Tree planting should be routine for Council, says GUST

Widespread street tree planting should be business-as-usual for Central Coast Council, as it is for other councils, the Grow Urban Shade Trees group has stated.

The group has rejected a suggestion that the community agree to the Council selling part of the Austin Butler reserve to Peninsula Plaza, with the proceeds going towards a tree planting program as a trade-off.

"It should not be a condition of the community agreeing to sell off the last remnants of its existing native trees," said group member Ms Jen Wilder.

"Research tells us trees are great for business.

"Peninsula Plaza could actually benefit from keeping this little oasis as a feature of the shopping centre."

The group is urging residents to call for the Council to retain ownership of the reserve in a Council consultation about the proposal.

SOURCE:

Social media, 25 Aug 2023

Jen Wilder, Grow Urban Shade Trees.

Three gardens listed for Edible Garden Trail

Three Peninsula gardens have been listed for the Central Coast Edible Garden Trail to be held over the weekend of October 21 and 22.

They include the Woy Woy Community Garden and are among 40 home gardens and eight community gardens expected to take part across the Coast.

The Edible Garden Trail is a project of Permaculture Central Coast and is a ticketed, self-guided weekend event.

"Visitors will be able to view a variety of abundant gardens using organic practices to grow fresh, chemical-free food while also focussing on improving soil and regenerating landscapes," said organiser Ms Anna Trigg.

"The Central Coast Edible Garden Trail features inspirational gardens, encouraging visitors to grow food naturally, source their food locally and seasonally, and build connections with like-minded people in their local community.

"It celebrates the many ways permaculture gardeners on the Central Coast are creating food security, building personal and community resilience, regenerating soils and converting waste into precious resources - all while enjoying the health benefits of home grown produce and taking meaningful action towards reducing food miles and plastics use."

Ticket holders are able to select and visit the gardens that most appeal to their situation and growing conditions, and be inspired to grow healthy, chemical-free food that is good for you and good for the planet.

The funds raised through the not-for-profit event are redistributed to benefit the community, Ms Trigg said.

She said visitors can expect to learn about growing food naturally, what foods grow in our climate, how to deal with pests and disease, how to include small animalshow to take advantage of microclimates, and reducing food waste and converting it into a precious resource.

More information and tickets are available from https://centralcoastediblegardentrail.org.au.

SOURCE:

Media release, 31 Aug 2023

Anna Trigg, Central Coast Edible Garden Trail