South West Food Processing Precinct

Page last updated: Wednesday, 25 October 2017 - 3:48pm

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An area at Waterloo near Bunbury, Western Australia has been identified as the preferred location for a future agri-industry investment in the south-west region, which will now be the subject of further studies.

The identification and protection of a suitable site for the establishment of major industries associated with the processing and value adding of agricultural produce in the south-west of Western Australia ensures the sustainability of food producing industries in the region.

The South West Food Processing Precinct report, prepared by Cardno (WA) Pty Ltd was commissioned by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Landcorp and the South West Development Commission (SWDC), and supported by the Department of Planning.

The study assesses the comparative advantages and risks of six sites in the south-west region of Western Australia for suitability for establishment of a food processing precinct, and recommends a preferred site for further detailed investigation.

The study assessed locations at South Burekup, South Gwindinup, Scott River, Manjimup, Waterloo and Yalyalup.

An executive summary is included below and a full copy of the report can be obtained by contacting Trina Anderson, Trade and Agribusiness Development on +61 (0)8 9368 3640 or trina.anderson@dpird.wa.gov.au

Executive summary

The purpose of the South West Food Processing Precinct (SWFPP) study was to assess the comparative advantages and risks of six sites in the south-west region of Western Australia for suitability for establishment of a food processing precinct, and to recommend a preferred site for further detailed investigation.

It is considered that identification and protection of a suitable site for the establishment of major industries associated with processing and value-adding agricultural food produce within the South West would benefit economic development and the sustainability of food producing industries in the region, including amongst others the red meat and dairy industries. Possible industries that might locate within a dedicated food processing precinct could include abattoirs, milk processing and rendering works, along with support industries and infrastructure.

As part of the South West Region Industrial Land Study and the Manjimup SuperTown Growth Plan projects, six possible sites were identified as having potential for industries including food processing. These sites were:

  • 514 hectares in South Burekup, in the Shire of Dardanup
  • 652 hectares in South Gwindinup, in the Shire of Capel
  • Two sites in Scott River; one 472 hectares in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River and the other 480 hectares in the Shire of Nannup (for analytical purposes, these were considered as a single site due to their proximity)
  • Two sites totalling 167 hectares within the Manjimup industrial area in the Shire of Manjimup (for analytical purposes, these were considered as a single site)
  • 1511 hectares in Waterloo in the Shire of Dardanup
  • 776 hectares in Yalyalup in the City of Busselton

Although a range of activities could be considered to be ‘food-processing’ and might be suitable for location within a dedicated food processing precinct, for the purposes of undertaking this study some assumptions were made about the most probable major industries that would locate within the core area of the precinct, their land area requirements, and timing.

The assumed land uses were:

  • beef abattoir
  • pork abattoir
  • chicken abattoir
  • milk plant
  • rendering
  • truck wash.

A core area of 150 hectares was assumed, which would be developed in 30 hectare stages (30 hectares per major land use commencing in year one and then every five years thereafter - 20 years total).

The truck wash facility was not considered to be a major land use for the purposes of infrastructure, but would be an essential ancillary facility for the other activities. Saleyard facilities were not considered in this study.

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