FAQ

What’s CRCG?

CRCG stands for Coffs Regional Community Gardens. It is a newly formed association working at the creation of community gardens in Coffs Harbour. We are a not-for-profit organisation. More about CRCG….

Who is paying for the garden?

The project is fully funded by a grant from the NSW Environmental Trust (NSW State Government). This funding covers all costs associated with the garden set up including material costs and the employment of a part-time Garden Coordinator to ensure the garden is set up and run in an efficient manner.  Manpower to set up the garden will be undertaken by volunteer community members through the Coffs Regional Community Gardens (CRCG) association.

Will we be consulted?

The members of the Coffs Regional Community Gardens (CRCG) association are keen to work with all community members in the design of the garden, to address any concerns and for you to become actively involved in this fantastic community space.

We will conduct some public meetings on site to discuss the garden proposal with local residents.  Please contact us to join our mailing list or give us feedback.

What will the garden look like?

The Gardens is designed to be a beautiful space for all the community to enjoy – full of flowers, herbs and vegetables.  The Garden Coordinator will work with the garden group to ensure that flowerbeds, vegetable beds etc are kept in good repair at all times. The garden group are required by Council to submit a detailed Management Plan prior to approval to proceed to ensure that it will be a well-managed and well looked after space.  The Concept Plan is available on the website or on YouTube.

Will there be any unsightly buildings?

The Concept Plan includes one small meeting space with a small lockup area for tools.  Its roof will provide water capture for garden use.  This structure will meet Council requirements and be D.A approved.

Will vehicles be allowed on the site?

Cars are not allowed to drive or park on site. It is unlikely that there will be large numbers of people at the garden at any one time so there should be minimal disruption to parking in the area. Bike riding and walking to the garden will be encouraged as part of the community garden’s healthy living message. On occasions brief access may be required to deliver, for example, mulch for the gardens.

What will happen if Coffs Harbour experiences another flood?

By improving the soils on site as well as cleaning and maintaining the existing waterways, the community garden will assist with flooding issues.  Water run off will be more readily absorbed by the garden beds and the creek area. Additionally, water on site will be collected in rainwater tanks for use on the gardens and to minimise runoff.

Will there be any unpleasant smells?

No, firstly there will not be any animals kept on site.  Any organic garden waste will be recycled in closed systems which prevent odours and insects. The Garden Coordinator will monitor the recycling systems closely to ensure that they are well managed at all times. There will be plenty of opportunities for all the community to come and learn about how to use these odour-free recycling techniques in home gardens.

Will the area be fenced off and will we still have access to the park?

As part of the concept design the garden will have minimal fencing to protect garden assets. However fencing will only enclose a small part of the total garden area.

Will the garden bring bats to the areas?

Garden beds are not normal bat habitat or bat roosting area.  They prefer tall trees for roosting.  As with any backyard there may be occasional vagrant animals passing by (birds, bats, possums etc).  The garden will be managed to minimise this e.g. localised netting of garden beds.

Will the garden affect community’s use of the park?

The garden will be located in a small area of the park only. The rest of the park will be unaffected. The garden remains available for the whole community to enjoy and become involved.  Whilst residents will be able to continue to use the park for exercise, jogging, kite flying, football etc there will also be a wonderful opportunity for all the community to participate in an additional healthy family activity within the park – that of gardening and growing food.

But isn’t the garden taking away public space?

The park remains publicly owned land. The whole community will benefit from the proposed garden which will beautify the existing park space. All interested community members will be able to enjoy the garden.

If you have more questions, feel free to contact us and we’ll get back to you shorlty.