29.8.09 Meeting minutes

Norton Rd Community Garden North Ryde
Meeting No 1
Date 29th August 2009
Present: Lynne Hughes (LH), Noah Schuyler (NS), Beth Ashcroft (BA), Lisa Shaw (LS), Karen Belcher (KB), Jenny Grace-Smith (JGS), Peter Smith (PS)
Apologies: Linda Bellen
ITEM ACTION
1.0 Garden Design
The following was discussed as being in the communal area:
Herb Spirals
BBQ area with shelter and seating
Circular seating area for workshops (may be incorporated into BBQ seating area)
Kids Corner
Compost
Worm Farm
Shed for tools
Plant propagation area/greenhouse
Storage for hard landscaping materials and mulch etc
Possible areas for bees


LS
Individual Plots
LS showed rough sketch of circular design. All agreed this was really effective and a good use of space. Herb spirals in the middle of each “circle” gave a communal feel to each area.
Plot sizes – 7 sq.m. (roughly 3.5 x 2 m)
Further discussion needed to smaller plots for pensioners and individuals.
Higher plots for people with back problems

LS
Other considerations for design
Organic/permaculture principles
No dig
Weed control
Wind breaks
Paths
Orchard and Olives
Green manure crops
Irrigation
Rainwater tanks
Fencing design to deter possums
Grape vines
Mushrooms

LS
Visits to other gardens
Need to be organised – to discuss garden organization, design etc . LH speaking to Randwick garden to organize visit
(could also discuss Chickens, ducks or geese etc and how they have found having them in the garden). LH

2.0 Membership
Fees for general membership and to be on waiting list
Annual Plot fees
Contributions to working bees essential for membership Note
For more discussion

3.0 Discussion with Council
Height of fencing
Electricity – connection and cost
Water (2 taps) – connection and cost
Toilet – where is it
Public liability Insurance
OH & S Policies – does council have any templates we can use
Relocation of memorial fig LH

4.0 TAFE
LS to talk to Horticulture dept re: design and construction
KB to talk to Hospitality Dept re: Student involvement
LS
KB

5.0 Name of Garden
General consensus for “Norton Rd Community Garden”
KB to talk to son Matt or sister Robyn re: logo KB

6.0 Statement of Purpose - DRAFT
To provide a sense of community within the City of Ryde. To promote the sharing of knowledge, skills and creativity. To care for the environment and to give purpose to an unused green space.
For further discussion

7.0 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES – DRAFT
To encourage biodiversity
To be sustainable and to apply permaculture principles
No use of chemicals
To be self funded
To be involved in educating the local community
To develop strong partnerships within the community
Famers markets
Involve local art groups
For further discussion

8.0 Internal communication
Blog to be started for members to post comments
Posting of minutes of meeting on blog LH/JGS

9.0 Program
Design – completed 23rd September
Meeting with Macquarie Hospital and Council – 25th Sept (TBC)
Policies and Procedures formalized (End Oct)
LS
LH
ALL

10.0 Next Meeting
Confirm design
Formalise Purpose and Objectives
Code of conduct
Decision making process
Grievance procedures
Marketing and funding
OH&S
Discuss resolutions from Council/ Macquarie Hospital Meeting

11.0 Next meeting
TBC