The Conservation Council is urging the ACT government to create a sustainability hub for climate and environment organisations in Canberra, calling the current facilities unsuitable and claiming unaffordable rent is hindering their impact.
The Conservation Council ACT Region wants the government to establish a centrally located multipurpose hub that includes office space, a demonstration garden, workshops and meeting rooms.
The centre would house organisations such as the Canberra Environment Centre, SEE-Change, Landcare ACT, the Community Toolbox Canberra, Seed Savers, ACT for Bees and repair cafes.
As part of its submission to the ACT budget, the Conservation Council has claimed local organisations are not adequately supported due to insufficient funding or a lack of secure, appropriate and affordable tenancy.
Electric-bike library operator, SEE-Change, is currently working out of a single room in Downer while running multiple programs. Landcare ACT doesn't have office space so all staff have no option but to work from home, the council said.
The Australian National University recently chose not to extend the lease of the Canberra Environment Centre, despite operators pushing to stay.
The Conservation Council said while the Canberra Environment Centre had found a temporary home at Gungaderra Homestead, a permanent location was required to resume its ReCyclery activities, establish new long-term gardens, and continue providing a space to teach sustainable practices.
"The centre served as a community hub for many not-for-profit organisations in Canberra by providing a free space and storage facilities to help these groups thrive and grow," the council said in a statement.
"As a result of the relocation, the centre's infrastructure has been fragmented across the city, placing additional stress on its already limited staff resources."
Elle Lawless, Conservation Council ACT executive director, said Canberra-based environment and climate organisations played an important role in government strategies, yet many did not have sufficient funds or secure, affordable tenancy.
"This prevents the organisations from being as effective as possible and therefore contributing as fully to ecological and climate justice in our region," Ms Lawless said.
Holly Trueman, Canberra Environment Centre executive director, said a hub would demonstrate leadership and commitment to sustainability.
"At the same time it will allow not-for-profit organisations to foster a sense of community and collaboration, creating a unique space in Canberra that is so desperately needed," she said.
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