I have trouble backing out of my driveway. Can I install a convex mirror and pole on my nature strip or do I need council approval for that?

Yes absolutely, the following is an extract from a local Victorian council:

“As the nature strip is public land, we must be vigilant when it comes to recognising when a threat to public safety exists. Any feature that is deemed by us to be a risk to the public as a tripping hazard in a nature strip, a falling hazard, a vehicle crash hazard or other hazard will be required to be removed from the nature strip by us without consultation or warning. Property owners who fail to follow a request to remove nature strip obstructions may be issued with a Notice to Comply and subsequent penalty notice under Local Law 88 – Obstructions on Roads or Council Land. In addition, property owners may be held liable for injury caused as a result of any unauthorised landscaping works undertaken by them, or on their behalf.”