Gloucester Shire Council’s economic development officer Tim Weeks said those at the meeting last Wednesday were interested in growing produce, attending a farmers market, and volunteering to take part in the market.

Mr Weeks said he also received almost 50 email messages expressing support from people unable to make last week’s meeting, and the emails continued later in the week with more people continuing to register their support for the markets.

Mr Weeks said as a result it looks like there is strong support for the market at this stage, with most indicating their interest was mainly in the area of fresh produce.

An Expression of Interest Form was handed out to those at the meeting and 52 forms were returned with about a dozen offers of interest in either the proposed working group to be established or in volunteering to assist with the market.

TAFE respresentative Tony McGowan also addressed the information evening discussing the Paddock to Plate concept and how TAFE could help prospective growers with production, packaging, labelling, food handling and even setting up a small business.

Mr Weeks said the next step will be to establish a market working committee and to develop a complete market plan.

It is hoped to have the markets up and running by spring, with the markets planned to be held in Billabong Park.