Greens candidate Jess Whittaker, who received 35 per cent of the votes for Ward 1 in Saturday’s elections, has called for a position on the Wollongong City Council dedicated to encouraging community gardens, urban farms, and crop swaps.
A council appointed food coordinator would develop local food systems by assisting residents in starting crop swaps and establishing community gardens, Ms Whittaker said.
“People are finding it harder to buy good quality produce. They’re frustrated by the two large supermarket chains who have a stranglehold on our weekly shop. On top of that, growing quality produce is being affected by climate change. People are looking for small events like a crop swap or a community garden, so they have more opportunities for connections in their local community,” she said.
“At the moment the local food scene doesn’t get much attention and our new Greens on council will be committed to changing that.”
Jess Whittaker said the role should be a permanent, part-time position at Council with an annual salary of $60,000.
Ms Whittaker is currently the coordinator of the Port Kembla Community Crop Swap – a local initiative where community members come together to exchange homegrown produce, seeds, preserved foods, plants, and gardening tips. She said the local swap has seen a massive return in community wellbeing.
“It’s just a really fun way to share ideas and produce and we are seeing more crop swaps established in the Illawarra and South Coast,” Ms Whittaker said.
Ms Whittaker also praised other successful local food projects such as the Woonona Community Garden and the Smith Street Distillery. She said the distillery, which was built on a derelict car park, is a great example of the benefits of a micro farm.
“It’s now composting food waste from a collective of restaurants, producing eggs, providing community green space and a coffee cart, and growing ingredients for boutique products that promote Wollongong as a foodie destination.
“This model shows that urban farms can be economically sustainable and improve the wellbeing of our residents,” Ms Whittaker said.
