With an increasing demand for community gardens across the Region, Council has this week adopted a new policy that will allow residents to establish gardens in approved public spaces.
Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said this initiative is a result of local residents and community groups expressing their eagerness to cultivate a sense of community through shared gardening spaces.
"Council has received a number of requests to establish community gardens and the adoption of this new policy is a great step towards helping those interested groups put forward their ideas and proposals for establishing a garden," Cr Rutherford said.
"Community gardens will give the community an opportunity to take pride in their neighbourhood and actively contribute to the transformation of public spaces into beautiful, vibrant community gardens.
"Not only do community gardens create an inclusive space where people can connect, share knowledge and skills, but it also encourages resourcefulness which leads to a reduction in food waste."
The Community Gardens Policy has been developed to consider the impact on nearby residents and businesses, ensuring the establishment of a garden does not adversely affect those in the surrounding area.
Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers said the adoption of the Community Gardens Policy has resulted from working in conjunction with two trial projects at both an existing and proposed community garden site.
"These site trials have played a crucial role in shaping the Policy and has involved working through different scenarios and community group structures which all contributed to the development of the policy.
"Community groups with a shared vison will now have a better understanding of the considerations and planning necessary for establishing a community garden, and we are hoping this knowledge helps lay the foundation for delivering a successful garden."
