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Changes to Verge Mowing

As of 1 July 2019, Cumberland City Council discontinued mowing nature strips in front of private properties in Auburn, Berala, Lidcombe and Regents Park.

Please help us keep the area looking great

This change aligns with service standards across the rest of the Cumberland Local Government Area where Council continues to make a greater investment to improve the presentation and amenity of local parks, public spaces and main roads.

Many residents already mow their own verges and we encourage all Cumberland residents to get involved and make the nature strip in front of your property your space, whether it is maintained grass or used for vegetation that complies with the Cumberland City Council Nature Strip and Verge Mowing Guidelines below under related documents.

By mowing the nature strip in front of your private properties, you are contributing to making our community a better place to live in.

Pensioners and hardship assistance

Council will continue to provide a nature strip mowing service to pensioners and other residents who meet Council's Verge Mowing Assistance Program.

Click on the link here to apply for assistance from Council

Watch the verge mowing video

FAQs

What is a verge?

A verge, also known as nature strip is the strip of grass or plant including trees that is located between the road way and footpath in front of your house/property as indicated in the diagram above. 

I am a pensioner and currently have my verge mowed by Council, will this stop?

Pensioners that meet the criteria for Hardship Assistance will continue to receive this service, you can now apply for to receive through Council's Verge Mowing (Nature Strip) Assistance Program.

I can’t cut my verge, how can I apply for Hardship assistance?

Nature Strip and Verge Mowing Guideline and Verge Mowing policy can be viewed and downloaded below under Related Documents.

You can apply for assistance from Council

I have not mowed the grass on the verge/nature strip in front of my house before, what do I need to do?

The verge out the front of your property needs to be maintained by the property owner or resident.

They should be mowed regularly and kept neat and tidy to ensure a presentable street is maintained.

What happens if I don’t maintain the verge/ nature strip out the front of my house?

It’s important and maintain the nature strip outside your property to ensure it’s in a safe and tidy condition.

This helps to make our community a better place to live. If your verge remains unmaintained Council will contact you by mail or arrange for a home visit.

I don’t have much of a backyard; can I use the verge to grow vegetation instead of grass?

Yes, Council supports the modification of nature strips from traditional grass to low growing, soft foliage plants. However, any resident wishing to make these modifications must apply in writing to Council for approval before any work is carried out.

How do I report a neighbour in my street that doesn’t maintain the nature strip out the front of their property?

For any complaints contact Council on 02 8757 9000 or email council@cumberland.nsw.gov.au with the address of property that is non compliant.