Work has started to redevelop the quarry site at Warrnambool Community Gardens after funding was received from the Pick My Project grants.
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Project coordinator Bruce Campbell said the space would be a sheltered, multi-purpose area to be used for a range of different community events.
"We will kick off the space with our Fire in the Hole event for the winter solstice in late June 2020," he said.
"Originally the area was a limestone quarry until around the 1970s but unlike other quarries around town this one wasn't used as a rubbish tip.
"It was then used by the council as a depot before being locked up until the community garden got the lease for the site about 10 years ago."
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Immediate work will involve removing all of the woody weeds and stabilising the rock wall of the quarry, before the floor will be levelled and a banked amphitheatre for seating created.
Other works include the development of a environmental creek system utilising water run-off from the neighbouring Wannon Water facility to be used for education sessions on waterways conservation, and the construction of a range of paths linking to a lookout and the Japanese Friendship Garden.
"It will be beautiful and practical," Mr Campbell said.
"One of the key criteria of the project is it should be low maintenance so the amphitheatre will be grassed, the west wall of the quarry will eventually be a food forest but will be planted with acacias at first.
"It will take a little while, and it will be a bit ugly at first."
People can watch the quarry development's progress during the weekly Community Garden Markets on Wednesday afternoons during summer. Work is expected to be completed by April 2020.
The market works to improve access to fresh and sustainable produce in the Warrnambool, reflecting the community garden's commitment to help residents access locally produced, waste-free goods.
Market co-ordinator Freek Den Braber said the organisers are trying to expand the range of products on offer at the market.
"We are working hard to grow our market so that everyone can rely on it each week to buy locally grown and produced goods," he said
"Like last year, the market will have delicious food and live music to enjoy while you wander around the stalls, tour the garden or while you relax and have a drink.
"Most people are trying to buy local food and products, and eliminate single-use plastic and packaging from our lives. Doing your shopping at the Garden Market makes this easy to do."
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