From fruit and veggies to flowers and herbs, and even native honey bees – the Southern Beaches Community Garden (SBCG) in Tugun is absolutely thriving thanks to the recent wet weather and nurturing from local ‘green thumbs’.
Member for McPherson, Karen Andrews MP, along with LNP Candidate for Currumbin, Laura Gerber, recently visited SBCG to tour the garden and learn about its valuable place within the local community.
They also inspected the newly installed industrial worm composter, which was purchased with $6,789 in funding assistance, following SBCG’s successful application under the Federal Government’s Community Environment program.
“SBCG’s project was perfectly aligned with the Communities Environment Program, which supports small scale, community-led projects that deliver positive environmental and social outcomes,” Mrs Andrews explained.
“Food has a way of bringing people together – regardless of age, ability, gender and culture,” she said. “When the community has also been involved in the growing of that food, the connection is even greater.
“The sense of community and respect for our unique and beautiful environment has always been something I have admired about the southern Gold Coast region. It is part of the reason I love living here.”
![](https://www.karenandrewsmp.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Karen-Andrews-and-Laura-Gerber-look-at-new-worm-composter-scaled.jpg)
Karen Andrews MP and Laura Gerber inspecting new worm composter.
SBCG is inviting members, neighbours, organisations and businesses to deposit their biodegradable food and green waste scraps into the composter, to be converted into worm castings for use on the gardens – and in-turn reduce wastage.
“While this may seem simple in concept, this full-circle sustainability project is reflective of the Morrison Government’s commitment to ensuring Australia becomes a world leader in waste management and recycling.”
Mrs Andrews participated in the recently-held National Plastics Summit at Parliament House where the Government joined industry leaders in creating solutions to global waste challenges, including ensuring our recycling system is working efficiently and creating jobs within the sector.
Australia has also placed a ban on the export of plastics, glass and tyre waste.
The SBCG is located behind the Tugun Community Centre, at 414 Coolangatta Road, with families, green thumbs and foodies all welcome. Visit https://www.southernbeachescommunitygarden.com/ for more information.