The hedges of Unley are one of those assets that make us who we are. A green city. They are a delightful part of our landscape.
As is often the case though, this strength is also an Achilles heel.
We, unfortunately, have a problem with our hedges. The hedges forming the front boundary of so many of our residential properties.
As beautiful as they are, how soft they present visually, they are causing problems.
Jennie and I have often received repeated concerns from ratepayers regarding numerous hedges in our Ward. Hedges that are trespassing into the public footway to such an extent that makes pedestrian passageway very difficult. Sometimes completely, particularly on bin day.
More so, for people using pushers or riding mobility scooters and wheelchairs.
We understand that this issue is not confined to the Clarence Park Ward.
We believe it would be prudent for Council to know the extent of this occurrence across the City of Unley. Further to this, we believe that Council needs to adopt a policy. A policy on how to manage hedges that trespass into the public domain and cause passageway restrictions.
To that end, I moved a Motion on Notice last Monday evening, which Jennie seconded.
That:
- An audit of previously inspected hedges on the front boundaries of private properties within the City of Unley be completed to:
1.1 Identify hedges that impede pedestrian access on the public footway;
1.2 Outline actions Council may take to resolve the impact of these related hedges, in line with Council’s Compliance Policy.
- A report on the audit findings be presented to Council for consideration of any further action.
Hopefully, the audit findings will find a way to ensure our hedges continue to provide their amenity but without causing access/egress issues for pedestrians. No longer to be an Achilles heel.
Thank you Cr Don. I support further investigation into this issue. There needs to be a balance between the visual amenity on one hand, and the inconvenience to pedestrians and those using walking frames, prams and gophers. There is also the element of danger if people or wheeled vehicles are forced off the level pathed footway by vegetation, onto uneven ground. Will Council consider a system [like regulated trees recently]for us to report hazardous hedges? Thanks.
Long time no see Joe.
I would suggest that mechanism is there right now. The problem is Admin’s ability to act without direction from the Council and in the fear of upsetting property owners.
And that is the core I wish addressed. The ability to act with a clear set of guidelines.
Not just property owners. We are charmed by overgrown gardens and luxurious verges. Please don’t give them all number twos and spoil the effect. Are we sometimes inconvenienced by them? Yes. But in general it’s a small price to pay for more green.