On 4 May, CRC stakeholders met at the soon-to-be-completed Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia (the Precinct) in the Shire of Murray to sign lease agreements for core facilities within the precinct.
The CRC has approved an $11.5 million project with the West Australian Government and Murdoch University to create a Food Technology Facility as part of the precinct.
The Food Innovation Precinct is led by the Shire of Murray with funding support provided by federal and state governments. Located at the Peel Business Park in Nambeelup, the precinct features a research and development facility, innovation centre, and production food technology facility and production brewery.
The precinct will become an ecosystem of small-to-medium enterprises, research and development institutions, wider industry players including international agri-innovation firms, and government entities providing local and global entrepreneurs, food companies, and agri-enterprises an environment in which to research, develop and commercialise new value-added food products.
Future Food Systems CRC chair Fiona Simson said the precinct could play a central role in growing the value of Western Australia’s food industry.
“Future Food Systems CRC will work with its Western Australian partners to deliver commercial research services within the precinct,” Simson said. “This initiative is a great example of the innovative thinking and joint government investment needed across Australia to boost regional economies,” said Simson.
Shire of Murray president councillor David Bolt said there was nothing quite like the project in Australia.
“It’s a regional hub for food and agri-tech businesses, a mentoring and networking centre, and a food production site with common-use facilities. There are development and research grants available, business mentoring and development opportunities, and it’s all come from a local government shire that’s punching well above its weight and delivering value for its ratepayers,” Bolt said.
