Plans to establish a community garden in Gloucester can now move forward after Council resolved that the proposed site favoured by most during the community consultation be chosen for the garden.
“Around 74% of participants in the consultation supported the proposed location for the garden, next to the tennis courts in Gloucester District Park on Boundary Street, which will now be set aside for the community garden,” said Council’s Acting Manager of Community Spaces, Recreation and Trades, Michael Cross.
“This site was selected as the favoured site after the Gloucester community garden group investigated around 20 other sites. Council acknowledged that there was no site that was without some constraints, but agreed with most participants in the community consultation that the proposed site was the best option.”
At its meeting last Wednesday, Council resolved the site could operate as a community garden for a two-year trial period.
“We will now be working with the Gloucester Community Garden Group and the Croquet Club to further the project.”
The project began when a local community group developed plans for a community-based garden that will produce fruit, vegetables and herbs, as well as other plants for the community’s benefit.
The garden is aimed at promoting an opportunity to share knowledge and skills in gardening techniques and practices while encouraging social networking and community inclusion.
The Gloucester Community Garden aims to have a social focus while demonstrating good sustainable gardening examples that people can use in their own gardens.
It is intended for the produce grown to be shared communally. The manageable size of the lot will help encourage social mixing and active involvement which is a cornerstone of the education that comes with working alongside knowledgeable gardeners.
The Engagement Outcomes Report, which provides all the responses to the community consultation held last December, can be found at www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/welisten.
