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Raingardens in your street

Raingardens contain vegetation that protect our waterways by restricting litter and filtering excess nutrients.

Raingardens in your street

A raingarden collects and filters stormwater run-off from local streets. It is a vegetated area that is also known as a bioretention system. They protect our natural waterways and prevent litter and excess nutrients from entering our waterways. This information is also available via our Raingarden fact sheet (PDF, 2016KB).

Planting in the raingarden

Residents can plant along the edges of the raingarden without a permit. Please adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Planting is restricted to the edge and batter planting.
  • Plants must be not be higher than 500mm.
  • Plants must be on the Road Verge Planting List (DOCX, 131KB).

Council selects the plants on this list to:

  • avoid compromising the infrastructure
  • ensure pedestrian movement and sightlines are not obstructed.

Only council can plant raingardens. This ensures the best functionality of the raingarden.

Council may renew raingardens at any time. Plantings or changes made by residents are not included in these renewals.

The typical section diagram below demonstrates the planting areas.

Planting trees or fruit and vegetables in the raingarden

Trees, fruit and vegetables are not permitted in raingardens. They have a detrimental effect on their function and the ongoing maintenance.

Rocks and other materials within the raingarden

Rocks, timber and other materials are not permitted in raingardens. They can impact their functionality. You can apply for a permit but it is important to note approval is not guaranteed.

Adopting a raingarden

You can adopt a raingarden by helping maintain and care for its health.

  • You can hand pull weeds and remove litter and other debris. Do not remove or prune any other plants as this will reduce the raingardens ability to filter runoff.
  • Keep raingardens clear of green waste or lawn clippings.
  • Raingardens should not contain any mulch. Mulch will wash away during rain events and it will have a detrimental effect downstream.
  • Your adopted raingarden must be free of any chemicals or herbicide use. Any chemical or herbicide use will have a negative impact downstream.
  • Check the raingarden stormwater grate. Report blockages or other maintenance issues to council.
  • Discourage children from playing in your raingarden as plants can be damaged.
  • Raingardens are home to plants and native animal species. Please ensure wheelie bins or other items are stored outside all raingardens.

The information from this page is also available via our Raingarden fact sheet (PDF, 2016KB).