In recent times community gardening has become a popular grass roots movement and Council has periodically received enquiries from members of the community interested in pursuing this recreational activity. Many Councils across South Australia are actively supporting semi-urban and urban open spaces being utilised as community gardens. These are self-managed by the community, primarily for the production of food and to contribute to a sustainable urban environment.

Community gardens offer an opportunity for Council to support an activity which can generate significant positive outcomes for the community in the areas of health, social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits.

Adopting a policy position regarding community gardens will allow a consistent approach by Council to the use of open space and community land within existing residential neighbourhoods for consideration for community gardens and assist in future residential development planning. The adoption of this policy would allow a community garden group, approaching Council with a request for support or funding to be assessed and considered in line with other community projects under Council’s normal budget process or through the existing community grants program.

Council is seeking community feedback on the Draft Community Gardens Policy. A copy of the policy is available at the Gawler Administration Centre (43 High St, Gawler East) or can be downloaded below.

Comments regarding the draft policy can be submitted via the following methods:

• Online – below
• Post – PO Box 130 Gawler SA 5118
• Over the counter – Gawler Administration Centre, 43 High St, Gawler East
• E-mail - community@gawler.sa.gov.au

Comments must be received by 5pm on Friday 22^nd June 2018.