Community asked to provide feedback 

Shellharbour City Council is asking residents to comment on its Draft Community Gardens Strategy, which currently on public exhibition.

The strategy provides a strategic focus for establishing and expanding the community gardens network across Shellharbour City.

Community gardens are areas of allocated space on Council-owned public land, which operate for the primary purposes of growing fresh food and promoting food security through educational, social, cultural and environmental activities.

Council’s experience with previous community gardens and community consultation identified the need for a formal strategy, policy and process to be developed.

The Shellharbour Open Space and Recreation Strategy 2020 identified an ongoing demand within the community for the provision of community gardens, highlighting the importance of continued maintenance and support by Council.

Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said that supporting community gardens and the growing of plants adapted to the changing local climate would support Council in achieving its environment and sustainability goals. 

“Sustainability is one of Council’s core values. As our community and built environment change, it is anticipated that interest in, and demand for, community gardens will also change,” Mayor Homer said.

“Community gardens can create a fun and lively space to grow a community hub and fresh produce for everyone to enjoy. The aim is to ensure that the process of planting, establishing and maintaining gardens on Council-owned land is easy to understand and accessible for everyone.

“Council engaged with the community before creating the Draft Community Gardens Strategy, using feedback gathered via Council’s Let’s Chat engagement portal. 

To comment and read the feedback that went into making this strategy visit: https://letschatshellharbour.com/community-gardens-strategy
•    Draft Community Gardens Strategy
•    Shellharbour Open Space and Recreation Study 2020

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008