Ed,

I am writing to make the argument for a surplus of locally grown vegetables to be made available for free to the public at markets and popular locations in the Clarence Valley.

With tough times ahead, it is more important than ever to support our communities and ensure their well-being.

Some may recall a time when back yards were fenceless and communities would grow their own produce, sharing it freely with each other. However, with the increasing economic and environmental costs of energy, and the burden of a rising cost of living, our overworked and underpaid workforce is struggling to make ends meet. The price increases in fresh produce, due to the physical labour required and the farming industry’s inability or unwillingness to provide jobs with fair wages, only compound this issue.

By making a surplus of locally grown vegetables readily available, we can not only improve the health of our communities, but also help to ease the cost of living. This proposal is not a community garden that relies on volunteers and shared space, but rather a collaboration between farmers and the council to ensure a sustainable and efficient solution.

I strongly believe that the Clarence Valley Council should take the lead in growing a surplus of fresh produce and making it freely available to the public. This would not only guarantee the quality of life for our residents, but also serve as an example of how local government can make a positive impact on the community.

Thank you for your consideration.

Max Little, Maclean