From waste to wonder: farm’s greener future
In the heart of Cotton Tree, a lush community garden is bursting with life, offering an abundance of chemical-free, organically grown produce, all picked fresh to support a greener future.
The Urban Farm turns food scraps and waste into rich compost and worm farm material, which is then used to cultivate organic produce in their permaculture-inspired gardens.
The result? Fresh seasonal produce with zero food miles, offered directly to the public from $10 a box.
The farm is also part of the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre, a not-for-profit organisation offering a place of connection to all members of society including art classes, reskilling and family support programs.
Community impact
The community driven project supports sustainability in so many ways from growing and creating access to nutritious fresh food, being socially inclusive, sharing composting knowledge and reducing waste at every opportunity.
The Urban Farm regenerative farmer Simon Rixon said the farm’s full-circle approach to food production was a reminder that sustainability, collaboration and community went hand in hand.
“Proceeds from profits are reinvested into the overarching Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre, funding vital outreach programs that support locals in need.
"The farm is a safe place for volunteers to re-engage with society and connect with people including those who are suffering from depression, acquired brain injuries, grieving or NDIS participants," Mr Rixon said.
The Urban Farm is also a great example of living the Sunshine Coast Biosphere values through local solutions.
Circular economy in action
“Through the ASPIRE circular economy marketplace, we sourced second-hand, unwanted materials like wool packaging to enhance our site and processes.
“The wool packaging is sourced from a local business and now serves as mulch for our gardens.
“The wool is ideal for protecting new plants from heavy rain, provides temperature control and feeds the microbes in the soil as it breaks down.
“Vertical gardens and other essential infrastructure have also been built using reclaimed materials found through ASPIRE, further highlighting our farm’s commitment to sustainability,” Mr Rixon said.
ASPIRE connects businesses and community organisations, facilitating the exchange of unused resources to keep them out of landfill and in circulation at their highest value for longer.
Businesses and organisations are invited to rethink their waste streams by joining ASPIRE to list and exchange unwanted resources for new purposes rather than sending them to landfill.
ASPIRE is free to register for ABN-holders who are volunteer-based or have under 100 full time employees.
Get involved
Ongoing support for The Urban Farm is needed to keep the vital work going.
Here’s how you can help:
- Enquire about a farm tour
- Purchase a farm box brimming with freshly harvested produce
- Purchase honey, seedlings and loose produce
- Join a passionate team of fit and independent volunteers
- Donate or invest
“Financial backing is urgently required to ensure this program can continue. Every contribution counts and your support will sustain this crucial work for years to come,” Mr Rixon said.