A new report from CSIRO places manufacturing at the centre of a coordinated regional strategy aimed at strengthening Australia’s food security, as South East Queensland faces mounting pressure from climate volatility, population growth and supply chain disruptions.
The South East Queensland (SEQ) Food System Strategy, developed by CSIRO in partnership with the Council of Mayors South East Queensland and regional stakeholders, outlines a region-wide plan to integrate food production, manufacturing, processing and distribution systems ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Lead author and CSIRO scientist Cathy Robinson said the strategy marked a shift away from fragmented planning toward a more coordinated approach across the entire food system, including manufacturing and supply chain operations.
“Achieving sustainable resilient food goals can’t be achieved with a piecemeal approach,” Robinson said. “If Australia is to achieve reliable, affordable and sustainable food in the decades ahead, we need systems thinking where production, processing, transport, consumption and waste are planned together, not in isolation.”
Robinson described South East Queensland as a “critical showcase,” noting the region’s population is projected to exceed six million by 2046, placing increasing strain on land, infrastructure and supply chains.
“Feeding a growing region – and ensuring success for world events like the 2032 Games – won’t happen by accident,” she said. “It requires deliberate collaboration across the whole food system, from farmers and manufacturers to retailers, councils and consumers.”
The strategy covers 11 local government areas, including Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley and the Sunshine Coast, and is positioned as a model that could be replicated in other regions where food is produced or manufactured.
Robinson said major events such as the 2032 Games would create temporary surges in demand, requiring careful planning, diversified markets and scaled-up local production and manufacturing capacity.
Co-author Peggy Schrobback said the strategy extends beyond economic considerations, highlighting the broader role of the food system.
“The food system supports jobs, community wellbeing, cultural identity and people’s access to healthy, nutritious food,” Schrobback said. “Even the most productive regions are vulnerable if supply chains falter or planning is misaligned.”
Chair of the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Adrian Schrinner said local food and agriculture industries were under increasing pressure, but also presented an opportunity ahead of Brisbane 2032.
“When people in South East Queensland can easily get fresh food, they’re not just eating well, they’re enjoying the health, jobs and economic benefits that come with it,” Schrinner said. “We have an incredible opportunity to serve up the best of South East Queensland to the world, but planning needs to start now to make it happen.”
He added that collaboration between government and industry would be essential. “We can’t solve these challenges alone, so strong partnerships with other levels of government and industry are critical to make sure our food system is ready for the future.”
The strategy identifies three priority areas for immediate action: strengthening SEQ as a resilient “food bowl,” supporting population growth and major events while reinforcing supply chains and manufacturing capability, and building a globally competitive food innovation system through research, data integration and circular solutions.
Further details are available in the full report.
