Funding request planted

COCKATOO residents have applied for funding through the Shire of Cardinia to build a Hills community garden.
The Hills Community Garden committee has set its sights on a block of land adjacant to the tennis courts in Pakenham Road, Cockatoo, for the garden.
In March, the committee formally appointed Gembrook horticulturist Jamie Simpson to complete designs for the garden.
However, committee president Owen Deppler said the committee was still waiting for confirmation from the council to use the land for the garden.
Mr Simpson said the garden would include orchards, vegetable patches, ponds and open space.
The plan was to provide full access for disabled people, including raised garden beds.
Mr Deppler said the project had received strong support.
The committee has divided plans for the garden into three stages.
Mr Deppler said stage one would include setting up individual garden beds and vegetable patches.
Stages two and three would include the introduction of indigenous plants and sensory gardens.
The committee has submitted an application to council for funding of more than $26,000 for stage one. Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato recently met the committee and suggested a few other funding options to get the project up and running.
The committee is now waiting to hear from council about the funding request and availability of the land.