Growing the Wheatbelt region into an economic powerhouse will involve expanding current agricultural opportunities and investing in diverse industries such as alternative energy and manufacturing, according to the Wheatbelt Regional Investment Blueprint released today.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman today launched the blueprint - the first of the State Government's Regional Investment Blueprints - and said it identified growth and development opportunities for future investment to build on the region's and the State's economy.
Mr Redman said the Wheatbelt already had a strong economy valued in excess of $4 billion and opportunities existed to further diversify the region's wealth.
"The Wheatbelt is ideally positioned to expand its agriculture in the areas of broadacre, horticulture and livestock production and increasing supply chain value through food processing activities," he said.
"There has been a significant increase in the region's mining industry that has played a major role in diversifying the economy and services to both these industry sectors continue to grow.
"Beyond this primary industry base, there is a considerable opportunity for the Wheatbelt - because of its proximity to Perth and global markets - to grow transport and logistics, aged care and tourism services.
"This Royalties for Regions initiative will help the Wheatbelt realise their full potential through future investment from State and private investors adding value to the region and its economy."
The vision laid out in the Wheatbelt blueprint is the result of months of consultation between more than 200 stakeholders, including State Government agencies, local government, the private sector and the community.
Each of the nine regional development commissions across the State has been tasked with putting together a Regional Investment Blueprint based on their development aspirations and forecast population growth.
The Regional Investment Blueprint initiative is supported by $362 million of Royalties for Regions funding. For more information on the Wheatbelt Regional Investment Blueprint, visit http://www.wheatbelt.wa.gov.au
Minister's office - 6552 6700
