8 earl street proposed community garden abstract...council meeting agenda 12/12/16 8 earl street...

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Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16 8 Earl Street Proposed Community Garden Abstract A report on the opportunity for Council to lease surplus VicRoads land on the corner of Earl Street and Willsmere Road Kew was considered by Council on 14 December 2015, followed by a subsequent report on 22 February 2016. The land had been identified as having the potential to be used more formally for community purposes, with a community garden being one identified use. There are currently six community gardens on Council managed land in Boroondara, with a combined total of around 200 plots cared for by individuals or small groups. These are located in Hawthorn, Ashburton, Balwyn and Canterbury. In response to emerging community interest in community gardening, officers prepared the Growing and Sharing Local Food in Boroondara Discussion Paper in October 2015. The report concluded that many in the Boroondara community are either actively involved in growing and sharing food or are interested in doing so in Boroondara in the future. The greatest level of support was for ‘traditional community gardens (fenced) on Council-managed land’ followed by ‘unfenced/open community gardens on Council-managed land’. In accordance with the 22 February 2016 Council resolution, officers finalised and executed a lease with VicRoads to secure the Earl Street land on 7 April 2016, and commenced further investigation into the possibility of a community garden being established on the site. Further investigations have confirmed that the land is suitable for growing and harvesting food. Subsequent community consultation undertaken in late July to mid- August 2016 indicated that there is strong support from the local community for a community garden being located on the leased land. There also is interest from residents to be involved in the design process and establishment of a community garden. To create sufficient space for the community garden a short section of the Anniversary Trail shared path will need to be realigned to the north of the site. VicRoads has indicated that it will fund the realignment of the shared path subject to confirmation that the community garden will proceed being provided to VicRoads by the end of 2016. Officers' recommendation That Council resolve to proceed with establishing a community garden on the Earl Street, Kew site leased from VicRoads, subject to funding being included in the 2017-18 Council budget. Document information City of Boroondara Earl Street Community Garden Page 1 of 17

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Page 1: 8 Earl Street Proposed Community Garden Abstract...Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16 8 Earl Street Proposed Community Garden Abstract A report on the opportunity for Council to lease

Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16

8 Earl Street Proposed Community Garden

Abstract A report on the opportunity for Council to lease surplus VicRoads land on the corner of Earl Street and Willsmere Road Kew was considered by Council on 14 December 2015, followed by a subsequent report on 22 February 2016. The land had been identified as having the potential to be used more formally for community purposes, with a community garden being one identified use. There are currently six community gardens on Council managed land in Boroondara, with a combined total of around 200 plots cared for by individuals or small groups. These are located in Hawthorn, Ashburton, Balwyn and Canterbury. In response to emerging community interest in community gardening, officers prepared the Growing and Sharing Local Food in Boroondara Discussion Paper in October 2015. The report concluded that many in the Boroondara community are either actively involved in growing and sharing food or are interested in doing so in Boroondara in the future. The greatest level of support was for ‘traditional community gardens (fenced) on Council-managed land’ followed by ‘unfenced/open community gardens on Council-managed land’. In accordance with the 22 February 2016 Council resolution, officers finalised and executed a lease with VicRoads to secure the Earl Street land on 7 April 2016, and commenced further investigation into the possibility of a community garden being established on the site. Further investigations have confirmed that the land is suitable for growing and harvesting food. Subsequent community consultation undertaken in late July to mid-August 2016 indicated that there is strong support from the local community for a community garden being located on the leased land. There also is interest from residents to be involved in the design process and establishment of a community garden. To create sufficient space for the community garden a short section of the Anniversary Trail shared path will need to be realigned to the north of the site. VicRoads has indicated that it will fund the realignment of the shared path subject to confirmation that the community garden will proceed being provided to VicRoads by the end of 2016.

Officers' recommendation That Council resolve to proceed with establishing a community garden on the Earl Street, Kew site leased from VicRoads, subject to funding being included in the 2017-18 Council budget. Document information

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Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16

Responsible director: Bruce Dobson

Environment & Infrastructure ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose

The purpose of this report is to update Council on the outcomes of the further investigation into the possibility of a community garden being established on the Earl Street site that Council has leased from VicRoads, and to seek endorsement for the project to proceed.

2. Policy implications and relevance to council plan

The opportunity to create a community garden on land leased from VicRoads is consistent with the Council Plan 2013-17 strategic objectives of sustainable environment - our natural and urban environment is improved in a sustainable way, and quality facilities and assets - assets and facilities are proactively managed to meet the community’s current and future needs. The Boroondara Open Space Strategy (BOSS) Technical Report, adopted by Council on 9 December 2013, includes a higher priority recommendation to ‘Investigate the need for additional community gardens and identify potential appropriate sites on public land including community centres/neighbourhood houses, road reserves, railway land, and open space’. The Growing and Sharing Local Food in Boroondara Community Consultation Report October 2015, following on from the discussion paper of the same name, highlighted that 56% of survey respondents were currently growing food in Boroondara. Half of the 44% respondents that weren’t growing food, cited that they did not have anywhere to grow food as their reason. The report concluded that many in the Boroondara community are either actively involved in or interested in growing and sharing food in Boroondara in the future. The greatest level of support was for ‘traditional community gardens (fenced) on Council-managed land’ followed by ‘unfenced/open community gardens on Council-managed land’.

3. Background

In late 2015 Council officers commenced discussions with VicRoads regarding leasing some surplus VicRoads land in Earl Street Kew, for more formalised community use such as a community garden. There has been strong community support for community gardening projects received during the consultation on the Growing and Sharing Local Food Discussion Paper in October 2015. There are currently six community gardens on Council managed land in Boroondara, with a combined total of around 200 plots cared for by individuals or small groups. These are located in Hawthorn, Ashburton, Balwyn and Canterbury.

The site is a road reservation that forms part of the Outer Circle Linear Park at the corner of Earl Street, Willsmere Road and Carnegie Avenue, Kew. A community garden was identified as a potential use for this site (refer Attachment 1).

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Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16

An initial report on the leasing opportunity was considered by Council on 14 December 2015, followed by a subsequent report on 22 February 2016. At the February 2016 meeting Council resolved to: Note the status of the further negotiations that have taken place between

Council officers and VicRoads. Note that Council officers will now proceed to finalise and execute the

lease with VicRoads included as confidential Attachment 1. Receive a further report following officers' detailed investigation of the

possibility of a community garden being established on the land.

Subsequently the lease for the VicRoads land was finalised and executed on 7 April 2016. The permitted use for this land as stated within the lease is for ‘community public open space, for example a community garden and associated storage, or other recreational, nature or outdoor use.’ The terms of the lease are as follows:

20 year lease term with a further 10 year period at Council’s option rent of $1.00 plus GST per annum (if demanded) a reversion right for VicRoads allowing termination of the lease with

12 months’ notice, should VicRoads require use of the land improvements on the site to be at Council’s cost and to be removed at

the conclusion of the lease.

While no future works are currently planned, VicRoads requires the reversion right with a minimum 12 months’ notice in the event that works are required during the lease period which impact on the land.

4. Outline of key issues/options

Further investigation to confirm site suitability Officers have undertaken further investigations to determine if the proposed location is suitable for use as a community garden. This included consideration of the (minimum) land area required to support a community garden, location, orientation, geotechnical investigation, soil contamination, parking, access and likely impact on existing trees and other open space infrastructure. This assessment confirmed that the site is physically capable of housing a community garden. The northerly aspect will support good plant growth, there is adequate parking capacity to cater for the gardeners requirements, there is no need to remove any significant trees and preliminary soil test results indicate that the area is suitable for growing and harvesting food directly from the soil. Power, water, and other facilities and ancillary items will be provided as required.

Having confirmed the physical suitability of the site for the proposed use, the next step was to test the level of community support for a community garden in this location. The Growing and Sharing Local Food Discussion Paper identified community engagement and support as a critical component to a successful community garden.

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Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16

Community consultation was undertaken in late July/August 2016. In summary, 92 responses were received and 82% of respondents strongly supported a community garden at the Earl Street site. This is considered a strong indication that there is community support for the garden. Refer to Section 5 for more detail. The next step is to complete the design phase in consultation with the local community, and firm up membership and/or partnership opportunities and arrangements with interested community members.

Impact on existing path The Anniversary Trail currently traverses through the leased area and would need to be realigned about 10 meters to the north to avoid conflict between the community garden and the shared path. VicRoads has indicated it will fund the realignment of the trail if confirmation that the community garden is to proceed is provided to VicRoads by the end of 2016.

5. Consultation/communication

Community consultation for the community garden proposal at Earl Street was undertaken from 28 July until 14 August 2016 to gauge the level of support and community interest around establishing a new community garden on the leased land. Overall the community feedback was positive and from the majority of responses received there was strong community support for a community garden at the proposed location. Consultation included a survey, posters, and postcards distributed to properties in a 500m radius from the site and to Council services, local gardening groups, schools and businesses in the area. There were 92 responses to the survey. Of these:

82% of respondents ‘strongly supported’ the proposal 10% ‘somewhat supported’ the proposal 3% ‘strongly opposed’ the proposal 3% ‘somewhat opposed’ the proposal 2% registered ‘neither supported nor opposed’ the proposal.

A further 53% of respondents said they would be interested in participating in a community garden. Should the project proceed, it is proposed to invite these community members to be involved in the design process for the garden. For further details on the community consultation refer to the Earl Street Community Garden Public Consultation Findings report in Attachment 2. During consultation the Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre (KNLC) was identified as a potential project partner, particularly should a community garden Committee of Management be created. The KNLC currently holds kitchen gardening and horticultural programs, have a few vegetable plots within their limited site, run a men’s shed that produces raised timber boxes for vegetable growing, have a café that utilises produce grown from their programs, and is home for the Kew Fruit Squad which also provides the KNLC with edible produce.

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Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16

It is noted that Council received two submissions from the community prior to the Council meeting held on 14 December 2015, when the possibility of leasing the land was first considered by Council. One submission raised concerns with the appearance of community gardens in such a prominent location, the lack of toilets and car parking. The submission also noted that community gardens require supporters to succeed. The second submission from a member of the community representing Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. (PPLV) raised concerns relating to the appropriateness of the site, realignment of the path, who would use the garden, and the cost. A second submission from PPLV was received prior to the 22 February 2016 Council Meeting which raised concerns regarding the proposed realignment of the Anniversary Trail. These issues have been considered in officers’ site assessment and can be adequately managed through careful planning and design. In-principle agreement has been reached with VicRoads to fund the path realignment works (pending Council’s approval to proceed), no significant trees will be removed and there is sufficient car parking in the vicinity of the site to meet the expected demand. Community consultation has indicated a high level of community engagement and support for the project - which our own research has acknowledged is critical to the success of any community garden. These issues will be further considered as part of the detailed design.

6. Financial and resource implications

The land is being leased to Council for $1 per annum plus GST, consistent with the terms contained within the lease. The cost of establishing a community garden on the site is estimated at around $300,000, depending on the type of community garden model and the stakeholder needs. This includes establishment of utilities (power, water) within the site area and providing the necessary infrastructure to support the site’s operation, but does not include provision of a public toilet. VicRoads has indicated it will fund the realignment of the trail (estimated at approximately $80,000) subject to conditions being met as described above. Based on VicRoads funding the trail realignment, the following Capital Works funding is proposed to be considered in the 2017/18 Council budget:

$30,000 in 2017-18 to undertake design and facilitate community engagement

$300,000 in 2018-19 to implement the community garden. Where appropriate, grant funding will be sought for elements of the project and other co-funding and/or in-kind contributions may be available through the community.

7. Governance issues

The implications of this report have been assessed in accordance with the requirements of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. The officers responsible for the report have no direct or indirect interests requiring disclosure.

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Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16

8. Social and environmental issues

Creation of a community garden on the VicRoads leased land has great potential to provide positive social and environmental benefits for the Boroondara community including:

Opportunities for community connectedness (reduced social isolation). Health benefits from fresh nutritious food, exercise, fresh air and

moderate sun exposure (Vitamin D). Personal satisfaction associated with the outputs of a garden (flowers,

fruit or vegetables). Financial benefits from producing or swapping fresh produce and food

distribution. Environmental awareness and uptake of sustainability practices. Local food security and lifelong learning.

Acting manager: Pru Smith, Environment and Sustainable Living Report officer: Caroline Martin, Senior Landscape Architect

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DIAGRAMMATIC PLAN

DRAFT

DECEMBER 2015

FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

NTS

WILL

SMER

E RO

AD

EARL STREET

CARNEGIE AVENUE

Item AreaGarden Plots 800m2

Storage Shed Area 50m2

Communal Areas (paths, service ar-eas, compost bins)

1400m2

Communal Orchard 250m2

Sub-Total Area 2500m2

Picnic area with BBQ and shelter (unfenced)

900m2

Total Site Area 3400m2

2500m2

900m2 Potentialrealignment of Anniversary Trail

SITE AREA ANALYSIS

Existing public car park

Potential communal area with BBQ and shelter (unfenced)

All existing trees to remain

Potential Community Garden and storage

shed (fenced)

Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16______________________________________________________________________________________

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Earl Street Community Garden Community Consultation Report

Prepared by the Environment and Sustainable Living Department

September 2016

Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16______________________________________________________________________________________

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Earl Street Community Garden Community Consultation Report September 2016

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Contents1 Executive summary ................................................................................................................................... 3

2 Background ............................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1 Consultation method ......................................................................................................................... 4

3 Consultation findings ................................................................................................................................. 4

3.1 Online survey results ......................................................................................................................... 4

3.1.1 Survey response summary ............................................................................................................ 4

3.1.2 Summary of comments received on the proposed community garden .......................................... 8

4 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................... 10

Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16______________________________________________________________________________________

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1 Executive summary

Community consultation was undertaken from 28 July until 14 August 2016 to gauge the level of support and community interest in establishing a community garden at the corner of Earl Street, Willsmere Road and Carnegie Road Kew. Overall the community feedback was positive; and from the majority of responses received there was strong community support for a community garden at the proposed location.

Consultation included a survey with five questions and an opportunity to provide comments. Postcards were delivered to properties in a 500m radius from the site. Posters and postcards were also provided to Councils’ services, local gardening groups, schools and businesses in the area.

92 responses to the survey were received. 82% of respondents ‘strongly supported’ and another 10% ‘somewhat supported’ the proposal. 3% ‘strongly opposed’ and another 3% ‘somewhat opposed’ the community garden. 2% registered ‘neither support nor opposition’.

Respondents supportive of the proposal provided comments that discussed the benefits of community gardens such as community connectedness, encouraging children to become involved in gardening, shared learnings between gardeners, and the health benefits of community gardens. There was also supportive feedback from residents with insufficient sun or space for growing food at their own home.

Opposition to the community garden was for reasons such as a change to the current informal use of the park space (for ball games, walking etc.), the untidy appearance of community gardens when this one is in a highly visible location, the costs to establish a community garden, safety concerns due to the proximity of busy Earl Street, and the lack of access and parking.

Respondents were asked to indicate their preferred community garden model from an enclosed garden with individual plots, enclosed with shared plots, or an open food forest/orchard style garden. 70% selected a combination of all.

A further 53% of respondents said they would be interested in participating in a community garden at the proposed location.

Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16______________________________________________________________________________________

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Earl Street Community Garden Community Consultation Report September 2016

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2 Background

Council has leased a section of land from VicRoads on the corner of Earl Street and Willsmere Road, Kew for community public open space. On 22 February 2016 Council resolved to:

receive a further report following officers’ detailed investigation of the possibility of a community garden being established on the land.

Community consultation commenced on the proposal to establish a community garden in the open space currently leased from VicRoads.

The purpose of the public consultation was to:

gauge community support for a community garden at that site

determine what kinds of garden spaces would be preferred by the public.

2.1 Consultation method The consultation period was from 28 July until 14 August 2016.

The community had the following opportunities to find out about the consultation and provide feedback:

'Have Your Say' web page on Council's web site with links to the feedback form (electronic via Fluid Survey with hardcopies available upon request).

A postcard was letter dropped to properties within an approximate 500m radius of the proposed site (approximately 900 residences).

A3 sized posters and additional postcards were distributed at the Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre, Kew Library, Kew Recreation Centre, Kew North Maternal Child Health, three local primary schools and several small businesses in the Willsmere Shopping Centre.

Electronic copies of the poster were emailed to the Kew East Residents Association, five other community gardens, the Fenton Reserve Gardening Group, Kew Fruit Squad, and the Friends of Burke Rd Billabong group.

3 Consultation findings

3.1 Online survey results The consultation feedback form presented five questions, and an optional opportunity to leave additional comments.

3.1.1 Survey response summary

In total 92 complete responses to the survey were received from the community.

2 of these were completed by Council officers on behalf of residents who couldn’t access the online survey, and relayed their responses via telephone.

Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16______________________________________________________________________________________

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Age of respondents

Summary and comments relating to each question

Question 1 To what extent do you support a community garden at the corner of Earl Street, Willsmere Road and Carnegie Avenue, Kew?

82% "strongly support" 10% "somewhat support" 3% "strongly oppose"

3% “somewhat oppose”2% “neither support nor oppose”

Selecting either of the ‘oppose’ options triggered a text box to provide optional comments on why the respondent was opposed to a community garden. Responses included:

“The area is used by locals to ride bikes along, walk, play cricket, kick a footy. It is like a park. A community garden would interrupt it and take away from what is used for now.”

“I am not aware of a ground swell of supporters who will maintain. Many community gardens are untidy and unsightly and that sight is highly visible to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists who may be visiting or passing through Boroondara. The cost of providing water, toilets, parking, fences, sheds, tools etc. are not justified. It is adjacent to a very busy road and the site is therefore noisy and crossing Earl Street is very hard. The traffic on Earl St is likely to increase with the Chandler Hwy Upgrade.”

“Do not think it is necessary in Kew. Most residents have a courtyard or yard they could use for their own garden.”

Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16______________________________________________________________________________________

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“Quite a busy road and this could create a significant distraction for drivers.”

“Community Gardens work well in areas of high density housing only. Kew has plenty of large blocks and gardens and does not need a community garden.”

“I very strongly support of community garden/s in Kew. I think the plot chosen is not a suitable space. This is a ridiculously busy intersection at both peak hours and school time. I am a local resident very close to this plot - where will people access and park? Apart from the congestion, what about all the car fumes - not good for growing veggies?”

Question 2 To what extent would you be interested in participating in a community garden at the corner of Earl Street, Willsmere Road and Carnegie Avenue, Kew?

53% are "very interested" 31% are "somewhat interested" 16% are "not interested"

Selecting either of the ‘interested’ options triggered an additional question where respondents could check boxes to indicate why they would be interested in participating. Respondents could select more than one response.

Question 3 Why would you participate in a community garden?

61 respondents selected “For socialising and/or community involvement”50 respondents selected “Access to fresh fruit/vegetables” 20 respondents selected “I live in a unit/apartment and don’t have space for my own garden”

18 respondents selected “To save money and reduce food miles”14 respondents selected “I have run out of space in my own garden”

Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16______________________________________________________________________________________

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An optional text box was provided for ‘other’ reasons, comments on question 3 included:

“Great for kids to learn about where food comes from and nutrition”

“For my children to gain knowledge around growing their own food”

“Most of my garden is shaded and unsuited for vegetable growing”

“It's good for the community. It's great for children to see this happening in a public space where theymay not see it at home.”

“Community development and educating young people on the benefits of healthy homegrown food as well as environmental sustainability and reducing one's individual impact”

“For fun!”

“Live in a house with very small backyard - so no room to plant”

“To learn from other gardeners”

“I think community gardens improve visual amenity”

“My small garden does not get sufficient sun for vegie growing”

“Get the kids out of the house and mix with like-minded people”

“Fun and exercise!”

Question 4 What kind of community garden space would you be most supportive of?

70% selected "a combination of different types of plots" 15% selected "food forest/Orchard" 9% selected "enclosed garden with shared plots and produce" 6% selected "enclosed garden with individual plots"

Question 5 What kind of access to a community garden would you prefer?

55% selected "low unlocked fence" 23% selected "publicly open and accessible" 22% selected "locked fence"

Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16______________________________________________________________________________________

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3.1.2 Summary of comments received on the proposed community garden

General comments of support

Great idea. Hope it goes ahead.

With the trend to do away with gardens and growing vegetables and fruit trees, I fully support any move to encourage this project.

What an excellent initiative that will support the Willsmere Shopping Centre and local apartment blocks!

I love it!

I think it's a great initiative.

Lemon, orange, apple, pear, peach, lime any trees would be wonderful, children could have access to free fruit growing with the community. The bike path and community would not be affected except in a positive way

This is long overdue. The Riversdale Road gardens have been successful for many years. I won't be participating because it's a long way to travel. While I support the idea of a community garden in Kew, this location is a bit isolated. So I support this garden, and hope that you will start another one soon.

What a great idea! I hope this gets realised.

What a fabulous idea. I strongly support this. This area is already used by many families on lovely evenings, it has a strong community feel. Many people walk their dogs in this area, so a fence would be important to ensure animals not trampling and pooing! Also, a fence would allow families to be involved without being as worried about young children running onto the busy Earl St.

I think it's a great way of bringing the community together

This is so exciting! Community gardens take a long time to establish, but are absolutely worth it. Congratulations to the Council for helping to get this off the ground, and let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

This is a wonderful idea and I strongly support this

Very keen to see the enterprise started!

I am very keen to get involved

A great initiative when increasing numbers of residents now occupy flats, with social, environmental & health benefits. Would make much better use of space that is currently under-utilised.

Thoroughly support initiatives for community gardens in Boroondara, in this & other locations.

It's a great idea! We're really excited at the prospect of having such a fabulous initiative so close to home.

what a fantastic idea!

Great idea and excellent location

What a fabulous idea. Hopefully it will be one of many such gardens in the area.

This is fantastic idea and something Kew residents would really appreciate. The trend towards smaller garden sizes is having a real impact of our ability to grow fruit trees, nut trees and decent quantities of vegetables.

A very good opportunity to involve children in gardening. Important for it to be open to all, as far as possible.

Great for community get together with food and beverages / coffee available.

I would love to see more community gardens where people can enjoy growing food and sharing excess with friends and family as well as the broader community. I would be very happy to assist in setting up a garden in Kew.

Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16______________________________________________________________________________________

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General comments of opposition

I do not agree and strongly oppose to the idea. How about encouraging the one already established at the Kew Neighbourhood House!!

Community gardens only work well in areas of high density housing.

Specific requests/issues

Accessibility/location: To avoid potential accidents between garden users and shared path users, the garden should be set

to one side of the path and leave at least 1m lateral clearance between the path edge and any fencing or structures. I am not likely to use the facility but as a regular user of the shared path they create interest points along the path, high fences are visually hostile and not a good fit with Boroondaras open space values. Access to the enclosure would be best at the end closest to the Willsmere Carpark and not along the length of the bike path to avoid access safety issues such as those at the Tennis Courts near Ashburton Station. Bike racks at the access to enable and encourage users to utilise the shared path, a good healthy match with growing fresh food. Given the proximity to the shared path and favourable gradients there is the opportunity to make this wheelchair assessable, gardening provides a great social connection and making it assessable to all would tick many boxes.

I would ask that real consideration is given to it having good access for those with disability and young children - a number of waist high raised beds for instance. To integrate an element of cooking into the design would be fantastic also so that people can pick, prepare, cook and eat in one location. I would recommend though a food mapping of projects in Kew - what schools have gardens for instance and what do they grow so that across a community a more diverse growing mechanism can be established so that food waste is reduced and any surplus is upcycled into feeding those who are hungry and improved local school canteens.

I'm not sure that the marked red zone would be the ideal space as that is right through the bike/walking track. I would prefer to see the garden moved off the bike track on the grassy area and not have the track running through it. Also the fencing would need to be visually appealing given the open space - to ensure an "eye sore" isn't created by unsightly fencing that is very visible in the area from a distance. It is also my view however that a fence would be necessary given the wildlife in the area - to keep produce "safe".

I very strongly support of community garden/s in Kew. I think the plot chosen is not a suitable space. I am a local resident very close to this plot - where will people access and park? This is a ridiculously busy intersection at peak hours and school time. Apart from the congestion, what about all the car fumes? What about a community garden across from North Kew Tennis Club - or around that grassed area. I would be very interested in being a part of a community garden in a more suitable space. School groups could be encouraged to use the garden plots. And what will happen to the existing bike track? That is used a lot. Also families go there to there to kick the footy and play frisbee etc. This is the sort of community garden we should be providing/supporting in Kew http://www.growingchange.net.au/

Hi there, it’s a great idea. However, the area in question isn't the greatest choice in my view. This particular spot is very nice and open and well used. I'd suggest the garden is located further to the east on the Carnegie Ave side of the main path. it would be less imposing on the landscape down the hill about 150m. just a thought.

Please consider what impact the proposed location of the garden will have on the path that is currently used by people to cycle, run, walk and walk their dogs.

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Page 17: 8 Earl Street Proposed Community Garden Abstract...Council Meeting Agenda 12/12/16 8 Earl Street Proposed Community Garden Abstract A report on the opportunity for Council to lease

Earl Street Community Garden Community Consultation Report September 2016

10

Fencing Locked fence for security

If it is a full shared garden, a low or no fence would be good. If private plots - a high fence needed

If it a low unlocked fence, I assume adequate signage explaining the purpose and general rules would be provided, so that people who aren't involved in the gardening, don't come along and help themselves to other peoples food, and hard work. I love the idea of a mini orchard, and then a number of individual garden beds for private use. How will water be supplied? Shade during summer? And I'm also assuming that a fair process would be undertaken to allocate the garden lots, and that all residence are given ample opportunity to apply, but I guess that goes without saying.

I was really unsure what to say about public accessibility/fencing. In an ideal world it would be lovely if this could be a shared community space, but fencing may be necessary to prevent vandalism, etc.

Facilities/design It would be good to have a shed for keeping tools, fertiliser etc and may be coffee/tea making

We would use it for social interaction and would like to see a building for such with cafe.

Lovely idea - wonder if also we could incorporate natural playful landscaping through clever design? Something we did in Dublin in an exposed small inner city patch that has completely changed the utilisation of the space as an intergenerational use zone. It may allow families come and enjoy the space, contribute whilst managing the interests and attention span of younger kids - the garden in Dublin was only 60m2 in size, long and narrow yet it became a local green refuge when we thought it would only be used by people passing through. Its on facebook as stannesroadgarden. Regardless a community garden is a really great idea.

It would be great if the garden was quite accessible and it was easy to become a member. Often there are a lot of community gardens which have long waiting lists for plots. It would also be great if there were some free/affordable gardening tutorials on how to best grow certain types of vegetables. As a way to development skills and get to know other likeminded people in Kew.

Install playgroup for kids with tables, bench and bbq with toilet facilities

A community gardens in East Kew is a fantastic idea as we are sorely lacking in community infrastructure in East Kew. It would be great if some sort of building could also be constructed to enable the local community to have a meeting space. For garden users and also for other groups as we do not have a community house in East Kew. I think the site is in a good position for access by public transport with the bus on Kilby Road. But some additional parking may need to be provided maybe expand the existing parking across from the service station?

Would like an orchard/food forest as well as some shared areas for more intensive vegetable growing.

Will there be access to tap/ tank water?

Other comments I would prefer to be able to get a plot at the Hawthorn open garden but that has been fully utilised for

years - which to me indicates there is a demand for another community garden.

4 Conclusion

Overall the community feedback was positive; and from the majority of responses received there is strong community support for a community garden at the proposed location in Kew.

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