A proposed agri-innovation precinct in the Peel region is one step closer to starting works with an overseas investor signing crucial documents to support the development.
The significant Memorandum of Understanding signed between the McGowan Government, Fund Singapore, Murdoch University and the Peel Development Commission has brought the project a step forward.
The MoU is a sign of overseas investor interest in the Peel, which will help create new industries and job opportunities in the region.
Deeper co-operation between the State Government, potential Singaporean investors and the academic sector will help to drive commercial agriculture opportunities in the Peel region and research and technology trials in intensive food and agriculture production, processing and value-add.
Murdoch University’s Singapore Centre for Research, Innovation, Productivity and Technology will lead and manage industry outreach and investment attraction to the precinct on behalf of Fund Singapore.
An agri-innovation precinct forms part of the broader Transform Peel project, which includes the Peel Food Zone, Peel Business Park and Peel Integrated Water Initiative, designed to drive job creation and economic diversification in the Peel region.
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said ongoing support would benefit locals and overseas investors.
“We recognise that co-operation in agtech development, intensive food production and innovative start-up enterprises between Singapore and WA will contribute to the Peel and WA’s economic competitiveness and adoption of innovation, as well as supporting Singapore’s food security," she said.
“Closer ties with our Singaporean neighbours and the university sector will help to encourage investment into the Peel Business Park and Peel region.
“The Peel has real natural advantages in food production and, through the Transform Peel project, we are confident we will see more diverse industries and more job opportunities in the region.”
Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke also highlighted potential gain from the latest step in the Peel Precinct project.
“This Memorandum of Understanding is an important step forward in the Transform Peel project, which will bring a significant number of job opportunities to the region," she said.
“The region is perfectly positioned to become the State’s centre of agri-innovation, and it’s great to see investor interest in the project already occurring.”
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