Tambellup: small town, big plans
Tambellup’s Community Cropping Group is putting in its first crop this year, but for a small town, the group has big plans.
The idea to start a cropping group was sparked about 18 months ago when the Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup asked the community where they would like to see the town in 2022.
What followed was the idea by some local farmers to help drive the town forward by following the footsteps of neighbouring communities Gnowangerup, Borden and Pingrup, by fundraising through growing crops.
At this stage, TCCG president Nick Lockyer said the aim was to put the proceeds towards redeveloping the sporting pavilion which was in need of an upgrade.
It could cost anywhere in the vicinity of $2.5 to $3.1 million, and has the backing of the local Shire.
It’s just the first steps for the group, the committee of which meets regularly and is developing a constitution so it can have members and to also protect those who are helping.
For the first year, the group has organised a number of ways the community can contribute.
Some farmers have planted a few extra hectares and will donate grain. Others are donating part proceeds from the return of enviro drums and the group is setting up a CBH receival card so grain can be delivered under the group’s name.
Among those donating land for use this year is Allan Willmott, where 20ha of Hindmarsh barley was planted along with 20ha of cadoux wheat.
Inputs have been donated by local farmers, with machinery business Ratten and Slater donating use of its air seeder and tractor for some of the sowing.
With three sons and a daughter, Mr Willmott is getting involved in the plan to help encourage young people to stay in the regions.
“We also need to make it a bit more exciting for young kids to live out in the bush. “Everyone seems to want and go live in Perth or Albany.
“If we can get some community togetherness again, hopefully, it’s just the tip of the iceberg,” he said.
For local farmer and agronomist Stuart Witham, once the primary tasks of getting the paperwork are sorted, the opportunities are endless for the group.
“We can use the group as a platform, whether it be driving small business in town or redeveloping other facilities,” he said.
“It’s not just limited to sport.”
It’s not just farmers wanted for involvement in the group.
“We are hoping to grow it over the next few years and get everyone involved,” Mr Willmott said.
