SHANE Rattenbury has signed the licence for Canberra City Farm to establish a new community garden at the Jerrabomberra Wetlands.

“The licence is a 10 year agreement with Canberra City Farm allowing them access to 19 hectares of land adjacent to the wetlands which will enable them and their partners in the Urban Agriculture Australia initiative to establish a sustainability education centre,” Shane said.

“This centre will deliver a range of educational programs for aspiring urban gardeners and community members to learn how to produce their own food in a socially, environmentally and economically responsible way.

“It will work with local farmers and education institutions like the Canberra Institute of Technology as well as community groups and businesses to provide a learning space for new farmers, complemented by regular practical education opportunities for the community.

“The establishment of this centre follows from the successful establishment of a City Farm sustainable living exhibit garden in Turner.

“The Turner site was selected due to its close proximity to the city, medium density housing, public transport, cyclists and passing traffic. Although this makes it the ideal site for demonstrating inner city food production and sustainable living, the Turner site is too small to effectively demonstrate small-scale farming.

“This new site at Jerrabomberra Wetlands will provide the extra space needed to exhibit small scale farming practices and sustainable living techniques.

“I congratulate the Canberra City Farm for their great work in promoting socially and environmentally responsible food production and sustainable cities.”

For more information on Canberra City Farm and the Turner sustainable living exhibit visit ccfarm.org.au