Coffs Coast Local Food Futures Part A_Final Report - Coffs Harbour ...

Activities undertaken during grant period
Waterway Stormwater channel running through the site transformed into wetland of species
endemic to the neighbouring Coffs Creek into which it flows.
Mandala garden Large mandala garden built using recycled products donated by Coffs
Harbour City Council.
Nursery Shadehouse and hothouse established on site. Benching completed by Coffs
Harbour Men’s Shed to be installed during September. Production of seedlings for members
commenced.
Water capture Swales created to capture and store rain and stormwater from neighbouring
properties with excess water directed into wetland. Two 1,000L small water tanks for water
capture from roof of shed. Two larger water tanks purchased. The 10,000L has been
installed, capturing rainwater from a neighbouring property roof and acting as a header tank
to provide water pressure to the garden boundaries. The second tank will capture water from
the completed meeting space. A solar powered pump can transport water between the tanks
as necessary.
Meeting space Architectural drawings and site survey complete. Construction to commence
pending Building Approval from CHCC. Alternative funding for materials secured. Project to
be completed by December 2012.
Allotments Individual plots where individuals and groups can grow their own produce.
Allotments built by members during workshops. Sixteen raised garden beds established and
a further 20 allocated beds to be created during two September workshops. Larger plots to
be established outside of garden perimeter.
Education programs: workshops, guest speaking, events (Harbourside markets)
Food forests – Subtropical food forest established among swales, temperate food forest
developing outside of fenced garden: stone fruits planted and other purchased fruit trees
stored in shadehouse for Spring planting, purchased trees for tropical food forest to be
planted in warmer months. Small number of bush tucker plants established along the
waterway.
Sustainable Mulch Supply Sugarcane mulch plants planted in disused waterlogged area.
Pigeon pea seedlings propagated for future planting. Ready supply of comfrey established.
Green manures form part of food forest and throughout communal gardens.
Waste Recycling Free standing compost heaps created regularly from purchased and
donated materials to supply allotments and communal gardens.
Worm Farms Two thriving worm farms established to supply castings and liquid fertiliser for
site.
Pizza Oven Recently built to provide hungry members lunch during working bees and events
Fenceline garden One hundred metres of vertical growing space with a three metres of
garden beds full of a variety of vegetable free to members and the wider community
Unexpected Outcomes
The success of the first waterway project, made possible by the Environmental Trust Grant
has enable the CRCG to secure funding to rehabilitate the remaining section of the waterway
project through a Be Natural Landcare grant.
The CRCG has been supporting stakeholders in the proposed Woolgoolga Community
Garden during the planning stage and negotiations with Council. The CRCG is currently in
negotiations about the auspicing the second community garden.
CRCG has partnered with the Coffs Harbour City Council to establish the first Edible
Streetscape in our city. The citrus trees will be established on Sunday 2 nd September in a
Fathers’ Day workshop along the border of the Combine Street Reserve adjacent to the
Community Garden. Materials supplied by the Council with ongoing maintenance provided
by Community Garden members. This trial programme has tremendous potential for
increasing the amount of fresh food available on public land in Coffs Harbour.