoing performance of plants or other landscaping installed under the program.