In 2009, the City of Mandurah responded to interest and inquiry from community by supporting the development of a community garden. The Gardens is located east of Mandurah in the south west of Western Australia in a suburb called Coodanup. The Gardens was developed by a small but committed community group, supported by the City of Mandurah. Funding was also provided by Royalties for Regions through Peel Development Commission that allowed the development of key infrastructure including a shed. The City of Mandurah allocated a significant amount of time and resources to the development of the project, including project coordination by a Community Development Officer. In 2013 the City handed the project over to the newly incorporated Mandurah Community Gardens Inc.
Once the need for community gardens was identified and funding was allocated by the City of Mandurah, it took several years to gain traction, as challenges emerged including availability of suitable land on which the gardens would be located. The City of Mandurah had a number of potential sites, however came to an agreement and memorandum of understanding with Coodanup College (Department of Education) as the site of the Gardens.
In 2012 the Gardens became incorporated and thereby autonomous from the local government and establishing a self-directed committee under the Association Act 2015 (WA). Transition to an incorporated body was essential in order to seek and secure further grant funding. Since the Gardens became incorporated, it has received a number of funding grants. These include:
- LotteryWest funding $15,000 – toilet and plumbing costs.
- Department of Local Governments and Communities of $9,900 for guest speakers, events and workshops.
- City of Mandurah Partnership funding for three years and $12,000 for workshops, signage, equipment and events.
More recently, the Gardens has received additional funding to purchase equipment, limestone pathway upgrade, shelter and seating and educational workshops and events.