These plant species are well suited to the region, perform well, are commercially available from plant nurseries and do not have a tendency for weediness.
Plants should be planted in such a way to account for future growth. This ensures the roots and canopy of the mature vegetation remain outside the offset area. Mown grass should be directly above a sewer, drain or water main.
Please note that this list is intended as a helpful guide but does not claim to be comprehensive, please consult your local native plant nursery for specific advice for your location.
Ground cover/sedges (plant minimum 2 meters away from an asset i.e sewers, water mains and drains)
| Common name | Indigenous name |
|---|---|
| Kangaroo Grass | Themeda australis |
| Prickly Spear-grass | Austrostipa stipoides |
| Purple Flax Lily | Dianella revoluta |
| Saw Sedge | Gahnia radula |
| Spiny-headed Mat-rush or Wattle Mat-rush | Lomandra longifolia or Lomandra filiformis |
| Tussock grass, Common tussock grass or Coast Tussock-grass | Poa australis, poa labillardierei or Poa poiformis |
Shrubs 1.5m–4m high (plant minimum 5 meters away from an asset)
| Common name | Indigenous name |
|---|---|
| Coast or Prickly Tea-tree | Leptospermum laevigatum or Leptospermum continentale |
| Coast Saltbush | Atriplex cinerea |
| Hop Goodenia | Goodenia ovata |
| Prickly Moses | Acacia verticillata |
| Silver Banksia | Banksia marginata |
| White Correa | Correa alba |
Trees 4m and above in height (plant minimum 5 meters away from an asset)
| Common name | Indigenous name |
|---|---|
| Black Sheoak | Allocasuarina littoralis |
| Blackwood | Acacia melanoxylon |
| Coast Banksia | Banksia integrifolia |
| Coastal Manna Gum | Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. pryoriana |
| Saw Banksia | Banksia serrata |
Additional protection for trees: Root Barriers
In addition to the required offset distances, Westernport Water recommends the use of root barriers. Correctly installed root barriers can help prevent or limit the impact of tree roots on surrounding infrastructure by reducing root growth beyond the barrier or diverting root growth away from the barrier. Please contact your local nursery for product and installation advice.
Other approvals
Tree planting and associated activities may need to comply with other regulations or legislation not administered by Westernport Water, e.g. Special Building Overlay or Land Subject to Inundation Overlay.
Page updated 8 July 2026