The ACT Government is supporting Canberrans to create community gardens, grow their own food, and contribute to happy and resilient communities through a new partnership with Grow it Local and a boost to the Community Garden Grants program.
Minister for the Environment Rebecca Vassarotti said the ACT Government partnership with Grow it Local and increased funding for the popular Community Garden Grants program will build individual skills, connect communities and improve the resilience of local food production.
“We are in the middle of an inequality crisis. Food production in community gardens, and even our own gardens at home, can contribute to protecting our local community from the rising costs of goods on supermarket shelves,” said Minister Vassarotti.
“We know that people who grow their own food are happier, healthier and more knowledgeable about issues like food waste and the climate impacts of food production.
“As people build their confidence and skills to grow their own food, they can save money, have more healthy food options and be more connected to their local communities Grow it Local and an expanded community garden grants program provides great opportunities to facilitate this.
“By signing up to the free online platform, Grow it Local will empower Canberrans to learn to grow their own food at home and build their confidence.. It will also work to help connect new growers to Canberra’s many thriving local food groups.
“To further bolster the Canberra community’s efforts towards sustainable food production, we are proud to announce a significant enhancement in the funding pool for Round 9 of the popular Community Garden Grants.
“This grants round will see a big boost from $40,000 to $100,000”.
Funding of up to $10,000 per project is available to enhance existing gardens or to establish small low impact gardens or, up to $20,000 is available to create new, large-scale food production community gardens or for significant garden infrastructure.
The funding can help with the cost of materials, buying or hiring equipment and tools, or even employing contractors. A small amount of financial support can go a long way to help continue the great work of community gardeners.
“Community and public gardens are an important part of Canberra’s social fabric. As well as being places to grow food, community gardens have an important role to play in increasing our community’s resilience to climate change,” said Minister Vassarotti.
Explore the free Grow it Local online platform at: www.growitlocal.com
Applications for Community Garden Grants are now open and will close on 7 September 2023. Apply for a Community Garden Grant at: www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/community-garden-grants
