Story by Josh Barnes, June 2022
Public liability and volunteer insurance is one of the big annual costs for community gardens. That is why CGA sought to find options for its members.
We asked you what kind of cover you needed and how happy you were with your current provider. Most gardens responded that they were happy with their current arrangements. Some are even covered for free by government insurance (Adelaide; Queensland) under land management schemes.
Given the number of gardens that might take up a group scheme through CGA, we found the premiums could not beat the prices gardens were already paying. As a result of these inquiries, CGA has resolved to put its efforts into lobbying for all states to give community gardens free cover.
Options
In the meantime here are a couple of options our members recommend and if you discover a good deal, please let us know so we can pass it on.
- Garden Clubs Australia
- Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria
- Queensland Water and Land Carers
- Green Adelaide — apply to email
Yarra Ranges Shire, Victoria — insurance offer
September 2023
We would like to share the good news that Yarra Ranges Shire in Victoria is now providing insurance cover for all of the Community Gardens in their Network.
We hope this can inspire other councils throughout Australia.
Queensland — insurance offer
August 2021
Hello fabulous Queensland Community Gardens,We’re encouraging Queensland community gardens to become members of Queensland Water and Land Carers (QWaLC), the peak body for Natural Resource Management volunteers in Queensland. QWaLC is an independent, non-government, not-for-profit organisation, currently consisting of 380 groups, including about ten Community Gardens.
Membership is free of charge (members are required to participate in an annual survey). Successful membership applicants are offered insurance coverage that includes:
- public liability (to $30 million)
- volunteer accident
- directors (Committee members) liability
Community Gardens eligible for QWaLC membership must be incorporated and their aims should be alignment with QWALCs (not for profit, volunteer organisation with the environment, conservation, and community health objectives).
For more information contact:
Kind regards
- Darryl Ebenezer at QWaLC on 07 3844 4032, or
- info@qwalc.org.au
- website — https://qwalc.org.au/
Gavin Hardy
Queensland coordinator
Community Gardens Australia