A prominent Agribusiness hub in the South West of Western Australia

For a decade in the South West, the region has collectively talked about the need for a nationally significant agribusiness precinct that would seek to relocate aged infrastructure, protect the provenance of Made in WA produce and see higher returns regionally as the distance and touch points required, to move produce from paddock to port or plate, are reduced or removed.

What started as an investigation by the Shire of Capel into moving the Boyanup Saleyards to a more suitable site quickly grew in scope, as further opportunity, proffered through investigations into a systems-based approach, emerged. This approach, anchored in circularity,would seek to connect and capitalise on the considerable investment in the region by State and neighbouring Local Governments and decarbonise through implementing circular economies of scale.

There are significant regional developments being established in the South West, with funding committed and infrastructure being built. These investments create an opportunity to speak to, or service, each other as a connected system for the benefit of the whole region.

The Shire has engaged Circular Ecosystems, a decision intelligence firm, to build a case for how a South West Agribusiness (SWAg) Precinct, located in the heart of the South West here in Capel, could create a regional corridor and connect the various sites, already committed and funded, together, unlocking a corridor that would capitalise on what we calculate to be roughly $300 million in capital.

Capel is the node that remains open and uncommitted, providing a precinct that can be shaped through a process of co-design and service the entire corridor. But this window won’t remain open for long.

The South West Development Commission (SWDC) and Regional Development Australia (RDA) South West are briefed and in support of the SWAg Precinct concept.

Due to the level of interest from industry, the Shire is hosting two Round table events, one in Perth and one in Capel, to bring decision-makers and stakeholders into the same room. Details of the round table sessions will be announced soon.

‍WHY CAPEL?

Capel sits in the heart of the South West region, perfectly central and positioned within 25 kilometres of the Port of Bunbury and the public investment commitment from the State Government as part of the Cook Government’s Seven Cities strategy.

Rail, air and road transportation modes are accessible via neighbouring Collie, Busselton and the recently completed Wilman Wadandi Highway meaning provenance is protected, and associated premiums maintained, for producers. The supply chain is shortened in distance but expanded in terms of opportunity as international markets are secured and local consumers are quickly and efficiently supplied.

A suitable parcel of land has been identified, and further information about the project will be provided to any prospective anchor tenants or investors engaged in more advanced conversations with the Shire.

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WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE?

Anchored by the relocation of the Boyanup saleyards, with the addition of a multi-species abattoir, the rest is open to investigation and innovation.

Horticulture, grains, dairy, cold chain/ storage, research, energy – the envelope is not yet set and so a sequenced,systems approach allows the South West to co-design a precinct that recover sits own water, generates part of its own energy and treats already committed public investment elsewhere in the region as one connected system.

This is a strategy and direction backed by research and investigation already catalysed by the Shire of Capel. It is not a final or pre-committed plan. Modelling has been done; but there is far more to learn and hypotheses are welcomed.

KEEN TO HEAR MORE?

Interest is currently being sought from investors or tenants interested in learning more about the SWAg Precinct.

The Shire is seeking to start conversations with interested parties who have the same vision. Interested parties are invited to contact Jenelle Dunn, Strategic Advisor Economic Development via agribusiness@capel.wa.gov.au.