Hello everyone!
We’re sure by now that you have seen or heard about the temporary fencing that has been put up around Radicle Roots Commons at De Chene Reserve, on Wurundjeri Country. It has been lovely to see the out pour of concern from our community garden and we hope the following helps to clear up the speculations.
Statement regarding the fencing of Radicle Roots Commons at De Chenes Reserve
Context
On Tuesday the 24/03/26 the council emailed us about potential PFAS contamination in the garden and subsequently the garden was fenced off, without any consultation. On friday, we met with the council to ask whether this was a proportionate response and to get more information about the testing. This is what we can tell you.
What is PFAS?
PFAS is a rather scary forever chemical. It is a chemical we don’t want near our food, yet unfortunately, it is all around us — in teflon (non-stick) pans, food packaging, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam. We now know that it is a group of chemicals thought to be in most drinking water supplies (yes – it has been recorded in Melbourne’s drinking water) and in many of the most remote alpine lakes.
What did the soil test say?
We are very concerned about the potential contamination; however, unfortunately council is refusing to disclose the actual results; the levels of contamination; which garden beds were tested; and the process of sampling. Council has only shared that they have tested 8 beds and that one potentially has levels of PFAS. We are proactively working on gaining more information — likely through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request if the council remains uncooperative.
Is it likely that the soil we are growing in is unsafe?
We cannot say for certain whether the garden soil is safe and we will not know for certain until further testing. We can tell you; however, that all veggies are grown in a soil-compost mix brought from a local, trusted nursery. Historically, we have done multiple tests of both the delivered soil and the original soil lying beneath the garden beds. No results that came back were of concern. However, since then, testing has developed for PFAS & further testing will soon show us whether there is a genuine safety concern. What the actual source of the contamination is also merits further testing.
Was fencing the garden, with no consultation, a proportionate response?
In the face of fuel shortages, climate change, continued price gauging at supermarkets, and disrupted supply chains, having local food projects remains a key mechanism to ensure more resilient and equitable food systems. Considering PFAS is an issue that could be impacting community gardens, private gardens, and farms everywhere — it is essential that the default response to PFAS is not one that bars people’s access to land. Within the community, we believe we have the knowledge and passion to manage the risks of PFAS without top-down, coercive, and beaurocratic management from councils and governments. However, rather than offering us (the community) a chance to manage these risks ourselves — the council have imposed long processes that could mean the garden is closed for weeks, if not months. The council officers have also demonstrated no willingness to put the money spent on temporary fencing (~$1000 per week) towards clean soil and other forms of assistance. For these reasons, we believe fencing the garden was not the right response — nor an adequate response at this point in time when various issues are impacting our food systems.
What next?
We are hoping that as a community we can respond to and manage these problems together. We care deeply about the health of the people who access the garden and want to respond appropriately to all potential risks! We will continue to assess these risks, and continue to have community forums to decide the best course of action.
On Tuesday 31st at 9am, the council will conduct further testing of the garden. Please, join us at Radicle Roots Commons to gather for a community picnic and show your support.
Thankyou for your patience as we navigate a new situation! If you have any thoughts, feel free to either DM us here or send an email to guerillagardeningnaarm@proton.me
Love GGNC