The process of establishing a site of urban agriculture in Hobart

Conventional agriculture produces food in ways that undermine the ecological bases on which it depends. It is typically grown long distances from where it is eventually consumed, relying on the use of non-renewable resources, and alienating consumers from the processes of production. By comparison, the reintroduction of productive trees into the urban landscape has been shown to bring residents into closer contact with their food needs, increase fresh food security and availability, create opportunities for informal social mixing, and foster a sense of cooperation within community (Stocker & Barnett, 1998). This thesis describes the process of a 32-year-old male citizen (me) attempting to establish some fruit trees on under utilised land managed by local Council. The project is set in the suburb of New Town, an established middle class residential area within the city of Hobart, Tasmania. The actors to emerge in this development are the proximate residents, residents of the nearby housing commission units, Hobart City Council (HCC), a local nursery owner, an assortment of non-government organisations, and the facilitators of other urban agriculture projects. It was found that whilst residents were largely in favour of the proposal there was little enthusiasm towards direct participation, at least in the developmental stages. An initial site for the trees proved contentious with one neighbour opposed to attracting 'undesirables' within proximity of his property, and so an alternative location was identified alongside a bike track linking Hobart with the northern suburbs. First HCC was also reluctant to become involved due to the risks associated with productive trees, the maintenance involved, and the possibility of future conflicts over the management of the trees and the distribution of the harvest. Several of the NGOs contacted in the hope of establishing partnerships also declined the offer to participate. The eventual success of the development can be attributed to the commitment of an enthusiastic nursery owner, the advocacy of a senior arboricultural officer within Council, and my persistent desire to contribute towards the sustainability and livability of this area. My path to the realisation of establishing a site of urban agriculture in Hobart has many parallels to the experiences of similarly motivated urban agriculture facilitators who went before me. This research then, is a contribution to the broad discipline of environmental management as a case study of the implementation of sustainability praxis at an individual scale.