Geelong’s garden waste is helping to provide food for people in need around the region.
Thanks to a grant of $43,520 from Sustainability Victoria, the City of Greater Geelong has developed a new blend of high-quality compost derived from residents’ lawn clippings and shrubbery off-cuts.
The Geelong Organics facility in Anakie produces the compost from 35,000 tonnes of local green waste, supplying it to local businesses and community gardens.
The Geelong Botanic Gardens produce team also uses the compost to grow a wide range of standard and heirloom vegetables.
The team then harvests and donates to the Geelong Food Relief Centre in North Geelong.
Botanic Gardens horticulturalist Liam Kelly oversees the sizeable fresh produce garden, which supplies two to four crates of mixed produce to the centre every fortnight.
Mr Kelly said it was “a good feeling” to help those in need.
“The best part is we’re helping to feed people that can’t afford to go down to the shop, with the cost of living and the price of groceries these days.
“Some people out there are hanging out for this, and it saves them getting takeaway or eating toast every night. Instead, they can go and get some fresh produce.”
The council’s Environment and Circular Economy chair Cr Elise Wilkinson said the project was part of the City’s intention to be a clever and creative city.
“When we establish new sustainability initiatives and projects at the City, we always look at efficiencies that can reduce our waste and find innovative ways to convert the waste we do produce into reusable materials,” Cr Wilkinson said.
Matt Hewson
