Nature Strips in Redland Bay: Who Really Owns the Grass Under Your Feet?
If you live in Redland Bay, you’ve likely spent a Saturday morning or two mowing the strip of grass between your front fence and the road. It’s a standard part of suburban life on the Redlands Coast, but it often raises a confusing legal question: If I’m the one mowing it, why don’t I own it?
Understanding the "nature strip" (or road verge) is key to being a good neighbour and staying on the right side of Redland City Council regulations. Here is the breakdown of ownership and responsibility for our local streetscapes.
The Ownership Reality
In Redland Bay—and across the rest of the Redlands—the nature strip is public land. Even though it sits directly in front of your home, it is part of the "road reserve."
Who owns it? The Redland City Council (and technically the State Government) owns and controls this land.
Why? This space is vital for more than just aesthetics. It houses essential underground infrastructure, including water pipes, sewerage, and telecommunication cables (like the NBN). It also provides a safe corridor for pedestrians and maintains clear lines of sight for motorists.
Who is Responsible for Maintenance?
This is where the "community effort" comes in. While the Council owns the land, the maintenance of the turf is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.
1. Mowing and Tidying
Redland City Council explicitly states that they do not mow residential footpaths or nature strips in front of private property. As a resident, you are expected to:
Keep the grass mown and tidy.
Ensure the area is free of weeds and litter.
Maintain the area so it doesn't become a "community safety hazard" (e.g., attracting vermin or blocking paths).
Note: Exceptions are sometimes made for residents with genuine medical conditions or in cases where a footpath is exceptionally large, but these are reviewed by the Council on a case-by-case basis.
2. Street Trees
Unlike the grass, street trees are managed by the Council. * Pruning: You are not permitted to prune, "top," or remove a Council-owned tree. If a tree is overhanging dangerously or looks unhealthy, you should report it to the Council.
Planting: You cannot plant your own trees on the nature strip without a permit. However, you can request the Council to plant a street tree in front of your home to help beautify the neighborhood.
3. Driveways (Crossovers)
The section of your driveway that crosses the nature strip is called a "crossover." Property owners are responsible for the construction and ongoing maintenance of this area. It must be kept in a safe condition to ensure it doesn't become a trip hazard for people walking by and you should not park on it for extended periods or block the safe passage of pedestrians.
Can I Garden on My Nature Strip?
Many Redland Bay locals want to do more than just mow. If you're thinking of "beautifying" the strip with more than just grass, there are strict Landscaping on Footpath Standards:
Low Impact: You can generally plant minor gardens within 900mm of your property boundary without a formal application, provided they don't block pedestrians.
Council Approval: Any landscaping or garden beds further than 900mm from your boundary, or the installation of artificial turf, requires written approval from the Council.
Safety First: No spikes, thorns, or "trip-hazard" structures (like rocks or raised edges) are allowed.
Need to report a damaged street tree or apply for a landscaping permit?
You can contact Redland City Council at (07) 3829 8999 or visit their website at redland.qld.gov.au.
