New addition boosts employment at Avon Industrial Park

19/6/03
The Avon Industrial Park has entered a new stage of development with the addition of a specialised industrial landowner.
Wheatbelt Minister Kim Chance today welcomed another significant manufacturing business to the industrial estate, east of Northam.
Bushman Tanks is a nation-wide manufacturer of polyethylene water storage tanks and a diverse range of other polyethylene products from irrigation gates and abalone drains to small boats and children's swimming pools.
Stage one of the industrial park was officially opened only two years ago and agricultural chemicals manufacturer Binary Chemicals went into production in November 2001.
"Now that Bushman Tanks are established, the park is currently employing six people and looking to expand to 15," Mr Chance said.
"The Avon Industrial Park is a testament to what can be achieved when a committed and visionary community partners Government to provide infrastructure to revitalise the local economy."
The Avon Industrial Park is the State's only industrial estate established as a consequence of the local community driving its creation and location.
The partnership between LandCorp, the Wheatbelt Development Commission and the Avon Community Development Foundation has been underpinned by financial investment of $400,000 through the foundation's trust.
Extensive work over the past 13 years has resulted in the establishment of the 473ha industrial estate, providing an opportunity for inward investment, diversifying its existing economic base and creating employment.
Mr Chance said the economic development strategy for the Wheatbelt region highlighted the need for manufacturing and value-adding to play an increasingly significant role in the future vision for the region.
"However, for manufacturing to grow, there is a need for the region to present itself as 'investment ready' with the necessary infrastructure and support services available to aid new and diversified manufacturing ventures," he said.
"The Avon Industrial Park is strategically located to provide this necessary infrastructure."
The Minister said the estate's development was the result of long-term vision and co-operation between the community, local government, private business and the State Government.
"Growth in industrial activity in the Wheatbelt, and the consequential increase in population, is the most effective means we have of ensuring that we do not continue to lose the services that are so vital to country people," he said.
"This is an issue that is central to the Gallop Government's regional development policy.
"By creating a stronger economy in regional areas, we are providing more jobs and opportunities."
Mr Chance commended the Avon Community Development Foundation, LandCorp and the Wheatbelt Development Commission for forging such strong partnerships.
He also thanked Bushman Tanks and Binary Chemicals for having faith in the industrial park and hoped others would follow their example of commitment to a regional area.
Minister's office: 9213 6700