Food bowl to feed Victoria

Government support sought on garden plan for Ovens catchment

Written by PHILIP NOLAN. = Source: Wangaratta Chronicle

A RURAL City of Wangaratta initiative to turn the Ovens catchment into Victoria’s vegetable garden is gaining momentum.

The city is hoping to put a detailed outline of its plans to Victorian Regional and Rural Development Minister, Jacinta Allan, in the next few weeks with the aim of winning government support for the concept.

It is also planning an information forum for regional landholders and other interested commercial parties to further explore the idea not later than mid-April.

The city has already raised the concept in a submission to the Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy, and is now planning to build on that.

Already a small group of local business people are involved with city officers in developing a blueprint for the plan, which would provide a multi-million dollar boost for the region.

The concept is based on making the best and most efficient use of water close to its source.

With the onset of climate change, the council view is that it will become essential to maximise water use, and this, combined with the rich, fertile soil of the Ovens Valley, provides an ideal combination.

City chief executive officer, Doug Sharp, said that the demise of the tobacco industry resulted in many large amounts of land now available.

"The timing is right on all fronts to push forward with this concept, and we hope that by working with the government, we will be able to produce some very exciting outcomes for this region," he said.

"Our other big advantage is the sustainability of a food bowl because of the assured water supply.

"Aside from the natural catchments, we have already had some very promising results from the study being undertaken into the giant Murmungee aquifer, which we hope will further re-enforce our sustainability in water terms.

"We know that climate change is going to have an impact on the current practice of taking water downstream for food production.

"The obvious answer to maximise our water is to use it as close as possible to the source.

"We are uniquely placed to do this, and we are confident we can put a strong case to the government for its support.

"This is not pie in the sky stuff. An alpine valleys food bowl is a very exciting possibility, and the council is committed to exploring every possibility.

"The support we are already receiving from the local group who have come on board is very encouraging."