The Federal Government is continuing to invest in the nation’s future as an agritech powerhouse, investing $16.7 million into the Western Sydney University’s Agri Tech Precinct.
Once complete, the precinct will be a world-class hub of research, innovation, incubation and production, working to advance sustainable and resilient food systems.
It will create new education pathways for future students as well as collaborative opportunities with other agricultural institutions.
“Agriculture makes up around 13 per cent of Australia’s export economy and 55 per cent of its land mass,” said Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.
“With growing demand for sustainable, resilient food systems, the Agri Tech Precinct will help keep Australia at the forefront of innovation in the agriculture sector.
“This is a smart, long-term investment in both the economy of Western Sydney, and the future of agriculture across Australia.”
The approximately $30 million project is jointly funded with Western Sydney University, and is an election commitment being delivered under the Priority Community Infrastructure Program.
Western Sydney University has estimated the construction phase will create 150 direct jobs and up to an additional 240 jobs in the precinct’s day-to-day operations.
Delivered in two stages, the Commonwealth’s contribution is for stage 1 of the roughly 50-hectare precinct on the Hawkesbury campus.
“This is an important investment in the WSU Hawkesbury campus in Richmond,” said Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman.
“The Hawkesbury is the heart of peri-urban farming in NSW, with a rich tradition in food production and land management, and this initiative opens up opportunities for 21st Century agri-tech.
“Not only will the Agri Tech Precinct play a growing role in the future of agriculture in Australia, but it will create hundreds of exciting new jobs plus new higher education opportunities in the Hawkesbury and Western Sydney
Planning for the precinct is well underway with construction due to commence in April 2025, and stage 1 of the precinct expected to open to students from late 2025 with Stage 2 to follow.