Industry growth has the potential to create environmental risks for the Peel Harvey Estuary if it is not "well planned and managed," according to a Peel Harvey Catchment Council report.
The region currently grows more than $350 million of produce across 140,000 hectares and according to the report it will significantly increase over the next 20 years.
The report stated researchers and government groups predicted the growth had the potential to create environmental risks if it was not well planned and managed.
Peel Harvey Catchment Council chief executive officer Jane O’Malley said the fragility of the estuary’s health had collided with the nutrient management risk that traditional farming and development methods pose on many of the catchment’s soils.
“Unfortunately much of the catchment to the estuary is flat, sandy, wet, cleared and drained which means all new development needs to work hard to meet water quality protection standards,” Ms O’Malley said.
She said growing vegetables directly in poor deep sands could lead to excess fertiliser being leached into groundwater and local waterways.
“This results in algal blooms and fish deaths and is contrary to government policy,” Ms O’Malley said.
“In contrast, well managed closed loop systems of production such as closed hydroponic systems greatly reduce the risk of fertilisers being leached or washed into waterways and groundwater.
“It is believed these types of sustainable agriculture and food innovation will become the norm as growers and consumers seek more sustainable fresh food options.”
Ms O’Malley said urban expansion was rapidly reducing food production sites in the greater Perth area, the Peel region’s available water supplies, proximity to metropolitan outlets, and strong transport nodes.
“This means that Peel is well placed to attract new growers and investors,” she said.
A technical working group for sustainable agriculture in the Peel has been established to streamline decision making around new proposals for vegetable farms and other horticultural enterprises.
The group hopes to ensure they can meet water quality protection standards.
Ms O’Malley who is joint chair of the group said it is a collaborative effort of state and local government agencies and the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council.
“It was focused on the two aims of supporting a future for the horticulture sector in the Peel, and protecting the Peel-Harvey Estuary,” Ms O’Malley said.
“Not only is it important for us to work with industry growers, we also have an obligation to build an engaged community that want to learn and support local sustainable food production.
For more information go to peel-harvey.org.au
