The Heritage Forest Community Garden will be a public operated garden in which members of the community can plant, maintain and harvest chemical-free produce. 

Migrant Resource Centre Northern Tasmania Inc community development officer and job coach, Alister Mackinnon said the site gives people the means to grow their own food. 

“It is a perfect opportunity for people who like to grow food for their own supply and learn new skills,” Mr Mackinnon said.

Initiatives like the community garden can alleviate the risk of vulnerable community members becoming food insecure.

“There are people who have challenges with income, so for them to have access to fresh nutrient dense food is pretty important,” Mr Mackinnon said. 

Being food secure means a person has long-term access to sufficient, reliable, nutritious and safe food that is financially viable. 

Community members can purchase a plot through Youth Futures for a nominal fee which will go towards resources such as mulch and compost. 

Migrant Resource Centre Northern Tasmania Inc deputy chair, Roger Tyshing said there will be a strong community focus among those who take ownership of garden beds. 

“You have to work in very close contact with neighbours and neighbouring plots but you are also learning some very important work skills on a different scale,” Mr Tyshing said. 

Gardeners will have the autonomy to grow what they like in their bed as long as they maintain the area. 

“The ideal focus is to try and produce food using chemical free organic principles where possible,” Mr Mackinnon said.

The site will have a picnic area with tables and chairs as well as amenities. 

Both organisations hope to further develop the site alongside the community members who utilise the facilities. 

A significant number of council and community groups partnered with the Migrant Resource Centre Northern Tasmania Inc and Youth Futures to construct the site.