( 13 ) “ How might bayside facilitate the conditions for innovation in the urban agriculture sector : a collaborative study between UTS , RDA Sydney and Bayside Council , 2020 .
Investment Council have been calling on Australian governments for years to invest more to improve Australia ’ s poor commercialisation record . ( 14 )
If Australia is to leverage its prized position as a producer of highly valued clean and green produce , and retain its social licence to operate food production systems , it should start to invest in CAE and kickstart our journey towards a truly circular economy .
And whilst there is no suggestion that CAE will ever replace traditional farming in Australia there is no reason why it can ’ t be part of the mix .
CONCLUSION According to NSW Circular , a government funded body that seeks to “ restore our economy and remove waste from our systems ”, the circular economy could add $ 210 Billion to Australia ’ s GDP and create 17,000 new jobs by 2030 from the creation of circular solutions . ( 15 )
In the foreseeable future the Commonwealth , state and local governments will be spending to stimulate the economy and we hope embrace circular solutions . It is the perfect time to invest in new clean industries including CAE . We must leverage this momentum . The time to act is now .
If Australia is to leverage its prized position as a producer of highly valued clean and green produce , and retain its social licence to operate food production systems , it should start to invest in CAE and kickstart our journey towards a truly circular economy .
OTHER RESOURCES
The websites of companies referenced in this article .
Changing our food production systems , reducing food waste by adopting new technologies and smart manufacturing processes will contribute to circular solutions . By just how much , it ’ s unknown and may depend on de-risking investment opportunities and creating conditions conducive for better collaborations between industry , the R & D sector and government .
What we do know is that Advanced Manufacturing and Agribusiness are two key industries the Federal Government has identified as critical to the economy ’ s recovery . Both sectors are attracting investment , driving innovation and delivering economic , social and environmental benefits .
REFERENCES
( 5 ) See other resources
( 7 ) “ Report on potential urban agricultural opportunities in Bayside LGA : a UNSW student research project ”, 2019 , RDA Sydney , Bayside Council .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Julie McAlpin B . Sc , Dip . Lib . IM & MBT - Project Manager RDA Sydney .
As a senior executive working with industry peak bodies since 1996 and the Higher Education Sector since 2007 my areas of expertise include organisational leadership , stakeholder engagement , partnerships , relationship management , communications , research and change management .
I have worked with NFPs , SMEs and corporates across numerous industries including , R & D , Education and Training , ( dual sector experience ), Primary Industries , Retail , Risk Management and Government ( local , state and federal ).
A keen advocate for my local community ( 10 + years ) I am the convenor of the Charing Cross Precinct in Waverley , Sydney .
VOL 13 NO 2 2020 20 www . edaustralia . com . au