A new local market being considered

Media Release

16 June 2008

Council has commissioned a feasibility study that is underway to establish the viability of a Farmers’ Market in the City of Whittlesea with thanks to a $10,000 State Government grant.

Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Elizabeth Nealy said the study will result in a detailed feasibility report to be received by Council at the end of September.

Cr Nealy said, “The report to be written by an independent consultant will include a recommended preferred site, an audit of local farm produce and set out how such a market could be managed.

“While thoughts of having a local farmers’ market may not be new, positive progress is now being made through this feasibility study that is jointly funded by the State Government and Council.

“Research is seeking to identify the level of interest among local farmers in participating in a market as stallholders, and the range of produce that could be sold to the community.”

The Mayor was commenting after the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan, announced that Council had been given a $10,000 grant for the study. Council is contributing a further $5,000 to the exercise.

Victoria’s first farmers’ market opened eight years ago. They provide residents with access to fresh produce as well as a variety not readily available, and help make them more knowledgeable about food.

Markets operating elsewhere in Victoria often sell not only farm fresh produce but value-added fare such as jams, condiments, meats, gourmet bakery items, herbs cut and dried flowers.

Cr Nealy said, “By encouraging collaboration between producers to take advantage of the business opportunities these markets create, increasing local enterprise skills and leadership does aid the economic development of a region.”

She said farmers’ markets help stimulate local employment by providing local producers with infrastructure to increase their revenue, create a link between the grower and customer and attract visitors to the area.

Media enquiries:
Jim Linton
Senior Communications Officer
(03) 9217 2219