The Knowledge Hub

Growth in niche and value-adding agricultural products is driving investment, employment, and economic growth. With increasing interest in green energy and decarbonisation, the Wheatbelt South is well positioned to benefit from investment into new and emerging industries.

This document summarises the Wheatbelt Development Commission’s (WDC) understanding of transport infrastructure issues in the Wheatbelt. It highlights strategic issues for the region and proposes solutions to these problems.

The purpose of this document is to outline the current tourism industry infrastructure, service delivery and governance structures in the Wheatbelt. This document highlights the key development issues for the industry within the Region.

The purpose of this document is to outline the telecommunications infrastructure and service delivery in the Wheatbelt. This document highlights the issues and limitations of existing services and infrastructure.

The purpose of this document is to summarise the state of power and energy infrastructure in the Wheatbelt Region and identify key development issues. This document highlights the issues and limitations of existing infrastructure and identifies some of the identified short term capital works plans.

The purpose of this document is to outline the educational infrastructure and service delivery in the Wheatbelt. This document highlights the issues and limitations of existing services and infrastructure.

There are more than 54 airports and airstrips in the Wheatbelt. The quality of these facilities varies greatly but the majority of strips meet a minimum standard suitable for Royal Flying Doctor access. They are mostly owned, operated and maintained by local government at considerable expense. Although a large number of these facilities would be underutilised, they present a solid infrastructure base on which to further develop the aviation industry in the region.

Horticulture value of agricultural production in the Wheatbelt increased from $87.86 million in 2007-08 to $93.23 million in 2011-121, representing 11.73% of Western Australia’s horticultural worth.

The livestock industry has experienced strong growth in the Wheatbelt, increasing in gross value by over $135 million between 2007 and 20122. Future expansion is expected and will be facilitated by the increase in global demand for protein and livestock products.

Aquaculture offers important economic diversification to the Wheatbelt – the industry fosters innovation and requires technical support from various work disciplines including engineers, marine experts, environmental scientists, and fish health specialists.