The Wheatbelt region was initially built on agriculture, and while the region’s economy has diversified considerably, agriculture remains a mainstay of economic output and the regional economy.
The 2021/22 agricultural output equated to $3.91 billion, with major commodities being wheat ($1.542 billion), barley ($759.12 million), canola ($425.40 million), wool ($302.06 million), and horticulture ($xxx million). While impacted by seasonal differences, agricultural output continues to grow, bolstered by an increase in intensive agriculture projects, particularly in the value adding and livestock industries.
The Wheatbelt Development Commission also engages in supporting climate resilience in our agriculture region, particularly through the Regional Drought Resilience Planning. Diverse agriculture across the region will be enhanced through greater climate resilience, further diversification, enhanced natural resource management, and engagement in the land restoration economy.
Priorities for the Wheatbelt include an increased understanding of temperature and rainfall changes on agriculture, water resources, biodiversity, built environments and economic profiles and productivity; sustainable resource management; pathways to a carbon-neutral economy; adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices; and adaption of infrastructure.
To underpin economic growth in the region, the WDC continues to advocate for infrastructure priorities across roads and rail transport. A particular focus has been understanding the infrastructure priorities to support the Northern Growth Corridor’s expansion of food production to cement its title as WA’s food bowl; as well as advocating for the estimated $270 million of freight and logistics infrastructure planned for the Avon sub-region in coming years.
Sourced from:
- Remplan (2023) – Overview, Output Profile, (2021 & 2022)
- Australian Bureau Of Statistics (2020/21) – Value Of Agricultural Commodities Produced
- DPIRD (2023) Horticulture Analysis Western Australia.
