The Shire of Northam encourages residents to develop, beautify and maintain the verge adjacent to their residences. An application must be made, so that works can be approved. No application is necessary if you are going to plant lawn on your verge.

Verge treatments can be achieved by any of the following methods:

• Hard Standing (light use) – compacted clay gravel is suitable. If sealing is required, a single coat lateritic gravel chip seal is recommended. Material that cannot be compacted is not appropriate.
• Gardens / Landscaping – Residents may plant whatever, however the Parks and Gardens Supervisor will provide advice on the species of plants best suited to verge areas.
  Before commencement, the following conditions of approval should be considered.
  1. The applicant accepts responsibility for all material placed on the verge.
  2. The applicant accepts responsibility for all the maintenance of the area, including the removal and/or relocation of plants if required by any public utility.
  3. The plants are kept clear of the roadway or any footpath.
  4. The landscape isn’t hazardous to road users or pedestrians.
  5. In all instances, if there is no footpath, a 1.5 metre strip parallel and adjacent to the kerb should be provided that is free of landscaping.
  6. Sight lines from crossovers and road intersections are to be kept clear.
  7. There are to be no plants over 600mm.
• Lawns – Couch, Kikuyu and Buffalo are all suitable grasses but will require regular watering and mowing. Lippia Nudesia is a suitable substitute that requires little water or mowing once established.

For further information contact the Works Depot on 9621 2282, or email works@northam.wa.gov.au