Six years ago, Claire Mathieson was granted a 5-year lease for the purpose of “beautification, weed management and operation of a community garden” at the northern end of Ballarat Street, Collingwood. After six great years, The Secret Garden has been unexpectedly evicted and ordered to remove everything from the site by 22 Jan 2024. Department of Transport and Planning (DTP)/VicRoads plan to revert the site back to a road reserve. 

The Secret Garden is utilised by many more people than just the six plot holders. It is a benefit to the local community. The garden works well in this location as most of the gardeners live within eyesight of the gate. The Secret Garden has become exactly what a community space should be. It has been successful in providing a lovely space for community connection, and is frequently visited by a diverse range of local residents.

A thriving community hub and green space offering:
• Composting – we accept and process food scraps and provide free ready compost to collect
• two well stocked seasonal herb gardens, donated by City of Yarra, and placed on the footpath directly outside The Secret Garden, are used daily to reduce waste and food miles
• seeds, seedlings and surplus crops given away
• public fruit trees planted, including citrus, stone fruits, bay and passionfruit.
• four water ponds for the indigenous brown tree frogs that live here
• a climbing tree

Notice of eviction
We do not understand why our tenancy on the land is being terminated. The reasons for rescinding the lease are vague and unsubstantiated. We believe The Secret Garden has not breached any of the conditions of the original agreement, with any objections or complaints over the years being immediately addressed and rectified. DoT have acknowledged the community benefit the garden gives to the local area.

Can you help us by signing this petition to be presented to Paul Younis, Secretary, Department of Transport and Planning, and Hon Danny Pearson MP, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure to request the reinstatement of our annual lease agreement and save our cherished Secret Garden?

We would like to thank our sponsors and supporters of The Secret Garden:
City of Yarra
Cavallini
Bunnings
DMars
Keep Victoria Beautiful
Plus, 60 signatures of support from our neighbours in Ballarat Street

Update:

We just want to say a heartfelt thank you for everyone that has signed the petition and generously donated for additional platform promotion. We really do appreciate your support. We are working hard to gather as much community support to persuade Department of Transport and Planning to reverse their decision. 

Will post any relevant updates here. 
Thank you