Based on the feedback received, Council has decided to host two on-site community information sessions. Council staff will be on hand to hear your thoughts and answer your questions about this proposal. Community members are invited to come along to one of these sessions.

Engagement Outcomes Report

Find out what we heard from the community about this proposal.

Put forward by local community organisation, Newtown Sustainability Group Inc., who manage and maintain The Paddock Community Garden in Wells Street Newtown.

Newtown Sustainability Group’s vision for the proposed garden and its benefits to the community.

The vision for the Darley Street community garden is to create a sustainable, welcoming and inclusive space where members of the Newtown Sustainability Group and the broader community, including neighbours, passers-by, and other park users can come together to grow and harvest herbs, vegetables, and a selection of compact fruit trees.

The garden aims to foster community engagement, promote sustainable practices, and contribute to a sense of well-being and connection within the community.

The garden will utilize raised beds, with the aim to provide an opportunity for individuals with mobility challenges to participate in gardening activities. These raised beds will be designed to accommodate different heights and allow for wheelchair accessibility, ensuring that gardening is accessible to all members of the community, enhancing inclusivity within the garden space.

It is important to note that no composting will take place on the Darley Street site. The primary activities at the site will focus on growing and harvesting plants, as well as low-key working bees and gatherings for community members to come together and maintain the garden.

The Darley Street community garden will offer several benefits to the local community:

• it will be an inclusive space open to anybody
• it will provide a focal point for community engagement, with opportunities for social interaction, learning, and enjoyment
• it will enhance access to fresh and healthy food options by allowing individuals to grow and pick from a diverse range of herbs and vegetables, along with compact fruit trees
• it will promote physical activity through gardening tasks
• it will enhance the visual appeal of the area.
• in terms of sustainability, community gardens contribute to reducing carbon emissions by supporting local food production and minimizing transportation needs

The Darley Street garden will complement the larger Paddock Community Garden on Wells Street by offering additional opportunities for community engagement and food production. The two sites can work in harmony, with the Darley Street garden serving as a smaller, more intimate space that provides direct benefits to the immediate community while still being connected to the broader efforts of Newtown Sustainability Group.

Interactive signage will be provided to allow users of the space to learn more and have a greater participation with The Paddock Community Garden where Newtown Sustainability Group offer workshops and demonstrations on gardening, sustainable practices, and healthy living.

The installation of the raised beds will occur in stages, allowing for gradual expansion of the garden and involvement of the community. This phased approach will ensure that the garden's development remains manageable and sustainable.

This consultation is now closed.

• By mail, addressed to Senior Environment Officer Niki Huang, Inner West Council, PO Box 14, Petersham 2049.
• Call a FREE Interpreter or the National Relay Service, Monday to Friday between 9am-4pm and provide our phone number 02 9392 5516.
  • Free Interpreter call TIS National on 131 450
  • Voice relay call 1300 555 727
  • TTY call 133 677
  • SMS relay call 0423 677 767

Last day to provide feedback is Thursday 5 October 2023.

Everyone who provides feedback will be notified about the outcomes of the consultation and of the next steps.