Flowers are still blooming in the Katoomba Street gardens thanks to volunteers from the local business community and Blue Mountains City Council.
Council is working with the Katoomba Chamber of Commerce to refurbish the garden beds and plant pots throughout the town centre with great results over the past 12 months.
Ward 1 Councillor and member of the Katoomba Street volunteer group, Kerry Brown, said: “This partnership is a positive relationship between council and the community to do something practical; it shows what we can achieve when we work together.
“The volunteer group started with the aim of improving the look of the Katoomba, the Mountains' major tourism town,” she said. “But we quickly discovered we were also improving the happiness of passers-by. Locals are constantly thanking us, which is lovely.
“Many local business owners are now involved in the volunteer garden project which is wonderful opportunity to strengthen business and social connections.”
Mark Jarvis, President of the Katoomba Chamber of Commerce, said: “Katoomba relies on the tourism economy and this initiative is changing the perception of the town for the better. Our partnership with council has proven to be a productive working relationship and I applaud the efforts of the volunteers.”
Council contributes to the garden project by providing items such as mulch, soil and plants while the volunteers actively maintain the garden beds and pots. Future activities include the full refurbishment of several of the larger garden beds in Katoomba Street.
“We are thrilled that Katoomba street is a little prettier, friendlier and happier,” said Cr Brown.
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