‘Boundary Creep’ Epidemic Sweeps the Shire as Locals Stake Claim to Nature Strips with Box Trailers and Broken Boats.

Sandy Shores | Editor-in-Chief | Sutherland Shire Gazette

4 December 2025

SUTHERLAND SHIRE - A mysterious new condition dubbed “Boundary Creep Syndrome” is gripping suburbs across the Shire, with residents quietly extending their property lines using a potent mix of unused box trailers, decaying tinnies, rusted jet skis, and in one case - a horse float that hasn’t moved since Scott Morrison was PM.

Experts say the syndrome is marked by an overwhelming urge to park something big and vaguely vehicle-shaped on or near the footpath or nature strip, in what appears to be a symbolic land claim.

Experts say the syndrome is fuelled by a uniquely Shire emotional trigger: the volcanic rage that erupts when a neighbour dares to park on your nature strip even though, legally, it is not yours.

“Technically, it’s council land,” said local ranger Alan Miffed. “But emotionally, it’s theirs. That faded Bunnings tarp over the old tinny? That’s a flag. That’s sovereignty.”

In Caringbah, one homeowner has positioned a 5.3m fishing boat strategically across the nature strip in what neighbours describe as a “two-car deterrent zone.” Locals confirm the boat hits water approximately three weekends a year, although neighbours claim it hasn’t moved since the second lockdown.

In Gymea Bay, another resident has combined a spare trailer, a mound of old bricks, and a jet ski last registered in the Rudd era. The items are stacked with all the care of an archaeological dig, though the only purpose appears to be: “Don’t you dare park here, Jason.”

Neighbourhood tension is now at critical mass.

One Como local claims the growing lawn annex next door is “slowly creeping toward my mailbox like a glacier made of Marketplace items.” 

Council is rumoured to have attempted to intervene with gentle reminders and pamphlets, but most are met with shrugs and phrases like “it’s part of the landscape now” or “where else would I put the spare tinny?”

Locals are advised to mark their nature strips early - before someone else parks a busted dinghy on it.