Thank you to everyone who made a submission during the exhibition period.

We received many comments from community gardeners describing how their garden operates and the benefits it brings to the community in relation to providing fresh food, educational facilities, open days, community composting facilities and social opportunities.

In response to this feedback, the Policy and Guidelines have been amended to offer further support for community gardens.

A report was presented at Council on Tuesday 23 June to report the outcomes of the public exhibition and to seek adoption of the final Policy and Guidelines.

View the Council Report (Item 13.5).
Final draft Policy and Guidelines
View Council Minutes, page 22

Community gardening provides a range of environmental, social and educational benefits including contributing to the health and well-being of our community.

At its meeting on Tuesday 26 November 2019, Council agreed to place the Community Gardens Policy and Guidelines (draft) on exhibition for public comment.

Please feel free to read the Council report and Council minutes.

The policy provides guidance on:

• assessment criteria for establishing new community gardens.
• roles and responsibilities of Council and community garden groups in planning, establishment, management and operation of community gardens.

Community involvement is essential in decision-making, planning, management and day-to-day activities to ensure the ongoing success of community gardens on the Northern Beaches.

Submissions closed Sunday 2 February 2020.

Since the formation of the Northern Beaches Council in 2016, a policy review project has been underway to ensure a concise, consistent, effective approach on policy matters for the Northern Beaches.

Prior to amalgamation the establishment of community gardens was undertaken in varying ways by the three former Councils.

These policies have been reviewed and a draft policy and draft guidelines have been developed which proposes a single integrated Northern Beaches approach.

There are two main differences between the former policies and the draft policy.

1. The draft policy proposes an increased partnership approach in which Council may consider support (where resources are available) to ensure the successful planning, establishment and long-term financial viability of the garden.
2. The definition of a community garden has also been expanded to encompass all kinds of gardens, not just for growing food.

The garden may include, for example, fresh fruits and vegetables, ornamentals, natives including native bush foods and/or sensory plants. This expansion of the definition will allow proposals for other kinds of gardens to be assessed equitably along with the traditional community garden for cultivating food.