An Urban Farm in Eltham? Have your say

Published on 30 June 2023

The community is invited to have a say on the idea of an urban farm at 2 Bell Street, Eltham, known as Fabbro Fields.

In considering the future use of the land, Council would first like to hear community views on whether an urban farm on the site, or part of the site, would be supported.

The land sits west of the Diamond Creek, with Eltham High School on the opposite side of Bell Street. Council are land managers of the site on behalf of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

Local Food Connect, a local community group, has a proposal for an urban farm on the site but its proposal does not form part of Council’s initial consultation.

Mayor Ben Ramcharan said Council’s consultation would be high-level, to gauge general community support for an urban farm on the site before proceeding any further.

“It’s important to do a pulse-check first. There will be another opportunity for consultation once we have the details,” Cr Ramcharan said.

He said a full detailed proposal, including size and management, would need to form part of any lease or planning permit applications that may take place at a later date.

If Council chooses to progress with the plans following the first round of consultation, the community will have opportunity to provide further feedback on the detailed plans as part of any statutory processes that would need to be undertaken.

Community members are invited to take Council’s survey and provide comments at Participate Nillumbik – participate.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/fabbro-fields.

Feedback closes at 11.59pm on Thursday 20 July 2023.