Leading consulting firm KPMG and the New South Wales Farmers Association have found that there is high demand for a fresh food precinct in close proximity to the new Western Sydney Airport.

The ‘Think Big Think Fresh: A Fresh Food Precinct for Western Sydney Airport’ report said that a fresh food precinct could create 12,000 jobs and provide New South Wales farmers with access to lucrative Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

The fresh food precinct would be an area of land of up to 500 hectares in close proximity to the proposed Western Sydney Airport, set to open in 2026.

New South Wales Farmers Association Chief Executive Officer Matt Brand said a fresh food precinct would be a win-win for the city and the country.

“This will not only create a significant amount of manufacturing jobs for Western Sydney, but high skilled paid employment associated with cutting edge agricultural and food processing practices,” Brand said.

Western Sydney is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions

Western Sydney is one of the fastest growing urban populations in Australia.

Over two million Australians currently call Western Sydney home, with the population expected to reach three million by 2036.

The region of Western Sydney is equipped to support a fresh food precinct due to its food production capabilities and skills, according to the report.

Australian farmers and food processors could expand production for both domestic and new markets.

Technology at the heart of the new precinct

New technology would underpin the precinct, with the use of blockchain and robotics enhancing food safety and quality processes.

Blockchain provides a platform for food assurance, serving as an archive for data that demonstrates where, how and when food was produced, processed and distributed.

It improves the traceability and transparency of food.

KPMG Partner Robert Poole said the development of the Western Sydney Airport provides an opportunity for a food precinct to exploit lucrative overseas fresh food markets via air freight.

“The Precinct would provide primary producers with the opportunity to move up the value chain and access new lucrative overseas markets,” Poole said.

“NSW produce could be on Asian shelves in 36-48 hours and achieve significant price premiums for our producers,” Poole said.

The Sydney Business Chamber is behind the proposal, with Brand saying that local, state and federal government support and investment is essential.

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