Food, Farming and Growth: The Future of Food Security in Serpentine Jarrahdale

As Serpentine Jarrahdale grows, how do we ensure that local people can access healthy, affordable food - while protecting the farmland and local producers that help feed our communities? Serpentine Jarrahdale is one of Western Australia’s fastest-growing communities. Its population is forecast to increase from around 38,000 today to almost 95,000 by 2046. That growth brings major opportunities, but also difficult choices. New housing, commercial development and infrastructure are placing increasing pressure on the Shire’s rural and peri-urban land. At the same time, farmers face rising production costs, climate pressures and concentrated markets, while households are contending with high food, housing and transport costs. There is also an important question about the food environment being created for new communities. The Shire’s Public Health Plan reports that 27% of local residents frequently eat from fast-food outlets - higher than the WA average - while fewer than 8% eat the recommended daily serves of vegetables. As development accelerates and further fast-food outlets are proposed, decisions being made now will shape the health and food choices of the community for decades. The Serpentine Jarrahdale Food Security Panel will bring together local farmers, residents, community organisations and food-system experts to discuss: • how population growth and development are affecting local agricultural land and food production; • food affordability, access and household food security; • the rapid growth of fast-food and other retail food outlets; • opportunities to strengthen local food businesses, short supply chains and community food initiatives; and • what local, State and Federal governments can do to build a healthier, fairer and more resilient local food system. The event follows the WA Food Policy Forum, being held in Perth on 30 November, and provides an opportunity to bring the statewide conversation directly into one of WA’s fastest-changing food-producing communities. The panel will be facilitated by Dr Nick Rose, co-founder and Executive Director of Sustain: The Australian Food Network. Come along to share your experience, hear from others and help shape a positive food future for Serpentine Jarrahdale.