After much debate and several modifications of the plans, Gloucester Community Gardens has received the green light to proceed.
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The project was approved by MidCoast Council for a two-year trial period at the March 24 ordinary meeting. It was a bit of a rocky road to get to the final approval, with some members of the community raising concerns during the public exhibition period.
Council said that around 74 per cent of those who participated in the community consultation where happy with the proposed site between the pool, the tennis courts and the croquet club in Gloucester District Park.
Acting manager of Community Spaces, Recreation and Trades, Michael Cross said the site was chosen after the committee investigated around 20 possible locations.
"Council acknowledged that there was no site that was without some constraints," Mr Cross said.
During a consultation session held by council in November 2020, the president of the Gloucester Croquet Club, Brenda Pennicuik was very clear about her opposition to the proposed location.
The club lodged a petition with council signed by 92 residents highlighting a number of concerns relating to the site. The petition also made mention that the club had not been permitted by council to purchase a water tank and construct a storage shed.
Council said it worked with the garden committee to come up with a modified plan of the garden, as well as working with the club, which resulted in an additional line in the proposal stating that council would help the club with the "establishment of a water tank and a storage facility".
The garden project started with a group of food-growing enthusiasts who put a call out to the community in January 2020 for ideas and suggestions about starting up a garden within a reasonable walking distance to the town centre.
From there, a committee was formed, plans were drawn up and discussions started with MidCoast Council about possible locations in May 2020.
With the project getting the tick of approval, the committee is eager to move forward with its plans.
According to committee member Pat Burrows, the group is working toward holding a Foundation Day event inline with the mega market (a combination of farmers and community markets) planned for Saturday June 12 (long weekend).
"We have plans to build the wicking beds and have a general outline of where the fencing will go by then," Pat said "We hope to have a tree planting ceremony on the day."
There will be activities for children, an information table and a membership drive for people to get involved.