Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Nature strips help create Canberra’s “garden city” character.
Nature strips, otherwise known as street verges, help create Canberra’s “garden city” character.
On most streets, nature strips include footpaths for people walking and cycling. Meaning there are certain things a nature strip can and cannot be used for.
Looking after verges is a responsibility shared by the ACT Government and residents, and there are lots of ways Canberrans can use them.
Read up on which plants you can use and avoid spiky plants and any weeds or plants that have been declared pest plants. Natives are a great place to start, especially if you are new to landscaping – but if you prefer an exotic grass, a dryland blend is the go-to in Canberra’s climate.
Remember to keep all plants below 50 centimetres (or 20 centimetres if you live in a bushfire prone area ).
Install compacted gravel
Adding gravel to your nature strip can help capture water runoff and improve the quality of stormwater.
There are some limits on the amount and size of gravel you can use so be sure to do your research.
Use organic mulch
When adding organic mulch like pine bark to your verge, please ensure it is free of stones, soils and other contaminants.
Keep a 50 millimetre clearance from tree trunks and remember to rake it flush with surrounding levels.
Erect temporary protective fencing
If you’ve just planted grass or plants and you want to protect your newly refreshed nature strip, you can erect temporary fencing made of rope or string, supported by stakes.
The fencing can be up for a maximum of 13 weeks. It mustn’t pose a safety hazard to the public.
Install garden edging
You can install garden edging on your verge if it’s made of stone, brick or timber.
The edging can have a maximum height of 150 millimetres, and a depth of 100 millimetres below the surface of the nature strip.
Always remember to contact Before you Dig – 1100, before you start work.
Things you can do to your nature strip that require approval:
erect bollards to prevent parking on the nature strip
modify an existing driveway or construct a new driveway
store landscaping materials for longer than two weeks
store a skip or construction material.
Things that are unlikely to be approved for your nature strip:
ponds
water fountains
permanent fencing
retaining walls
letterboxes
shipping containers
chicken runs
play equipment
boulders
pavers or concrete paths
new trees.
Parking on the nature strip is prohibited and remember that if you live in a heritage precinct – like some areas of Ainslie, Braddon, Reid and parts of the inner south – you may not be able to make changes to the nature strip in front of your home.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to call for information in relation to an aggravated assault at Casuarina last Friday.
Detectives from the Serious Crime Squad are particularly interested in speaking to a male bystander that intervened and removed the weapon when a disturbance between the female youths broke out at around 2:40pm in the shopping centre.
Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference number P25084989. Anonymous reports can also be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 45-year-old male in relation to an arson incident that occurred in Yuendumu yesterday evening.
Around 6:40pm, police received reports of a deliberately lit fire at a house in Yuendumu. Members attended the scene and the fire was extinguished. The kitchen of the residence sustained moderate damage.
No person was inside at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported to police.
A 45-year-old male was arrested in relation to the incident and a crime scene has been established.
Investigators from Alice Springs are travelling to Yuendumu to take carriage of the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or attend your local police station. Please quote reference P25087963. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested two males aged 21 and 16-years-old for aggravated burglary at two business premises in Katherine overnight.
About 1am, Police CCTV Operators sighted a burglary in process at a business on the corner of Katherine Terrace and Warburton Street. It is alleged two males damaged the door to gain entry to one of the businesses whilst armed with an edged weapon. The pair then gained entry to a nearby licensed premises and stole a quantity of alcohol.
General duties members attended and a short time later both males were located nearby and arrested. Investigations remain ongoing and charges are expected to follow.
Police urge anyone who witnesses crime or antisocial behaviour to contact police on 131 444. In an emergency call 000. You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
A tree harvesting company recently received an $8,000 fine for damaging vulnerable native plants in the Gympie area.
The plant species that was damaged is critical to the resilience of this ecosystem, as it assists in minimising soil erosion and maintaining water quality which helps this area to withstand environmental stresses.
Public concern for the native vegetation led to an investigation by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service where rangers discovered dozens of the endangered plants were flattened.
We are dedicated to protecting our environment throughout Queensland so future generations can enjoy these amazing areas.
Protected plants are protected for a reason – particularly these plants which are classified as vulnerable.
Wildlife ranger at the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Chris Heckathorn said this is an important reminder for anyone carrying out works to ensure they undertake the relevant checks and operate within the law.
“Not only should the potential environmental impact be a deterrent, but there is also a possible fine of up to $500,000 or two-years imprisonment.
“We will continue to investigate incidents where our native species are impacted by illegal activities and will take strong compliance action to protect and preserve our environment.”
Samadera bidwillii is listed as Vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992.
A small freshwater crocodile reportedly found near Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast has been handed over to wildlife rangers by a concerned member of the public.
The crocodile was reportedly found by a man on a suburban street on 30 March 2025 and he took it home before contacting the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI).
Wildlife rangers collected the animal on 31 March 2025 and took it to the department’s Moggill facility for assessment.
The animal is believed to be around two months old and appears to be in good health. Following vet checks, the crocodile could be placed with a farm or zoo.
The circumstances that led to the animal being found on the Gold Coast are being investigated.
The animal is believed to either be an escaped pet or to have been illegally taken from the wild.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact DETSI on 1300 130 372. Information can be provided anonymously.
Freshwater crocodiles are native to Queensland, but their natural habitat is in rural areas in central, western and northwest Queensland. The Gold Coast is not considered to be freshwater crocodile habitat.
A Cardwell man was taken to Tully Hospital on Friday 28 March 2025 after reportedly being kicked in the leg by an adult cassowary, which resulted in a 2-3 inch deep wound to his upper thigh.
The man was treated for a minor injury following the interaction with the cassowary and reported the incident to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
According to the report, the man was in his backyard with his back to the bird when the cassowary approached him and kicked him in the back of the leg.
On 31 March 2025, wildlife rangers will conduct a site visit and assess the behaviour of the cassowary if it remains in the area.
The behaviour of the cassowary is consistent of a cassowary that has become accustomed to being fed. It’s a good reminder to the public not to be complacent when they are in close proximity to these animals.
People who live in the wet tropics are reminded that cassowaries are large animals and can act in an unpredictable way, which can include dangerous behaviour.
Cassowaries should never be fed or given access to food. This can cause them to become habituated and begin to approach people expecting food. Cassowaries have been known to become aggressive when approaching people for food but not receiving any.
People can help preserve wild populations of cassowaries by being Cass-O-Wary:
Never approach cassowaries.
Never approach chicks – male cassowaries will defend them.
Never feed cassowaries – it is illegal and can be dangerous for the birds and for humans.
Always discard food scraps in closed bins and ensure compost bins have secure lids.
Always slow down when driving in cassowary territory.
Never stop your vehicle to look at cassowaries on the road.
Keep dogs behind fences or on a leash.
Cassowary sightings in north Queensland should be reported to QPWS by calling 1300 130 372.
A large estuarine crocodile has been captured in a baited trap near the Dungeness Creek boat ramp at Lucinda in north Queensland.
Wildlife Rangers from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) captured the animal on Friday evening.
The 3.8 m crocodile was targeted for removal after displaying concerning behaviour around the boat ramp and interfering with crab pots. It is believed the crocodile was attracted to the boat ramp by discarded fish frames and bait.
The removal is a reminder for people living in crocodile habitat to make sensible choices around the water and to prioritise their safety.
People living in crocodile habitat should never discard fish frames or unused bait at boat ramps or fishing spots as crocodiles can begin to associate those locations with food.
All crocodile sightings should be reported to DETSI in a timely manner.
Crocodiles can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.
Expect crocodiles in ALL northern and far northern Queensland waterways even if there is no warning sign
Obey all warning signs – they are there to keep you safe
Be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night
Stay well away from croc traps – that includes when fishing and boating
The smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks
Stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure
Camp well back from the water’s edge
Never leave food, fish scraps or disused bait near the water, at camp sites or at boat ramps
Never provoke, harass or feed crocs
Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead.
