Woollahra Municipal Council, New South Wales, recently worked with a group of local residents to launch the Cooper Park Community Garden in Bellevue Hill.
The local community is enthusiastic about playing a part in delivering key on-the-ground projects to ensure a sustainable future for Woollahra.
A team of enthusiastic local residents – with the assistance of a grant through Woollahra Council’s Environmental Grants program, are well on their way to construct 40 planned six-square-metre garden plots for organic fruit and vegetables that can be grown and eaten locally.
According to Melissa Sellen, Council’s Sustainability Projects Officer, partnering with the community on local environmental projects provides the opportunity for shared learning, increased connection to the local environment and the opportunity for projects to become embedded in local communities.
“Community gardening is a valuable community recreational activity that contributes to health and well-being, positive social interaction, environmental education and sustainability.
“Not everyone is fortunate enough to have their own backyard, so community gardens offer the chance for community members to utilise public open space to grow their own produce, with no pre-requisites to getting involved.
“Caring for our environment and ensuring a healthy future is a shared responsibility. When we roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty, alongside our community, then we show with our actions that we are all part of the solution,” she said.
