The project’s aim is to create a self-sustainable garden to demonstrate to the community and tourists methods of growing food which require minimum maintenance and water.

Project supervisor, Marnie Johnson said the workers have been a great help with the construction of the Pumpkin Tunnel, making soil and propagating plants.

She saidthe tunnel is a way of at least tripling the growth volume of vines like melons and passionfruit over the same piece of land, by growing up instead of out.

Workers like Jordan Mackintosh are able to complete the 25 hours per week for six months each year required by Centrelink for recipients under age 30.

Jordan attends the site once a week as he is also studying metal fabrication and engineering through TAFE. His study hours are counted as part of the Work for the Dole program.

“It’s helped me relax a bit and gets me out of the house,” Jordan said.

Jordan has been working on the garden for the last six months and will continue until the end of August when the project is due to be complete.

The government initiative is designed for jobseekers to gain skills and experience that gives back to the community and can help them find employment.

The Food Forest at the Tucker Patch will be open to the public when completed.