STATE and local government investments will see the construction of Warragul’s largest community garden in Eastern Park.
Video: highlights from the Eastern Park community garden project launch event.
Community group Growing Together Baw Baw developed the plan for the $157,400 project with support from the Warragul Community House, West Gippsland Healthcare Group and the Baw Baw Shire Council
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A Baw Baw Shire spokesperson told The Warragul Citizen works on the project, expected to be completed by October 2014, will begin in coming weeks.
The new gardens will feature lower access garden beds, composting bays, meeting areas and seating, raised gardens, fruit trees, a barbecue area, private vegetable plots, a pond and more and will be situated adjacent to the Warragul Community House.
Pictured: Left and middle: Gary Blackwood and Girl Guide Bella obscure Murray Cook’s face during a sod turning ceremony. Right: Growing Together Baw Baw’s Sue Jenkins. All multimedia by William PJ Kulich.
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The State Government put $118,000 toward the gardens. The Baw Baw Shire Council is also contributing $39,400.
At a funding announcement event last month attended by project supporters and council staff, member for McMillan Gary Blackwood said the project had strong community support.
“I understand that there was a community event conducted last year which attracted some 500 people to come along and support the prospect of the community garden,” Mr Blackwood said.
“I guess it’s thanks to those people.
“The Eastern Park community garden will be a wonderful asset for the people of Warragul to use and enjoy, and in particular an asset that will enable us to teach our younger generations the benefits of gardening and the benefits of growing local produce.”
Baw Baw mayor Murray Cook said other towns were keen to establish their own community gardens.
Pictured: members of Growing Together Baw Baw stand with the plans for the community garden at funding announcement launch event.
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“Community gardens are definitely something the community are saying they wanted. We were at the launch of the Trafalgar community plan and the community garden was definitely on their list also,” Cr Cook said.
“I think it’s good for the community, it’s a place for the community to meet, work together and get to know each other in a deeper and more meaningful way.”
