The Urban Farm

Located less than two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, the Urban Farm project utilised an empty, long rectangular space wedged between a multilevel carpark and a giant concrete retaining wall and transformed it into viable green space that is an authentic model of urban food production and a vital source of inspiration for creating liveable, sustainable and connected urban communities.

The Urban Farm has gained a following in the local, national and international community for its sustainability initiatives being achieved in an unmistakably high-density urban environment. Our mission is to promote and provide a successful, fully operational model of sustainable food production within a distinctly urban setting.

It also provides the College with a permanent and practical educational resource with application in curriculum, cross-curriculum, co-curricular, pastoral domains and Faith in Action with its connection to country. 

The Urban Farm plays a vital role in engaging the College’s students in sustainability. Our students are driven by their responsibility to ensure a healthy and secure planet for themselves. They are confident in making the necessary decisions and actions to safeguard everybody’s future. 

The Urban Farm plot is approximately 400sqm and raises edible plants such as fruit, vegetables, flowers, herbs, berries and bush food. It also has ornamental plants such as native vines, native flowering trees, shrubs and ground covers as well as chickens, ornamental fish, native red-claw crayfish, native jade perch, native bees and composting worms. All farm assets and activities must produce food or contribute to a food producing system. 

The Urban Farm allows students to volunteer and participate in its ongoing development. The College currently has 30 devoted Primary and Secondary students volunteering twice a week after school. Students are able to develop leadership, communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution and teamwork skills.