NRE Health Institute

National Community Health & Resilience Framework

A national framework for strengthening communities through healthier landscapes, environmental stewardship, community participation and long-term resilience.

Framework Purpose

The National Community Health & Resilience Framework establishes a comprehensive strategic model for strengthening communities through the progressive development of healthier public landscapes, sustainable resource management, environmental restoration and community participation.

The Framework recognises that many contemporary challenges, including rising living costs, food insecurity, urban heat, biodiversity decline, environmental degradation and increasing pressure on public resources, are interconnected. Accordingly, the Framework promotes integrated solutions capable of delivering environmental, social, health and economic benefits simultaneously.

Rather than prescribing a single solution, the Framework provides a flexible structure that may be adapted by participating councils, governments and communities according to local priorities, environmental conditions and available resources.

Framework Principles

  • Community-first planning.
  • Voluntary participation.
  • Evidence-informed decision making.
  • Environmental sustainability.
  • Local adaptability.
  • Long-term resilience.
  • Shared responsibility.
  • Continuous improvement.
  • Protection of biodiversity.
  • Responsible stewardship of public resources.

Framework Scope

The Framework has been developed to support discussion, evaluation and future implementation of community-based initiatives capable of strengthening neighbourhood resilience while improving environmental quality, public health, food resilience and community wellbeing. It is intended for consideration by governments, local councils, researchers, educational institutions, community organisations, environmental groups, industry stakeholders and members of the public. Implementation of any component of this Framework remains subject to applicable legislation, planning requirements, environmental assessments and community consultation.

Preparing the world for stronger communities.

For a better world.

Section 2

The Need for a National Framework

Communities throughout Australia are experiencing increasing environmental, social and economic pressures. Population growth, urban expansion, rising living costs, changing climatic conditions, declining biodiversity and increasing pressure on public resources are reshaping the way communities function and the expectations placed upon local governments.

Many of these challenges have traditionally been addressed independently through separate policies, programs and funding mechanisms. Increasingly, however, these issues are recognised as interconnected, requiring more integrated and collaborative approaches.

The National Community Landscape Framework has been developed in recognition that healthier communities are influenced not by one factor alone, but by the interaction between environmental quality, community participation, public health, local resilience and responsible stewardship of public resources.

Contemporary Community Challenges

Environmental

Urban heat, declining biodiversity, loss of tree canopy, soil degradation and increasing environmental pressures.

Social

Community isolation, reduced neighbourhood participation, ageing populations and changing patterns of community engagement.

Economic

Increasing maintenance costs, pressure on public resources, rising living costs and long-term financial sustainability.

Community

The need for stronger local resilience, improved environmental stewardship and greater participation in community life.

The challenges are interconnected. The solutions should be as well.

Section 3

Framework Objectives

The National Community Landscape Framework establishes a long-term strategic direction for creating healthier, stronger and more resilient communities through integrated planning, environmental stewardship and community participation. The Framework is intended to support local adaptation while providing a consistent national direction capable of evolving over time.

Healthier Communities

Promote environments that contribute positively to physical health, mental wellbeing, social connection and quality of life.

Environmental Stewardship

Encourage responsible management of community landscapes, biodiversity, soil resources and natural ecosystems.

Community Resilience

Strengthen the ability of communities to adapt to future environmental, economic and social challenges through practical local initiatives.

Responsible Resource Management

Promote more effective use of organic resources, public green spaces and community participation while encouraging long-term sustainability.

Community Participation

Encourage collaboration between residents, councils, schools, businesses, researchers and community organisations.

Continuous Improvement

Support ongoing evaluation, research, innovation and refinement of community landscape models as knowledge and experience continue to grow.

These objectives provide the strategic foundation for every recommendation contained within this Framework. Individual communities may adopt different implementation models, however each model should contribute toward one or more of these long-term objectives.

Section 4

The National Community Landscape Framework

The National Community Landscape Framework provides a structured approach for helping communities maximise the environmental, social, health and community value of suitable public landscapes. Rather than prescribing a single landscape model, the Framework establishes a flexible planning system that enables participating councils and communities to determine the most appropriate use of individual sites according to local conditions, community priorities and long-term sustainability objectives.

The Framework recognises that every landscape has different characteristics and that successful community planning requires flexibility rather than uniformity.

The right landscape.
The right location.
The right community outcome.

Adaptable

The Framework is designed to accommodate the diverse environmental, geographical and social characteristics of Australian communities without imposing a single national model.

Integrated

Environmental, social, public health, community participation and resource management considerations are addressed through one coordinated planning framework.

Scalable

The Framework may be implemented progressively, from individual community projects through to larger municipal or regional programs.

Evidence-Informed

The Framework encourages continuous evaluation, research and refinement as practical experience and scientific knowledge continue to evolve.

The National Community Landscape Framework establishes a long-term planning model rather than a fixed program. It provides communities with the flexibility to develop locally appropriate solutions while contributing to broader national objectives relating to health, environmental sustainability, community resilience and responsible stewardship of public resources.

Section 5

Framework Components

The National Community Landscape Framework is composed of multiple complementary components. Communities are not expected to implement every component. Rather, participating councils may select, combine and progressively develop those most appropriate to local environmental conditions, community priorities and available resources.

Community Food Landscapes

Suitable public spaces designed to produce fruit, vegetables, herbs or native edible plants while supporting community wellbeing.

Community Orchards & Food Forests

Long-term landscape assets providing shade, biodiversity, environmental value and seasonal food production where appropriate.

Community Compost & Mulch Systems

Local recovery and beneficial reuse of suitable organic materials to improve soil quality and support community landscapes.

Environmental Restoration Areas

Sites dedicated to restoring biodiversity, strengthening habitat connectivity and improving ecological resilience.

Community Stewardship

Structured community participation supporting the long-term care, monitoring and improvement of approved community landscapes.

Education & Community Partnerships

Collaboration with schools, researchers, community organisations, businesses and local volunteers to strengthen participation and knowledge sharing.

Each Framework component has been designed to operate independently or as part of an integrated community landscape strategy. Subsequent sections examine each component in greater detail, including its purpose, potential benefits, implementation considerations and relationship to the broader Framework.

Section 6

Community Food Landscapes

Community Food Landscapes represent one of the principal implementation models within the National Community Landscape Framework. They encourage the productive use of suitable public spaces through carefully planned landscape designs that combine environmental value, community wellbeing and, where appropriate, local food production. Community Food Landscapes are intended to complement existing parks and public open spaces rather than replace them.

Purpose

To increase the long-term community value of suitable public landscapes while strengthening environmental sustainability, local resilience and community participation.

Possible Landscape Types

Community Food Landscapes may include orchards, food forests, vegetable gardens, herb gardens, native edible landscapes or other locally appropriate productive landscape models.

Site Selection

Landscape type should always be determined following local environmental assessment, community consultation, planning requirements and long-term maintenance considerations.

Expected Outcomes

Properly planned Community Food Landscapes may contribute to healthier environments, stronger community participation, improved biodiversity, greater food resilience and more productive use of suitable public land.

Community Food Landscapes are intended to evolve progressively over time. Their purpose is not to maximise food production, but to maximise the environmental, social and community value created by suitable public landscapes.

Section 7

Community Orchards & Food Forests

Community orchards and food forests represent long-term landscape investments capable of delivering environmental, educational and community benefits for decades. Where environmental conditions, planning requirements and community priorities permit, they may become important components of local Community Food Landscapes. Unlike annual gardens, orchards and food forests mature progressively, increasing their environmental and community value over time.

Long-Term Community Assets

Fruit and nut trees may continue providing shade, habitat, environmental value and seasonal harvests for many decades following establishment.

Environmental Contribution

Appropriately selected species may contribute to increased canopy cover, biodiversity, soil protection, carbon storage and urban cooling.

Community Value

Orchards and food forests may become places where residents learn, volunteer, participate and strengthen local community connections.

Planning Considerations

Species selection, location, maintenance requirements, environmental suitability, biosecurity and long-term management should always be considered during planning.

The National Community Landscape Framework recognises community orchards and food forests as long-term public assets whose value extends beyond food production to include environmental stewardship, community participation and intergenerational benefit.

Section 8

Community Gardens

Community gardens provide a flexible and highly adaptable landscape model suitable for locations where orchards or food forests may not be appropriate. They create opportunities for local food production, environmental education, community participation and intergenerational knowledge sharing while making productive use of suitable public spaces. Community gardens may operate independently or as part of larger Community Food Landscape projects.

Adaptability

Community gardens may be established in a wide range of locations and scaled according to available land, local priorities and community participation.

Education

Gardens provide practical opportunities for schools, families and community organisations to develop gardening skills, environmental awareness and healthy lifestyle practices.

Community Participation

Shared gardens encourage volunteer involvement, strengthen neighbourhood relationships and create opportunities for cooperation across different age groups and cultural backgrounds.

Food Resilience

Where appropriate, community gardens may contribute to local food resilience while supporting food banks, community kitchens and other approved community programs.

Community gardens complement rather than replace other Community Landscape models. Together with orchards, food forests, biodiversity areas and environmental restoration projects, they allow participating communities to select the landscape solutions best suited to local conditions.

Framework Statement

Community gardens should be recognised as adaptable community assets capable of strengthening food resilience, environmental education, community participation and neighbourhood wellbeing while supporting broader Community Landscape objectives.
Section 9

Community Resource Recovery

The National Community Landscape Framework recognises suitable organic materials as valuable community resources rather than unavoidable waste. Where practical and environmentally appropriate, participating communities may progressively recover suitable green household materials for beneficial reuse within approved Community Landscape projects. This approach encourages local resource efficiency while supporting healthier soils, stronger landscapes and more sustainable communities.

Green Resource Recovery

Suitable grass clippings, leaves, garden prunings and other approved organic materials may be recovered for beneficial local use rather than immediate disposal.

Community Compost

Recovered organic material may contribute to compost production supporting approved community landscapes, gardens, orchards and restoration projects.

Community Mulch

Suitable woody materials may be processed into mulch to improve soil moisture retention, suppress weeds and reduce long-term maintenance requirements.

Circular Resource Management

By retaining suitable organic resources within local communities where appropriate, the Framework promotes a circular approach in which community resources continue supporting community assets.

Implementation models may vary between communities according to local infrastructure, environmental requirements, available resources and council priorities. The Framework encourages progressive adoption based upon practicality rather than uniform implementation.

Framework Statement

Suitable organic community resources should, where practical, be recognised as valuable environmental assets capable of supporting healthier landscapes, stronger communities and more sustainable long-term resource management.
Section 10

Community Beneficiaries

The National Community Landscape Framework has been designed to deliver benefits across multiple sectors of society. Rather than serving a single group or objective, the Framework seeks to strengthen environmental quality, community wellbeing and public value through initiatives capable of supporting people of all ages and backgrounds.

Residents

Greener neighbourhoods, stronger community connections, healthier environments and opportunities for community participation.

Children & Schools

Practical environmental education, food literacy, biodiversity awareness and outdoor learning opportunities.

Older Australians

Opportunities to remain active, share practical knowledge, mentor younger generations and strengthen social participation.

Community Organisations

Additional opportunities for collaboration, education, environmental stewardship and neighbourhood engagement.

People Experiencing Hardship

Where appropriate, community landscapes may strengthen local food resilience and support partnerships with community food programs and charitable organisations.

Future Generations

Long-term environmental assets capable of delivering benefits that continue well beyond the initial establishment period.

The greatest strength of the National Community Landscape Framework lies in its capacity to deliver shared community value. Environmental improvements, healthier public spaces, stronger neighbourhoods and responsible stewardship benefit entire communities while creating additional opportunities to support those facing greater social or economic challenges.

Framework Statement

The National Community Landscape Framework should seek to maximise long-term community benefit by creating public assets capable of serving present and future generations while strengthening environmental, social and community resilience.
Section 11

Community Resource Incentive Program

The National Community Landscape Framework encourages the development of voluntary incentive programs that support residents, households and local organisations in contributing to stronger community landscapes.

These programs may recognise and encourage practical contributions such as planting productive trees, maintaining suitable household gardens, contributing approved organic materials, donating seeds or seedlings, supporting community compost systems, or participating in local stewardship activities.

Household Participation

Residents may be encouraged to plant suitable fruit trees, native food plants, herbs, vegetables or biodiversity-supporting vegetation on private property, where appropriate.

Recognition Programs

Councils may establish voluntary recognition schemes for households, schools, businesses and community groups contributing to local resilience objectives.

Practical Support

Support may include free or discounted seedlings, mulch, compost, education, planting guides, workshops, tool access or community gardening assistance.

Future Incentives

Where appropriate, councils may evaluate further incentive mechanisms, including grants, rebates, local recognition, reduced green resource costs or other locally determined measures.

The Framework does not prescribe a single incentive model. Each council should determine whether incentives are appropriate, affordable and consistent with local priorities.

The purpose of incentive programs is to encourage voluntary participation while recognising that strong community landscapes are supported not only by public land, but also by households, schools, businesses and local organisations.

Framework Statement

Community resource incentives should encourage voluntary local participation, strengthen household and community contribution, and support practical actions that improve resilience, food security, environmental stewardship and neighbourhood wellbeing.
Section 12

Business & Industry Partnerships

The National Community Landscape Framework recognises the important role businesses and industry may play in strengthening community resilience. Participation extends beyond financial support and may include expertise, equipment, innovation, education, sponsorship and long-term community partnerships.

Local Businesses

Garden centres, nurseries, landscapers, hardware suppliers, agricultural businesses and other local enterprises may provide products, services or expertise supporting Community Landscape projects.

Corporate Participation

Businesses may support community projects through sponsorship, employee volunteer programs, skills sharing, equipment loans or environmental initiatives aligned with corporate social responsibility objectives.

Innovation

Industry may contribute innovative technologies, sustainable products, resource recovery solutions and research partnerships supporting continuous improvement of Community Landscape programs.

Mutual Benefit

Successful partnerships create value for communities while allowing participating organisations to demonstrate environmental leadership, community engagement and responsible corporate citizenship.

Business participation should complement, rather than influence, community priorities. All partnerships should operate transparently and remain consistent with the objectives and principles of the National Community Landscape Framework.

Framework Statement

Businesses and industry should be recognised as valuable partners capable of contributing knowledge, innovation, expertise and resources that strengthen long-term Community Landscape outcomes while supporting broader community resilience.
Section 13

Food Security & Community Support

The National Community Landscape Framework recognises that healthier communities are strengthened when local resources contribute to local wellbeing. Where appropriate and subject to local management arrangements, Community Landscape projects may support local food resilience while creating additional opportunities to assist individuals, families and community organisations experiencing hardship. The Framework recognises food security as one of many community outcomes rather than the primary purpose of Community Landscapes.

Community Food Resilience

Suitable Community Landscape projects may contribute to greater local access to fresh produce while encouraging seasonal, community-based food production.

Community Partnerships

Participating communities may establish partnerships with food banks, community kitchens, neighbourhood centres and charitable organisations where appropriate.

Reducing Food Waste

Appropriate harvesting, redistribution and community sharing arrangements may help reduce unnecessary food loss while increasing community benefit.

Community Wellbeing

Food production, environmental stewardship and community participation together contribute to stronger neighbourhoods and improved community resilience.

The Framework does not establish food production quotas or mandatory distribution models. Each participating council and community should determine appropriate arrangements according to local priorities, available resources and community needs.

Framework Statement

Where appropriate, Community Landscape projects should contribute to strengthening local food resilience while supporting community wellbeing through voluntary partnerships, responsible resource management and locally determined community initiatives.
Section 14

Progressive Implementation

The National Community Landscape Framework recognises that meaningful community transformation is achieved progressively. Participating councils and communities are encouraged to implement the Framework in manageable stages, allowing experience, community participation and local knowledge to guide future development. The Framework supports gradual expansion rather than large-scale implementation from the outset.

Stage One

Community consultation, site identification, environmental assessment and selection of suitable pilot locations.

Stage Two

Development of initial Community Landscape projects appropriate to local priorities and available resources.

Stage Three

Community participation, monitoring, evaluation and refinement based upon practical experience.

Stage Four

Progressive expansion where demonstrated community support, environmental suitability and available resources permit.

The Framework encourages continuous learning throughout implementation. Successful approaches should be shared between participating communities while recognising that every council and community will develop its own pathway according to local circumstances.

Framework Statement

Implementation of the National Community Landscape Framework should be progressive, evidence-informed and responsive to local community experience rather than dependent upon immediate large-scale adoption.
Section 15

Framework Governance

The long-term success of Community Landscape projects depends upon clear governance, defined responsibilities and effective collaboration. The National Community Landscape Framework encourages governance models that are practical, transparent and proportionate to the scale of each project. Governance should support communities rather than create unnecessary administrative burden.

Councils

Provide strategic oversight, planning approvals, public safety responsibilities and long-term coordination consistent with local government responsibilities.

Communities

Participate voluntarily through stewardship, education, local knowledge, environmental care and community support activities.

Partner Organisations

Schools, businesses, charities, environmental organisations and research institutions may contribute expertise, education, equipment, resources and ongoing collaboration.

Continuous Review

Projects should be reviewed periodically to identify opportunities for improvement while ensuring continued alignment with Framework objectives.

The Framework encourages shared responsibility. Successful Community Landscapes are achieved through cooperation between public institutions, community organisations and residents, with each contributing according to their respective responsibilities and capabilities.

Framework Statement

Governance arrangements should provide sufficient oversight to ensure accountability, transparency and long-term sustainability while encouraging broad community participation and local ownership.
Section 16

Research, Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

Communities evolve. Environmental conditions change. Scientific knowledge advances. Community expectations develop over time. Accordingly, the National Community Landscape Framework recognises that long-term success depends upon continuous learning, regular evaluation and ongoing improvement. The Framework is intended to remain adaptive rather than static.

Research

Universities, research organisations, public agencies and independent institutions are encouraged to evaluate Community Landscape outcomes and identify opportunities for improvement.

Monitoring

Participating communities should monitor environmental, social and community indicators relevant to local implementation while avoiding unnecessary administrative burden.

Innovation

Communities are encouraged to explore new technologies, landscape practices, environmental solutions and resource management approaches capable of strengthening future Community Landscape projects.

Framework Evolution

Knowledge gained through practical implementation, scientific research and community experience should contribute to future editions of the National Community Landscape Framework.

The Framework recognises that no document can anticipate every future challenge. Its long-term strength lies in its capacity to evolve through evidence, practical experience and collaborative learning while remaining faithful to its guiding principles.

Framework Statement

The National Community Landscape Framework should remain a living framework, strengthened through ongoing research, monitoring, innovation and continuous improvement.
Section 17

Framework Adaptability

The National Community Landscape Framework has been intentionally developed as a principle-based framework rather than a prescriptive implementation model. Its purpose is to provide strategic guidance while allowing individual governments, councils and communities to adapt implementation according to local legislation, environmental conditions, cultural expectations, available resources and community priorities.

Local Adaptation

Communities may select those Framework components that best reflect local priorities, environmental conditions and available resources.

Legislative Compatibility

Implementation should remain consistent with applicable legislation, planning requirements, environmental regulations and public safety obligations.

Scalable Implementation

The Framework may be implemented through individual projects, municipal programs, regional strategies or broader national initiatives.

International Relevance

While developed within an Australian context, the Framework has been designed using principles capable of adaptation by communities in other jurisdictions where appropriate.

The strength of the National Community Landscape Framework lies not in prescribing identical outcomes, but in providing a common strategic direction capable of supporting diverse communities while respecting local decision-making.

Framework Statement

The National Community Landscape Framework should remain sufficiently flexible to support local adaptation while maintaining consistent principles that strengthen community resilience, environmental stewardship and long-term public benefit.
Section 18

Implementation Principles

The National Community Landscape Framework establishes a set of guiding implementation principles intended to support consistent, responsible and sustainable development across participating communities. These principles are designed to provide direction while allowing flexibility in local implementation.

Voluntary Participation

Participation by residents, organisations and businesses should remain voluntary and community-driven.

Evidence-Informed Decisions

Planning and implementation should be guided by available evidence, environmental assessment and practical experience.

Environmental Suitability

Landscape models should always reflect local environmental conditions, biodiversity considerations and long-term sustainability.

Responsible Stewardship

Community resources should be managed responsibly to maximise long-term public benefit while protecting environmental values.

Inclusive Communities

Projects should encourage participation from individuals, families, schools, organisations and businesses while remaining accessible to the broader community.

Continuous Improvement

Experience gained through implementation should contribute to ongoing refinement of local projects and future editions of the Framework.

These implementation principles provide a consistent foundation while recognising that each participating community will develop its own implementation pathway according to local priorities and circumstances.

Framework Statement

Implementation should remain voluntary, evidence-informed, environmentally responsible, locally adaptable and focused on creating lasting public value for present and future generations.
Section 19

Framework Clarifications

The National Community Landscape Framework establishes guiding principles rather than mandatory requirements. The following clarifications are intended to assist governments, councils, organisations and communities in understanding the intended scope of the Framework.

The Framework does not replace existing parks.

Sporting fields, playgrounds, recreational facilities and valued public open spaces remain essential community assets. The Framework applies only to suitable locations identified through local planning processes.

The Framework does not prescribe one landscape model.

Communities remain free to determine the most appropriate landscape solution according to local environmental conditions, planning objectives and community priorities.

Participation remains voluntary.

The Framework does not require participation by residents, organisations, businesses or councils.

The Framework does not compete with agriculture.

Community Landscape projects are intended to complement existing food systems by strengthening local resilience rather than replacing commercial food production.

Implementation remains locally determined.

Participating councils retain responsibility for determining whether individual Framework components are appropriate within their jurisdiction.

The Framework supports continuous evolution.

Future research, technological advances and practical experience are expected to contribute to future editions of the Framework.

These clarifications are intended to encourage constructive discussion while recognising that implementation will always depend upon local legislation, environmental conditions, community priorities and responsible decision-making.

Framework Statement

The National Community Landscape Framework provides strategic guidance rather than mandatory prescription, allowing communities to determine locally appropriate implementation while maintaining consistency with the Framework's guiding principles.
Section 20

A Framework Built Through Collaboration

The National Community Landscape Framework has been developed as a living framework. Its long-term success depends not only on implementation, but also on collaboration between governments, councils, researchers, environmental organisations, businesses, educational institutions, community organisations and residents. No single organisation possesses all the knowledge, experience or perspectives required to shape healthier communities for future generations.

Governments

Provide policy leadership, strategic direction and legislative support where appropriate.

Local Government

Contribute practical experience, local planning expertise and community leadership.

Researchers & Universities

Strengthen the Framework through scientific evaluation, innovation and evidence-informed recommendations.

Communities

Provide practical knowledge, stewardship, local participation and continuous feedback supporting long-term improvement.

NaturismRE welcomes constructive contributions from individuals and organisations wishing to strengthen future editions of this Framework. Suggestions supported by evidence, practical experience or innovative thinking will contribute to its ongoing development. The objective is not to defend a document. The objective is to strengthen a Framework capable of serving communities for generations to come.

Framework Statement

The National Community Landscape Framework should continue evolving through collaboration, evidence, innovation and practical experience while remaining faithful to its guiding principles.
Section 21

Expected Outcomes

Where implemented in accordance with local priorities, environmental conditions and community needs, the National Community Landscape Framework is expected to contribute to multiple long-term public outcomes. The Framework recognises that outcomes will vary between communities and will depend upon local implementation, participation and ongoing stewardship.

Environmental Outcomes

Improved biodiversity, increased vegetation, healthier soils, stronger ecological resilience, improved resource recovery and more sustainable landscape management.

Community Outcomes

Greater participation, stronger neighbourhood connections, increased community stewardship and improved community resilience.

Public Health Outcomes

Healthier public environments, increased opportunities for outdoor activity, stronger community wellbeing and improved access to greener public spaces.

Economic Outcomes

Improved long-term utilisation of community resources, opportunities for local partnerships and more efficient use of suitable public assets.

The Framework seeks to create cumulative benefits. While individual projects may appear modest, their collective contribution across multiple communities has the potential to strengthen environmental quality, community wellbeing and long-term resilience at regional, national and international scales.

Framework Statement

The National Community Landscape Framework should be evaluated according to the long-term public value it creates for communities, the environment and future generations rather than by any single measure of success.
National Community Landscape Framework

The Community Landscape Declaration

The National Community Landscape Framework is founded upon the belief that stronger communities are built through responsible stewardship, environmental sustainability, community participation and long-term thinking. Accordingly, this Framework adopts the following Declaration.

We recognise

That healthy communities depend upon healthy environments, responsible stewardship of public resources and active community participation.

We acknowledge

That environmental, social, economic and public health challenges are interconnected and require collaborative, long-term solutions.

We encourage

Governments, councils, educational institutions, businesses, community organisations and residents to work together in strengthening local communities through practical and sustainable action.

We support

The responsible development of Community Landscapes that improve environmental quality, strengthen resilience, encourage participation and contribute to healthier communities.

We affirm

That every community should retain the flexibility to determine locally appropriate solutions consistent with the principles of this Framework.

We commit

To encouraging continuous learning, scientific research, environmental responsibility and community collaboration so that future generations inherit stronger, healthier and more resilient communities.

Preparing the world for stronger communities.

For a better world.

Lifecycle Planning

This Standard recognises that Community Orchards and Community Food Forests evolve over extended periods.

Planning, management and evaluation should therefore consider three distinct lifecycle phases:

  • Establishment Phase (0-5 years): Site preparation, planting, early establishment and initial stewardship.
  • Development Phase (5-20 years): Landscape maturation, increasing environmental value, growing community participation and progressive adaptation.
  • Legacy Phase (20+ years): Long-term stewardship, renewal, succession planning and continued delivery of environmental, educational and community benefits.

Each phase presents different priorities, opportunities and management considerations.

Framework Documents

The following documents collectively support the National Community Landscape Framework. While each document may be read independently, together they provide a comprehensive framework for strengthening healthier, greener and more resilient communities.