{ story.summary|safe|escape }
A leaked email between Maitland City Council management and councillors has been implicated in plans to scuttle a community garden.
The internal document, leaked to the public and obtained by the Mercury, advised that an East Maitland site was unsuitable for the garden and that councillors should reserve any commitment to it.
Council general manager David Evans circulated the email to councillors and high-ranking staff members ahead of a crucial meet and greet at the William Street site, where the garden was to have been built on the large median strip.
“Should you accept the invitation, I suggest that caution be exercised in expressing any position on this proposal, and certainly prior to further consideration of an informed council position on community gardens in general,” Mr Evans said in the email.
Garden advocate John Brown said the email was a substantial blow in a campaign to deliver Maitland its first community garden.
“I don’t know if he’s overstepped his bounds,” Mr Brown said.
“[But] I think the email has scared the councillors off.”
When asked about the email, Mr Evans said he had not interfered in the duty of councillors elected to represent residents.
“No, the caution given was general advice suggesting councillors gather all the relevant information before making any kind of comment or commitment,” he said.
“Similar advice is given when dealing with other issues.”
In the email, Mr Evans explained to councillors he had been made aware of the invitation to councillors.
The long-standing general manager said community gardens warranted consideration but added that traffic was a major issue at sites such as William Street.
Mr Brown said council’s position was a major setback.
“It may be six months, possibly years, before a community garden will happen,” he said.
“It’s disappointing the gardens are on hold, but we have to keep the lines of communication open.”
A member of The Greens, Mr Brown started the campaign for a community garden last year in a non-political push calling on the support of all Maitland residents.
A petition collected 167 signatures of support, two thirds of them in the immediate vicinity of the East Maitland site, and gained momentum with corporate support.
Organic Feast director Brent Fairns had suggested the William Street site opposite his store and pledged materials as well as the storage for tools.
The East Maitland NAB branch expressed interest in making a cash grant and committing staff on a monthly roster as part of a community-building strategy.
Rainbow’s End Landscaping also said it could help and the site could have been fenced for free.
“I really believe this is a great opportunity lost,” Mr Brown said.
Mr Evans said a framework had to be developed before any community garden could be assessed and that process could identify potential sites.
Speak Your Mind