City Flying the Flag for Grow it Local
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The City of Rockingham is leading the way in Western Australia as the top performing Council in the Grow it Local community initiative, with hundreds of residents joining the program to help build local food systems that reduce waste going to landfill.
Grow It Local encourages people to grow, share and eat locally grown food. Since becoming one of the first local governments to join Grow it Local when it began in 2020, the City has consistently ranked as one of the leaders in WA.
More than 670 community members are involved with Grow it Local, with the City of Rockingham now a clear leader among registered WA local governments.
In 2021/2022 there were more than 50 local fruit and vegetable patches registered in the City as part of the program, and more than 1,000 kg of food waste per week was being diverted away from landfill thanks to the efforts of those involved.
The City’s strong performance in WA has also made an impact nation-wide, with Rockingham having the second highest number of registered patches in the entire country.
Mayor Deb Hamblin said the City’s involvement in Grow it Local supported the Strategic Community Plan aspiration of planning for future generations, particularly through identifying sustainable waste solutions.
“Grow It Local focuses on encouraging positive sustainable living behaviours and food systems that facilitate community building, support waste education and reduce the amount of organic waste entering landfill,” Mayor Hamblin said.
“The City is thrilled to be leading the way in WA and is encouraged to see that the number of registered patches in our community is also among the highest in Australia.
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and the generation of waste, and strongly encourage as many community members as possible to get involved in this outstanding initiative.Keiva Youens from the Baldivis Community Garden said Grow it Local provided a safe place for self-growth, education and harmony.
The City is currently delivering a series of Grow.Cook.Eat Workshops throughout November and December that are open to community members.
For more information or to book your place visit Grow it Local.
Image: Grow it Local's Paul West, local residents Yan Mohamed, Elna Abdul and City of Rockingham Deputy Mayor Hayley Edwards. Picture: CIty of Rockingham.