Guidelines for the Establishment of Community Gardens THIS IS A LO O KING AFTER O UR ENVIRO NMEN T P R O JEC T H e l p in g to ac h ie v e t h e 2 0 3 0 C o mmu n ity V isio n G u i d e li n e s fo r t h e E s t a bli s h m e n t o f C o m m u n it y G a rd e n s Table of Contents Introduction3 How to Contact Council If you would like to seek information and/ or support from Coffs Harbour City Council, we encourage you to read these guidelines and then contact us to arrange an early discussion. Council Contact: Senior Technical Officer - Parks Phone: 6648 4000 Email: [email protected] Coffs Harbour City Council gratefully acknowledges that this guidelines document draws heavily on the City of Sydney Community Gardens Policy, 2009; Blue Mountains City Council’s Guidelines for the Establishment of Community Gardens on Council owned and/ or managed land, 2011 and the outstanding work of members of the Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network (ACFCGN). 2 Community Gardens – Definition 3 Typical Community Garden Structures 3 Benefits of community gardens 4 Role of Coffs Harbour City Council 5 Role of a Community Garden Group 5 Responsibilities of a Community Garden Group 6 Insurance and Risk Management 6 Incorporation of the Garden Group 7 Conflict Resolution and Complaints Procedure 7 Community garden application process 7 Application Procedure 9 Self Assessment Checklist 10 Site Assessment of Proposed Community Garden Form 11 Application for Approval to Establish a Community Garden Form 14 References and useful information 17 Introduction Community Gardens – Definition These guidelines are designed to provide information to both the Coffs Harbour community and Coffs Harbour City Council staff on the establishment of community gardens on Council owned and/ or managed lands across the local government area (LGA). There is increasing interest within Coffs Harbour, as well as nationally and internationally in the growing and consumption of local food through such initiatives as community gardens, school gardens and farmers markets. This reflects the community’s desire to learn about growing food, to gain access to fresh and healthy food with known provenance and to enjoy opportunities to meet their neighbours and become involved in their local community. Community Gardens are gardens created and maintained on public or private land by people who come together to learn about, participate in and share the rewards of gardening activities. These guidelines respond to the recommendations in the Coffs Harbour Open Space Strategy 2010; “Coffs Harbour currently lacks Community Gardens. The community through the Vision 2030 process has identified a strong interest in Community Gardens. Community Gardens offer a range of positive benefits including social contact and the opportunity to grow flowers and vegetables”. “Council will need to determine appropriate management mechanisms to address all concerns including formal agreements with community groups for the management of the sites. Council will need to develop guidelines in relation to Community Gardens”. Supporting community gardens supports the delivery of the Coffs Harbour 2030 vision “We have created through our urban spaces, a strong sense of community, identity and place”; and in particular objectives LP4 “We are recognised as a model of sustainable living”; LC4 “We have many opportunities to enjoy life together”; LE1 “We share our skills and knowledge to care for our environment” and LE2 “We reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change”. Typical Community Garden Structures There is no single model of a community garden, nor is there a single model for starting gardens. However, there are a number of different types of community gardens, with the most common forms in Australia including: –– Community gardens with a mixture of allotments for each member and some shared areas. An example of this is the Coffs Regional Community Garden; –– Communal gardens where the entire garden is managed collectively. An example of this model is Northbank Community Garden in Bellingen; –– School gardens are considered a community garden when local residents outside the school community can join the garden and manage the garden in partnership with the school. An example of this model is the Bellingen High School Community Garden. Guidelines for the Establishment of Community Gardens 3 G u i d e li n e s fo r t h e E s t a bli s h m e n t o f C o m m u n it y G a rd e n s Benefits of community gardens Coffs Harbour City Council supports the development of community gardens throughout the local government area (LGA). The Council recognises that community gardens have the potential to: –– –– –– –– –– –– Foster a sense of community; Improve the health of the community by providing access to fresh food, outdoor exercise and opportunities for creative enterprise; Provide access to fresh local food thus reducing food miles and assisting in addressing food security issues; Provide increased opportunities for social connectedness and intergenerational exchange; Act as a model for best practice with regard to sustainable living; and Provide skills development and learning opportunities. The benefits of community gardens (Grayson 2008) 4 Role of Coffs Harbour City Council Role of a Community Garden Group Coffs Harbour City Council’s role in community gardens is as a supporter and ‘enabler’ of the development of gardens. That is, Council will provide suitable land where appropriate, help facilitate community consultation, and provide guidance and advice where appropriate. The Council does not take a lead in establishing gardens including garden design or providing funding for the establishment of gardens. Garden design and funding of the gardens is the role of the relevant community garden association. A community garden group’s role in developing a community garden is to: Council’s role in developing community gardens is to: –– –– –– –– –– –– –– –– –– –– –– Promote, enable and support the establishment of community gardens on appropriate lands (Council owned/managed); Ensure that prospective garden groups follow the recommended application process including the completion of a Site Assessment Form (Form A) and an Application Form (Form B); Facilitate community consultation (in partnership with the garden group) Assess each proposal to establish a community garden on a case-by-case basis; Provide land use information including assistance to community groups in locating sites appropriate for community gardens; Advise on necessary approvals e.g. development applications, environmental impacts, management plans, water and sewer connections; Ensure appropriate insurances and health and safety legislation are met; Issue site licence for the garden and ensure that licence conditions are adhered to; Assist the garden group with funding applications where appropriate e.g. through letters of support, etc; Assit the garden with design, including operational site constraints where necessary. –– –– –– –– –– –– Complete the recommended application process including the completion of a Site Assessment Form (Form A) and an Application Form (Form B); Assist Council in undertaking the community consultation; Create a concept plan and detailed garden design plan; Develop a Plan of Management for the garden; Identify potential funding sources and apply for funding; Compliance with health and safety legislation; Meet the requirements of the site licence once issued. Starting a community garden from scratch is a major undertaking that takes time, energy and commitment. These guidelines aim to help you understand the processes so that your time and efforts will be effective and productive. It is suggested that you: –– –– –– –– –– Prioritise forming an effective, committed and sustainable working group to share the load; Work slowly, and allow time for planning and research; Look for opportunities to form relationships and build community; Develop a clear shared vision for your project early on; Use planning and design processes to bring your vision to reality. Guidelines for the Establishment of Community Gardens 5 G u i d e li n e s fo r t h e E s t a bli s h m e n t o f C o m m u n it y G a rd e n s Responsibilities of a Community Garden Group The community garden group are responsible for maintaining the garden so that the health and safety of themselves, any visitors and the surrounding community are not adversely impacted. In particular, gardeners are responsible for ensuring that: –– –– –– –– –– –– –– –– –– –– –– They cooperate and manage effective relationships with the surrounding neighbourhood, partnering organisations and other gardeners; They do not discriminate due to differences in race, culture or sexuality; They regularly communicate with the Council and/or other landowners and stakeholders; Decision making is democratic, transparent and inclusive; Any water leaving the garden is not contaminated by sediment, fertiliser, manure or excessive organic matter that might pollute waterways; Noise levels within the garden are maintained at a level that is not disturbing to neighbours; Compost, worm farming systems and fertilisers are maintained so as not to attract vermin or produce unpleasant odours; Rainwater harvesting systems are maintained to ensure water is of a high quality; Any materials delivered to or stored at the garden are maintained so as not to create an unpleasant environment for other residents in the community; Visitors are welcomed to the garden, and members of the public can access the community garden during daylight hours; and They find out the location of any underground pipes and cables – DIAL BEFORE YOU DIG is a free, online information service on underground pipes and cables anywhere in Australia – www.1100.com.au or phone: 1100 during business hours. A licence or other agreement between Coffs Harbour City Council and a gardening group could be revoked or not renewed if: –– –– –– The group disbands or ceases to function due to internal conflict; The garden is not maintained or becomes unsafe for public access; Appropriate insurance cover is not maintained. If Council seeks to exercise this power, the Council will do so in writing, giving reasons and evidence, with adequate notice. Council will operate with procedural fairness and transparency. 6 Insurance and Risk Management It is essential that garden groups be aware of the risks associated with undertaking a publicly accessible community garden project. Each garden group has a duty of care to the community who access the garden areas. To ensure funds are available to meet that duty, a minimum of $10 million of public liability insurance policy is required to be taken out. Public liability can cost up to around $900$1,200 a year depending on its source. A number of community gardens have joined Landcare Australia or horticultural associations to take advantage of their group buying scheme to cut their insurance costs by more than half. Council recognises that public liability insurance has an associated cost, and may not be easily accessible to small community groups. Further options for obtaining insurance cover include the following: –– –– –– The group can become an incorporated association through the NSW Office of Fair Trading and manage their own insurance; The group may arrange for another organisation (such as a neighbourhood centre) to act as their auspice, and as a project of that organisation will be covered by their insurance; or A group of community gardens with similar objectives might obtain insurance together, e.g. through the Coffs Regional Community Gardens Association. Incorporation of the Garden Group Council requires community garden groups to have a clear and identified legal structure. Garden groups can apply to the NSW Office of Fair Trading to become Incorporated Associations. This arrangement affords the group some flexibility in the management of funds and enables them to open a bank account, obtain public liability insurance cover and apply for government grants. Incorporation as an association requires groups to establish a management committee with annually elected office bearers and to commit to regular meetings. This can be beneficial for the project as it maintains a structure that can address management issues; having a committee also helps share the tasks of garden management and avoids excessive responsibility being placed on a few people or the garden management becoming dominated by one person. Conflict Resolution and Complaints Procedure Community Gardens should aim to promote an environment that is tolerant and caring. A duty of care should be strongly exercised and encouraged within the garden group to further community cohesion and co-ordination. Positive group dynamics reflects its individual member’s ability to respond maturely with patience, awareness and cultural and physical safety in all situations. However, it is inevitable that conflicts may sometimes arise, either within the garden group or with external stakeholders such as local residents or the Council. In the event of a conflict arising, steps should be taken immediately to accelerate its resolution, including respectful non-violent communication with those involved; and engaging the assistance of a mediator where appropriate. The Council requires that community gardeners develop a management plan which includes a gardener’s agreement that all members agree to follow. An agreement should provide information on the expectations of behaviour on site, the management of shared garden areas and plots; and a conflict resolution process. It is highly recommended that the aspect of conflict resolution within the garden group’s management plan be based on the NSW Department of Fair Trading’s ‘Model Constitution’ under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009. This document can be downloaded from www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au Community garden application process Coffs Harbour City Council recommends that community groups or individuals interested in establishing a community garden in the Coffs Harbour LGA complete the self assessment checklist provided. Any proposal to establish a new community garden on Council owned and/ or managed land MUST complete the following forms. –– –– “Form A - Site Assessment” and “Form B - Application for approval to establish a community garden”. Both forms are to be completed and submitted to Coffs Harbour City Council via mail or email. Council staff will then assess the application and liaise directly with the community group to progress any issues that arise from the application. When completing the application form, should there be any questions please direct them to the Senior Technical Officer – Parks who is charged with community gardens liaison, who will seek an appropriate answer from relevant Council staff. Guidelines for the Establishment of Community Gardens 7 G u i d e li n e s fo r t h e E s t a bli s h m e n t o f C o m m u n it y G a rd e n s “Community gardens are places where people come together to grow fresh food, to learn, relax and make new friends.” - Anonymous “Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration.” - Lou Erickson, Cartoonist and illustrator 1913-1990 “Flowers grow in flower gardens, vegetables grow in vegetable gardens, & people grow in community gardens” - Auckland City Gardens Policy, 2002 “He plants trees to benefit another generation.” - Caecilius Statius “Urban community gardeners are bringing life and liveability, seed by seed, back to their neighbourhoods. The gardens nourish the body and also the soul.” - Anonymous 8 Establish a Community Garden Group and complete Self Assessment Checklist Only incorporated groups or groups under the auspice (support) of an incorporated group are eligible to apply to establish a community garden on Council owned and/ or managed lands. Step 6 Step 5 Step 4 Step 3 Step 2 Discuss project with Council and undertake a Site Assessment (Form A) Step 7 Working group will help undertake site assessment, establish whether a Development Application and/or other approvals are required and advise on infrastructure e.g. sewer, water Step 8 * Council forms internal working group with relevant internal representation. Step 1 Application Procedure Discuss matters including the proposed site/s, group structure and/or project so that any issues can be resolved prior to a formal application being lodged. In conjunction with Council use Form A to undertake a site assessment to determine the suitability of the proposed site*. Council will advise whether to proceed to Step 3. Council along with the Community Garden Group is to undertake consultation with the community Submit Formal Application (Form B) Using Form B, prepare a formal application for the establishment of a community garden and submit to Council. Assessment The application will be assessed by the internal working group. The working group will prepare a report for the executive team within 6 weeks of receipt of the application. Application is supported, proceed to Step 7 Application is not supported Written feedback will be provided and an alternative site may be considered. Final Approval If the application is approved a licence will be issued to the successful group. At this step legislative requirements such as formal advertising of licence will be undertaken. Apply for grants and commence work Once all documents have been approved by the Council then applicants may choose to apply for grants and start building their community garden. Guidelines for the Establishment of Community Gardens 9 G u i d e li n e s fo r t h e E s t a bli s h m e n t o f C o m m u n it y G a rd e n s Self Assessment Checklist If you can answer YES to all these questions please call Council to discuss your community garden idea further. Self Assessment Checklist Have you identified a potential site? It would be good if you could find a site that is close to where you or someone involved in your group lives or in a location that is not isolated (if it is big enough for your needs) Are you willing to consider alternative sites? Council may consider that the site you want to use is not suitable. Are you willing to talk with the people who use the area where you have planned the community garden? The people who already use the area will need to be generally supportive of the project. Are you willing to talk with the people who live in the area about your planned community garden? The people in the local area will need to be generally supportive of the project. Have you identified a person who would be the primary contact for this community garden? Council needs to have one person to talk with primarily about the project – otherwise it may be hard to keep track of who said what to whom - when. Are you willing to become an incorporated group or find an existing incorporated group/ association to act as your auspice? You will either need to form a group and become incorporated or ask an existing group to auspice your project and in that way come under the support of their group/ association. Are you willing to enter into a formal licensing arrangement with Council? Council are required to issue a licence for the site with specific conditions Are you willing to report your progress to Council annually? We would like to know what successes you had and what challenges you faced. Do you have an understanding of risk management? The project will be your responsibility and your own safety and the safety of those around you are very important. Do you have an idea of what it is you would like to grow in your community garden? You should make sure that plants you want to grow are not poisonous, on a declared noxious weed list or an environmental weed. 10 YES To the General Manager, Coffs Harbour City Council FORM A - SITE ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED COMMUNITY GARDENS Locked Bag 155, Coffs Harbour 2450; DX 7559 Administration Centre, 2 Castle Street, Coffs Harbour Email: [email protected] Phone: (02) 6648 4000 Fax: (02) 6648 4199 Website: www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au ABN 79 126 214 487 About this form This form is used to assess the suitability of any site proposed for a community garden on Council owned and/ or managed lands. This form is to be completed in collaboration with Council at Step 2 of the application process. 1. Applicant Details * It is important that Council is able to contact you if more information is required. Community Garden Group Name Contact Person: Mr Ms Mrs Dr Other: First Name: Surname: Unit/Street No/PO Box Street Suburb, town or locality State Phone Number (Business Hours) Mobile Postcode Email Address Signature Date 2. a) Proposed Site Details We need this to correctly identify the land. Unit/Street No Street Suburb, town or locality Postcode What is the land currently used for? Eg passive recreation, sporting groups etc. Are there any existing structures or services on the site? Guidelines for the Establishment of Community Gardens 11 G u i d e li n e s fo r t h e E s t a bli s h m e n t o f C o m m u n it y G a rd e n s b) Safety and vandalism Page 2 Are there any significant safety or crime concerns? What is the lighting around the site? Does the site have good visibility from nearby houses or businesses? c) Accessibility How far is the site from public transport, bicycle tracks and footpaths? How close are the nearest toilets for public use? Is the site accessible for a range of user groups, including disabled access if required by participants? d) Location How far is the site from any high density living areas and community facilities such as community centres, schools and aged care facilities? These are considered beneficial for the increased potential for participation and support. e) Size* Is the site of adequate land size to accommodate the garden and associated facilities? Consider the size of the proposed garden beds, composting systems, etc. 12 f) Soil quality, ground cover and slope Page 3 What is the soil type and structure? Would soil need to be imported on to the site? What is the history of the site and has any risk of existing soil contamination been assessed? (Attach report of any soil tests conducted.) Does the site provide good drainage? What is the current ground cover and would any trees or shrubs need to be removed to construct the garden? What is the slope/ contour of the land? g) Sunlight and water Does the site have sunlight for at least 5-6 hours per day? Is there currently access to mains water or an opportunity to harvest rain water from near existing roofs i.e. an adjacent building? 3. Lodgement Details You can lodge your completed application by: MAIL: Coffs Harbour City Council, Locked Bag 155 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 EMAIL: [email protected] Attention: Senior Technical Officer - Parks WHAT NOW: After your application has been receipted, a Council officer will contact you within 21 days. PRIVACY: Privacy and personal information protection − This information is voluntarily required to process your request and will not be used for any other purpose without first seeking your consent, or as required by law; − Your information will comprise part of a public register related to this purpose; − Your application will be retained in Council’s Records Management System and disposed of in accordance with the Local Government Disposal Authority; − Your personal information can be accessed and corrected at any time by contacting this Council. Guidelines for the Establishment of Community Gardens 13 G u i d e li n e s fo r t h e E s t a bli s h m e n t o f C o m m u n it y G a rd e n s To the General Manager, Coffs Harbour City Council FORM B - APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL TO ESTABLISH A COMMUNITY GARDEN Locked Bag 155, Coffs Harbour 2450; DX 7559 Administration Centre, 2 Castle Street, Coffs Harbour Email: [email protected] Phone: (02) 6648 4000 Fax: (02) 6648 4199 Website: www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au ABN 79 126 214 487 About this form This form is to be completed after the Site Assessment and advice has been received to proceed to this formal application stage (Step 4) 1. Applicant Details Community Garden Group Name Contact Person: Mr Ms Mrs Dr Other: First Name: Surname: Unit/Street No/PO Box Street Suburb, town or locality State Phone Number (Business Hours) Mobile Postcode Email Address Signature Date 2. a) Group Details Number of current members: Intended total number of members: Is the Group incorporated: Yes Incorporation Number: No Please fill in the details below for the group who is acting as your auspice. (Please contact Council if you would like help to find an auspice) Name of existing Incorporated group acting as an auspice (support) for the purposes of the project: I have attached a letter of support from our auspice group: Contact Person: Ms Mrs Dr Yes No Other: First Name: Surname: Unit/Street No/PO Box Street Suburb, town or locality State Phone Number (Business Hours) Mobile Signature 14 Mr Postcode Date Page 2 How is the group structured? Include brief details on roles, meetings and decision-making. Do any of the members of the community garden group have previous experience in community gardening and if so, are they able to provide support to your group? Yes No (if yes, please attach details) Does the Group include members with skills needed for community gardening? (Tick boxes as appropriate) Growing vegetables Making compost and using mulch Garden design and construction Community development If any of these skills do not exist within the Group, how do you intend to obtain them? 4. Community garden project details Type of community garden: Communal garden Allotment (private plots) Combination of communal and allotment Other (specify) Please provide some details: What is the benefit of this project to the greater community? Is this project proposed to link to any existing community activities? Community garden plan of management It must be demonstrated that there is adequate commitment and capacity within the group to plan and establish the garden and provide for its ongoing maintenance. A Plan of Management is a good tool to demonstrate these requirements and plan for the long-term management of the garden. At a minimum, the following should be included in your Plan of Management and attached to this application. • • • • • • • • Aims and objectives of the group Group structure Method of gardening How water will be conserved How pests will be controlled How vandalism will be prevented Hours of operation and access An A3-sized basic Concept Plan • • • • • • • • What plants will be grown How organic waste will be managed How decisions will be made The conflict-resolution process How new members will be recruited Proposed methods of fundraising How you will minimise noise and odour How you will ensure site remains tidy For more information and examples of Plans of Management visit: www.communitygarden.org.au Guidelines for the Establishment of Community Gardens 15 G u i d e li n e s fo r t h e E s t a bli s h m e n t o f C o m m u n it y G a rd e n s 5 Application checklist Page 3 Have you: Filled in all parts of this form? Attached the Plan of Management for your proposed garden, including A3 sized basic garden layouts for the project? Attached other relevant approvals eg DA approval, Part V approval Attached soil test or risk assessment report (if applicable) Attached letter of support for your project from an auspice group (if requested in Part 2) Attached other letters of support for your project (optional) 6. Lodgement Details You can lodge your completed application by: MAIL: Coffs Harbour City Council, Locked Bag 155 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 EMAIL: [email protected] Attention: Senior Technical Officer - Parks WHAT NOW: After your application has been receipted, a Council officer will contact you within 21 days. PRIVACY: Privacy and personal information protection − This information is voluntarily required to process your request and will not be used for any other purpose without first seeking your consent, or as required by law; 16 − Your information will comprise part of a public register related to this purpose; − Your application will be retained in Council’s Records Management System and disposed of in accordance with the Local Government Disposal Authority; − Your personal information can be accessed and corrected at any time by contacting this Council. References and useful information Ballina Council. Community Gardens Policy http://www.ballina.nsw.gov.au/cp/em_res. asp?id=5866 Bellingen Community Gardens Association & Bellingen High School Garden, Crown Street entrance to Bellingen High School, Bellingen Email: [email protected] Blue Mountains City Council. Community Gardens Policy 2011 http://bluemountainshaveyoursay.com.au/ communitygardens Blue Mountains City Council. Guidelines for the establishment of community gardens on Council owned or managed lands in the Blue Mountains 2011 http://bluemountainshaveyoursay.com.au/ communitygardens Byron Shire Council. Community Gardens Policy http://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/community-gardens City of Sydney. Community Gardens Policy http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Residents/ ParksAndLeisure/CommunityGardens/ CommunityGardensPolicy.asp Coffs Harbour City Council Open Space Strategy 2010, available for download at: http://www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/places-for-living/ land-use/public-open-space/Documents/Open-SpaceStrategy-Context-And-Key-Outcomes.pdf Coffs Regional Community Garden, Combine Street Reserve, Combine Street, Coffs Harbour Website: www.coffscommunitygardens.org.au Email: [email protected] Grayson, R (2007) Community Gardens: Policy Directions for Marrickville Council, Marrickville. Grayson, R (2008) Community Gardens: Policy Directions for Kogarah Municipal Council, Kogarah. Northbank Community Garden, 100 Northbank Road, Bellingen Website: www.northbankgarden.org Email: [email protected] Thomas, F (2008) Getting Started in Community Gardening, City of Sydney, Sydney. Guidelines for the Establishment of Community Gardens 17 CITYOUR COUNCIL T HIS I S A L OCOFFS OK I NHARBOUR G AFT ER EN V I R ON MEN T PR O JEC T Locked Bag 155 COFFS HARBOUR H e l p in g to ac h ie v e t hNSW e 202450 3 0 C o mmu n it y V i s i on www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au
© Copyright 2025 Paperzz