Following extensive consultation, a new community garden will be established at Moorleigh Village in Bentleigh East in 2018–19.

Glen Eira Councillors agreed on the proposal at a Council Meeting on Tuesday 19 December.

Glen Eira Mayor Cr Tony Athanasopoulos said results of the six week consultation revealed that there was strong support for community gardening in Glen Eira.

“The proposal to establish a community garden at Moorleigh Village provides an opportunity to test community interest and support the establishment of more permanent gardens,” he said.

“Council considered a range of options, from public shared gardens and the more traditional ‘allocated plots’ to rooftop gardens.

“However, the community indicated that a pilot project with pop-up community garden boxes that are unfenced and accessible to everyone was the preferred choice.

“This option was seen as a good way for the community to get involved in a specific project to establish a community garden to see if it can become sustainable.”

Cr Athanasopoulos said given that Camden and Rosstown Ward residents already have access to existing community gardens in Caulfield South and Murrumbeena, it was important to consider the residents of Tucker Ward when selecting the location of the garden.

“The site at Moorleigh Village provides available space and has a large number of user groups who have either expressed interest or have regular members who may be interested in a community garden,” he said.

“Council will conduct further consultation in early 2018 regarding the type of pop-up garden boxes and who will manage the garden.”

Cr Athanasopoulos said Council also agreed to provide information about existing community gardens in Glen Eira to further promote, support and encourage community gardens.

“Community garden plantings in public open spaces will also be considered in the development plans for parks and the review of the Open Space Strategy,” he said.