Food Hubs Geraldton and Carnarvon have been identified as prospective locations for Food Hubs with the potential to assist artisan food and beverage producers. The artisan food and beverage segment rely on achieving economies of scale and shared direct marketing strategies and resources to compete with larger producers. This enables a greater diversity of quality, value-added products to be competitively developed, distributed and produced. Common user food production facilities achieve this outcome through reducing the cost per producer for expensive equipment such as kitchens, drying facilities, bottling, packaging, storage and distribution. These facilities can be privately, cooperatively, or publicly funded or a combination of public seed funding and other matching investments. The business model is focussed on developing the right mix of infrastructure for regional food producers and leasing it on a user pays basis. They are typically established by producers that come together to develop a cooperative model of sharing or purchasing costs and equipment, offering a ready vehicle for government to support by providing funding and policy support where the investment market is not already responding. Advocating on behalf of food producers across the region include the Mid West Food Industries Alliance and the Gascoyne Food Council.
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Resources Department of Primary industry and Regional Development - Business Development Manager www.waopenforbusiness.wa.gov.au Department of Primary Industries - Food Industry Innovation +61 (0)8 9881 0221 foodindustryinnovation@agric.wa.gov.au Mid West Food and Beverage Capability Guide – www.progressmidwest.com.au/taste
Mid West Food Industries Alliance – www.midwestwafood.com.au Gascoyne Food Council – www.gascoynefood.com.au/food-council
Emerging Industries and Advanced Manufacturing
Astro and Geo Tourism
Geoparks The massive geological forces of colliding continents, long-gone oceans and destructive meteorites are writ large upon the land for us to find. Here we can learn about Jack Hills and the oldest terrestrial material ever found, or marvel at any number of spectacular rock formations including Walga Rock, Mount Yagahong and London Bridge. 63 The Murchison Geo-region is Australia’s first major geotourism development. This geological region includes significant abiotic, biotic and cultural features which visitors can visit to develop a deeper understanding of, and connection with, the land. The region is currently in the process of seeking UNESCO geo-park accreditation, the global standard for the industry. There are significant opportunities for industry to work with local government to establish a thriving new tourism sector.
https://australiangeoparksnetwork.org/australia/wa/
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