- Author CRCNA
- Publish date 27 February 2020
- Type Report
- Documents
- Agriculture
- Aquaculture
- Beef
- Broadacre cropping
- Forestry
- Horticulture
- Supply chain development
Summary
The Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) engaged ACIL Allen Consulting (ACIL Allen) to identify and detail data for supply chains in agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, horticulture and associated waste streams.
The primary aim of this report is to identify and detail data for supply chains in agriculture, aquaculture, horticulture and associated waste streams. The study also aims to provide a robust base for future decision making and investment in the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region with respect to development and export opportunities.
This report:
• examines the opportunities for each supply chain for the major regional commodities by value and volume
• identifies the region’s agricultural production capacity and capability
• is anticipated to support a future Phase 2 project to examine markets and opportunities for regional growth and development.
The project has collected data through official sources and stakeholder consultation to a level where the data can be used for testing ideas and looking for opportunities. It acknowledges that further data collection, possibly through audit or detailed case studies, would need to be gathered to scope a detailed investigation or to develop business cases for agricultural growth and development in the region.
Projects
Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday agribusiness export supply chain mapping study
The Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday (MIW) Agribusiness Export Supply Chain Mapping Study examined the region’s agricultural production, processing, logistics and export pathways to identify opportunities for strengthening agribusiness exports and supporting long-term regional growth. The study mapped the export freight task for key commodities including beef, sugarcane, horticulture, broadacre crops and seafood, while also identifying potential domestic and international market opportunities for the region. The project found that much of the region’s agricultural output leaves the MIW region for processing or export through ports outside the area, highlighting opportunities to improve competitiveness through targeted investment in logistics, processing, water and enabling infrastructure. The study also identified actions to support implementation of the Growing Greater Whitsunday Agri-food Strategy, including regional export development planning, export readiness initiatives and stronger coordination across supply chains. The findings have provided government, industry and regional stakeholders with an evidence base for future investment and decision-making. By improving understanding of supply chain constraints and market opportunities, the project has helped position the region to expand agricultural production, strengthen export capability and support a more resilient and diversified regional economy. Economic modelling undertaken as part of the study indicated that a one per cent increase in exports could generate up to $21.8 million in additional regional output and support up to 72 jobs across the region.