Wanneroo Council endorsed its Agribusiness Position Paper: ‘A Thriving Agri-precinct in Wanneroo’ – a direct response to the North Wanneroo Agriculture and Water Taskforce Report and the Minister for Agriculture and Food’s proposed reduction to groundwater allocations in North Wanneroo.
The Paper, which was endorsed at this week’s Council meeting, proposes a collaborative approach that Local, State and Federal Governments need to take to ensure an environmentally and financially sustainable future of food production in Wanneroo.
Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts said that the City of Wanneroo region plays a critical role in providing fresh produce across the State and beyond.
“Wanneroo’s agricultural output provides our City, the Perth metropolitan area and indeed our whole state with an important source of high quality, healthy, local produce.
“With disruptions and shortages brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has never been more important for our community to have access to sustainable local food production,” Mayor Roberts said.
The endorsement follows City’s stakeholder consultation with local growers as well as government departments, including Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
The paper outlines a number of initiatives to address the identified challenges and leverage opportunities for agricultural businesses in the region. The City’s actions will focus on advocacy, partnership building, land use and zoning review, water security and agri-tourism opportunities.
Mayor Roberts said the City was committed to working with all stakeholders to achieve the best outcome for our local agribusinesses.
“Our producers are facing a hotter, drier climate which has resulted in reduced rainfall and less available groundwater for agriculture in Wanneroo and further anticipated reductions to groundwater allocations.
“Despite these significant challenges, I know that Wanneroo growers are industrious, resilient and embody the pioneering spirit of our City.
“We are committed to working across all levels of government and with industry partners to secure an affordable climate independent water supply for Wanneroo growers.
The Agribusiness Position Paper is available to download below: