Renewed energy for the Phillip Island Community Orchard Horticulture Demonstration Project.

The Phillip Island Community Orchard horticulture demonstration project is experiencing a second coming, thanks to some further funding support from Westernport Water, the Phillip Island Landcare Group and the Bass Coast Landcare Network.
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Originally established in 2014, the project continues to demonstrate how to set up and develop an intensive market garden in a peri urban setting. The Phillip Island Community Orchard site has the luxury of a consistent water source, thanks to Westernport Water providing ongoing access to Class A recycled water.  This obviously increases the viability of the demonstration and also allows Westernport Water to promote the Class A recycled Water product to the community.

The funding support from Westernport Water was negotiated as part of the annual operational plan partnership between Westernport Water and the Bass Coast Landcare Network.  The partnership was established in 1999 and is based on the core elements of mutual benefit and trust. 

Since its inception, the horticulture demonstration site has produced abundant quantities of fresh & sustainably grown produce, much of which has been distributed to the community via a number of local businesses.  These businesses prioritise the provision of organic and locally grown produce.  The demonstration project has successfully filled this niche.

Project Coordinator & Local Horticulture Trainer Adrian James said that ‘’ This additional project support is a great opportunity to build upon all of the work and learnings that have been achieved on this site and to develop the project to further consolidate and progress good outcomes for our community’’.

The Horticulture Demonstration Site hosts a number of community groups and individuals, who access the site regularly for training and education in sustainable and efficient vegetable growing. Some of these groups include participants from:  The Bass Coast Adult Learning Horticulture Certificate II Program, Scope (local adult disability service), Community Services Corrections, Workshop participants from Landcare & members from the general public.
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Members of the general public, community groups, organisations and agencies are welcome to participate in this project and if you are interested in learning more please contact:  project manager Adrian James on 0429 00 1214 or email on [email protected]