A new pop-up community garden in Mooroolbark will begin construction this month, which when complete will produce a locally grown and self-funded food source for local traders and the community.
The pop-up garden will be set up within the temporary car park on the corner of Charles and Station Street in Mooroolbark.
The site was selected following the completion of the Mooroolbark Station and Carpark upgrades funded by the State Government as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project.
With the train station car park now fully upgraded and operational, Council undertook an occupancy survey of the temporary car park in November 2022.
Results from the survey suggested that it was underutilised with most motorists now choosing to park at the station, so Council then consulted with local traders, community, senior and education groups to seek ideas on how the space could be used for broader community use.
After a number of strong ideas were put forward, Deputy Mayor and Melba Ward Councillor, Sophie Todorov, said that the one that worked best for the space was the installation of a community garden.
“The community garden made the most sense due to its relatively low cost, ability for it to be temporary, and also provide a great physical, social and mental wellbeing outcome for the community,” Cr Todorov said.
“In coming years, we will be consulting with the local community about how they want this space to be used from a permanent perspective, but for now, this pop-up community garden will provide a great avenue for people to come together, connect socially, share knowledge and create some quality sustainable food for local traders and the community.
“The Mooroolbark Community Garden Group (MCGG) will temporarily lease the site and are assisting us with the co-design of the space, however this will be a public space that will be open for all community members to utilise.”
President of the MCGG, Helen Vander-Heyden, said she was looking forward to works getting underway.
“The group are very excited about the garden coming together and opening in September, and connecting with the greater community in this space,” she said.
Funding for the initial set up and construction of the pop-up community garden was made available via the State Government’s Level Crossing Removal Project, with Council to provide in-kind support.
The garden is set to be completed in mid-late September.
