UPDATE: A homeowner in Mermaid Beach has been ordered to remove her artificial lawn after receiving a shocking notice from the Gold Coast City Council. This urgent development comes after a neighbor’s anonymous complaint about the turf, which has adorned her front nature strip for over five years.
Gold Coast City Council claims the artificial grass poses a safety hazard, emphasizing that it can become a trip risk for pedestrians and may obstruct underground utilities. Council officials stated, “Artificial turf can attract significant heat and is not allowed on road verges due to possible safety risks.”
Amanda Blair, the affected homeowner, expressed her disbelief over the situation. “Some idiot decided to ring council, who now demand we rip it up and replace it with real grass,” she posted on Facebook. Blair argued that her high-quality turf has remained in pristine condition throughout its five-year use, providing a low-maintenance option for her yard.
The council’s demand comes with serious financial implications; failure to comply could lead to an on-the-spot fine of $834. “We first issue an advisory notice and allow time for the landowner to comply,” the council explained. “Failure to do so may result in significant fines.”
The backlash against the council’s decision is palpable online, with many local residents calling out what they perceive as hypocrisy. Critics noted that the council itself utilizes artificial turf in several public areas, including the nature strip between Burleigh Surf Club and the Pavilion. “They put it everywhere in parks, but call yours a trip hazard?” one resident commented.
While some community members defend the council’s stance, citing that synthetic turf can indeed be hazardous, others argue for the environmental benefits of maintaining real grass. Blair has reached out to her local MP, Ray Stevens, for assistance. Although Stevens acknowledged the absurdity of the directive, he clarified that it ultimately rests within the council’s jurisdiction. Her local councillor, Nick Marshall, is now advocating on her behalf.
As tensions rise and community discussions unfold, residents continue to voice their frustrations over the council’s strict enforcement of local laws regarding nature strips. The Gold Coast City Council has indicated that clearer guidelines will be developed to assist locals in understanding what is acceptable landscaping on public verges.
As this story develops, many are left wondering about the future of artificial turf in the region and the implications for homeowners across the Gold Coast. Stay tuned for updates on this contentious issue that has captivated local attention and sparked widespread debate.
