Investment Opportunities

Investment Opportunities

The Wheatbelt Region is a region of strength and opportunity. It's proximity to Perth and well established transport routes throughout the region make it the perfect location for investment.

The economy of the Wheatbelt has traditionally been based upon agriculture, the dominant industry of the region. Other industries, including mining, retail & commerce, manufacturing, fishing and aquaculture, tourism and horticulture also contribute significantly to the Wheatbelt economy. Increasing diversification and value-adding are providing stability and growth while our strong communities reinforce the 'quality of life' appeal of the region.

Keen investors should take advantage of the Wheatbelt's strengths which include not only its location, but its high rate of visitor traffic through the region, a production, export and wealth generation focus, a diversity of climate, resources, geography and demographics, and readily available infrastructure, including designated industrial precincts, such as the Avon Industrial Park.

For more information, please see the target areas for investment and individual investment opportunities available on this site, or contact one of our Senior Regional Officers.

Agriculture

Agriculture is the dominant industry in the Wheatbelt Region. While wheat and wool production are the main agricultural activities, other cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruit and vegetable crops and livestock also contribute to agricultural production. Producers are also increasingly diversifying into non-traditional industries including turkeys, marron, yabbies, emus and ostriches, snails, worms, deer and alpacas.

Facts and Figures

• There are 4,811 agricultural holdings in the Wheatbelt covering 11.4m hectares.
• Main crops are wheat and barley, with increasing quantities of canola, chickpeas, faba bean, field peas, lentils and other crops being produced.
• As a producer of livestock and animal products, the Wheatbelt contributes 45.8% of the state total production of mutton and lamb, and 47% of the states total wool production, making the Wheatbelt the largest producer of these commodities.
• The Wheatbelt is the largest producer of wheat, legumes, wool, oranges, cut flowers and apiary products.
• The Wheatbelt is one of the most efficient dryland agricultural regions in the world, employing 'world best' production practices and innovative technologies.

Wheatbelt Advantages

• Proximity to major ports in Albany, Esperance, Geraldton and Kwinana.
• The Wheatbelt’s road and rail network enables seamless transport of agricultural produce from farmgate to port.
• Low storage, handling and freight costs for agricultural produce.
• Freedom from serious animal diseases.

Opportunities

• Expanding markets in India, the Middle East and Asia are providing opportunities for production of alternative crop varieties particularly pulses, including chickpeas, field peas and lentils
• The growth of niche markets in non-traditional agricultural industries represent major opportunities for producers seeking to diversify
• The spread of biodiesel technologies around the world represents an opportunity for the development of a non-human use oilseed industry in the Wheatbelt
• Potential for expansion of the goat meat and live goat market
• There are extensive opportunities for grains processing in the Region

Horticulture

The horticulture industry is growing in the Wheatbelt as urban expansion is pushing the industry out of its traditional areas. Areas around Gingin, Chittering and Dandaragan, in particular, are providing an attractive alternative with their high rainfall, suitable groundwater and proximity to markets. Viticulture is also an expanding industry with areas in the southern and western areas of the region proving to be ideal for grape production.

Facts and Figures

• Main crops include citrus fruits, stone fruits, grapes, olives, avocados, mangoes, carrots, cauliflowers, lettuce and potatoes.
• The Wheatbelt is WA’s largest producer of oranges and cut flowers.
• There are currently around 60 grape growers in the Wheatbelt region
• Approximately 80% of grapes produced in the Wheatbelt are used for wine production

Wheatbelt Advantages

• The fruit industry in the Wheatbelt enjoys a ‘clean and green’ image, with low chemical use and freedom from many major pests and diseases.
• Proximity to the Perth market
• Proximity to major infrastructure, including transport networks, ports and processing facilities
• The Avon Arc provides ideal conditions, including high rainfall, suitable soils and available groundwater, for many horticultural products
• Various species of native and exotic flowers can be grown throughout the region

Opportunities

• The mango industry is one of the fastest growing horticultural industries in the state and there are significant export opportunities available.
• Potential for expansion of the citrus industry in response to forecast increases in demand for fresh and processing fruit, particularly in South-East Asia
• The growing market for convenient, healthy foods represents potential value-adding opportunities in the area of vegetable processing
• There are opportunities for investment in the production of a range of Asian vegetables
• There is opportunity to capitalise on WA’s reputation as a quality wine producer through investment in the winemaking industry in the Wheatbelt.
• As WA’s main producer of cut flowers opportunities exist for further commercialization of native flower species, particularly for export markets

Fishing & Aquaculture

While rock lobster dominates the fishing industry in the Wheatbelt, there are significant opportunities for both inland and coastal aquaculture in the Region. Commercial production and export of freshwater marron and yabbies has been successful for several years, and with aquaculture now considered the fastest growing primary industry in the world there is major potential for investors.

Facts and Figures

• The most common species of fish caught are dhufish, snapper, mullet and shark
• Commercial yabby farming is restricted to the inland agricultural areas including Beverley, Merredin, Pingelly, Dumbleyung and Lake Grace
• Marron production facilities east of Jurien have the potential to produce more than 20 tonnes per annum
• Barramundi have been successfully farmed in the Wheatbelt
• There is significant interest in the development of the saline waters of salt-affected farmland for the cultivation of rainbow trout and other species

Wheatbelt Advantages

• Proximity to metropolitan markets
• Proximity to ports
• Abundant inland saline waters
• Healthy, clean environment for production of quality seafood
• Access to up to date, world class, technical advice through Aquaculture Development Officers and WA researchers

Opportunities

• Potential to cultivate a variety of species of fish and crustaceans in both inland and coastal areas
• Extensive value-adding opportunities
• Opportunity for the development of associated industries, particularly grains and processing industries for the production of fishfeed alternatives
• Production of brine shrimp for hatchery feeds.

Tourism

The proximity of the Wheatbelt to Perth provides it with the perfect opportunity to exploit both the international visitor and day trip market. The region offers a vast array of experiences, with enormous potential to further develop tourism products throughout the Region.

Facts and Figures

• A large proportion of road and rail travelers pass through the region, in addition to visiting the Wheatbelt
• Tourism employs 3.5% of the region’s workforce
• The Wheatbelt has a 10% share of the WA market

• 150 km of pristine coastline
• Avon Valley
  • Recreational Aviation Capital of the West
  • Home of the Avon Descent.
• Monastic town of New Norcia
• Unique natural features and international icons, including:
  • Dryandra Woodland
  • Pinnacles
  • Wave Rock
  • Popular Wildflower season
• Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail
• Indigenous cultural experiences, including some of the most significant sites in the South West.
• Gold producing Yilgarn district
• Events and Festivals, including:
  • Kulin Bush Races
  • Cunderdin Airshow
  • Jazz Festivals
  • Field Days
  • Avon Descent
  • Dowerin GWN Field Days
  • Wagin Woolerama

Wheatbelt Advantages

• Proximity to Asia – the highly populated and fast growing economies of many Asian countries are less than a ten hour flight from Perth. WA also shares the same time zone as many major Asian cities.
• Proximity to Perth with well developed transport networks
• High volume of visitors regularly passing through the region
• A diverse environment, allowing for a wide range of experiences

Opportunities

• Rural Experiences
• Indigenous Tourism
• Eco-Tourism
• Adventure Tourism, including opportunities associated with aviation, hiking and water sports
• Driving Tours/4WD

Manufacturing

The potential of the manufacturing industry in the Wheatbelt stems from it’s location, being close to Perth, and to key areas of primary production. Well developed transport links, the low cost of industrial land, and already designated industrial precincts make it ideal for servicing the mining and agricultural industries, while also being well placed to access metropolitan markets.

Facts and Figures

• Wide variety of manufacturing operations including flour milling, engineering and metal fabrication works, cabinet making and furniture manufacture, mineral sands processing, brick making, abattoir activities, fibreglass production, concrete products and production, seafood processing
• Manufacturing employs 4.8% of region’s workforce and in 2001 paid $47.1m in wages.
• $154m turnover in 1999/00

Wheatbelt Advantages

• Proximity to major infrastructure including Perth International Airport, ports and processing facilities.
• Proximity to mining centres to the East and the North
• Designated industrial precincts
• Low cost of land
• Proximity to primary producers

Opportunities

• Food processing
• Metal Fabrication
• Assembly yards for mining equipment
• Textile production
• Furniture making

Retail & Commerce

There is growing population that are relocating to the Wheatbelt to take advantage of the semi-rural lifestyle, but who still want access to those services and facilities offered in metropolitan areas. This presents enormous opportunities for people looking to establish businesses of all kinds within the region.

Facts and Figures

• Retail trade is the dominant industry and employer in the Region – focused in Narrogin, Northam, Merredin and Moora
• Estimated turnover of $381.2m 2001/02
• Retail and Commerce provides the highest number of training opportunities in the region with 236 people undertaking apprenticeships or traineeships in Property and Business Services in 2003 and another 141 in Retail or Wholesale Trade

Wheatbelt Advantages

• Third largest regional population with over 1 million people passing through the region each year.
• Projected population growth of around 62% by 2031
• Extensive transport network
• Affordable commercial premises
• High demand for both professional ad trades services

Opportunities

• Trades services
• Professional services
• Artisans
• Call Centres
• Photography
• Graphic design, including website design