Maribyrnong Prmaculture appeal to Council

Discussion in 'Permaculture Groups, Contacts Activities Anounceme' started by Michaelangelica, Feb 5, 2010.

  1. Michaelangelica

    Michaelangelica Junior Member

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    Growers appeal


    By Alesha Capone


    2nd February 2010 11:05:34 AM

    A NOT-FOR-PROFIT permaculture group has called on the Maribyrnong City Council to keep a piece of Maidstone land in public hands.

    On 16 February, the council is set to vote on Permaculture Out West’s proposal to build an urban community market garden at the site of the old Maidstone Community Hall in Thomson St, and retaining public ownership of the land.

    The council could also sell the land by public tender, fetching up to $1.6 million.

    Under this option private housing, an aged care centre, childcare provider or other community-based facility could also go on the land.

    But POW secretary Katerina Gaita, who lives in Seddon, said she believed the group’s proposal was the only one that would keep the Maidstone block in public hands.

    “When we heard about Maribyrnong City Council selling the land, we were quite upset that they would be so short-sighted. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever,” Ms Gaita said.

    Another POW member, Nina Peheim of Maidstone, has collected over 150 signatures from residents in support of the market garden idea.

    Ms Peheim said she often walked past the site and noticed nothing happening there, which gave her the idea for setting up a community garden, which would be good for local youth to grow up with, as Maidstone had a lack of open public space.

    The plan has won support from the Seddon, Western, Newport and Yarraville Organic Collectives and Living Museum of the West.

    POW’s proposal is to establish the market garden for a five-year trial, giving the council an option of selling the land if it is not successful.
    https://www.starnewsgroup.com.au/story/84924
     

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