More than 1700 people sign online petition to save Karkoo Nursery at Blackwood
Hundreds of people have rallied behind a popular family-owned nursery which fears its land could be sold by a council for housing.
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A family-owned nursery at Blackwood has launched an online petition amid fears its site could be sold by Mitcham Council for housing.
More than 1700 people have signed the petition since it was started by Karkoo Nursery’s owners, Peter and Jane Rowat, last weekend.
The couple believe the council-owned land occupied by the nursery has been earmarked for residential development.
Mitcham Council has been working on a masterplan for several years which includes demolishing the Blackwood Library, which is near the nursery.
It wants to spend $18 million on a new community hub at Blackwood which will feature a new library.
Mr and Mrs Rowat believe their land, an adjacent carpark and the site of the existing Blackwood Library could be sold for medium-density housing to help fund the new community hub.
Mrs Rowat said the land her family leased from the council had been occupied by a nursery for more than 50 years, with the original business, Skinners, being replaced by a franchise which closed three years ago.
Mr and Mrs Rowat had moved their wholesale nursery business from Mt George, near Bridgewater, into the empty building under a three-year lease signed with the council.
“In three short years we have transformed a derelict site into a thriving business, which now attracts people from all over the state to Blackwood,” said Mrs Rowat.
“Karkoo supports local growers, artists and musicians, as well as being one of Adelaide’s
largest Fringe venues and the cultural hub of Blackwood.”
Mrs Rowat said her family was appreciative of the strong community response to their online petition.
“We have received hundreds of comments and are astounded by the support received from
our valued customers, fighting for us to stay,” she said.
“Karkoo is an iconic destination, totally unique in its support of local growers, musicians, artists and sustainability and is an irreplaceable asset to the community.”
Mr Rowat said he wanted to sign a longer lease with the council or be given the opportunity to be able to buy the land if it was put on the market.
“What we want is for the Mitcham Council to take notice of overwhelming community opinion and support local business by renewing our lease,” he said.
“If the site must be sold, give us the first option to purchase, rather than a faceless developer.”
Mr Rowat said the number of independently owned nurseries within South Australia was dwindling.
He acknowledged it had been a risk starting the business on council-owned land with a short-term lease.
“We knew this was a risk but as a wholesaler we were running out of options with small garden centres rapidly closing down, due to mega chain stores,” he said.
“Karkoo is one of few reversing this trend and is highly valued by the community.
“Since opening three years ago, Karkoo has gathered momentum, taking on a life of its own and now brings many people to Blackwood.”
Mitcham Council development and community safety manager, Craig Harrison, said Mr and Mrs Rowat had a lease with the council until the end of 2021.
Mr Harrison said the council “has not considered any future plans for the site beyond this lease”
He confirmed council had a strong vision for the Blackwood Centre, including residential development which would require rezoning.
“The vision is to improve the centre; through creating opportunities which encourage development of a range of mixed uses and commercial investment, including retail, business and residential,” he said.