Repaving Paradise And Putting In A Community Garden

By Em Allen on February 6, 2014 in

Coogee town centre looks set to benefit from an injection of local council funding later this year when work begins on updating the footpaths along a section of Coogee Bay Road.

Randwick City Council will spend $1 million placing power lines underground along the stretch of Coogee Bay Road between Brook Street and Arden Street, and along part of Arden Street, while simultaneously upgrading footpaths.

The work is expected to start by July and will take approximately five to six months to complete. According to Randwick City Council, the upgrade will be managed in stages to minimise the impact on residents, retailers, road users and visitors, and there are no plans to change vehicular or pedestrian access while the work is taking place.

The project will undoubtedly cause disruption to businesses, residents and pedestrians, but Council said it plans to reduce any possible disturbance by carrying out the majority of the work at night. This will ensure the safety of residents and road users, and reduce the impact on businesses.

Dave Martin, owner of Courtyard Cafe on Coogee Bay Road, said he had not yet been informed of the planned works by the council, but said there is no doubt the project will cause significant disruption to local businesses.

“I had a cafe in Maroubra when they carried out similar works there and it did cause disruption, but it will be worse for me here as people can usually pull up in their cars and grab a coffee from the side of the street.

“That said, I am all for change and progress. The footpaths are in dire need of upgrading and it is a beautiful street, which is ruined by the ugly telephone poles. Maroubra looked better after the works and so will Coogee, so it will benefit everyone in the long run,” he said.

In another investment coup for Coogee, local green thumbs will soon have somewhere to grow their own vegies after Council committed a further $30,000 to building a community garden next to the Coogee Scout Hall on Dolphin Street.

The community garden will include at least 68 raised garden beds, three rainwater tanks, three composting bins and a lockable garden shed. The facility will be run by the Coogee Community Garden group, with lots allocated to local residents living within a kilometre of the site. Those living outside the one kilometre radius will need to consult the committee about the possibility of getting involved.

Allocation of plots is available to paid up members who have registered to become a ‘garden grower’ and have attended three garden training workshops and three working bees or garden gatherings. Names are then put on a list and members will be offered a plot and required to pay a fee when one becomes available.

Total membership costs $120, or $70 pro rata, with concession rates also available to those who meet the criteria.

Residents who wish to participate in the activities of the garden but do not require a plot can obtain a ‘garden lover’ membership for $50 pro rata and will also be required to attend an induction, weekly garden gatherings and monthly working bees. They will also be encouraged to help out with tasks in the garden.

The first working bee will be held on Sunday, February 2, when the first garden beds arrive. Plots will be rolled out shortly afterwards. All those interested in getting involved should contact the committee by emailing coogeecommunitygarden@gmail.com. Alternatively, residents are encouraged to head down to the garden and introduce themselves at the first working bee.