Research Synthesis: Developing and de-risking supply chains for northern Australia

Author CRCNA and research partners
Publish date 25 July 2026
Type Report
ISBN 978-1-922437-60-0
Documents
CRCNA Research Synthesis - Supply Chains_2025

Supply chain development

Summary

Developing and de-risking supply chains for northern Australia: Research findings and future directions

This Research Synthesis Report brings together findings from CRCNA-funded research focused on understanding, strengthening and de-risking supply chains across northern Australia. Drawing on project reports, impact evaluations and supporting research, it examines the infrastructure, market, regulatory, technology and capability challenges affecting the movement of northern Australian products to domestic and international markets.

The report highlights opportunities to build more integrated, resilient and sustainable supply chains through better evidence and planning, targeted infrastructure investment, innovative technologies, stronger regional and cross-sector collaboration and improved access to high-value export markets. It consolidates findings from CRCNA research spanning agricultural supply chains, smart supply chain technologies, ASEAN market opportunities, export development and broader policy and investment planning.

One of 12 CRCNA Research Synthesis Reports, the publication captures the collective findings and impacts of the CRCNA’s research portfolio and identifies 15 recommendations arising from this body of work. The report has been endorsed by the Northern Regional Development Australia (RDA) Alliance.

Projects

Central Queensland regional agricultural supply chain baseline study

This project established a baseline understanding of Central Queensland’s agricultural supply chains to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, investment and industry growth. By examining how agricultural products move from farm to market, the study assessed the strengths, constraints and future requirements of the region’s transport, logistics, processing and export systems. The research analysed key agricultural industries across Central Queensland, mapping supply chain networks and identifying critical infrastructure, freight pathways and market connections. It considered the region’s capacity to support increased agricultural production and the role that supply chain improvements could play in enhancing competitiveness and attracting new investment. A key focus of the project was understanding the challenges faced by producers and agribusinesses, including transport costs, infrastructure gaps, processing capacity, labour availability and access to domestic and international markets. The study highlighted opportunities to strengthen coordination across supply chains and improve the movement of agricultural products throughout the region and beyond. The project provides industry, government and investors with a clearer picture of Central Queensland’s agricultural supply chain capabilities and future development needs. Its findings help inform strategic planning and investment decisions aimed at supporting regional economic growth, increasing market access and enabling the sustainable expansion of agricultural industries across Central Queensland. This baseline study contributes to broader efforts to strengthen northern Australia’s agricultural competitiveness by ensuring supply chain infrastructure and services can support future industry development and export growth.

An evaluation of Northern Territory Agriculture supply chains and export opportunities

This project evaluated the strengths, constraints and growth opportunities across key Northern Territory agricultural supply chains, with a focus on increasing production, improving market access and expanding export opportunities. Recognising the Territory’s strategic location near Asian markets, the project examined how industry, government and investors could work together to unlock greater value from the region’s agricultural sector. The research assessed a range of existing and emerging agricultural industries, analysing supply chain performance from production through to processing, transport and export. It identified opportunities to strengthen competitiveness, improve efficiency and address barriers that limit industry growth, including infrastructure gaps, workforce challenges, logistics costs and market access constraints. A key focus of the project was understanding export opportunities for Northern Territory producers, particularly in rapidly growing Asian markets. The study examined market demand, trade pathways and competitive advantages that could support increased exports of high-value agricultural products. It also explored the investments and policy settings required to support industry expansion and attract private sector investment. The project delivered evidence-based recommendations to improve supply chain resilience, strengthen connections between producers and markets and support future agricultural development across the Territory. By identifying priority actions and investment opportunities, the research provides a foundation for growing Northern Australia’s agricultural exports and enhancing the long-term competitiveness of Northern Territory agribusiness. The findings have helped inform strategic planning and investment decisions, contributing to a clearer understanding of how Northern Territory agriculture can capitalise on its proximity to international markets and play a larger role in Northern Australia’s economic development.

Mackay Isaac Whitsunday regional agricultural supply chain baseline study

The Mackay Isaac Whitsunday (MIW) Regional Agricultural Supply Chain Baseline Study built on the earlier Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Agribusiness Export Supply Chain Mapping Study (A.1.1819039), providing a more detailed assessment of the region’s agricultural industries, supply chains, export opportunities and infrastructure requirements. While the earlier project focused on mapping export freight movements and identifying broad supply chain constraints, this project expanded the analysis to examine market opportunities, commodity profitability, higher-value production options and pathways to new domestic and international markets. The study developed a comprehensive baseline of the MIW agricultural sector, valued at approximately $1.36 billion in annual production, and analysed key industries including livestock, sugarcane, horticulture, broadacre cropping and seafood. It assessed existing supply chains, identified barriers to growth and evaluated opportunities to increase regional value-adding, improve logistics efficiency and strengthen export competitiveness. The project highlighted significant opportunities for industry expansion through new irrigation developments, aquaculture, rotational cropping systems, feedlot development and greater local processing. It also identified priority infrastructure investments, including improved freight and containerisation facilities, enhanced road and rail connections and expanded water infrastructure to support future agricultural growth. The findings have provided government, industry and regional development organisations with an evidence-based roadmap for agricultural investment and export development across the MIW region. Together with the earlier export supply chain mapping project, the study has strengthened regional planning and investment decision-making, helping position the region to grow agricultural production, access new markets and capture greater value from its agricultural supply chains.

Leading CRCNA’s De-risking and supply chain investment and impact

Northern Australia’s future economic growth depends on efficient, resilient and well-connected supply chains that can support agriculture, resources, tourism and regional development. While the region is strategically positioned to expand trade with Asia-Pacific markets, supply chains remain fragmented, infrastructure gaps persist and access to integrated data for investment decision-making is limited. This project explored how improved supply chain modelling, integrated data systems and collaborative planning could support more effective investment and development across northern Australia. The research examined supply chain challenges affecting industries and regions throughout the north, identifying barriers including transport and logistics constraints, limited storage and processing infrastructure, workforce shortages, digital connectivity issues, high operating costs and fragmented governance arrangements. A key outcome of the project was the development of a framework for integrated supply and value chain modelling. The study highlighted the need for better collection, sharing and analysis of supply chain data to support evidence-based decisions around infrastructure investment, export opportunities, workforce planning, regional development and industry growth. It proposed a collaborative approach involving governments, industry, researchers and infrastructure providers to develop long-term modelling capability across northern Australia. The project also emphasised the importance of strengthening supply chain resilience in response to disruptions such as natural disasters, market volatility and the impacts of COVID-19. By improving understanding of freight networks, investment priorities and emerging market opportunities, the research sought to support more coordinated development pathways and reduce barriers to investment across the north. The findings provide a foundation for future collaboration between governments, industry and research organisations to improve supply chain performance, enhance regional connectivity and support sustainable economic development. Through better data, stronger partnerships and more sophisticated modelling tools, the project contributes to building a more competitive, resilient and investment-ready northern Australia.

Growth of agricultural exports from FNQ through enhanced supply chains

This project examined how Far North Queensland (FNQ) could significantly increase agricultural exports by strengthening regional supply chains and improving access to international markets. Building on the region’s strong agricultural production base, the study focused on identifying opportunities to expand high-value food exports through more efficient freight, logistics and export infrastructure. The research found that FNQ has substantial untapped export potential, particularly in Asian markets including China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia. Analysis identified approximately $800 million in export opportunities across priority product categories including seafood, horticulture, tree crops, beef and vegetables, supported by growing demand for premium Australian food products. A key focus of the project was understanding why significant volumes of Queensland-grown agricultural products were being exported through ports and airports outside Queensland rather than directly from FNQ. The study identified opportunities to improve export efficiency, reduce freight costs and strengthen regional supply chains by increasing the use of Cairns as an export gateway. The project developed a roadmap to support the region’s “Export 2030” vision, including recommendations to secure additional air freight capacity, improve export readiness among producers, strengthen industry collaboration and support investment in enabling infrastructure such as the proposed Regional Trade Distribution Centre at Cairns Airport. By identifying practical actions to improve supply chain coordination and export capability, the project provided a pathway for FNQ producers, exporters and industry stakeholders to capture greater value from international markets, support regional economic growth and position Far North Queensland as a leading exporter of premium agricultural products to Asia.

Sustainable export supply chains for Calypso mango to China

Sustainable export supply chains for Calypso® mango to China explored how northern Australia’s mango industry could reliably access premium export markets by improving fruit quality across the supply chain. Using Calypso® mangoes as a commercial case study, the project worked with growers, exporters and researchers to identify the causes of quality losses from orchard through to Chinese retail markets. Real-time monitoring revealed that long transit times, inadequate cooling and inconsistent harvest maturity were compromising export performance, while targeted research identified practical solutions to reduce internal fruit disorders. Improvements to logistics, handling protocols and orchard management significantly reduced fruit losses and increased export readiness. The project also drove direct investment in improved cooling infrastructure and built new technical capability across the industry. While focused on the China market, the findings provide valuable guidance for the broader Australian mango industry seeking to expand premium horticultural exports into Asia. Online publications: Susceptibility of vapour heat-treated “B74” mango fruit to internal disorders and mineral nutrient composition: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304423825000640 Fruit sorting based on maturity reduces internal disorders in vapor heat-treated ‘B74’ mango: https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/10/12/1257 Impact of fruit maturity on internal disorders in vapor heat-treated mango Cv. ‘B74’: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/13/5472 Internal disorders of mango fruit and their management – physiology, biochemistry, and the role of mineral nutrients: https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/13/18/2596 Impact of factors contributing to internal disorders of mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit – A systematic literature review: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024ScHor.33113150U/abstract Fruit maturity and vapour heat treatment influence ‘flesh cavity with white patches’ disorder in ‘Calypso™’ mango: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370357283_Fruit_maturity_and_vapour_heat_treatment_influence_%27flesh_cavity_with_white_patches%27_disorder_in_%27Calypso%27_mango Mineral nutrition and internal defects in vapour heat treated mango fruit: https://era.dpi.qld.gov.au/id/eprint/9577/

Reframing smart supply chains in Northern Australia

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.

Smart supply chains

The Smart Supply Chains project developed and tested innovative technologies to improve food quality, traceability and transparency across northern Australia’s horticulture supply chains. Using the mango industry as a case study, researchers worked with industry partners to combine quality assessment sensors, smart logistics tracking and blockchain technology to create a secure, real-time system that tracked produce from paddock to retailer. The project demonstrated how digital technologies can provide objective measures of fruit quality, shelf life and handling conditions while improving the flow of information between growers, transport operators, retailers and consumers. The resulting platform increased traceability, reduced duplication of data collection and supported more efficient supply chain management. By helping producers meet growing consumer and retailer expectations around food safety, provenance and product integrity, the project strengthened the competitiveness of northern Australian produce. The technologies developed also have potential applications across other horticultural and food industries, creating opportunities for wider adoption and future export market growth.

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.

Capturing the ASEAN Agricultural opportunity for northern Australia

This project examined how northern Australia can strengthen its position as a trusted supplier of food, agricultural products and expertise to the rapidly growing ASEAN region. Delivered by AustCham ASEAN, the project identified high-value export and investment opportunities and developed practical strategies to help northern Australian businesses capture increasing demand for premium food and agricultural products across Southeast Asia. Building on previous CRCNA research, the project focused on opportunities for beef, avocados, macadamias, onshore aquaculture and soybeans, while also exploring additional commodities and emerging markets with strong growth potential. It assessed how northern Australia’s production capabilities align with changing consumer preferences, population growth and rising incomes across ASEAN countries. The research identified key barriers limiting growth, including infrastructure constraints, non-tariff trade barriers, regulatory requirements, workforce challenges and investment restrictions. Through engagement with industry and stakeholders across the ASEAN region, the project developed a detailed understanding of the actions required to overcome these challenges and improve market access. A major output of the project was a comprehensive report examining food sector trends across ASEAN, assessing opportunities for northern Australian producers and outlining a practical action plan to support industry growth. The report highlighted priority markets, identified potential roadblocks and provided recommendations for governments, industry and investors to create a more supportive business environment. By strengthening understanding of ASEAN market opportunities and the pathways needed to access them, the project helped position northern Australia to expand trade, attract investment and build stronger agri-food supply chain connections with one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.

North Queensland agricultural market and supply chain study

This project examined North Queensland’s agricultural production capacity, supply chains and export potential to identify pathways for industry growth and increased participation in international markets. The research responded to a recognised need for coordinated industry action to transform the region’s agricultural, infrastructure and export sectors and position North Queensland to meet growing global demand for high-quality food and fibre. The study assessed current production systems, market opportunities and supply chain capabilities across the region, while identifying barriers that constrain growth and export competitiveness. It included detailed market analysis and evaluations of production and supply chain opportunities, helping producers better understand future demand trends and the investments required to capture emerging market opportunities. A key outcome of the project was the identification of more than $3 billion in unmet global demand across ten major agricultural export destinations for five priority commodities: beef, avocados, macadamias, onshore aquaculture products and soybeans. The research also examined opportunities to improve market access, address policy and regulatory constraints and align regional development priorities with the strategic objectives of government agencies including DFAT, Austrade and Trade and Investment Queensland. The project highlighted the importance of a long-term regional investment strategy and greater collaboration across industries to support future growth. By providing a clearer understanding of market opportunities and supply chain requirements, the research established a foundation for coordinated investment and industry development across North Queensland. The findings demonstrated the significant economic potential of the region’s agricultural sector, with successful industry expansion projected to support the creation of approximately 2,000 new jobs while strengthening North Queensland’s role as a major contributor to Australia’s agricultural export growth.