Use of Council Land for Community Gardens

Step 1.Talk to Council

An important step before submitting your application is to discuss your proposal with a Council Officer in a pre-lodgement meeting by calling the Community Outcomes team on 02 9843 0555.

Step 2.What you need to know before applying

• All applications must be consistent with the adopted plan of management and/or masterplan for the location and may require a development application.
• The community land may not be used for commercial activities and any proceeds made from produce sales are to be returned to the community garden fund.
• Where these gardens are provided by community groups on Council land they are to be built and operated at no cost to council and applicants must ensure the community members surrounding the proposed community garden are consulted.
• Community Gardens need to have the support of the majority of the local community evidenced through a consultation process. Residents not involved may have legitimate concerns about a new community garden being established in their area including loss of open space they currently use.

For a garden to be established on Council-owned and/or Council-controlled land, the applicant must:

• Have Public Liability Insurance to a minimum of $20 million
• Be an incorporated association, or be auspiced by an incorporated association
• Be a not for profit organisation
• Be prepared to be incorporated or auspiced by an incorporated Not For Profit association. To be successful in obtaining a lease agreement, the group will need to be either incorporated or managed by an incorporated Not For Profit association.

Step 3.How to Apply

All groups must submit a formal application on the form below so that Council can make a decision about whether it is appropriate to approve the development of a community garden.

Apply Here