Community gardens in the Mining and Pastoral Region will continue to flourish through the latest round of funding from the Liberal National Government.
Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Dave Grills MLC said funding for community gardens had been extended to 2019-20, which provides $100,000 per year for the establishment and maintenance of community gardens.
“Community gardens provide an essential hub for local communities,” Mr Grills said.
Mr Grills said they were not just for green thumbs.
“They provide people of all generations with an area to come together, share a cuppa and a love of the great Western Australian outdoors,” he said.
“As well as enabling people to learn about gardening, community gardens can build a greater understanding and a sense of community between neighbours, parents, young people and people from different backgrounds.”
Since the introduction of the grants program by the Liberal National Government in 2013, 37 projects totalling $464,853 have been funded across Western Australia.
“I am pleased that the State Government has made a further commitment to this program and I encourage all community gardens in the Mining and Pastoral Region to apply for funding,” Mr Grills said.
Since 2013, four local grants have been awarded through the program –
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The Cannery Arts Centre (Esperance) – $18,800 awarded to develop a strategic plan and stakeholder and community strategy to develop a sustainable community garden.
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Broome Community Information Resource Centre and Learning Exchange Inc – Incredible Edible Broome – $19,990 granted to support local community gardens through a range of activities, including providing maps of local community gardens, education workshops and a season produce box business.
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Halls Creek Community Garden – $19,959 for the purchase of materials and equipment; to engage a horticulturalist and landscape designer; and develop information materials and promote community engagement.
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Anglicare WA – $20,000 for the set-up and establishment of the garden for the community of Balgo, with a variety of edible produce including a range of traditional bush fare, as well as vegetables to be available.
Applications for the latest round of funding close on 20 October, 2016. For more information, visit http://www.dlgc.wa.gov.au
