Reframing smart supply chains in Northern Australia

Summary

James Cook University (JCU) and Charles Darwin University (CDU) have partnered to deliver this report, which discusses and explores new and innovative thinking about the potential for substantive agricultural supply chain redesign in Northern Australia.

This report is a key output from the Reframing smart supply chains in Northern Australia project, which utilised mixed-methodologies including literature review, an environmental scan, stakeholder analysis and communication, in-depth interviews with 25 stakeholders and two roundtables with over 85 participants. These participants ranged from industry peak bodies, Federal/State/Territory and local governments, businesses, education providers, major supply chain companies, regional economic development bodies and others.

The 14 recommendations discussed herein are focused around eight themes. These are :

Vision and priorities for agriculture and supply chains

Enabling investment for Northern Australia supply chains

Infrastructure development

Supply chain collaboration and coordination

Looking to Asia and the Pacific

Workforce considerations

COVID-19

Data and research

Supply chains are fundamental to improving the competitiveness, prosperity, productivity and sustainability of northern Australia. This project aimed to renew and reframe the approach to agricultural supply chains in northern Australia by developing alternative models of supply chain management that are efficient, effective, smart and agile. It identified key policy and budgetary directions to support effective supply chains across the region and explored potential partnerships for collaborative planning and implementation of supply chain initiatives. The project also contributed to advancing supply chain thinking and analysis. A comprehensive report was produced, providing an overview of supply chain issues in northern Australia and outlining strategies to reframe options for effective market access and economic development. The report included : Support for informed decision-making regarding the future investments in infrastructure, technology and investment attraction. Guidance for reframing supply chain implementation to enhance domestic and export market growth and efficiency. Recommendations for government on renewed policy frameworks and budgetary initiatives to ensure effective supply chain management in northern Australia. Strategies to build and develop capacity and capability for supply chain research and management across sectors – including industry, government and researchers. Identification of future-focused research priorities to strengthen the evidence base and supply chain thinking and analysis by researchers. Recommendations for short-term and long-term on-ground actions relevant to industry, government and other stakeholders.