WRMGI is an independent, resident-run organisation responsible for the management of the Waterloo Community Gardens, Solander, Marton & Cook Gardens, as well as the Redfern Poet's Corner Gardens.
websiteThe Waterloo Community Gardens, Solander, Marton & Cook Gardens, were proposed and established by the residents of Waterloo Public Housing Estate in 1995. The gardens have been maintained and expanded by the residents over the last 25 years as the Waterloo Residents Market Gardens Incorporated. They hold significant historic and social significance to the Waterloo community.
Now, with Waterloo Estate is facing complete demolition and reconstruction, these three gardens face a very serious threat of erasure from history.
We were engaged by WRMGI to conduct document the history, design, and impact of the gardens on the community in an effort to advocate for their retention into the future after the redevelopment. Our support included:
With the support and advocacy efforts of Waterloo Public Housing Action Group, the topic of community gardens were front and center throughout the official visioning and consultation process. The desire for and retention of the community gardens were reflected in all official documents including the Vision Report, Options Booklet, and Options Testing documents.
The three options for the redevelopment plans tested with the community included provisions for community gardens and rooftop gardens.
In 2020, the Waterloo Estate Redevelopment Plans were subdivided into three regions, Waterloo South, Waterloo Central, and Waterloo North. The community gardens fell in the Waterloo North region and will be redeveloped last, with detailed plans yet to be released by the State government.
Presently, the gardens are still operational and enjoyed by the residents.
Waterloo Market & Gardens Associate x Vigilanti's submission to Land & Housing Corporation to save the Waterloo Community Gardens. This detailed report analyses the history, contributions and benefits of the three largest Community Gardens in Waterloo and why they should be preserved into the future through the redevelopment.
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We acknowledge the traditional custodians and owners of the lands on which we work and live on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to Elders both past and present and recognise and respect their abiding connection to this land, its waterways and community. Sovereignty was never ceded.
