7/2/02
Investment opportunities worth billions of dollars are on offer in Western Australia's regions, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Tom Stephens announced today.
Prospects in industries such as manufacturing, services, energy, aquaculture and tourism are highlighted in a new series of investment fact sheets released today by the State Government.
"The fact sheets will promote investors' interest in economic development in country areas," he said.
"These snapshots of investment opportunities underline the pre-eminent role played by WA's regions in the economic structure and performance of the State.
"If we can encourage a greater business investment in the regions, it is anticipated that the result will be valuable employment opportunities for Western Australians living outside Perth.
"For businesses already here and for those interstate or overseas, the overview provided by this 10-part series should demonstrate WA's competitive position in many sectors of industry."
The Minister said scope for attractive investment existed in:
- support services for mineral processing in the Pilbara and Goldfields;
- aviation training services in any of 16 possible country locations;
- aquaculture developments in the Kimberley and Gascoyne;
- export pig production in the Wheatbelt; and
- horticulture production in the Shire of Gingin, Ord River Irrigation Area and the Carnarvon district.
Mr Stephens also pointed to investment opportunities in resort complexes and other tourism developments in Broome, Exmouth, Carnarvon, the Batavia Coast, Port Kalbarri, Kalgoorlie, Ravenswood, Busselton, Dunsborough and Albany.
"In the energy sector, there are many regional opportunities for players to participate in growth characterised, among other things, by expanding electricity consumption," he said.
"In the timber sector, the State has a big capacity for new farmland tree crops, especially in softwoods, over the coming decade or two.
"In manufacturing, good opportunities have been identified in export meat processing, chemicals, strawboard, basic metal products, canola oil, mining equipment, furniture, biotechnology and boat-building."
The fact sheets drew attention to the recent performance of regional industries in local and international markets, the infrastructure and development support available for various sectors and the outlook for growth and diversification.
The
Regional Investment Opportunities fact sheets were produced by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development in conjunction with the State's nine Regional Development Commissions.
They are targeted at new and existing businesses and investment advisors. Copies can be obtained at any office of the Regional Development Commissions and at the department's Internet site
http://www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au/reginvest Minister's office: 9213 6500
