Urban Farm feedback highlights importance of open space to residents

Published on 02 October 2023

Nillumbik Council has voted not to support a proposal for an urban farm at Fabbro Fields following a three week community engagement process.

The parcel of land at 2 Bell Street, Eltham is currently used as open space, adjoining the Diamond Creek Trail and the Diamond Creek. Council currently manages the site on behalf of the Department Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

Local Food Connect (LFC), a local community group, received a State Government Grant to operate an urban farm on the site as part of their work in strengthening local food security, but required the written consent of Council as the relevant land manager before proceeding to apply for a planning permit to use the land in accordance with their grant. 

To assist Council to form a decision on whether to provide written consent to LFC, Council undertook a survey with the local community. Council received more than 1000 responses, and the results were extremely close – just over 53 per cent were generally in favour of the concept, while just over 46 per cent were not, indicating support for the proposal was not overwhelming.

Nillumbik Mayor Cr Ben Ramcharan said it was a very difficult decision to make.

“It’s not a question of whether this would have been a good project – I think we can all agree it would. The question is whether this is the right location,” he said. “The community told us how much they value this open space and after considering all submissions, we listened.”

Cr Ramcharan later stated, “LFC are a fantastic group and I would like to acknowledge the huge amount of work they have put in to this. I’m sorry that this is a dead end. LFC do wonderful work in the community and I encourage them to look for new opportunities to advance this project in the future. We are not saying no to an urban farm; we’re simply saying no to the location.”

To view participate.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/fabbro-fields