kids in a community garden

A community garden grows plants, including vegetables and flowers.

Community gardening is a public, not-for-profit activity. It is environmentally friendly and provides a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded people and share information about gardening.

Community gardens can be situated on public land owned or managed by Council. Suitable locations include parks, reserves, open spaces and community centres.

Download our Community Gardens Guide (PDF)

Who can start up a community garden?

Community groups that have formed an incorporated association can enter into a licence agreement with Council to run a community garden.  An incorporated association is a registered legal entity that represents small, non-commercial and not-for-profit groups. For information on how to become an incorporated association, contact Fair Trading NSW.

Community gardens in Sutherland Shire

We have several community gardens in Sutherland Shire who welcome new members. Some of these are on Council land and some are private. They include:

Contact us to find a community garden near you or head to Community Gardens Australia.

How to apply for a community garden

  1. Complete and submit a Community Gardens enquiry form.
  2. We will carry out a feasibility assessment of the proposed location.
  3. If the location is suitable, we'll be in touch to discuss further.
  4. We will also go out to public exhibition and neighbour notification with your proposal.
  5. If no concerns are raised, we will proceed to the next stage, which is for you to become incorporated and enter into a licence agreement with us for your community garden.

Enquire about starting a community garden

What to consider when selecting a site

  • site conditions
  • environmental impacts
  • accessibility
  • utilities and services
  • security and anti-social behaviour
  • operational issues
  • adjoining properties.

Unsuitable sites

  • sensitive bushland areas
  • sites containing - or adjoining - threatened ecological communities
  • locations close to - or above - a creek or waterway
  • land set aside for future development
  • road reserve, including nature strips.

Fees and charges

The incorporated association is responsible for the costs of running the community garden, such as water and electricity usage, water meter installation, fencing, waste bins and bin collection.

The association will also be required to obtain public liability insurance for $20 million. This level of cover is required to mitigate our risk exposure to potential claims.

Resources

Oranges harvested in a community garden
eatable garden in community space

Contact

Open Space Assets team