2026-09-24
The Victorian Greens have backed the growing campaign to Free the Strip following the City of Yarra’s decision to ban picnics across iconic green median strips along Canning, Rathdowne and Drummond Streets.
On Monday, the City of Yarra confirmed that the median strips would be treated as part of the road rather than as a municipal reserve, therefore picnicking and having a drink with friends is not permitted.
The wide median strips in Carlton North are beloved by locals for picnics, catch-ups and a bevvy with friends.
The Victorian Greens have today launched an Open Letter calling on Yarra Council to reverse their decision.
Quotes attributable to Ellen Sandell, Greens MP for Melbourne:
“There is something uniquely Melbourne about grabbing some food and a bottle of wine and sitting outside on the median strip with your mates on a warm evening.
“These median strips are the neighbourhood’s shared backyard. Melbourne is unique, and we should celebrate the way we respectfully share our communal open space, not send in the fun police to stop people having a rosé in the sun.”
“It shouldn’t be a crime to sit on the grass and enjoy a drink with friends. The community has made it pretty clear they want their strip back. My message for Yarra Council and killjoy Mayor Stephen Jolly is: this is a ridiculous and unnecessary over-reach, and it needs to be reversed.”