Hi all,
I had an interesting chat with a ratepayer on the weekend about the expectation by councils on ratepayers to 'look after' the nature strip outside of their property. This ratepayer argued that they should not have to do this - or they should receive compensation for it.
(a copy of the Waratah-Wynyard Nature Strip Mowing policy can be found here - www.warwyn.tas.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/TR_003_-_Nature_Strip_Mowing_Policy.pdf).
The chat ventured into what it might cost the community if the Waratah-Wynyard Council took over this role. We briefly discussed how many workers this might require and the amount of machinery, fuel etc it might cost.
Reflecting on this, I guestimated that it might be in the order of a dozen workers (plus oncosts), a few extra tractors and ride-on lawnmowers and a massive amount of fuel (I stress that this was only a guestimate).
This sort of cost could be in the order of $300,000 to $500,000 per annum - somewhere up to a 10% rates increase. My figures could be way off (and I haven't consulted Council staff) but would you, as ratepayer, be willing to pay an extra $100-$200 dollars in rates per year to have your nature strip mowed? Just curious.
Also be interested to know what your thoughts are on what you'd like to be able to do to the nature strip if you're willing to keep it maintained. I was asked, "If I'm to mow the nature strip then surely I can do with it what I want?". e.g. see www.happyearth.com.au/home/2007/11/10/putting-nature-back-into-the-nature-strip.html.
P.S. This has been a topic of discussion at a mainland Council of late - see www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/story/2011/02/18/nature-strip-issue-torbanlea-fraser-coast
Cheers,
C.
I had an interesting chat with a ratepayer on the weekend about the expectation by councils on ratepayers to 'look after' the nature strip outside of their property. This ratepayer argued that they should not have to do this - or they should receive compensation for it.
(a copy of the Waratah-Wynyard Nature Strip Mowing policy can be found here - www.warwyn.tas.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/TR_003_-_Nature_Strip_Mowing_Policy.pdf).
The chat ventured into what it might cost the community if the Waratah-Wynyard Council took over this role. We briefly discussed how many workers this might require and the amount of machinery, fuel etc it might cost.
Reflecting on this, I guestimated that it might be in the order of a dozen workers (plus oncosts), a few extra tractors and ride-on lawnmowers and a massive amount of fuel (I stress that this was only a guestimate).
This sort of cost could be in the order of $300,000 to $500,000 per annum - somewhere up to a 10% rates increase. My figures could be way off (and I haven't consulted Council staff) but would you, as ratepayer, be willing to pay an extra $100-$200 dollars in rates per year to have your nature strip mowed? Just curious.
Also be interested to know what your thoughts are on what you'd like to be able to do to the nature strip if you're willing to keep it maintained. I was asked, "If I'm to mow the nature strip then surely I can do with it what I want?". e.g. see www.happyearth.com.au/home/2007/11/10/putting-nature-back-into-the-nature-strip.html.
P.S. This has been a topic of discussion at a mainland Council of late - see www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/story/2011/02/18/nature-strip-issue-torbanlea-fraser-coast
Cheers,
C.
5 comments:
It wouldn't cost that to kill the weeds and cut the grass on the "reserve" behind 16/18/20/22 Frestone Crescent.
Hi Linda,
I walked that section on the weekend and I agree on the state of the area.
I've approached Engineering Services over this one and I'm expecting an answer very soon re: who owns the land and who's responsible for it. I'll let you know the outcome.
Cheers,
C.
These comments were placed on my Facebook page (thanks to Clinton, Linda and Val):
Clinton Hutton im about to start building soon and I happen to have 326 square meters of nature strip to maintain in front of my block! I am curious about what I can do with this small amount of land that is technically not mine but is.............that is what the council told me and they are not sure on what I can or can't do with this area either.
Linda Reid We were told that the council would maintain the hill behind our house too once the subdivision was complete. It happened once in the 9 years we have lived here. So we have snakes, rats and mice, noxious weeds, feral cats and fire hazards to live with. Don't hold your breath Clinton.
Val Fleming Hi Clayton, Is the TIDIEST STREET appropriate in this idea? I have been involved in this type of scheme in the past and it certainly has its benefits. Council could provide a prize/award for the winning street?
Val Fleming I would like to acknowledge too is that Council approved for me to maintain the Waratah Pioneer Cemetery and to date its the BURNIE SCOUT GROUP who have been probably the biggest supporters/workers!! Thank you Boys and leaders, you are gems!!! Community Spirit is what is the most vital ingredient!
That's right Val,and it is that type of spirit is the one that makes us all contribute to the beauty of the North West by mowing our naturestrips !! These people that NEED someone else to be responsible just need to direct this energy somewhere else. Fortunately, they are in the minority Clayton. If Val and the boys can look after the final resting place of good citizens, I think I can manage my naturestrip.
I would love to plant natives along my nature-strip.There are many parts of the mainland that do this and it creates a real nice natural atmosphere.I really dislike formal natures-trips as it looks so boring.Lines etc.formal lines etc has a place in rich well manicured gardens such as windsor castle or our colonial homesteads etc but I dont think it works in a community such as Ulverstone where I live.
I dont mind taking care of it but I should have the right to make it as attractive as I want.
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