Today the ACT Government has launched another round of the successful Community Garden Grants program, so that local communities can take climate action into their own hands.
Minister for the Environment, Parks and Land Management Rebecca Vassarotti said people who grow their own food are happier, healthier, and more knowledgeable about issues like food waste and the climate impacts of food production.
"Community gardens are a fantastic way to get involved in the community, and take meaningful climate action at a local level," said Minister Vassarotti.
"They help reduce flood risk and make our city cooler. This makes our patch of the world much more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
"Even better, food production in community gardens, and our own gardens at home, can contribute massively to protecting our community from the rising costs in supermarkets.
"Funding of $100,000 is available across two streams to support eligible groups to build new or upgrade existing community gardens in the ACT.
"Funding of $40,000 is available through stream one to improve and expand existing gardens or build small low impact gardens, and funding of $60,000 is available through stream two to establish large-scale food production community gardens or for significant infrastructure to increase food production in existing gardens.
Applications for Community Garden Grants Round 10 are now open and close on 11 July 2024
Apply through the Everyday Climate Choices website.
Quotes attributable to Theivani Evers, Office Manager, Holy Spirit Parish, recipient of round 8 Community Garden Grant:
As a Catholic Parish, one of our purposes is to respond to the needs of the community in the Gungahlin region and beyond.
At a time when social anxiety is so prevalent among young people around Australia, providing spaces that support wellbeing and calm is more important than ever. The addition of a vibrant garden to the church grounds has strengthened connections between the church, the Good Shepherd Primary School, and broader Amaroo community.
"With the support of a Community Garden Grant, the previously forgotten-about corner of the grounds has become a place to relax, enjoy the outdoors, work with other likeminded people and learn new skills."
