Penrith City Council to remove “illegal” community gardens

Penrith City Council has announced plans to remove three community vegetable gardens in western Sydney, labeling them “illegal” because they were established without official approval or consultation.

The council stated that while it supports community gardens, they must follow established policies to ensure safety, accessibility, and water access, and to consider the views of the broader community. One garden in Claremont Meadows has already been dismantled.

Local residents and the groups responsible for the gardens have criticized the move, describing the decision as restrictive bureaucracy. Gardeners have encouraged neighbors to contact the council to prevent the scheduled removal of the remaining beds.