Sydney’s Agricultural Legacy: A Wasted Resource?

By Joshua Zeunert, UNSW Sydney and Alys Daroy, Murdoch University

For much of its history, Sydney was self-sufficient in food production, with various agricultural pursuits dotting its landscape. However, this legacy has diminished significantly over the years.

A Broken Promise

Back in 1951, New South Wales’ then-premier Joseph Cahill promised to preserve Sydney’s rural areas for food production and soil conservation. Despite his intentions, urban development quickly overtook farmlands, leading to a drastic decline in local food production capabilities.

Current Landscape

Today, Sydney’s reliance on food transported from external sources has left it vulnerable to climate risks and global supply chain issues. The city’s five million residents depend heavily on food imported from distant agricultural centers.

Reviving the Past?

In our upcoming book, Sydney’s Food Landscapes, we explore the rich agricultural diversity that once thrived in the metropolitan area. Our Google Maps database chronicles former thriving production sites throughout Sydney.

Botany: The Origin of Urban Agriculture

The narrative begins in Botany, where early settlers encountered challenging soil conditions. Though initially struggling, the mid-19th century saw a transformation as Chinese market gardeners successfully turned wetlands into fertile ground.

Hawkesbury: The Heart of Farming

The Hawkesbury region played a crucial role in supporting Sydney’s food supply, being known as the “granary of the colony.” Unfortunately, post-World War II suburbanization left little room for agricultural practices, repurposing those fertile lands for housing developments.

Lost Landscapes and Legacy

From historic farms to modern industrial parks, the shift away from agriculture reflects a wider trend of prioritizing real estate development over food production. For instance, many former orchards have now been replaced with residential areas.

Learning from Global Models

Comparatively, places like England and Oregon have employed policies to protect farmland from urban encroachment. These measures offer a lesson on the importance of safeguarding productive landscapes from relentless development.

The Path Forward

To move towards a more sustainable food future, Sydney must recommit to protecting its farmland. Food production should be seen as vital infrastructure, akin to parks and water systems. While many farms have been lost, large areas in Western Sydney still have the potential for agricultural revival.

Conclusion

Although Sydney’s agricultural landscape has suffered greatly, it’s not beyond redemption. The past offers lessons that can guide local policies to foster a more resilient and sustainable food system for future generations.

Joshua Zeunert, Scientia Associate Professor in Environmental Design, UNSW Sydney and Alys Daroy, Lecturer in English and Theatre, Murdoch University