Western Sydney Aerotropolis: Research centre proposed for agribusiness precinct
A centre of excellence focusing on food-STEM has been proposed for the future Western Sydney Aerotropolis, bringing together major players to help spearhead the future of agribusiness. See the plans.
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A world-class research and innovation centre has been proposed for a precinct focused entirely on agribusiness at the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, which would tap into the region’s history of food production.
The proposed Australian Centre of Excellence in food innovation would serve as “an industry-led national powerhouse in food science, technology, engineering and mathematics” — or food-STEM — according to the Draft Western Sydney Aerotropolis Plan.
The plan, on exhibition until February 28, outlines a vision for 10 precincts surrounding the future airport. One of these would be focused on agribusiness.
Spanning 1572ha, the precinct would stretch across Liverpool and Penrith LGAs and potentially create between 8000 and 10,000 jobs.
The draft plan highlights the potential for a “high-technology” precinct which will drive opportunities for education and tourism, and service growing demand in Australia and internationally for high-quality fresh food.
Minister for Western Sydney and Jobs Stuart Ayres said the proposed research centre would bring different stakeholders together.
“As part of the precinct we want to create a world-class Research and Innovation Centre which will underpin fresh and value-added food production and manufacturing, delivering benefits to food producers in Sydney, regional NSW and Australia,” he said.
“The centre will do this by bringing together initiatives between organisations such as University of Sydney, the NSW Department of Primary Industries facilities at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Western Sydney University, Richmond High School and Richmond TAFE at Hawkesbury.
“This will build on the world leading capabilities in plant and animal research which DPI and the universities have, as well as provide opportunities in STEM education, focused on agriculture and food, through the TAFE and high school.”
Mr Ayres said the precinct had the potential to transform food production and logistics in Australia and “take produce from western Sydney, regional NSW and Australia to the world” in just 36 hours.
Western Sydney University strategy officer Helen Barcham said it was an “unprecedented project” that would help redress the jobs deficit in the region.
Food manufacturing was the fifth largest growing industry in western Sydney, she said.
“The fact that it’s attached to a 24-hour airport means it gives unprecedented opportunities to accessing international markets like China, India, Indonesia as well as the Middle East.”
Ms Barcham said there was a growing appetite for produce that was “clean, green and high-value”.
Submissions on the draft plan can be made here.