Growers would lease sections, be required to adopt high-tech methods, and would have shared access to facilities such as electricity co-generation and a co-operative packhouse and could market high quality produce under a single brand such as “Sydney Fresh”.

Such a development could produce conservatively $120 million of hydroponic tomatoes alone each year, employ about 1600 people and contribute $54m to $80m to the local economy.

Dr Stephen Goodwin, now a consultant in integrated pest management, outlined his plan to the recent 10th biennial conference of the Australian hydroponic and greenhouse industry at the Sydney Showground.

He said the project would need NSW and federal government financial support in such areas as a feasibility study and infrastructure.

So far he’s playing a lone hand, but said the NSW Department of Planning was interested and there were several potential sites, both privately and publicly owned.

For more coverage see this week's The Land.