In Albany, verges are traditionally covered in lawns that use large amounts of water and require significant maintenance. By replacing lawn with waterwise plants and mulch you can make a positive difference to the environment by saving water and increasing biodiversity, as well as improving the look and feel of our suburban streets.
Locally native plants are the preferred choice for a waterwise verge. They are suited to local climatic conditions and soil types, will thrive once established, and require much less maintenance than ornamental (non-native) species.
They also provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies, insects, frogs and mammals, and corridors of movement between areas of bushland.
In partnership with the Water Corporation’s ‘Waterwise Greening Scheme’, the City of Albany has introduced the Waterwise Verge Rebate to provide an incentive for residents to transform their verge.
What is a verge?
In urban areas, the verge is the strip of land between the road and the property boundary. Although the verge is owned by the City, the maintenance of lawns and gardens on verges is the responsibility of the adjoining landowner.
Verges form important green spaces within our community and serve as an area of public shared space, necessary for access and services, crossovers, footpaths and street trees.
How does it work?
Subject to available funds, the City of Albany is offering residents a rebate of up to $400 to create a waterwise verge including mulch and waterwise plants.
The rebate supports landscaping installation that removes turf and other hard surfaces (paving, gravel) and uses waterwise practices and waterwise plants, especially native plants.
The rebate does not support:
- Infill verge projects that are already on a vegetated verge (i.e. replacing dying plants or mulch)
- Verge installations prior to the dates of application approval
Applicants must comply with the Terms and Conditions to be considered for a rebate. Funds will be granted for eligible applications on a first-come first-served basis until the pool of grant funding is exhausted.
Which items can I claim?
Eligible items include waterwise plants, mulch, slow release native fertiliser, soil wetting agent and soil improvers.
The cost of delivery of plants, mulch or other items is not included in the total rebate cost.
How to apply for the Waterwise Verge Rebate
- Read through the City of Albany’s Verge Development Guidelines.
- Complete the Verge Development Application and submit to the City of Albany.
- City staff will review the application and inform you of the outcome or any suggested amendments.
- Upon Verge Development approval, take a “before” photo and commence works to prepare your site.
- Landscape your verge according to the approved plan, planting during 1 May to 1 October and take an “after” photo.
- Once complete, apply for the Verge Incentive Rebate, including uploads of your before and after photos as well as copies of receipts.
- Successful applicants will be provided with a Refund/Contribution Request Form which will enable the rebate to be paid.
Applications are to be made to the City of Albany via online form, or printed forms can be:
- Scanned and emailed to [email protected]
- Handed in person to the Administration Centre at 102 North Road, Yakamia
- Posted to the City of Albany, PO Box 484, Albany WA 6331
Waterwise Verge Rebate Application Form
Planning and species selection
The ideal time to plant is between 1 May and 1 October, to give plants time establish strong healthy root systems, which reduces the risk of plant losses during the hot and dry weather conditions.
Preparing your site by removing lawn and weeds is an important step. This can be a hard task and may be done either manually or using a natural herbicide. You’ll need to factor in an appropriate amount of time to complete this prior to planting season.
The following guides will help you consider steps to prepare the site and choose locally native species:
Coastal Gardens: A planting guide for Albany, Denmark and the Walpole Coastal Region – South Coast NRM/Greenskills
How to create a waterwise verge – Water Corporation
Local plant species recommended for Waterwise verge gardens
Staff at your local nursery can also provide advice on what to plant in your area.