In what’s believed to be a first for Western Australia, the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale has established a Food Security and Peri-Urban Agriculture Advisory Group.
The advisory group’s establishment reflects the Shire’s position as the fastest growing local government area in WA, where a strong agricultural heritage and rapid growth present unique opportunities to plan for a resilient and sustainable future.
“The establishment of a Peri-Urban Agriculture Advisory Group is great news for Shire residents,” said Shire President, Rob Coales.
“We’re proud of our status as the fastest growing local government area in WA, but it comes with challenges.
“Our community’s connection to the land runs deep, and as we continue to grow, it’s vital that we protect our residents’ ability to produce and access fresh, local food.
“Establishing this advisory group is about planning for a resilient future, one that balances growth with sustainability and ensures we keep our agricultural roots strong for generations to come.”
The Council says the group will strengthen the Shire community’s access to fresh, locally produced food, using evidence-based decision-making to collaborate with community and industry representatives on initiatives that support and sustain local food production.
It will provide strategic insights to the Shire Council, to help shape policy, planning and advocacy efforts, addressing the challenges and opportunities of local food production, peri-urban agriculture and rapid growth.
Primary objectives of the group include:
Improved access to fresh, nutritious, and locally produced food;
Protection and sustainable use of peri-urban agricultural land;
Support for emerging and existing local food producers;
Increased community awareness and participation in local food initiatives;
Integrated planning and policy development;
Identification of barriers and opportunities related to supply chain resilience.
The Peri-Urban Agriculture Advisory Group is chaired by Alyssa Miller-McWha, of The Natural Circle, a family-owned and run regenerative farm based in Jarrahdale.
“This advisory group represents a shared commitment to protecting our ability to grow, access and enjoy fresh, nutrient-dense, locally produced food,” said Ms Miller-McWha (pictured, above, centre).
“Our region’s strength lies in the people who grow and share that food, and by bringing together voices from across the community, we can ensure those values are embedded in how we plan for the future.
“Food security isn’t just about supply, it’s about the whole food cycle: resilience, connection and the health of our region. Protecting our food systems protects our way of life, and that begins with genuinely supporting our peri-urban farms and producers, now and for generations to come.
“Food security is essential! It matters to every household, every grower, and to the health of our entire community. What makes our region unique is the way we work together, from our farmers to our planners, to protect the land that feeds us and plan for a resilient local food future.”
For the full list of members of the group, head to the Shire website:
https://www.sjshire.wa.gov.au/council/about-council/advisory-and-working-groups/peri-urban-
agriculture-advisory-group.aspx.
