Vincent sends verge rule rewrite out for public comment

Homeowners across the City of Vincent will get a say on a rewritten Verge Treatment Policy after councillors approved the draft for community consultation. The amendment is intended to replace the existing Verge Treatments, Plantings and Beautification Policy, which sets the framework for how residents can landscape and beautify the verge outside their homes.

The policy covers how verge areas are treated across the city, including in North Perth, Highgate and Leederville. It also matters for streets and places such as Charles Street, Beaufort Street, Vine Street and Hammill Lane, where local rules and traffic arrangements were discussed alongside the policy review.

During the briefing, councillors also backed a question about whether road classification mapping could be appended to the policy and added to the city’s online mapping systems. Administration said it would provide that layer to its Pozi Maps system.

The operating guidelines attached to the policy will be updated to reflect current city programs that support and encourage residents to undertake verge beautification. The draft amendment is proposed to replace Policy No. 2.2.4, the Verge Treatments, Plantings and Beautification Policy.

The verge policy is part of a wider refresh of rules affecting shared spaces and public-facing land. In the same meeting, councillors also approved draft amendments to the Rights of Way Policy for consultation, with the city saying the existing framework needs clearer legal authority, documented decision-making and consistent oversight as urban density and usage have increased.

For residents, the immediate step is consultation. The draft verge policy will be advertised before it returns for the next stage of the decision-making process.

Menzies Park and Birdwood Square were also listed among the city’s affected places for related infrastructure and policy items discussed that night.