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Market gardens toured

13 October 2009

HORTICULTURE industry leaders last week took Logan councillors on a tour of market gardens in a bid to improve understanding of the sector and communication.

AUSVEG chairman and Scenic Rim Mayor John Brent, together with Growcom chief advocate Rachel Mackenzie and Chambers Flat herb grower Lisa Crooks, conducted the tour attended by nine councillors, including Mayor Pam Parker.

The four-hour tour visited the farms of Pieter and Laura Hendrikson, Scott and Jenny Maxwell, Dhon Phan, Son Nguen and Ray and Lisa Crooks.

Scott Maxwell, who operates a hydroponics farm at Tamborine, said the councillors were keen to learn.

“There were lots of questions about how water is run and where it goes to, do you use sprays and how you control pests,” he said.

Mr Maxwell, who uses a mixture of chemical and organic sprays, said chemicals, if used responsibly, were safe.

The issue of market gardens flared up in the community recently after land at Greenbank was cleared for the purposes of intensive horticulture.

The clearing prompted anti-market campaigner David Hogan to re-ignite his Eye See campaign and Division 11 Councillor Hajnal Ban to call for a report reviewing council’s policy on intensive horticulture.

Mrs Crooks said she hoped the tour enhanced communication and understanding between growers and council.

“Everyone was involved, the planning and development (committee) and both mayors,” she said.

“We were very happy with it and to be given the opportunity to educate and communicate about the issues surrounding farming.

“We were also able to inform them how heavily regulated the industry is.

“For example, with the chemicals that we have you need to have a permit to use the chemical, but to get that chemical you have to have approval.

“The process is a very drawn out process but it’s very methodical.”

Mrs Crooks said she also had the chance to talk with Cr Ban about her concerns with intensive horticulture.

“I had a good conversation and a look at the issues she has so we can go forward with the lines of communication,” Mrs Crooks said.