Released 16/07/2025
The ACT Government has today opened the 11th round of the Community Garden Grants, which supports the growth and vitality of local gardens in the Territory.
A total of $40,000, up to $10,000 per project, is available through this program for projects of different garden types including traditional food gardens, Indigenous bush tucker gardens, landscape gardens and sensory gardens.
Applications for Round 11 of the Community Garden Grants program are now open and close on 5 September 2025.
For more information and to apply, visit the Everyday Climate Choices website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water Suzanne Orr:
“Over the past ten years, the Community Garden Grants program has supported many projects across Canberra.
Community gardens help reduce the urban heat island effect in our suburbs, as well as supporting the ACT to cope with the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.
That is why we have added the removal of artificial grass and replacement with more environmentally friendly alternatives as a priority of this program. Artificial grass can degrade into microplastics, displace natural systems that support biodiversity, and negatively impact greenhouse gas emissions and landfill.
These grants can help with purchasing or hiring materials, equipment and tools, and to employ specialised contractors to build new gardens or enhance existing ones.
I encourage everyone who manages a community garden or is thinking of starting one, to apply for one of these grants, which will not only promote healthy living supporting our environment, but also encourage our local communities to come together, get involved, and socialise with their neighbours.”
Quotes attributable to Victoria Jewett and Tom Sutton, Old Narrabundah Community Centre:
“The community garden in Narrabundah is in the heart of our suburb. The garden is overseen by the Old Narrabundah Community Council Inc which has a strong community base.
The aim of the garden is to foster organic homegrown food and broader community involvement in the form of school participation and cooperation with local groups.
In addition to growing vegetables, the Narrabundah Community Garden has fruit trees, berry fruits, communal plots and bee friendly areas of flowers and native habitat. Providing shelter, water and food for beneficial insects, has enriched the gardening experience in this space.
As the gardens establish, workshops on composting, fruit tree care and soil improvement will be offered to local residents.
Thanks to the Community Garden Grants, we have added new plots and members, repaired our shed roof and increased sustainability by installing a 5,000 Litre rainwater tank. We have also assured the future of the gardens with a new fence.
In addition to members with plots, Friends of the Garden can also participate in working bees and growing food in some of the community plots on site. The garden is more than a place to grow food, it’s a place enjoy and be.”
- Statement ends -
Suzanne Orr, MLA | Media Releases