
21 August 2009
Yarra Council has reaffirmed its support for community gardens by committing to establish at least one new garden by the end of 2009.
Mayor Cr Amanda Stone said Council, at its meeting last Tuesday, had also committed to establish a Community Gardens Advisory Committee which would include members of the local community, Councillors and Council officers.
The Committee has been set the task of developing simple and clear guidelines for the establishment and management of community garden activities, with an emphasis on minimising any risk of toxicity associated with growing food in community gardens.
The Committee will report back to Council in March 2010.
Council resolved to place a moratorium on the removal of existing “guerrilla” gardens, community gardens and planter boxes.
Cr Stone said Council would push ahead with its target, part of its Environment Strategy adopted last year, to help create five new food-producing community gardens by 2012.
“In the inner city, many residents have little or no access to private open space,” Cr Stone said.
“We see terrific social and physical benefits for our community in being able to access safe public spaces to grow food and share in the resulting fresh produce,” she said.
“We know there is a long waiting list for plots in existing community gardens in Yarra, so we are pleased to be part of the community movement to get more garden patches established.”
Further informationFor media enquiries about this issue, please contact:
Ainslie Gowan
Coordinator Communications and Public Relations
Richmond Town Hall
333 Bridge Road Richmond
Telephone 9205 5177, 0400 933 700
Email ainslie.gowan@yarracity.vic.gov.au
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