Community Gardens Policy
Leichhardt Council values community gardens as a unique form of open space. Not only do they provide a perfect venue for learning and sharing, they also bring the community members from all walks of life and ages together.They are an opportunity for everyone to work together and with nature, resulting in safer, stronger and more integrated communities. The environmental, educational and health benefits of community gardens, particularly in our increasingly urbanised environment, are also beneficial. This is not only in encouraging sustainability and good living practises, but also in promoting continual learning and addressing community well being.
Leichhardt Council’s Community Garden Policy 
Leichhardt Council Community Garden Policy (1.91MB)provides clarity and direction to the community on Council’s role in community gardening – from consulting and setting up a new Garden to day-to-day management. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of everyone involved. It is also aimed at encouraging initiatives and providing opportunities for the community to work in partnership with Council to promote sustainability and gardening, not only as an important form of recreation but also as a therapeutic opportunity. Leichhardt Council looks forward to working with both existing and new community groups on the development and promotion of Community Gardens within the Leichhardt Local Government area.
Development of Council's Community Garden Policy
Members of the public and local garden groups particpated in a public workshop event to discuss the development of the Community Garden policy for the Leichhardt Local Government Area. A workshop was be held in January 2011 with key themes for discussion including the benefits of community gardens; approaches to community garden establishment and management; the role of community groups in community gardens; the role of local government in community gardens; development of a community garden policy and the community consultation framework associated with a policy; community issues associated with community gardens; and scope for new community gardens in the Leichhardt local government area.
Speakers from existing community gardens shared their knowledge, experiences and passion for community gardens. Guest facilitators for the workshop were Russ Grayson and Fiona Campbell of the Australian City Farms and Community Gardens Network (ACFCGN).
A bus tour of local community gardens was held inApril 2011 as part of the community consultation for the Policy.
For all further enquiries on this matter please contact Council's Senior Parks and Open Spaces Planner Aaron Callaghan ph: 93679270 or email recreation@lmc.nsw.gov.au