You might or might not have read about it in the newspaper, but a foodscaping crowd (follow them on Fakebook) set up and built a small community-type garden in a St Lucia local council park. The “argument” is now. Did they go about it correctly? Could it be successful if things were done differently?
My intention is not to be a critic. Instead, I see this as an excellent opportunity to review what happened and promote a better way forward.
The “‘Very sad’: Brisbane residents devastated after council bulldozes doomed community garden” story highlights the importance of preserving community spaces, fostering communication, and promoting sustainable living. Let’s look at how we can prevent this in the future.
Based on the news article, it appears that the people who created the St Lucia community garden may have made the following mistakes:
Lack of permission and proper approvals: The individuals who started the St Lucia community garden did not obtain the necessary permission from the local council or other relevant authorities. To avoid potential issues or conflicts, it is crucial to have the required permits and approvals before initiating any community project, especially on public land. I have seen the council’s statements that they support projects like this. It was just the wrong location.
Limited communication with the local council: The article suggests there may have been a lack of communication between the garden creators and the local council. Establishing open communication channels with the local council and other relevant stakeholders is essential for ensuring everyone is on the same page and agrees with the project.
Insufficient community engagement: While the article does not provide specific details about the level of community engagement, it is possible that the garden creators did not involve the broader community enough in the planning and implementation process. Engaging the community can help build support for the project, which could lead to greater protection and longevity for the garden.
Rapid implementation: The article mentions that the garden was just four days old when it was bulldozed. This suggests that the creators may have implemented the project too quickly without allowing enough time for proper planning, communication, and obtaining the necessary approvals.
Being Main Stream Media (MSM) you never know the truth. Most articles are written to be clickbait without proper or in-depth research. However, it is essential to consider the points above. To the council’s credit, they are open to St Lucia community gardens.
The unexpected consequences.
Apart from the positive or negative comments towards the event, there is so much more to a community garden.
A community garden story highlights the importance of preserving community spaces, fostering communication, and promoting sustainable living. Let’s have a look at what a community garden is and explore the repercussions of this unfortunate incident and the lessons to be learned.
Loss of a Valuable Community Asset
Community gardens foster social interactions, promote environmental awareness, and provide access to fresh produce. The bulldozing of this humble garden has not only removed a valuable resource that contributed to the community’s well-being but also went against the principles of a sustainable lifestyle.
Environmental Impact
The destruction of the garden removed various plants which potentially could create a local ecosystem, encouraging local wildlife that could use the garden as a habitat or food source. Needless to say that this goes directly into the grain of sustainability and environmental conservation principles, which are key aspects of foodscaping.
Lack of Communication and Consultation
According to the news article, the local council needed to adequately communicate with residents or provide sufficient notice before bulldozing the garden. This lack of transparency and consultation can create trust between the council and the community, positively affecting their relationship and hindering future community-building efforts.
Missed Educational Opportunity
Community gardens can serve as educational platforms where children and adults alike can learn about gardening, sustainability, and the importance of local food systems. The demolition of this garden has taken away an opportunity for residents to engage in hands-on learning and acquire valuable skills essential for food scaping.
Potential Negative Impact on Mental Health
Gardens, especially community gardens, can positively impact mental health by providing green spaces for relaxation, exercise, and social interaction. Sure, the space was used for exercise, but gardening maintaining something and seeing the fruits of your labour is so much more than exercise. Removing this community garden is a missed opportunity to help the mental well-being of residents who use the space to escape urban stressors and connect with nature.
In conclusion, the destruction of this humble community garden has demonstrated the need for better communication between local councils and community members and the importance of preserving green spaces for the benefit of people, wildlife, and the environment. By embracing principles like foodscaping and working together, postcode communities can create a more sustainable and harmonious future for all.
How would you like to avoid this in the future?
To avoid future situations like the destruction of the community garden, it is essential to establish a transparent and cooperative process that engages all stakeholders. The Trade Shack provides a platform for that. Each postcode community has its forum to discuss private things like setting up community gardens. Discuss the need, get residents involved and make it happen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a successful community garden project:| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Identify Potential Stakeholders | Make a list of all parties involved, including local residents, council members, landowners, and businesses. Engage with these stakeholders to gauge their interest and support for the project. |
| Form a Community Garden Committee | Establish a committee consisting of representatives from various stakeholder groups. This committee will oversee the project, make decisions, and communicate with all involved parties. |
| Choose a Suitable Location | Identify a suitable plot of land for the community garden, taking into account factors such as accessibility, sunlight, soil quality, and proximity to water sources. Seek approval from the landowner and local council before proceeding. |
| Develop a Garden Plan | Create a detailed plan for the garden, including layout, types of plants, irrigation systems, and any additional infrastructure (e.g., compost bins, seating areas, etc.). Ensure the plan aligns with the principles of sustainability and environmental conservation. |
| Seek Necessary Permits and Approvals | Submit your garden plan to the local council and any other relevant authorities to obtain the required permits and approvals. Be prepared to adjust the plan based on their feedback. |
| Engage the Community | Organise regular meetings, workshops, and events to involve the community in the planning and implementation process. Keep them informed about the project’s progress and any changes to the original plan. |
| Allocate Garden Plots and Responsibilities | Divide the garden into individual plots and assign them to interested community members. Also, delegate specific responsibilities, such as maintenance, fundraising, and event organisation, to different individuals or subcommittees. |
| Implement the Garden Plan | Once all permits and approvals have been obtained, start the garden construction process. Encourage community members to participate in the planting and maintenance of the garden. |
| 9. Monitor and Evaluate | Regularly assess the garden’s progress and performance to identify any issues or areas for improvement. Keep all stakeholders informed and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the garden’s long-term success. |
| 10. Celebrate Success | Organise events and activities to celebrate the garden’s achievements, such as harvest festivals, workshops, and open days. Use these occasions to promote the garden’s benefits, foster community spirit, and encourage more people to get involved. |
