Nov. 11, 2013, 1 p.m.

Farming was once a successful industry on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, but the practice gave way to land devlopment from the 1960s. A community discussion on Macleay Island on Saturday, November 23 will discuss the economic viability of returning some farming to the islands. Photo courtesy of SMBI Museum on Russell Island

Farming was once a successful industry on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, but the practice gave way to land devlopment from the 1960s. A community discussion, with guest speakers, will be held on Macleay Island on Saturday, November 23 to discuss the economic viability of returning some farming to the islands. Photo courtesy of SMBI Museum on Russell Island

A COMMUNITY discussion about returning farming to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) will be held on Macleay Island next weekend ( November 23)

The event is part of a study by several residents into returning some farming to the islands.

Study spokesman and SMBI Forum member Dave Tardent, of Karragarra Island, said the concept would be put before the next SMBI Forum meeting for approval and auspice under that body.

Guest speakers at the event will include: Frank Pearce from Redland City Council, who will talk about economic development on the islands; Dave, who will explain the concept and speak about how farming would fit into the SMBI economy; north coast market gardener Alexina Johnson; and others.

The event will start at 11am at the lemon farm in Lonciera Street, Macleay Island. All interested people from the islands and mainland are invited to attend.

To get to Macleay Island from the mainland, catch a Bay Island Transit Systems water bus from Weinam Creek Marina, Banana Street, Redland Bay. http://www.translink.com.au

Transport will be available on Macleay Island to meet the 10.10am water bus from the mainland and the 11.03am water bus from the islands.

See the rest here:

Islands to consider a future in farming