Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday agribusiness export supply chain mapping study

Reference # A.1.1819039
Project Status Completed
Timeframe 10 months (2019)
Project manager Ian Biggs

CRCNA Funding $84,736
Total project value $185,640
Project research participant Greater Whitsunday Alliance Limited (GW3) ; North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Limited ; RDA Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Inc ; Bowen Gumlu Growers’ Association Inc

Research Programs 1. Building potential in Northern Australia
Location Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen, Clermont

Supply chain development
Agriculture
Horticulture

Summary

This study was specifically designed to identify and map the export freight task for MIW agri-food products and associated waste, and to identify potential markets that could deliver a sustainable future for the MIW regional economy.

The Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Agribusiness Export Supply Chain Mapping Study supports and informs the delivery of the Growing Greater Whitsunday Agri-food Strategy recommendations. These include developing sectoral regional Road Maps and Action Plans, partnering with industry stakeholders to develop Regional Export Development Plans, as well as develop and promote a Regional Agri-food Export Readiness Program.

By identifying broader markets and export opportunities, the study supports regional agri-food production, which in turn offers greater employment opportunities and boosts regional spending. This is measured through monitoring employment and key regional economic indicators.

Additionally, the study identified infrastructure and supply chain improvements needed to meet current and future domestic and international market demands.

Expected outcomes

This report maps the current and future supply chain to provide an evidenced-based impetus for increasing regional production and exports through conductor and market identification.
By identifying broader market and export opportunities, the outcomes of this study are expected to increase regional production, create more employment opportunities and contribute to greater regional spending.
A 1 per cent increase in exports, driven by supply chain efficiencies that boost productivity, is expected to:
- Increase demand for intermediate goods and services by $5.474 million.
- Increase total output – including all direct, supply chain and consumption effects – by up to $21.760 million.
- Grow total employment – including all direct, supply chain and consumption effects – by up to 72 jobs across the region.
- Increase wages and salaries by up to $3.014 million.
- Increase total value-added – including all direct, supply chain and consumption effects – by up to $10.396 million.