These plant species are well suited to the region, perform well, are commercially available and do not have a tendency for weediness.

Vegetation 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.

This list is intended as a general guide, please consult your local native plant nursery for specific advice for your location. Mown grass should be directly above a sewer, drain or water main. 

Ground cover/sedges (plant minimum 2 meters away from an asset i.e sewers, water mains and drains)

Common nameIndigenous name
Kangaroo GrassThemeda australis
Prickly Spear-grassAustrostipa stipoides
Purple Flax LilyDianella revoluta
Saw SedgeGahnia radula
Spiny-headed Mat-rush or Wattle Mat-rush Lomandra longifolia or Lomandra filiformis
Tussock grass, Common tussock grass or Coast Tussock-grassPoa australis, poa labillardierei or Poa poiformis

Shrubs 1.5m–4m high (plant minimum 5 meters away from an asset)

Common nameIndigenous name
Coast or Prickly Tea-tree Leptospermum laevigatum or Leptospermum continentale
Coast SaltbushAtriplex cinerea
Hop Goodenia Goodenia ovata
Prickly Moses Acacia verticillata
Silver BanksiaBanksia marginata
White CorreaCorrea alba

Trees 4m and above in height (plant minimum 5 meters away from an asset)

Common nameIndigenous name
Black SheoakAllocasuarina littoralis
BlackwoodAcacia melanoxylon
Coast BanksiaBanksia integrifolia
Coastal Mana Gum Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. pryoriana
Saw BanksiaBanksia 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.

Contact us

Please contact Westernport Water – Developments, Infrastructure and Planning Team for further information regarding planting and landscaping structure requirements, build-over agreements and conditions on T | 1300 720 711 8.30am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday and ask to speak with the team.