A Gold Coast woman has been ordered to remove artificial turf from her nature strip after five years, following an anonymous complaint from a neighbour that has sparked a local government crackdown.
The Anonymous Complaint That Started It All
Mermaid Beach resident Amanda Blair received an official letter from Gold Coast City Council demanding she rip up the pristine fake grass that had adorned the council-owned land outside her front fence for half a decade. The enforcement action came immediately after an anonymous tip-off to council authorities.
'Some idiot has decided to ring council who now demand we rip it up and replace with real grass,' Ms Blair expressed her frustration on Facebook. 'Yes, it's council land, yet they won't mow it or maintain it. Any advice? Pretty annoyed as we wanted a low-maintenance yard.'
The resident emphasised that the high-quality artificial turf had remained in excellent condition throughout its five-year installation, never deteriorating and always maintaining its neat appearance.
Council's Safety Concerns and Local Laws
Gold Coast City Council defended its decision, stating that artificial turf is prohibited on road verges due to multiple safety concerns. Council representatives told Daily Mail that artificial turf can become a trip hazard if not properly maintained and attracts significant heat in Australia's warm climate.
Additionally, the council raised concerns about underground infrastructure access, noting that fake grass can obstruct utility companies and service providers who need to reach pipes and cables beneath the surface.
The local authority confirmed it receives frequent complaints about nature strip obstructions and is legally required to act on each one to ensure compliance with Local Laws. Failure to comply with the removal notice could result in an on-the-spot fine of $834 according to council regulations.
Community Backlash and Hypocrisy Claims
The council's decision has generated significant anger online, with many local residents accusing the authority of double standards. Several commentators pointed out that Gold Coast City Council itself uses artificial turf in prominent public areas.
'GCCC has fake grass on the nature strip between Burleigh Surf Club and the Pavilion. But that's OK - hypocrisy,' one resident wrote in response to the situation.
Another added: 'They put it everywhere in parks, but call yours a trip hazard? You must've pissed someone off.'
However, not all community members supported Ms Blair's position. Some argued that synthetic turf presents genuine hazards and environmental concerns. 'Council has made people on Sovereign Island rip up their nature strips where artificial grass has been laid,' one commenter noted. 'Can cause carpet burns if people fall on it and also a trip hazard if seams come unstuck.'
Another environmental concern raised was that 'real grass produces oxygen like trees. We can't live solely on pretty Insta pics.'
Political Intervention and Future Guidelines
Ms Blair has contacted her local MP Ray Stevens for assistance in challenging the council's decision. While Mr Stevens acknowledged the matter ultimately falls under council jurisdiction, he told Daily Mail Australia that he 'wholeheartedly supports the ridiculousness of the directive'.
Her local councillor Nick Marshall has now taken up the issue on her behalf, potentially signalling a political challenge to the current regulations.
The council confirmed it is developing clearer guidelines for residents outlining what is and isn't acceptable on nature strips, promising to offer alternative landscaping options. This move suggests the controversy might lead to more defined policies regarding artificial turf usage across the Gold Coast region.
