Mullewa floats farm fund

The Mid West may be about to have another community farm, with one being considered for Mullewa.

The plan is to have the farm — which would be bought by a community trust fund operating in the town — returning profits to the Mullewa community through an annual grant funding round.

The community trust fund has $546,000, but it no longer receives an annual $100,000 income from Mount Gibson Iron under a public benefit agreement with the City, because the company has ceased mining at Tallering Peak.

An officer’s report to the City of Greater Geraldton suggests the money could be used to purchase a 300ha property to establish the farming operation.

The report said many groups funded by the trust contribute to the cultural and heritage enrichment of the community, and the proposal would provide them with some funding longevity.

No site had been identified for a community farm, but it was proposed an existing farm could be used, meaning there would be minimal environmental implications.

The City has a recommendation for in-principle support of the proposal. Endorsement would allow development of a business case, which would be brought back to the council for final approval.

The original proposal came from farmers Kim Keeffe and Peter Barnetson, who have told the City of Greater Geraldton many agricultural business suppliers had indicated they would be willing to donate products to the farm.

Also, local farmers were willing to donate time and the use of machinery to the ongoing management of the proposed venture.

However, the officer’s report said financial estimates provided by Mr Keeffe and Mr Barnetson showed the proposal would be financially viable even without such donations.

Community farms already operate in Walkaway and the Shires of Carnamah and Coorow.