Challenge The Liverpool region of Western Sydney has the potential to become a hub for the future food industry. However, there was a need to establish an initial evidence database and foster stakeholder communication to drive the development of an advanced food industry in the area. Identifying key food industry assets, stakeholders, and opportunities is crucial to inform strategic planning and scenario development.
Solution The Western Sydney agrifood mapping and analytics project conducted a comprehensive mapping of farms, food factories, and food retailers in the Liverpool region. It established a database that includes owners, operators, production data, and other key attributes of the local food industry. A consultative planning framework and methodology was employed to engage with stakeholders, presenting the evidence, discovering needs and facilitating discussions to envision future food industry scenarios for the region. This collaborative approach ensured that stakeholder insights were collected and integrated into planning processes and contributed to aligning future development goals.
Impact The Western Sydney agrifood mapping and analytics project established a foundational database and developed communication tools to support the strategic planning and development of a future food industry in the Liverpool region. By mapping key assets and engaging stakeholders, the project has laid the groundwork for informed decision-making, enabling stakeholders to identify opportunities and align their initiatives towards the sustainable growth of the local food industry.