By CASEY NEILL
FOOD is in focus as a key driver for Greater Dandenong’s economy.
Councillors approved the Greater Dandenong Regional Food Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2018 at their 10 March meeting.
It aims to use food to grow the local economy and outlines a plan to do so.
Greater Dandenong business group manager Paul Kearsley said the food strategy had three main pillars.
“The first is the relationship between food processors and manufacturers and the primary producers in Gippsland and country Victoria,” he said.
“How do we improve connections?
“It’s a relationship that we need to continue to grow.”
Mr Kearsley said the strategy involved putting the two arms in touch and working together to take opportunities overseas.
The strategy recommended forming a Greater Dandenong food consortium of manufacturers.
The second pillar was building on the success of Dandenong Market, the Dandenong World Fare, Afghan Bazaar, Little India and Sensational Springvale to make Greater Dandenong the south-east food capital.
“There’s so many opportunities for us to be promoting dining,” Mr Kearsley said.
A food website, banners and other promotional material are part of the plan.
Mr Kearsley said the third pillar was about linking the community to fresh, local produce.
Research found that Greater Dandenong had several ‘food deserts’ or areas where residents couldn’t easily access fresh produce.
“In these areas, takeaway food becomes more popular,” Mr Kearsley said.
He said the council was looking into mini farms in the Bangholme green wedge area and the concept was popular in Europe and the US.
The Dandenong Urban Food Garden is another part of the plan and could be set up on the Thomas Street and Halpin Way corner by mid-year.
It would be used to educate people about growing and harvesting vegetables, herbs and other edible plants.
The council has sent letters to businesses to assess interest in participation and sponsorship.
Charity 3000 Acres will help the council to manage the plot which could fit up to 60 portable garden beds.
Mr Kearsley said it was likely to start with 20 or so depending on demand, and would receive council and Places Victoria support.
“It will be a truly community-generated project,” he said.
Call Russel Tait on 8571 1000 or email rtait@cgd.vic.gov.au to get involved in the Dandenong Urban Food Garden.
