The Dawesville Town Team wanted to collaborate with local Council and had set its sights on an inspiring goal – transforming Lot 24 Anaconda Loop in Melros Beach into a space that enriches the community while supporting sustainability. With its over 700sqm of potential, the Melros Urban Garden could have become a destination for connection, recreation, and learning.

The vision was clear from the start: create a shared urban garden that offers something for everyone, from vibrant native flora to interactive installations. However, as with any ambitious project, challenges and compromises have shaped its scope.

Meeting with Council department heads on-site was an important step toward advancing the project. Discussions brought community aspirations to the table, but also highlighted certain limitations, particularly around the area’s classification as a drainage reserve. While many ideas had to be refined, the collaborative spirit remained strong.

Among the proposals, restoring soil stability, addressing erosion, and enhancing walkability were considered priorities. Additional steps, such as incorporating native species and exploring reticulation for long-term growth, were also outlined.

What the Urban Garden Could Achieve

Though Lot 24 remains a functional space for drainage, the opportunities to use its accessible areas creatively are still plenty. The Dawesville Town Team envisioned this project as more than a garden – it could have been a catalyst for a healthier, more connected community.

• Encouraging Biodiversity: Featuring native flowering plants to attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies, would breathe life into the ecosystem.
• Fostering Sustainability: Using solar-lit pathways and drought-resistant greenery would reflect a forward-thinking, eco-friendly approach.
• Community Connection: Interactive elements like pavement games and seating areas could bring together residents of all ages for relaxation and play.
• Learning Opportunities: Educational installations around sustainable practices could inspire visitors to make changes in their own lives.

Our garden was also designed to reduce stress and promote well-being, offering shaded spots for relaxation and open areas for exploration and fun. It promised to offer families an escape from their screens and a chance to reconnect with nature.

Challenges Shaping the Project’s Outcome

Transforming Lot 24 has been far from straightforward. The challenges posed by poor soil conditions—known to be hydrophobic and prone to erosion—require creative problem-solving. Adding to the complexity, the extended dry seasons and intense wind events in recent years have made sustaining vegetation difficult.

The initial vision of replacing hedges with native grasses and restoring soil erosion through garden beds was promising. However, funding constraints and the area’s drainage responsibilities meant some adjustments were necessary. These realities shaped the decisions and proposals presented during the Council meeting.

Key Takeaways from the Council Meeting

Here’s a breakdown of the meeting outcomes:

• Hedge Management: Council chose to monitor the current hedges rather than remove them, delaying decisions until their growth impact is fully assessed.
• Drainage Problems: Problems along the pathway and surrounding areas will be addressed. Sand buildup will also be removed to improve accessibility.
• Native Food Features: While a full community produce garden wasn’t approved, establishing a native food garden, contingent on reticulation, offers an exciting alternative.
• Interactive Pathway Games: Painting games along the pathway is possible but requires an application through the Community Initiated Infrastructure Program. Local support letters will be crucial.
• Seating Elements: Adding benches along the limestone wall remains under consideration, with further community input required.

While some proposals didn’t move forward, plans for soil stabilization and planting drought-resistant greenery are scheduled to start by mid-2025—marking an essential step in establishing the garden’s foundation.

A Space for the Community to Get Behind

The heart of the Melros Urban Garden Project lies in community involvement. Residents have a real chance to help shape their public space, not just through design input, but through active participation in planting and maintaining the garden once it’s underway.

Community support letters will also play a crucial role in securing funding for additional elements, from seating to interactive installations. This is a golden opportunity for the residents to make their voices heard and build a shared vision for Lot 24.

Building Momentum for the Future

While challenges remain, the possibilities for Lot 24 as a functional, beautiful, and inclusive space are more tangible than ever. The steps already in motion—like drainage fixes and sustainable planting plans—offer a glimpse into what this project can become.

Beyond just beautifying the area, the Melros Urban Garden Project represents a deeper effort to strengthen bonds, improve environmental sustainability, and add value to the Melros Beach community. Together, we can turn this shared vision into reality.