It's a dilemma isn't it. Viburnum tinus will take a few years. Really anything, even the improved varieties that 'grow fast' still take a while and then as soon as they do reach a useful size they need very regular pruning to keep them under control, unless you have enough space to just let them continue, although sometimes that can lead to them getting sparse and leggy. I've seen people put up fencing along the inside of a newly planted front hedge using chicken wire or shadecloth, and as long as it's not hindering traffic visibility or anything so that it attracts complaints, it seems fine as a temporary accessory for the hedge. I don't know what the rules are these days but on a corner block I recall one side could be treated as a side fence? And there was some very limited provision for a partial courtyard fence at the front? Though the latter probably doesn't help you much as it had to be set back from the boundary and you probably want to maximise that internal space.

Thanks macyjean. You’re absolutely right about the dilemma.

This is an aerial shot of the block. I was aware of the side fence possibility but I think that has been exhausted on the side with the pool.

There is a lot of wasted space out the front and we are trying to weigh up if it’s worth fixing it before the kids get too old to use it!

check with council to find out if you can build up a taller mound around the corner and then add a variety of pittosporums on top of the mound and replace the garden beds near the house with lawn...with a 1m high mound (leftover builders' rubble covered with top soil and mulch) we had a thick 3 m tall screen within 3 years

I’d forgotten about Pittosporums - they are handy screens too.

You may also be able to add a fence set back off the boundary, so ask about that option. Also would a 1 m picket work to contain kids or does it need to be a high fence? That is for you to consider when asking the gov.

Something low to stop soccer balls flying down the hill is the main thing I think. I also want a green space with some seclusion and privacy - it’s currently v exposed. A metre-high fence while a hedge grows, as suggested above too, could be the way to go.

This all needs to be put past whatever authority is in charge of course 😊

Canberra and corner blocks are a major pain! I think a black chain link fence is all you'd be allowed.