Farm life for urbanites

The City of Sydney Council is sowing the seeds for two city farms, proposing Sydney Park in St Peters and the Powerhouse Museum’s unused car park.

On Monday the Council voted to work with the Powerhouse Museum to appoint a project manager to develop a business plan and a project master plan for the two sites.

President of the not-for-profit Sydney City Farm Association Andrew Jackson was excited to hear the news. To drum up support for the concept, Mr Jackson hosted a picnic in Sydney Park on Sunday. “We were very instrumental in lobbying for this to happen.”

Mr Jackson said now was the time for council to develop plans with long term sustainability in mind.

“For the longevity of the farms, it’s important that [planning] is done properly and that all of the proper processes are in place.”

“There are a dozen of examples of city farms all over the world; a huge variety to learn from.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said Sydney is one of the few Australian cities without a city farm, with other capitals, such as Melbourne, demonstrating their success.

“City farms are great places for growing fresh fruit and vegetables, keeping small animals and holding farmers’ markets – and with hands-on lessons, they help children learn where food comes from.

In March this year, the Council commissioned a feasibility study that showed 95 per cent of the submissions, totalling 166, supporting the idea of the farms acting in part as educational facilities.

“Children visiting the farms can learn about the animals, growing vegetables and farm life,” Mr Jackson said. “[The children] can experience the things that rural children do.”

However, Mr Jackson said the farms have a universal appeal beyond children.

“Everyone we speak to loves the idea of a city farm in Sydney, whether it’s the celebration of healthy food and an active lively community, or the positive environmental message, that we can all make a difference.”

Ms Moore said the Sydney Park farm site would use a small area of the park, without affecting the areas people use for jogging, picnics, riding bikes and walking dogs.

“The combined city farm model offers the best of both worlds. We could see a new city farm sustainability centre in the heart of Sydney with unique access to educational programs, in partnership with the Powerhouse Museum,” she said.

“This would complement flourishing fruit and vegetables, orchards and small farm animals in an innovative farm space at Sydney Park less than five kilometres down the road.”

By Kristie Beattie