Balmain community growing green

A community-run campaign has triumphed with plans for the installation of a common garden above a child care centre in Balmain.

An organiser of the Mort Bay Park Garden, Tony Hill, said construction will start soon. “The first seeds will be planted this autumn.”

The garden will feature raised beds since the site’s soil is not suitable for vegetables.

Mr Hill said a group of people first discussed the idea in 2010. After a public meeting, a core group put together a submission last year.

While most reactions to the garden have been positive, Mort Bay Community Garden Group has encountered a few objections.

“Some neighbours have raised objections, including the possibility of vandalism,” Mr Hill said. “As the garden is yet to get on the ground, the issues for the future are those of all community gardens.”

Former Leichhardt Mayor, Maire Sheehan, believes any objections to the garden are invalid.

“The notion that you cannot do something interesting in a public space for fear of vandals is simply giving into fear. That is not a healthy way to grow community,” she said. “The issue of food security and informed citizens is important for the future of decisions on this issue. The gardens can play a role here if the project is open enough.”

“People working together for a purpose strengthens community.”

“If the garden grows a mix of fruit and vegetables it can serve as an educational process for the adults and children of the community,” she said.

A council-approved grant of $10,000 was awarded for the garden’s outlay which was presented in December by Mayor Rochelle Porteous to committee members at Leichhardt Town Hall.