What’s happening?
South East Queensland is developing its first regional food system strategy to strengthen supply chains and support long-term food security.
The strategy is being delivered through a partnership between CSIRO and the Council of Mayors (SEQ).
Workshops have already been held on the Sunshine Coast and in Brisbane, bringing together food system stakeholders and industry representatives to inform the strategy.
The work builds on CSIRO’s Towards a state of the food system report for Australia, released earlier this year, which called for a coordinated approach to managing complex challenges across the sector.
Why it matters
The future of food in South East Queensland is under close focus as the region works to protect jobs and secure long-term economic and social benefits.
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, said, “When people in South East Queensland can easily get fresh food, they’re not just eating well, they’re enjoying the health, jobs and economic benefits that come with it.”
He said, “Food and agriculture are part of who we are as a region, but local industries are under growing pressure,” adding that, “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.”
Local impact
SEQ’s food sector supports agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and exports across the region.
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Leveraging 2032 Chair and Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said, “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.”
He said Brisbane 2032 will shine a global spotlight on the region, stating, “Brisbane 2032 is around the corner, and it will showcase the very best of our region’s fresh produce to global markets.”
Mr McDonald said the Games also present broader opportunities, saying, “It also provides an opportunity to boost local food tourism, and encourage growth and investment in new experiences, products and innovations.”
He added, “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.”
By the numbers
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Australia’s food system is valued at $800 billion, with the national stocktake released in June highlighting the scale of the sector and the need for coordinated planning.
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South East Queensland’s population is projected to reach six million by 2046, when it will be home to 75 per cent of Queenslanders and one in six Australians.
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The region supports more than 11,700 agricultural businesses, employing over 28,000 people and generating more than $11.9 billion in exports each year.
Zoom in
The Toowoomba Region supplies 90 per cent of Queensland’s pork and 85 per cent of its eggs, highlighting its role in state and national food security.
The Lockyer Valley, often referred to as Australia’s salad bowl, is among the world’s most fertile farming regions.
The Lockyer Valley and Somerset regions together currently supply 40 per cent of Queensland’s fresh produce and five per cent of the nation’s total.
Zoom out
The project is supported by the Department of Primary Industries and builds on the Queensland Government’s Prosper 2050 blueprint, which aims to lift primary production to $30 billion by 2030.
Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said, “The Crisafulli Government backs primary producers and the support industries responsible for getting world leading fresh, healthy and sustainably produced Queensland food from the land or sea onto our plates.”
He said, “We have put food security firmly on the table through our landmark 25-year blueprint, Prosper 2050, that was developed through the largest stakeholder collaboration in at least a decade.”
Mr Perrett added, “Our focus is on developing a prosperous industry and building a food system that is resilient, sustainable and ready to feed a growing Queensland well beyond 2032.”
He also said, “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.”
What to look for next?
The South East Queensland Food System Strategy is expected to be completed in 2026.
CSIRO Project Lead Dr Cathy Robinson said, “Our report, the first national stocktake of Australia’s food system, showed we need to strike a better balance between the economics, sustainability and health and equity outcomes for our communities when it comes to food.”
She said, “We know across the different regions of Australia agriculture is thriving, but there are other aspects of the food system that are in urgent need of attention.”
Dr Robinson added, “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.”