Category: Environment

Farmers Markets are evolving

Home delivery & Market delivery

Farmers’ Markets have developed within our communities with regular markets building the relationships between the Consumer and the Farmer. The chance to meet, learn their story and commitment to the produce and the soil and water they manage to produce it. Not to forget the preparation tips and recipes that they make available.

The current CoVid-19 virus, with the forced temporary closure of many markets, has seen the development of the relationship to include home delivery and in some markets a group home delivery where you can order the produce from more than one farmer and have it packed and at your door in one delivery (1 delivery charge). 

Looking at the Sydney markets the likes of The Market Drop and Lucy, Paul & Zoe The work is undertaken by the stallholders themselves adding a certain surety to product quality & service.

Will it ever replace the actual markets? – not a chance; the markets are where relationships are built and understanding and respect for their contribution to our health and wellbeing are appreciated. They will however have a future, just like the online order and home delivery service offered by the Supermarkets. It is handy if regular attendance to the markets cannot be assured – personal commitments, weather – hopefully no more pandemics

View the farmer, the markets and the delivery options of these stallholders on this purpose built Sourced Club app 

Know your Farmer No 1

Biodiversity, regenerative farming, sustainable agriculture some of the terms used by your farmers who are supplying you quality products that you can put on the table for your family.

If we are looking to put food on the table for our family why do we only consider price and convenience?

When considering your purchases for a motor vehicle, TV or other household appliance we will use the ease and convenience of technology to be informed on quality, price, delivery, safety for family and longevity to make the best decision….


Are we really connecting with the people who matter the most? The people who contribute to our lives in meaningful and essential ways? Are we acknowledging the role that these individuals play in our health, well-being and education? And that of our children and family?


Your local farmers can supply your food needs with products that are more nourishing as they are fresher having travelled less kilometres to your plate and have utilised practices that are more sensitive to the environment.

Biodiversity, regenerative farming, sustainable agriculture… all of these terms are the focus of your local farmer. Their knowledge put into practice ensures our landscape captures and utilises water more efficiently and provides nourishment to replenish the planet.

Their story; commitment to consumers and respect for the animals & environment will provide you with a transparent look into your food community from paddock to plate.
Utilise your technology to get to know your farmer.

To assist I will be preparing some blogs under the heading of Know your Farmer that will highlight some of the work being carried out by our hard working farmers committed to nurturing our planet back to health as well as our family.

Brian Kiss https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPDUlZC0-yU

Charlie Arnott https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezDmkuCahHQ

Charlie Arnott https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oev1sJiE4gk

Henry Sheehan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXYFCcthg2w

Save Killalea State Park

A State Government making moves to develop Killalea which was donated to the public to protect it for future generations to enjoy

Why we all need to help preserve Killalea

Killalea State Park is rich in heritage from its Aboriginal custodians to its use as farmland and recreational activities resulting in it being recognised on 6th June 2009 by the then NSW State Government as a  National Surfing Reserve acknowledging it as an iconic site of cultural and historic significance in Australian surfing.

The Aboriginal custodians of the Illawarra area are the Elders of the Elouera, Korewal & Jerrungarugh tribes. Killalea park has several significant aboriginal cultural sites including middens, quarries and women’s birthing trees. These sites require ongoing protection from further environmental and human impact.

The park is a magical coastal reserve with vegetation communities including Banksia scrub/ woodland, Westringia closed heath and sub-tropical rainforest. The park is also home to several endangered plant communities including remnant dry subtropical rainforest, littoral rainforest and small patches of the Melaleuca armillaris dominant Tall Shrubland. These plant communities exist in highly fragmented patches, but they are home to several endangered species.

View more information in this 9 Min segment from Gardening Australia episode 29 in 2019

What is Happening

The NSW Government has transferred Management of the Killalea State Park to the NSW Crown Holiday Parks Land Manager Board with appointed Directors effectively sidelining the democratically elected representatives.

My concerns are many and you may agree with some or all however there is sufficient concerned raised by the local community that this change is not in the best interest of the Park or the original intentions of the donors and therefore should be reversed.

Development required or financial motivated

  1. There has been no information supplied that would in anyway indicate that additional development is required in the Shellharbour / Kiama area for tourist accommodation. At the moment accommodation for Tourists is supplied by Private investment and Local Government and it would be best for taxpayers if the growth is left with private investment and State funding be allocated to more critical issues.
  2. Unnecessary new development is a waste of resources and increases environmental issues particularly if the existing infrastructure can accommodate growth
  3. Many are concerned, and I am one, that the intention of Government is to create an asset they can then privatise for profit
  4. Development in such a pristine environment should be a last resort. 

Development on a State Reserve

  1. I am mystified that this State Body needs to do the development on Killalea State Park when its own website states that “many Reflections Holiday Parks are also close to, or adjoining some of our most pristine reserves”. My concern is that the development will take place and then the State Park will be divided to allow separate entitlement to the developed land

Local V's State or Global Economy

  1.  Again Reflections website acknowledges that they “are an important part of local and regional communities and economies” which is contrary to these actions. The Kiama & Shellharbour Tourism market is dominated by infrastructure in the hands of either private individuals or local Council ensuring money earned remains to strengthen our Local Economy. This proposal  would see a good chunk of the financial support transferred to the State coffers in the interim and to a National or lost to a Global economy in the event of privatisation.  The State Government has form that when decisions are to made regarding Acquisitions or Sales that Price is the determining factor with no regard for the benefit of spending within your market.

NSW Crown Holiday Parks Land Manager Board

  1.  The current makeup of the Board does not suggest there is equal consideration for the conservation, cultural heritage and community expectation of a State Park and this is re-enforced by their lack of consultation in this process.
    The NSW Government website includes the following reference to Native Title
    ” Native title is the name Australian law gives to the traditional ownership of land and waters that have always belonged to Aboriginal people according to their traditions, laws and customs. The Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 (NT Act) sets out how native title rights are to be recognised and protected.

     

    Granting tenure may affect native title interests in Crown land. Potential native title rights and interests must be identified and resolved before proceeding with any proposed tenure”

    According to my sources this has been ignored

  2. Along similar lines the following link is to an open letter to the Australian Prime Minister from 248 concerned scientist  who have looked into Australia’s unique native species and ecosystems.
    Open Letter to the Prime Minister

A time to Act

As mentioned previously you may agree with some or all of what I am saying. In the end there are enough concerns within the community for the alarm bells to be ringing and I cannot sit by and do nothing – What about you?

Confirm your support and stay in touch on the Facebook Public Group
 Save The Farm Public Group

Sign the Petition on-line or you can wait for a new Petition to be prepared following the outcome of the meeting November 3rd at 11am
On-line Petition