DEEPENING ROOTS: Local group submits plan for community garden

AN ARMSTRONG Creek community group is seeking final planning approval for an all-inclusive garden facility aimed at improving social connection in the growing suburb.

A garden including garden beds, orchard trees, a greenhouse and compost/worm farms would be established at 46-70 Central Boulevard for a “multi-use community asset” that would be run by and for local residents.

Members of Warralily Community Garden 3217 say that up to 40 community members have registered their interest in becoming involved in the project, and plan to build connections with nearby community groups and facilities to build stronger community relationships.

The group has maintained a smaller garden behind the Warralily estate sales office at the other end of the housing estate in recent months while the new proposal has been in planning, and is ready to expand to a purpose-built space.

The planned garden is located at the existing easement beside the Armstrong Creek Community Hub, nearby local schools, childcare, a shopping centre, a retirement village and townhouses.

In their planning application, the green thumb group stated their plan would “increase social connections, promote physical and mental health and help families educate their children about fresh healthy foods”.

“Warralily Community Garden 3217 Incorporated are a group of community minded people who realise the social, educational, and health benefits of shared community garden spaces.

“Our vision is to establish a neighbourhood community garden in Armstrong Creek to promote health and wellbeing, sustainable living and a means to develop a strong, connected community across all age group, cultures and ability.

“We will achieve this by nurturing our already strong membership base and community partners to ultimately provide the community with an inclusive garden space that will deliver to our mission pillars, education, inclusion, sustainability, and connections.”

The application also argues the project would promote sustainable lifestyles through garden practices.

The garden plans indicate the facility would be developed in stages – first by establishing the fence line and access points, followed by setting up of 20 wicking garden beds, establishment of fruit trees, a greenhouse, compost and worm farm and a storage shed.

The project includes creation of a management committee to look after maintenance and success, and be accessible to members during daylight hours with intermittent working bees.

It would raise revenue through membership, fundraising, sponsorship and grant applications.

Public exhibition of the plans ends today (Friday, April 28).