Resident self-managed verges and No Spray List
Residents can take responsibility for managing the verge adjoining their property through the Shire's rural self-managed verge program or urban No Spray List.
These arrangements allow residents to maintain their verges while meeting the Shire's requirements for weed control, road safety and vegetation management.
Choose the option for your property
Rural properties
Resident self-managed verges
Apply to take responsibility for maintaining the verge adjoining your rural property, including weed control and fire hazard reduction.
Find out about rural verge management →
Urban properties
No Spray List
Request to have your verge excluded from the Shire's routine herbicide spraying program by agreeing to manage weeds yourself.
Find out about the No Spray List →
Understanding verge responsibilities
Residents are generally responsible for maintaining gardens, lawns and reticulation on the verges adjoining their properties, including corner verges. The Shire remains responsible for street trees, remnant vegetation and road and drainage infrastructure, and may undertake mowing, pruning, pest and weed control where required.
For more information, see our Verge policies and guidelines.
Resident self-managed verges for rural properties
Rural property owners can apply to take responsibility for managing the verge adjoining their property.
If approved, the Shire will register the verge as resident self-managed and install identification posts so maintenance crews and contractors are aware of the arrangement.
Apply to manage your rural verge
Conditions and requirements
Residents approved to manage their own verge must meet the following requirements.
Maintenance responsibilities
- Remove and control weeds.
- Reduce fire hazards, including controlling weed grasses.
- Maintain vegetation to ensure clear sightlines at driveways and intersections.
- Manage existing vegetation, excluding trees, to maintain powerline clearances of three to four metres.
Restrictions and limitations
What happens after you apply?
1. Application assessment
The Shire will assess your application and notify you whether it has been approved.
2. Registration
If approved, your verge will be added to the Shire's Resident Self-Managed Verge Register.
3. Identification posts
The Shire will install yellow posts at either side of the property boundary to identify the self-managed verge.
Maintaining your identification posts
The yellow posts advise Shire staff and contractors not to undertake routine maintenance, including spraying, on the registered verge. Drainage and tree maintenance may still be carried out.
Property owners are responsible for keeping the posts visible and notifying the Shire if replacements are required.
No Spray List for urban properties
Urban property owners or residents who have a chemical sensitivity or prefer not to have herbicides sprayed near their property can request to have their verge added to the Shire's No Spray List.
Residents on the No Spray List agree to take responsibility for managing weeds on the verge adjoining their property instead of relying on the Shire's routine herbicide spraying.
Important information
The No Spray List applies to eligible property verges only. It does not apply to parks, reserves or natural areas managed by the Shire.
Conditions of registration
- Residents must maintain their verge, including weed removal and control, to a standard equivalent to herbicide treatment.
- Registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually by 30 June to remain on the No Spray List.
- Residents must comply with the Shire's verge policies and guidelines when managing their verge.
Request No Spray List registration
To enquire about adding your property to the No Spray List, contact the Shire on 9526 1111 or email info@sjshire.wa.gov.au.
Changes to property ownership or occupancy
If you sell your property or move out, you are responsible for advising the new owner or occupant that the verge is registered as self-managed or on the No Spray List.
If you wish to remove your property from either arrangement, please contact the Shire.
Useful documents and resources
These resources provide guidance on verge management, suitable planting and Shire requirements.
Need more information?
For questions about self-managed verges, No Spray List registration or verge maintenance requirements, contact the Shire on 9526 1111 or email info@sjshire.wa.gov.au.