City of Rockingham diverting a tonne of waste from landfill per week via Grow it Local initiative

The City of Rockingham is leading the way in an initiative designed to encourage locally grown food systems that reduce waste going to landfill. Rockingham became one of the first local governments to join the Grow it Local initiative when it launched in 2020 and since then about 670 residents have become involved. The city is the program’s top performer, with more than 50 local fruit and vegetable patches registered in 2021-22 diverting more than one tonne of food waste per week away from landfill. Mayor Deb Hamblin said Grow it Local encouraged “positive sustainable living behaviours” and the city was committed to sustainability for future generations. “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,” Ms Hamblin said. “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, who is involved with the Baldivis Community Garden, said Grow it Local provided a safe space for education and self-growth. The city is holding Grow.Cook.Eat workshops through November and December; for information or to book a place, visit rockingham.wa.gov.au/growitlocal.