Community Gardens in the Gold Coast, Australia - Lessons for Urban Sustainability in Korea -

This study analyzes six representative community gardens in the Gold Coast, Australia (Peachy, Joan Park, Southern Beaches, Nerang, Varsity Vegies, and Yarrabilba), focusing on their operational systems, participation patterns, spatial organization, institutional support, and community programs. This study analyzed community gardens through literature review, field observations, and interviews with managers and participants. The results show that community gardens are not urban agriculture sites but multifunctional platforms integrating environmental, social, and economic values. The environmental value of community gardens includes the expansion of urban green spaces, the promotion of resource circulation, and the enhancement of biodiversity. Their social value is reflected in intergenerational exchange, mental health improvement, and strengthened community integration in multicultural settings. Economically, community gardens contribute to reducing food costs, achieving operational self-sufficiency through sponsorship and fundraising, and fostering partnerships with universities and businesses. These findings suggest the necessity of integrated operational strategies that encompass environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and economic independence that can be applied in Korean community gardens. This study offers practical implications for advancing community gardens in Korea from simple urban agriculture to comprehensive platforms for urban communities.