A new food advisory group to help shape sustainability in the region has welcomed expressions of interest from community members in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.
Passionate locals as well as food and agriculture industry experts are invited to apply to be a part of the new Food Security and Peri-Urban Agriculture Advisory Group.
Members of the group will work together to present advice and ideas to the council opm how to better support farmers to improve access to fresh food and future-proof a sustainable shire.
Shire president Rob Coales said the group will need members with either an interest or experience in farming, land use, water access, food systems or community health.
“We’re incredibly proud of our strong agricultural heritage here in the Shire, and we know how important it is to protect and grow that legacy,” he said.
“This Advisory Group will give community members a real voice in how we plan for food security and support local farming as our region continues to grow.
“Whether you’re a producer, a local business owner, or someone with a keen interest in sustainable food systems, we’d love you to register to be part of this important new advisory group.
“Our goal is to ensure future planning reflects local knowledge and supports a strong, healthy and sustainable food system for generations to come.”
The group will lead decision making with evidence-based research and aid the council on key issues surrounding land usage and planning, water and food security, economic diversification, supply chain resilience, and overall community wellbeing.
The shire has formed the group after it was recognised as the fastest growing local government in WA.
Group registrations have opened until 5pm July 9 at www.yoursay.sjshire.wa.gov.au where 12 members will be selected for the group.
In addition to the shire’s own food security advisory group, WA farmers can look to a new digital platform to help plan for water infrastructure and security.
The Water Evaluation Program (WEP) has a range of dam infrastructure strategies an individual can choose from based on their local climate, budget and water needs.
The free program was delivered through the Grower Group Alliance in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, WA grower groups and farmers, and University of WA’s (UWA) Centre for Water and Spatial Sciences.
UWA Centre technical lead Nik Callow said WEP will help farmers assess their water security and understand more about the benefits of effective dam infrastructure.
“The WEP puts powerful modelling tools in the hands of growers and advisors to support evidence-based dam infrastructure planning and boost their dam’s performance,” he said.
“It offers an expanded selection of surface catchment options that have been tested against real data and helps users choose the best strategy based on their climate, budget, and water needs.”
