CITY OF HOBART
COMMUNITY GARDENS GUIDELINES DECEMBER 2020
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INTRODUCTION
What is a community garden?
Community gardening is an increasingly popular community-based activity throughout the world for growing food collectively and locally, and as a way to encourage a healthier lifestyle.
A community garden is an area of open space that has been allocated to growing food and is managed by local people who share the food produced in the garden. Generally, this will include a variety of herbs, fruit, vegetables and occasionally animals.
These guidelines will help residents apply for the establishment of a community garden in the City of Hobart and guide the implementation and ongoing management of community gardens. The document is based on the experience of successful community gardeners, as well as research conducted into the factors that influence the success of community gardens. Community gardening is an immensely satisfying and enriching experience and it is hoped that these guidelines will assist in supporting the development of beautiful community gardens in Hobart.
Community gardens provide a wealth of social, economic and environmental benefits: Social – provide a local place to meet, discuss gardening and sustainable living; build and strengthen community networks; support active and healthy lifestyles; and promote active citizenship. Economic – save money; build skills in vegetable growing and planning and organisational skills; and provide local enterprise opportunities, such as food exchanges. Environmental – increase reuse of organic wastes; store carbon; reduce fossil fuel use (i.e. local ‘food miles’); and support and improve environmental education.
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PURPOSE
STARTING A COMMUNITY GARDEN
The purpose of these guidelines is to provide a framework and process to establish community gardens on suitable City of Hobart owned land. This will allow the community to have:
To begin a community garden takes a great deal of time, commitment, energy and a strong network of like-minded community members to bring the vision to life.
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access to fresh and healthy organic produce, reducing costs for the provision of food
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opportunities to develop social connections with their neighbours and within their community
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a means to enhance physical and mental wellbeing
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opportunities to learn about sustainable living practices and develop resilience in a changing world climate.
City of Hobart COMMUNITY GARDENS GUIDELINES
A group Forming a group of committed folk with a range of skills and experience is the first step in establishing the groundwork for your project. The size of this group will depend on the project. In Hobart groups are required to be no smaller than 20 members. A plan of management Developing a plan of management and site plan for your community garden is a key step - it will help clarify the practical steps you need to take to develop and organise your community garden. It will also help ensure the long-term viability of your garden. How you do that is outlined in the community gardens criteria.
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THE CITY OF HOBART COMMUNITY GARDENS CRITERIA To be supported by the City of Hobart applicants must demonstrate that they meet the following criteria in an application to establish a community garden on City-owned land. •
The group shall have at least 20 members with demonstrated interest in establishing a community garden and with a range of skills and experience to manage the site.
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The group must be incorporated or be auspiced by an incorporated organisation.
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The group must be covered by public liability insurance.
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The group must demonstrate a capacity to fund the garden and the ongoing maintenance requirements of the garden, which includes tools, mulching, composting, pest and weed management.
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Evidence of local support for the establishment of the community garden shall be provided, including nearby neighbours and their interest and willingness to participate. The group must have the skills to organise, manage, and maintain a community group.
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The application will define a location for the garden addressing the following site characteristics: o
it must be City of Hobart owned land that is open, is flat or has a gentle slope, good solar access (5–6 hours/ day), is well drained, an appropriate size to accommodate a large number of garden beds, shed and composting systems (eg 20 plots would need approximately 2500m2)
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it will not conflict greatly with other uses and values – heritage, natural and recreational values must be considered. This means that the garden will have minimal disturbance to existing site conditions and features such as native trees and vegetation
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it is in a safe location and provides easy vehicle access to its entrance for deliveries of garden supplies (eg mulch and manure)
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there is an approved water connection within 20 metres of the site. The constructed connection to the garden will be funded by the group
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the site has no major safety or health concerns. It must have minimal soil contamination. If high levels of soil contamination are present expert advice will be required on whether it is suitable for growing food
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it should be accessible and inclusive for a broad range of user groups,
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including people with disabilities, children, families, seniors and culturally and linguistically diverse groups o
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provision for public liability insurance o
the site will be located close to public transport and public amenities such as toilets
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The proposal is consistent with the provisions of the current Hobart City Council planning scheme.
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The group must agree to sign a licence agreement with the Council
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proposed funding model o
What to include in your plan A plan of management should be submitted with your application and outline the development and ongoing management of the garden. The plan should contain: •
the long term vision for the garden and statement of purpose
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aims and objectives
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proposed management structure (eg incorporated group with a committee or auspiced under another group)
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proposed volunteer induction process
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proposed decision-making framework and conflict resolution processes
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access, equity, membership and membership fees
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allocation and management of plot gardens
the group will need to acquire and maintain public liability insurance, either by obtaining a policy of your own or through becoming auspiced by another organisation. Insurance protects both the garden and the landowner against charges made against them if a visitor is hurt or injured a budget is needed that considers where you will obtain the necessary financial resources. Membership fees, in-kind support (such as donations from local businesses and government grants), reusing ‘waste’ resources and applying for grants are some of the ways community garden groups have resourced their projects
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policies regarding sustainable land management including management of soil, water, energy, organic and non-organic waste, biodiversity, building materials and pets
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outline of a basic administrative and governance process for members which clearly details the rights and responsibilities of those involved
proposed risk management framework and completed risk assessment
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Garden site plan A garden site plan shall also be submitted that details the: o
layout of garden beds (including the number, size and details of construction materials)
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location, size and basic design and construction materials of sheds, shade and hot houses
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location and basic design and materials of secure fencing and gates
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location of fruit trees
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location of current and proposed water connections, irrigation lines and water tanks
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location and size of signage
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location of composting bays, vegetation, mulch and building materials storage
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location of car parking which is either on site or within reasonable walking distance
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provision for access and equity (eg location of accessible beds, accessible paths)
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location of existing trees, or any natural and cultural heritage values
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THE CITY’S ROLE The City of Hobart supports the integration of community gardens into Council practice. The Capital City Strategic Plan 2019–29 states in Strategy 2.3.6- Celebrate Hobart’s food culture and encourage an ecologically sustainable, resilient, healthy, equitable and economically viable food system. The City will assess community garden applications against the Community Gardens Criteria and other matters that may arise due to the location of the proposed site before granting a licence. The timeframe for establishing a community garden on City of Hobart land can be 12 months or more to obtain approval and endorsement through Council. Here are the basic steps in that process.
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HOW TO START A COMMUNITY GARDEN ON CITY OF HOBART LAND
1. Idea
2. Contact
Applicant would like to build a community garden.
Applicant contacts the City of Hobart. The applicant is provided community gardens guidelines and application form to understand City requirements.
3. Meeting A meeting is arranged.
4. Application Applicant organises a group, consults the neighbouring community, develops a plan and design and completes the application form to submit to City officers.
5. Assessment The City assesses the application against the Community Gardens Criteria.
6. Council Consideration The application is presented to the Council’s Parks and Recreation Committee and then Council for consideration.
7. Council Approval The Council approves the application and a legal agreement is developed for the garden.
Decline The Council does not support the application.
8. Induct
9. Build
City officers organise a meeting with the group to discuss reporting, monitoring, maintenance and safety.
Once the garden is approved and a licence agreed and issued, the group may apply for grants to fund construction, or proceed onto building the garden.
10. Annual Review The garden will be visited and assessed by City officers annually.
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LINKS TO ASSIST GARDEN GROUPS Australian City Farms and Community Gardens Network This network provides templates for designing, building and managing gardens and factsheets on practical gardening skills. www.communitygarden.org.au Growing Community: Starting and Nurturing Community Gardens An Australian resource supporting people to start and maintain their own community garden. www.issuu.com/australiancommunitygardens/ docs/growing_community_sa_booklet/1 City of Sydney Community Gardens Guidelines 2016 A guide to assist groups to develop, implement and maintain a successful community garden. www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/ pdf_file/0006/278601/8598_CommunityGardening-guidelines_DE11_web.pdf City of Hobart Grants program The City of Hobart provides grants for community groups and non-profit organisations to develop projects or events, or specific elements of ongoing programs, that foster opportunities for access and participation, and for responding to community issues and concerns. hobartcity.com.au/Community/Grants-andfunding/Community-Grants City of Hobart COMMUNITY GARDENS GUIDELINES 10
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This document has drawn upon a range of resources from around Australia. In particular the City of Sydney Community Garden Guidelines and Policy 2016; Brisbane City Council Community Garden Guide; and Guide to Community Gardens in the ACT 2016. Images provided courtesy of South Hobart Sustainable Community Inc.
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Hobart Town Hall, Macquarie Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000 Australia T 03 6238 2711 F 03 6238 2186 E coh@hobartcity.com.au W hobartcity.com.au