Authors

GHD

Publication Date

6-2017

Publisher

GHD

City

Bunbury

Abstract

Transform Peel is a $49m Royalties for Regions funded program. This program is broadly regarded as transformational for the Peel region in terms of job creation, sustainable growth and economic development. The Peel Development Commission and its partners, intend to implement this program over 35 years where projections estimate that 35 000 jobs will be created generating an approximate $16.2b per annum economic output by 2050. Located in the Shires of Murray and Serpentine Jarrahdale, the program comprises three integrated, strategic elements: Peel Food Zone; Peel Business Park; Peel Integrated Water Initiative.

The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (now part of Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development) is the lead agency for planning the Peel Food Zone (PFZ) subproject. The proposed PFZ is approximately 42 000ha and includes land that is suitable and unsuitable for agricultural development. Land not suited for development included environmental assets (e.g. conservation category wetlands) and urban and rural residences.

This study investigated the feasibility of six land use scenarios that each has the potential to become established in the proposed PFZ. These were:

  • dryland pasture and grazing (non-irrigated)
  • soil-based irrigated horticulture (annual)
  • soil-based irrigated horticulture (perennial)
  • soil-based irrigated horticulture (covered)
  • non soil-based irrigated horticulture (protected horticulture)
  • closed loop livestock systems.

The suitability of each of these land use scenarios for the PFZ was determined using a range of data sets reflecting the environmental, social, infrastructure and physical values of the region. A multi-criteria assessment of these data generated a series of maps illustrating where in the PFZ each land use scenario was most suited.

The factors most influential in determining the areas within the PFZ most suited to each of the considered land use scenarios were urban and rural residential zonings, environmental assets, land capability and infrastructure.

Number of Pages

134

Keywords

Peel Region, Peel Food Zone, agrifood business, land use planning

Disciplines

Agricultural Science | Agriculture | Sustainability

Comments

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the lead agency for the Peel Food Zone subproject. The findings from this project are reported in 'Planning for the Peel Food Zone'.

Maps

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