Foodbelt for thought

By Melissa Meehan
More than 100 people from the agricultural industry gathered at the Cardinia Cultural Centre for breakfast and tips for staying sustainable in a tough climate.
Mayor Graeme Legge said it was pleasing to host such an important seminar in the growing shire.
“It’s something Cardinia jumped at,” Cr Legge said.
Cr Legge said producers in the area faced three issues of sustainability including water security, rising energy costs and maintaining staff.
He said the shire and other neighbouring councils also faced the added threat of a rapidly increasing population pushing out to valuable agricultural areas.
The council, according to Cr Legge, was making an effort to protect the luscious agricultural land by securing Class A recycled water from Carrum.
“Food demand is on the rise, and a reliable food source is needed – what we call the Bunyip Foodbelt can offer that reliability,” he said.
“And our residents understand that, choosing to get their produce locally.”