Bass Coast Shire is delighted to continue construction of the Phillip Island Community Garden at Blue Gum Reserve, by awarding contracts for education and storage sheds, garden beds, accessible toilets and much more.
The project is the result of the current Phillip Island Community & Learning Centre (PICAL) being acquired by the state government to expand the community hospital; necessitating the move of the existing community garden. The newly redesigned, rebuilt space will feature a new main shed for equipment storage, constructed by Gippy Farm sheds and garages. Relocation and installation of Coels shed – to be used for classes – undertaken by Pugh House Relocations.
New garden beds, including wheelchair accessible beds, with accessible gravel footpaths and accessible car parking will be installed by SR Excavations. Island Fencing will install full perimeter fencing and gates, utilising recycled timber from the Cowes Jetty. ASCO will supply and install an accessible toilet. Electrical connections will be installed by Cowes Electrical. New water tanks, pergola and seating will also be installed.
“Establishing the Blue Gum Reserve community garden enables our local green thumbs to cultivate the space again, supplying produce for the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL) food pantry” said Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Whelan.
“The garden will be fully accessible with areas to hold workshops and training sessions – growing into a highly valuable shared facility.”
‘PICAL is delighted to see the community garden progressing. We have worked on this for two years with Council and our garden volunteers are just itching to get in and start the reestablishment of the garden’ said Jeff Floyd President PICAL’.
Construction is well underway, with first stage delivery due by the end of November. This allows groups access to start establishing their garden beds for summer. The remaining works are due to be completed in the new year.
The total project cost is in the order of $384,107, including Council’s contribution of $239,343, an RSL contribution of $106,000 and a PICAL contribution of $38,764.
