Council unveils first of its ‘Community Gardens’

Council representatives unveiled the first garden to be created under its “Community Gardens Policy”.

Residents were present as Council unveiled the new community garden at James Street in Redfern, the revitalised Charles Kernan Reserve at the corner of Abercrombie and Shepherd Streets in Darlington and the launch of Ethel Turner Park on Oatley Road in Paddington.

The James Street garden is the first to be established under the Community Gardens Policy created in February this year with the stated goal of creating:

“A not-for-profit, community based enterprise producing food primarily for the consumption of the gardeners … a community managed, multi-functional garden space that when carefully designed and managed can provide a wide range of environmental, social and economic benefits.”

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the gardens could “contribute to the sustainability of our City and provide environmental, educational and social benefits for gardeners and the wider community.”

The James Street Reserve community garden was created by a local group who continue to manage it, providing new garden beds for growing flowers, fruit and nut trees.

Other community gardens are located in Alexandria, Newtown, Waterloo, Glebe, Pyrmont, Annandale and Woolloomooloo.

By Simon Black