Triumph Under Threat!
Posted on 6 May 2012 (Permalink) by Thomas
The City of Yarra’s world leading position is in danger of being lost. In spite of all the good work done so far, the clear need for the role, and the desire for the role by the community, the Council hasn’t included funding for the Urban Agriculture Facilitator in the 2012/13 budget.
The Council introduced the role on the advice of the Community Garden Advisory Committee, itself set up as result of clear community demand for gardening opportunities in the community space. At the time of writing, submissions could still be made (to Althea.Wright@yarracity.vic.gov.au by Monday 7th May), and hopefully enough went in to convince the Council that the community demand is still there.
If it is after 7th May, you could still leave a comment below, and we’ll pass them on to the councillors.
The current Urban Agriculture Facilitator giving community advice at a compost workshop, jointly organised by YCAN and Cultivating Community. After his half an hour presentation, at least six more people (over a fifth of the number there) were inspired to start the urban agriculture permit application process.
I knew it was too good to be true!
Last Sat’s Age(26.5.12)coverage of urban sprawl threatening Melbourne’s fertile peri-urban foodgrowing areas highlights the wisdom of getting serious about urban ag.
Are the Yarra (asset-rich but cash-poor?) residents finding rate rises hard to afford also those who are finding rising food prices challenging?
Ongoing funding for the great work being done by the Urban Ag Facilitator can only bring better local food resilience, neighbourhood collaboration and equity…
As a matter of priority, Council’s June 5 (World Environment Day) Budget needs to invest in a fulltime, ongoing Urban Agriculture Facilitator position.
Great news: the position has been funded for another year!
So you’re solution Glenda to rising food prices is to grow food in one of Melbourne’s most expensive suburbs, at the expense of the rate payer, probably not the best idea.