The Roxby Downs Community Garden Committee has secured funding from BHP Billiton and land approval from Roxby Downs Council for the project.

It will be created on the reserve bordering Pioneer Drive, Alberrie and Mulgaria streets and will be developed without compromising current walk through access.

It is intended to be self-funded and a “stand alone” project independent of other forums or community groups.

According to the committee, volunteers will run the project so families and the community can “meet, learn and work together to improve their sense of wellbeing” and “raise awareness so the local environment is appreciated”.

“It is our aim for this land to be used by the community, but also for this community,” committee member Cherie Gaskin said.

“We would like the community garden to be beneficial to the local school students and can see them using it through varied parts of their education.

“We would like them to be proud of their garden, and encourage them to be active in its progress.”

The committee said local groups such as guides, scouts, and sporting clubs could also benefit from the garden.

“We would like it to be used as a meeting place, a place that the town is proud to call their own.”

The garden concept plan includes an amphitheatre, garden beds, new paving and seating nooks, but the committee say there is “definitely scope to revisit the design”.

“The possibilities are endless, we are limited only by your imagination and enthusiasm,” Mrs Gaskin said.

Mrs Gaskin said at the moment volunteer numbers were low and the committee was holding a recruitment drive to attract more volunteers.

“We need people interested in becoming committee members, we also wish to consult with the local community, and we welcome your feedback and input.

“We are after members of the community to help build a garden from scratch, we would like help with its upkeep as well … so we can get the final preparations underway.

“The concept design is only a basic design, this is not the final design plan, hence why we will be down the market and mall asking for volunteer input.”

To register your interest in becoming a committee member or more manual labour roles when construction begins, contact Cherie Gaskin on 8671 2924 or check out the Roxby Downs community garden stall at market day where the concept plan will be on display.