The future of food in South East Queensland is being examined to support jobs and deliver economic and social benefits across the region.
Australia’s national science agency CSIRO and the Council of Mayors (SEQ) are developing an evidence based regional food systems strategy for South East Queensland. Workshops held on the Sunshine Coast and in Brisbane have brought together food system stakeholders and industry representatives to inform the work.
The strategy follows the release of the first national stocktake of Australia’s $800 billion food system in June, which called for a coordinated response to challenges facing the sector.
“Better management of our food system in broad regions such as South East Queensland, can lead to wide-ranging benefits such as healthier and more affordable food; stimulation of local economies, better health outcomes and improved sustainability when it comes to food waste,” said CSIRO project lead Dr Cathy Robinson.
The population in South East Queensland is projected to reach six million by 2046. By that time, the region is expected to be home to 75 per cent of Queenslanders and one in six Australians. The region currently generates more than $334 billion in gross regional product, contributing around two thirds of Queensland’s economic output and 75 per cent of jobs.
The South East Queensland’s food sector includes more than 11,700 agricultural businesses employing over 28,000 people. More than 20 per cent of Queensland’s agricultural production is grown in South East Queensland, generating more than $11.9 billion in exports each year and supporting manufacturing, logistics and export activities.
The Lockyer Valley and Somerset regions supply around 40 per cent of Queensland’s fresh produce and five per cent nationally. The Toowoomba Region supplies 90 per cent of the state’s pork and 85 per cent of its eggs.
Challenges facing the food system include water security, climate events, population growth and demand linked to major events such as the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“As Queensland’s largest producer of agricultural product, we’re incredibly proud of our food producers and the critical role they play in not only feeding our region but supporting other industries and jobs,” said Council of Mayors (SEQ) leveraging 2032 chair Geoff McDonald.
“Brisbane 2032 is around the corner, and it will showcase the very best of our region’s fresh produce to global markets.
“It also provides an opportunity to boost local food tourism, and encourage growth and investment in new experiences, products and innovations.
“We know the challenges facing our food system are complex, and we want our local businesses to be ready to benefit from opportunities in the lead up to 2032 and beyond.”
The food system includes production, processing, distribution, consumption and food waste management.
The strategy will identify pressures, opportunities and actions to help prepare the region’s food system for 2032 and beyond. It will be developed with councils, government agencies, industry and community groups.
The project is supported by the Department of Primary Industries and builds on the Queensland Government’s Prosper 2050 blueprint, which aims to increase the state’s primary production output to $30 billion by 2030.
“We want to see locally grown food processed and packaged in Queensland, creating jobs all the way along the supply chain, because that’s good for local communities and for local produce,” said minister for primary industries Tony Perrett.
The strategy is expected to be completed in 2026.
“Food and agriculture are part of who we are as a region, but local industries are under growing pressure,” said Council of Mayors (SEQ) chair Adrian Schrinner.
“Councils can’t solve these challenges alone, so strong partnerships with other levels of government and industry are critical to make sure our food system is ready for the future.”