Byron Shire Council

Food Production on Public Land Project

Edible species suited to Byron Shire

A 2007 study into the sustainability of Australian food systems highlighted the strong link between the transport of food from production to consumption and the generation of greenhouse gas emissions. The report concludes that the impacts of climate change and the price impacts of declining petroleum resources are challenging both the legitimacy and viability of current food production and distribution systems. This is primarily due to the production and use of agrochemicals and fertilisers, the raising of livestock, the highly mechanised and refrigerated means of production and the transportation, processing, packaging and retailing of food products. See Food Miles in Australia Report by CERES.

The Byron Shire Food Production on Public Land Project represents an innovative trial in demonstrating the compatibility of managing urban food production on Council-managed, public open space. The project aims to demonstrate one means of re-localising food production as an alternative to global, corporate food distribution systems.

Byron Shire Council Chambers prior to the Food Production on Public Land Project

The circular garden bed located around Byron Shire Council Chambers in Mullumbimby has been chosen as the area in which to conduct the trial due to its profile, visibility, access, soil condition and contained nature.

The site will serve as a sustainability education model to promote sustainable living. Key messages conveyed by the project include:

1. the importance of re-localisation of food production in the global context of peak oil and climate change
2. the benefits of backyard food growing as a measure to improve personal sustainability (including composting)
3. the benefits of eating locally and seasonally
4. organic methods of food production.

All species used in the project will be low-maintenance, promote landscape aesthetics, suite a sub-tropical climate and have a low environmental-weed potential.

Both Council staff and community members will be encouraged to utilise and interact with the space to foster a sense of shared management and responsibility. On-going maintenance will be achieved through an innovative Council/community based partnership that will involve Council staff and community volunteers.

The compost produced from the collection of organic matter from Council's administration building will be used as an organic fertiliser for the garden. Any surplus produce harvested will be made available to those who have assisted in maintenance and/or donated to community groups.

Mayor and special guest Jerry Coleby-Williams from ABC's Gardening Australia officially open the garden

Community members come out in force to plant out the public garden

Community members come out in force to plant out the public garden