How to start or manage a community garden
We can support you through your journey of developing a new community garden in the City of Logan.
If you have the enthusiasm and passion but don’t have the time to coordinate or manage a garden, we encourage you to connect with other existing garden groups in your local area. Community gardens are often looking for volunteers and eager for new people to join. View the list of community gardens.
Council’s role is to:
- provide advice to interested groups seeking to start a community garden
- promote community gardens through our website, newsletters and events.
Council does not take a lead in establishing or managing community gardens.
Start a community garden on private land
Community garden groups on private land can use this information to help develop their group. Logan City Council does not manage private land.
View helpful information and templates for information around creating a community garden management plan, development budget and risk management plan.
Established community gardens on private land can apply to have their community garden information and details displayed on our website by submitting the relevant documents to us.
Documentation required:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Public liability insurance of $20 million
Once you have prepared the relevant documents, you can contact Council via phone 07 3412 3412 or email council@logan.qld.gov.au.
Partner with a community organisation
Community gardens thrive in well-established areas where people already gather. Consider reaching out to your local community centre, sports club or neighbourhood organisation to explore the possibility of starting a garden on their grounds.
These places are often frequented by community-minded individuals who may be keen to support or get involved in your project.
Manage an existing community garden
On occasion, there are opportunities to take over existing community gardens that are located on Council owned or managed land if the existing lease is not renewed.
You can find current opportunities by visiting Expression of interest for existing community gardens.
If you are interested in managing a new or existing community garden on Council land you will require the following:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Public liability insurance of $20 million
- Basic concept plan of the community garden
- Garden management plan
- Community garden development budget
- Community garden risk management plan
Leasing terms and expectations
If your application is successful, the community garden group will enter a leasing arrangement with Council. The members of your community garden group should be familiar with the terms and conditions of the Community Garden Lease, especially the details of the term, permitted use and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
The garden management plan provides the basis for your organisation’s effective management and sustainability of the community garden. Compliance with your Garden Management Plan is a key lease KPI and ensures your organisation is being proactive in activating the garden to its full capacity and providing the desired community benefit.
Are there any costs your organisation will be responsible for?
Yes, community garden groups are responsible for all costs associated with the establishment and ongoing operations of the garden. Your budget should include costs associated with:
- general running costs (water, electricity, cost of supplies)
- maintenance and upkeep of the garden, and
- public liability and contents insurance.
Does Council provide help to offset the costs?
Yes, Council may provide remissions on water, sewerage and cleaning services (where applicable) depending on the organisation’s category as outlined in the policy.
For further information and a general guide to leasing please visit the Sport, recreation and community leasing guide.