The Wheatbelt
The Wheatbelt region comprises an area of 154,862 square kilometres, more than twice the size of Tasmania. The region is home to approximately 75,000 people spread throughout 43 local governments, making it the third most populous region in the State.
The economy of the Wheatbelt is varied. It is Western Australia most significant agricultural region, which is dominated by the production of braodacre crops such as wheat and barley. Farming is complemented by a lucrative fishing industry, including an export focussed lobster catch. Mining is valued at nearly $2 billion, which includes iron ore , gold, silver, nickel, copper, salt, gypsum and heavy mineral sands.
The region in general is well serviced by established social amenities and service industries and has the economic advantage of being close to the Perth metropolitan area. Industrial diversification and locally initiated business activities are broadening the economic base of the Wheatbelt, which in turn is creating stability and growth.
The production sectors are supported by a range of economic and social infrastructure. The region has extensive educational, health, recreational and cultural services and is home to C.Y. O'Connor Institute and Curtin University's Muresk Institute of Agriculture. The region also offers affordable housing and business premises, including established industrial precincts ideal for manufacturing and new industry. Well-developed transport links including major highways and rail routes passing through the region on route to Perth add to the investment potential of the region. The region has 35% of the State’s roads with easy access to the Port of Fremantle and regional ports at Geraldton, Bunbury, Albany and Esperance. A range of private air charter services are available. Daily passenger rail services operate on the main east-west line and a variety of passenger road coach services exist.
The future of the Wheatbelt’s economy rests with continuing industrial diversity, production of high quality, competitively priced goods and services, and continuing innovation.