The plan is necessary in order to appropriately categorise the land and, amongst other things, allow for the establishment of the community garden. A DA for a Community Garden was submitted in July 2009 however was unable to be determined due to the absence of a Plan of Management (POM) for the site.

As the land has not previously been categorized, a public hearing must be held in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

Cr Braithwaite was not in favour of the Plan. “I am concerned with denying the large number of children who live in and around McCristal Drive open space for playing.”

The Plan of management provides that no more than 50% of the parkland area (excluding the constructed stormwater basins) may be occupied by community gardens. This means that a significant area of land will be left for use by other members of the community.

An advertisement will be placed in the Bellingen Courier Sun and Coffs Harbour Advocate on Wednesday 10 March and Wednesday 24 March 2010. This will be advising the public that the POM is on public exhibition from 10 March – 2 April 2010 and submissions will be received up until 23 April 2010.

A Public Hearing will be held regarding the Draft Plan of Management with the date, time and venue to be confirmed as it has not be finalised as yet.

A sign is to be placed on the site in McCristal Drive, letters will be sent out to all residents of McCristal Drive and the Plan of Management will be available for viewing at the Bellingen Shire Council Admin Centre, on Council’s website and at the three shire libraries.

The principle purpose of the POM is, at this stage, to provide a legal mechanism for the establishment of community gardens on the site. Community gardens provide an opportunity for people to learn how to grow more of their own fresh food encouraging healthier diets as well as reducing the carbon footprint of a community associated with the transport of food.