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Horticulture precinct on the Gnangara Mound project

As part of the Gnangara Sustainability Strategy, the Department of Agriculture and Food WA is undertaking the following project:

The project

The horticulture industry in the Wanneroo region has traditionally provided a valuable source of fresh fruit and vegetables for the Perth market. It also makes a big contribution to the local economy.

Around 2 500 hectares of sandy soils are irrigated in the Wanneroo region, mostly for vegetables, with some areas of fruit (strawberries and avocados), plant nurseries and turf farms.

The East Wanneroo land-use and water management strategy identified agricultural land areas to be zoned for future non-agricultural development, including Urban, Urban Deferred, Industrial, and land reserved for regional roads.

It is expected that this non-agriculture zoned land will eventually be developed for other uses, which would leave groundwater available for the environment or for private and public lawns and gardens.

The objective of this project is to determine the strategic and economic advantages and disadvantages of an intensive horticultural precinct close to Perth. It would replace part or all of the East Wanneroo groundwater management area horticultural zone.

What will the project achieve?

This project makes up Stage 1 of a two-stage investigation. Stage 1 focuses on the strategic and economic advantages and disadvantages of an intensive horticultural precinct close to Perth and Stage 2, if required, will focus on optimal location, implementation, operational strategy and environmental approval.

For more information on these and other projects, please contact us at gss@water.wa.gov.au