Neighbourhoods that work

The Blue Mountains Community, Housing, Employment and Co-operation project is encouraging neighbourhood participation through the establishment of food gardens, a neighbourhood events program, a community fire unit and the pooling of resources.

Making neighbourhoods work requires the sustained effort of local people over a considerable period of time.

The CHEC (Community, Housing, Employment and Co-operation) ‘Neighbourhoods that Works’ program aims to acquire a perpetual lease for 8-12 adjacent households, offering secure rental housing in return for a 6 hour per week commitment by tenants to neighbourhood activities, including:

• Establishment of food gardens that will provide locally produced food for local consumption, providing social and environmental benefits.
• Lifestyle programs for energy usage, water saving and transport to help establish a culture of sustainability.
• Active participation in neighbourhood events, such as children’s activities and festive celebrations.
• Pooling of member resources such as a box trailer, caravan, motor vehicle and tools.
• Establishing a voluntary Community Fire Unit comprised of local residents trained to safeguard homes during fires.
• Participation in the Neighbourhood Watch program to develop a good neighbour spirit and advance a safer and more secure neighbourhood.

Several mainstream organisations, including Penrith City Council and Integral Energy have expressed support for programs such as those planned for CHEC. They are already involved with local communities under the banner of ‘Sustainability Street’, encouraging activities such as community gardens, energy saving and resource pooling.

The NSW Government’s ‘Tenant Participation Scheme’ is also enthusiastically promoting such programs.

Follow this link to Neighbourhoods that work (opens in a new browser window)

For further information

Contact

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Blue Mountains Community, Housing, Employment and Co-operation

WWW

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http://www.ntw.110mb.com