Mid West:
a region in profile 2014
Foreword
Mid West: a region in profile was prepared by the Department of
Regional Development in conjunction with the Mid West Development
Commission to provide a snapshot of the region’s economy.
The Mid West region has a strong and diverse economy, with a number
of valuable mineral deposits as well as an important agricultural
industry. The region’s incredible natural environment supports strong
tourism, agriculture and fishing industries.
The Royalties for Regions program is an important State Government initiative that will
allocate more than $1 billion for regional projects in 2014-15, including more than
$164 million in the Mid West region. Since it began in 2008, Royalties for Regions has allocated
$4.2 billion to more than 3,500 projects across regional Western Australia.
Through programs like Royalties for Regions, the State Government is increasingly investing in
infrastructure and services to grow the state, including implementing major economic, social
and community development projects that arise from the Regional Investment Blueprints.
This publication contains the latest information available on the economic development
conditions of the Mid West region and is one of a series of nine regional economic summary
documents.
I invite you to read Mid West: a region in profile and trust you will find it interesting and
informative.
Hon Terry Redman ML
MLA
Minister for Regional Development
Regional Development Commissions
The State’s nine Regional Development
Commissions were established by the
Western Australian Parliament following
the ratification of the Regional Development
Commissions Act 1993.
The role of each commission is to:
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opportunities in the region
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economy
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economic and social development of the
region
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promote business development within
the region
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and access to, government services in
the regions is comparable to the Perth
metropolitan area.
For the purposes of achieving that role a
commission is expected to:
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statutory bodies and State government
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and commerce, employer and employee
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community within the region
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in the region and encourage that
investment
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region and encourage the provision of
that infrastructure in the region
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public service of the State and the
Commonwealth and other agencies,
instrumentalities and statutory bodies of
the State and the Commonwealth in order
to promote equitable delivery of services
within the region
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to promote equitable delivery of services
within the region.
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Datum and Projection Information
Vertical Datum:
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Horizontal Datum:
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Projection:
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Spheroid: Australian National Spheroid
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Client: Regional Development and Lands
Map Author:
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the department accepts no responsibility for any
inaccuracies and persons relying on this data do so
at their own risk.
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Overview
The Mid West region covers nearly one-fifth
of Western Australia’s land area, spanning
around 478,000 square kilometres. It extends
around 340 kilometres along the coast from
Green Head in the south to Kalbarri in the
north, and 1,000 kilometres east into the
mineral rich hinterland. The region’s 17 local
government areas are notionally divided into
three subregions that demonstrate similarities
in environment, land use, demography,
and industry. These are the Batavia Coast,
Murchison and North Midlands subregions.
$3 billion in 2012-13. The emergence of China
and other major industrialised economies
has stimulated further interest in the region’s
ample mineral resources, particularly iron ore.
The region’s expansive land mass includes
unique natural environments with long
stretches of coastline with occasional
limestone cliffs, scenic sand plains, saline
plains and breakaways. The region is one of
only five areas in the world with both marine
and terrestrial biodiversity hotspots of national
or international significance.
Royalties for Regions has contributed to
numerous projects in the region, many of
these through the Mid West Development
Commission’s Mid West Investment Plan,
with $220 million allocated over six years.
Projects funded will provide a substantial
economic stimulus to the region and generate
employment opportunities for local businesses
in the planning, construction and operational
stages of the proposed projects and initiatives.
The Mid West economy also has valuable
agriculture, fishing, retail and tourism sectors.
Diversification and value-adding across all
sectors, combined with a strengthening
of the region’s strategic infrastructure and
further development of its tourism potential,
is expected to support continued regional
growth.
The Mid West is an extremely diverse minerals
province. Production is a major contributor to
the region’s economy, valued at more than
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Source: Department of Regional Development.
Note: Industry activity is an estimation of the gross value of production of key regional industries.
1
Population
The estimated resident population of the
Mid West in 2013 was 57,901 people,
accounting for approximately 2.3 per cent of
Western Australia’s population. In the 10 years
to June 2013, the population grew at a modest
1.4 per cent per year. In recent years, growth
has trended upwards with an average annual
growth rate of 1.9 per cent from 2008-13 and
2.4 per cent from 2012-13.
Population
80,000
Number of Persons
The City of Greater Geraldton is the region’s
administrative centre, providing a range
of medical, educational, communications,
commercial and administrative services.
The City houses around 70 per cent of Mid West
residents (40,448) and the population grew
by 2.9 per cent in 2011-12. According to the
2011 ABS census approximately 12 per cent
of the regional population were Aboriginal,
representing around 6,700 people.
60,000
40,000
Population Projections
Source: Western Australian Planning
Commission (D series)
Estimated Resident Population
Source: ABS
20,000
-
2003
2008
2013p
2018
Year
2023
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics and WA Planning Commission.
Region/LGA
2003
2013
MID WEST
Carnamah (S)
Chapman Valley (S)
Coorow (S)
Cue (S)
Greater Geraldton (C)
Irwin (S)
Meekatharra (S)
Mingenew (S)
Morawa (S)
Mount Magnet (S)
Murchison (S)
Northampton (S)
Perenjori (S)
Sandstone (S)
Three Springs (S)
Wiluna (S)
Yalgoo (S)
50,607
797
891
1,389
376
34,348
2,943
1,374
583
957
831
150
3,355
584
132
740
851
306
57,901
550
1,214
1,085
298
40,448
3,780
1,521
486
906
711
127
3,379
924
116
632
1,279
445
AAGR
% Share
2003-2013
2013
%
100%
1%
2%
2%
1%
70%
7%
3%
1%
2%
1%
0%
6%
2%
0%
1%
2%
1%
Aboriginal
ERP 2011
1.4
-3.6
3.1
-2.4
-2.3
1.6
2.5
1.0
-1.8
-0.5
-1.5
-1.7
0.1
4.7
-1.3
-1.6
4.2
3.8
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics. Note: AAGR = Average Annual Growth Rate.
2
12%
3%
5%
3%
35%
12%
3%
41%
6%
12%
45%
43%
7%
8%
6%
8%
29%
31%
In 2012, the Western Australian
Planning Commission forecasted
the population of the Mid West
would continue to steadily rise and
reach 67,400 residents by 2023. The
forecast represents the best estimate
of future population size based on
fertility, mortality and migration
trends.
Labour force
The Mid West experienced a rise in
employment levels over the last decade
driven by international demand for the
region’s raw materials. This growth in demand
helped trigger a number of new mining and
construction projects and also caused job
growth in associated service sectors.
The Mid West recorded its highest level of
employment at around 32,000 persons in
2012-13.
Unemployment was at its record low of
2.7 per cent in 2011-12. Labour market
conditions have moderated since with
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
Source: Department of Employment with additional estimates by the Department of Regional Development.
Industry of Employment
2011
2006
Construction
Retail Trade
Health Care and Social Assistance
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Education and Training
Mining
Public Administration and Safety
Accommodation and Food Services
Transport, Postal and Warehousing
Manufacturing
Real Estate, Administrative and Support Services
Other Services
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
Wholesale Trade
Inadequately described/not stated
Financial and Insurance Services
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services
Information Media and Telecommunications
Arts and Recreation Services
10.6%
10.1%
9.1%
8.7%
8.6%
8.3%
6.7%
6.5%
6.3%
5.3%
4.1%
4.0%
3.2%
2.6%
2.4%
1.4%
1.0%
0.6%
0.6%
8.5%
11.0%
8.7%
12.4%
8.8%
6.7%
6.7%
6.0%
5.1%
4.9%
4.0%
3.9%
2.8%
3.3%
3.1%
1.6%
1.0%
0.7%
0.6%
some softening of employment growth
and an upward trend in regional and state
unemployment rates. In December 2013 the
region had 6.8 per cent unemployment, higher
than the state average of 4.1 per cent.
According to the 2011 ABS census the
Mid West’s strong labour market included
significant mining and construction workforces
of 8.3 per cent and 10.6 per cent respectively.
Retail, health care and social assistance, and
education and training are also dominant
employers. Agriculture, forestry and fishing
have been resilient primary industries
maintaining healthy employment figures.
Source: ABS 2011 and 2006 Census of Population and Housing; usual residence.
3
Tourism
% the Kalbarri National Park, recognised as
one of the best national parks in Australia.
The park includes the Murchison River
gorges, which run for nearly 80 kilometres
along the lower reaches of the Murchison
River
The Mid West is recognised for its natural
environment including beaches and rugged
coastline, marine life, beautiful wildflowers
and authentic outback experiences.
The region’s major geographical features
include:
% the oldest rocks in the world in the
Mount Narryer and Jack Hills areas,
dating back four billion years
% the Coalseam Conservation Park, the site
of Western Australia’s first mined coal
deposit. The park’s limestone cliffs were
laid down in the Permian period more
than 250 million years ago.
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20
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8
07
20
7/
/0
20
06
/0
08
7
6/
0
/0
05
20
04
/0
5
/0
5
20
20
03
/0
4
/0
04
20
02
/0
3/
03
01
/0
2/
2
20
/0
00
20
6
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1/
0
Source: Tourism Western Australia and Department of Regional Development .
% the iconic Houtman Abrolhos Islands,
a chain of 122 islands and the Indian
Ocean’s southern-most coral reef located
60 kilometers offshore. The islands
are renowned for their rich marine life,
crayfishing and the Batavia maritime
history.
4
Boating, fishing, diving and snorkelling are
popular along the region’s coastline and on
many of the Abrolhos Islands. Wind and kite
surfing are also popular along the Mid West
coast and attract national and international
visitors. The region offers extensive self-drive
trails catering to the caravan and camping
markets, including the Gascoyne Murchison
Outback Pathways and Wildflower Way drive
routes.
According to Tourism Western Australia,
the industry attracted an average of 416,500
overnight tourists annually over the 2010
to 2012 period, of which 90 per cent were
domestic visitors. During the same period,
turnover was estimated at $282 million
each year. There has also been growth in
international expenditure in recent years.
The Mid West Development Commission is
working in partnership with agencies, local
governments, individual tourism operators
and community groups to further develop the
region’s tourism potential.
5
Agriculture
Agriculture has been a mainstay industry in
the Mid West’s economy. Production value has
fluctuated over the decade with an estimated
value in 2011-12 of $1 billion, accounting
for 13 per cent of Western Australia’s
total. Broadacre crops, particularly wheat
($669 million), were the main agricultural
commodity for the region and represented
around 80 per cent of the region’s agricultural
value.
The region’s agricultural producers experience
large fluctuations in crop yield due to varying
climatic conditions that affect agricultural
value as demonstrated following the
2006-07 drought. The commodity price has
since lifted the value of crop production to
levels experienced earlier in the decade. The
total value of agriculture peaked in 2011-12
at $1 billion, which was a 58 per cent increase
from the previous year.
!
!
!"
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics and Department of Regional Development.
6
"
Livestock disposals valued at $74 million
represented seven per cent of the region’s total
agricultural production and consisted mostly
of sheep and beef, with small quantities of
poultry, pigs and goats.
Wool accounted for 84 per cent ($41 million)
of the region’s livestock products total
($49 million), with much smaller quantities
of eggs and milk also produced.
Land and water resources are significant
to the future economic development of
agriculture in the Mid West. The soils and
landforms in parts of the region have potential
for the development of irrigated agriculture
and horticulture (dependent on water
management, quality and supply).
$
$
!!$
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics.
7
Fishing and aquaculture
In 2011-12 the Mid West was the most
important fishing region in Western Australia.
Commercial fishing in the region is centred on
rock lobster, which is Australia’s most valuable
wild capture fish species. The Mid West
produced around $85 million of rock lobster in
2011-12, contributing nearly half (48 per cent)
of the state’s rock lobster revenue.
practices and best management, ensuring
industry longevity and export values continue
to remain high. Smaller values of finfish,
molluscs and crabs are also produced.
The region’s fisheries operate sustainably and
are internationally recognised for research
The principal aquaculture development
activities in the Mid West include finfish
As a result of pressures on wild catch
populations and regulatory impacts, overall
fishing income has declined over the 10-year
period to 2011-12.
Fishing Catch Estimated Value
180
MOLLUSCS
CRABS
FISH
ROCK LOBSTERS
TOTAL
160
140
$ million
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
Year
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
Source: Department of Fisheries with further estimates by the Department of Regional Development.
Aquaculture
Estimated Value ($’000)
2008-9
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
Finfish
516
533
889
1184
Marron
80
72
71
72
Other
483
736
972
946
Total
1,079
1,341
1,932
2,202
Source: Department of Fisheries with further estimates by the
Department of Regional Development.
8
farming and marine algae for beta-carotene
production. The Abrolhos Islands have great
potential to support a range of aquaculture
ventures across a number of species, including
the emerging black pearl industry with
the production of black lip oyster (pinctada
margaritifera). The total value of aquaculture
production for 2011-12 was $2.2 million.
Retail turnover
The retail sector is a large employer (10.1 per
cent) and an important contributor to the Mid
West’s economy. The industry was estimated at
$396 million in 2001-02, steadily increasing
by 62 per cent over the last 10 years to
$660 million (2011-12). Sales growth slowed
in recent years, partly attributed to a number
of large mining projects moving out of their
high employing construction phase into
operations. Population growth remains strong
in Mid West communities however, and
continues to support the region’s retail activity.
The recent refurbishment of one of Geraldton’s
main shopping precincts, proposed new retail
developments and efforts to promote tourism
are expected to see the region’s retail growth
continue.
Source: Based on ABS State Retail Turnover. Regional estimates by the Department of Regional Development.
Mean taxable income
The mean taxable income in the Mid West was
more than $66,400 in 2010-11 and represents
an annual average growth rate of 6.8 per cent
over 10 years. The increase was driven largely
by increased demand for workers from major
mining and construction projects.
Median Weekly
Personal Income 2011
Mean Taxable
Income 2010-11
Carnamah (S)
$549
$64,456
Chapman Valley (S)
$568
$70,687
Coorow (S)
$493
$68,507
Cue (S)
$380
$64,939
Greater Geraldton (C)
Irwin (S)
$605*
$65,841
$517
$71,410
Meekatharra (S)
$920
$57,271
Mingenew (S)
$700
$73,839
Morawa (S)
$550
$70,676
Mount Magnet (S)
Murchison (S)
$582
$64,598
$553
$82,434
$430
$63,709
Mean Taxable Income
Resources activity influenced wages in the
mining and construction industries and
had flow on impacts in wholesale trade
and associated service sectors. The shires of
Morawa and Perenjori in particular benefited
from high incomes through the recent
development of several of iron ore mining
projects.
Northampton (S)
Perenjori (S)
Sandstone (S)
$1,297
$69,334
$485
$58,130
Three Springs (S)
Wiluna (S)
$544
$74,411
$1,667
$58,244
Yalgoo (S)
$1,504
$75,417
$662
$73,591
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Source: ABS 2011 Census of Population and Housing,
Australian Taxation Office and Department of Regional Development (2010-11).
*City of Geraldton-Greenough and Shire of Mullewa amalgamated estimate.
9
Mining and mineral processing
Western Australia’s resources industry grew
significantly over the past decade due to
unprecedented overseas demand, which
resulted in a mineral production and revenue
increase from $27.9 billion in 2002-03 to
$101.8 billion in 2012-13. The Mid West region
has a range of minerals and energy deposits,
including gold, iron ore, copper, nickel, silver
and natural gas.
Source: Department of Mines and Petroleum with further estimates by the Department of Regional Development.
$"#$#%
#'+
%$+
$&+
$(+
Source: Department of Mines and Petroleum with further estimates
by the Department of Regional Development.
10
In 2012-13, the value of mineral production
was more than $3 billion, increasing from
$2.4 billion in 2011-12. Gold accounted for
32 per cent of the value of production
($965 million) and iron ore comprised 27 per
cent ($832 million). Base metals (copper,
lead and zinc) accounted for 25 per cent
($746 million), with mineral sands, nickel,
vanadium, petroleum, talc, chromite, silver,
gypsum and lime sand comprising the
remaining 16 per cent ($501 million).
The strong recent growth assisted by iron
ore resulted in exports exceeding 15.4 million
tonnes at Geraldton port in 2012-13. The
port recorded its seventh consecutive annual
export record in 2013-14 and is approaching
its export capacity of around 20 million tonnes
per annum.
In addition to current production, a number of
mining operations are under consideration for
future investment/development.
11
Building approvals
Building approval activity is a strong indicator
of construction industry performance.
Compared to the rest of the nation, Western
Australia remained robust over the decade to
2012-13 in construction value and approval
numbers.
at a value of $158 million. New building laws
moving towards a certified application process
were introduced in 2012. New building laws
and a certified application process introduced
in 2012 means the approval process is now
more efficient and consistent across the state.
The total value of building approvals for the
Mid West was estimated at $227 million in
2012-13. There were approximately 500
residential buildings approved for construction,
The value of non-residential construction
peaked at $185 million in 2009-10, with
activities centred on mining construction
projects.
$
!
"
! !" "# #$ $% % Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics.
12
Project investment
they are committed and under construction
where work has commenced.
For the last decade, Western Australia was
the fastest growing economy in Australia
fuelled by investment in the mining sector’s
construction phase. Western Australia
experienced a tighter investment market in
2013 due to rising production costs, lower
commodity prices and a softer economic
outlook. The value of mining production
remains positive however, and production
will continue to cater to domestic and
international markets. The Mid West has a
diverse economic profile and is well placed to
withstand decline in single industry sectors.
Over the decade to 2013 estimated investment
value increased in the Mid West, boosted
by various mining and related projects.
Negotiations to restart the $6 billion Oakajee
port and rail development are continuing.
A range of developments hold promise for
the region, including the recent construction
of the Karara iron ore mine 80 kilometres
east of Morawa, and planned development
of Crosslands Resources’ Jack Hills magnetite
mine ($3.9 billion), Asia Iron’s Extension Hill
magnetite mine ($3 billion) and Sinosteel’s
Weld Range hematite mine ($2 billion).
Project investment data is divided across three
categories: under consideration, committed
and under construction. Projects under
consideration are expected to proceed in the
near future. Once the projects are approved
Project Investment
45
45
Under consideration
Under construction
Number
40
40
35
35
30
30
25
25
20
20
15
15
10
10
5
5
Number of Projects
$ billion
Committed
0
0
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Year
Source: Deloitte Access Economics Investment Monitor and Department of Regional Development.
Note: The graph represents investment value for calendar year.
13
Aboriginal Australians
At the 2011 ABS census, 12 per cent of the
Mid West region’s population were Aboriginal
people (approximately 6,700). Aboriginal
languages spoken in the region include
Nhanda, Amangu, Widi, Wadjarri, Naaguja,
Badimaya and Martu.
The Aboriginal community makes an important
contribution to the region’s economy. The
industries with the largest local Aboriginal
participation are agriculture (in particular
pastoralism), tourism, fishing, hospitality and
the public service. There has been growth in
the arts sector since development of the Mid
West Indigenous Arts Industry Strategy in
2007. Aboriginal art centres now operate in
Wiluna, Mount Magnet, Mullewa, Morawa and
Geraldton, and support the development of
Aboriginal tourism across the region.
Various vocational training programs are
offered for Aboriginal people throughout the
Mid West by the Durack Institute of Technology
in partnership with industry. Programs are
available in the maritime, conservation
and land management industries as well as
nursing and community services. Around 900
Aboriginal students attend courses at Durack.
Durack also offers annual scholarships for
Aboriginal students and has two dedicated
support teams with expertise and experience
to advise, attract and retain Aboriginal
students. Scholarships are also available
for Aboriginal students at the Geraldton
Universities Centre. In 2014 Durack will build
14
a new Aboriginal Learning Centre on the
Geraldton campus. The centre will be a focus
for Aboriginal learning, culture and heritage
for the Mid West and Gascoyne regions.
The Midwest Aboriginal Organisations Alliance
(MAOA) is a collective, representative and
proactive voice for Aboriginal organisations
in the Mid West. MAOA works collaboratively
with community, industry and government to
address issues affecting the physical, social,
economic and cultural futures of Aboriginal
people in the region.
The Midwest Aboriginal Economic
Development Industry Partnership (MAEDIP)
was established to increase Aboriginal
participation in the region’s growing resources
sector. MAEDIP has since transitioned into the
Mid West Aboriginal Workforce Development
Centre, which has a focus on increasing
sustainable employment for Aboriginal people,
using local solutions for local problems. It is
guided by the State Government’s Training
Together, Working Together strategy.
Several Mid West projects involving Aboriginal
people have been supported with Royalties for
Regions funding. These projects include the
Boomerang Hostel, Wiluna Land Management
Unit, Bidi Bidi Early Childhood and Parenting
Centre, Mullewa Men’s Shed and the
Wirnda Barna Arts Centre.
Social and economic infrastructure
The Mid West Development Commission
supports regional strategic planning to
ensure the timely provision of socioeconomic
infrastructure, particularly in response to
major projects. The commission is working
to progress priority infrastructure projects
through implementation of its Mid West
Investment Plan, supported with $220 million
in Royalties for Regions funding allocated over
six years from 2011-12.
The Mid West region has a long history in the
resources sector and remains one of the most
diverse mineral provinces in Western Australia.
As at January 2014 there were 58 producing
mines in the region.
Priority infrastructure projects for the
Mid West include a deep-water port and
strategic industrial estate, upgrading road and
rail transport networks, heavy freight bypasses
around Dongarra, Geraldton, Mullewa and
Northampton and completing the upgrade
of the region’s main power transmission
infrastructure to 330 kV. The staged
development of the 330 kV transmission line is
vital to meet the region’s energy needs and will
also enable the expansion of the renewable
energy sector within the Mid West.
eastern states. This is consistent with the state’s
proposed PortLink inland freight corridor.
Installation of fibre optic cable links between
Perth, Geraldton and the Murchison Radioastronomy Observatory has enabled delivery of
the Australian Square Kilometre Array Project
(ASKAP). Opened in October 2012, the
$152 million ASKAP is integral to the
international Square Kilometre Array (SKA)
project (stage 1), which will be developed in
partnership with South Africa. With 36 dish
antennas, ASKAP is a major radio astronomy
facility in its own right. It is expected to be
fully operational by the middle of 2015 and
realise full capability in 2016. A further 60
antennas will be added as part of Australia’s
implementation of SKA Stage 1.
These radio astronomy and research projects
are significant opportunities to further
develop the Mid West’s telecommunications
infrastructure, attract technology-based
industries to the region and enhance regional
service delivery. This focus is in keeping with
the Mid West Development Commission’s
SMART Mid West strategy.
An upgraded rail network provides opportunity
to create rail links between Geraldton/Oakajee
and Esperance ports via Kalgoorlie, as well as
with Port Hedland, Perth/Kwinana and the
15
Living in the Mid West
Living in the Regions 2013 was a large-scale
social research project conducted by the
Department of Regional Development. The
purpose of the survey was to ascertain what
attracts people to the regions, understand the
barriers of living in the regions, measure the
quality of life in regional Western Australia,
and most importantly use that information
to inform and direct regional development
initiatives into the future. The survey received
more than 10,000 responses.
Respondents were asked to rate attitudes and
participation according to nine categories, with
a score of 10 representing the most positive
and a score of one the least positive. Results
confirmed the regions have a lot to offer local
residents. The most positively rated aspects of
regional life were safety and lifestyle, general
well-being and happiness.
Specifically:
% Mid West residents rated their safety
amongst the highest of all regions. The
region was viewed as a safe place to live
and raise children, with a supportive
community and clean environment
% residents characterised the Mid West
by lifestyle, quality of climate and the
attractiveness of its natural environment
% a very high number of respondents
were regularly involved in community
activities, including social interactions
and sporting participation.
Living in the Regions 2013 will assist
government, the private sector and community
partners to direct their efforts and investments
on matters relevant to people living in regional
Western Australia. A copy of Living in the
Regions 2013 State Report is available for
download at www.drd.wa.gov.au. In 2014, a
Living in the Regions: Mid West Report detailing
all data from the survey will be available.
/"'/
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/"')
$#
.",,
."*)
.")-
-"/.
-".(
$
,"./
'
)
+
-
Source: Department of Regional Development - Living in the Regions 2013 State Report.
16
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Invest in the Mid West
Mining and manufacturing
The Mid West is rich in natural resources,
with investment potential in mining and
infrastructure developments.
The proposed construction of the
Western Australian State Government
supported Mid West Development Project
(Oakajee) with its deep water port, associated
rail infrastructure and adjacent industrial
estate will create opportunities for a range of
technical, logistical and engineering support
services. In addition, Karara Mining Ltd has
recently commenced exporting the State’s first
magnetite concentrate, which will continue to
present opportunities for this emerging sector.
With anticipated population increases resulting
from major resources and infrastructure
projects, additional housing will be required,
creating new demand for construction and
urban development.
Sustainable technologies
The success of the Walkaway Wind Farm
20 kilometres south of Geraldton stimulated
further interest in wind farm development in
the region, including the recently completed
55MW Mumbida Wind Farm. A 100 turbine
wind farm has also been proposed at
Warradarge, in the Shire of Coorow.
The Mid West is highly prospective for solar,
wind, geothermal and bio-mass energy
projects and related technologies. The 10MW
17
Greenough River Solar Farm was opened
in October 2012, which has potential for
expansion to 40MW. Other proposed solar
generation initiatives include the 50MW
Chapman Solar Farm and 1.5MW
North Midlands Solar Thermal Project.
The State is currently upgrading part of
the northern section of the South West
Interconnected System transmission
infrastructure from 132 kV to 330kV. The
upgraded power line from Neerabup to
Three Springs (and possibly to Geraldton in
the future) will provide the means by which
renewable energy projects would deliver
energy to major markets in Perth and beyond.
A fibre-optic link to Perth has been established
to service radio-astronomy projects at the
Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory. This
has linked the area to the National Broadband
Network, offering new communications
opportunities. The City of Greater Geraldton
is also developing a technology park at its
recently upgraded airport to help capitalise on
the region’s IT industry capabilities.
Tourism
The recent opening of Indian Ocean Drive is
delivering significant tourism opportunities
to coastal Mid West communities such as
Green Head and Leeman. Development and
promotion of the Gascoyne Murchison Outback
Pathways and the Wildflower Way (North
Midlands) have also benefited tourism in the
hinterland. Further tourism investment
opportunities throughout the region include:
t tourism accommodation and resorts
t leisure tourism, including marine,
cultural heritage, wildflower and
Aboriginal experiences
t foreshore and marina developments
t convention facilities
t amenities including signage and access
t infrastructure development in growing
coastal communities.
The Mid West Development Commission
is working with stakeholders to prepare a
Mid West Tourism Strategy and subregional
strategies for the Batavia Coast, Murchison
and North Midlands. These seek to
establish a strong collaborative effort to
realise the region’s tourism potential and
further diversify the economic base of all
communities.
and development in the growing finfish
aquaculture industry. The primary focus
of the region is currently yellowtail
kingfish, with Royalties for Regions funding
recently announced to complete a second
major pre-commercialisation trial.
Development opportunities exist in large
scale ‘open ocean’ sea cage aquaculture
working with local wild-catch fishing
companies.
In agriculture, much of the Mid West is
used for broadacre farming, cropping and
livestock as well as for pastoral purposes.
Opportunities exist in agricultural support
services (such as consulting, agronomy
and merchandise agents) as well as the
supply and development of new farming
technologies.
Aquaculture and agriculture
The Mid West coastline is home to a unique
array of sea life and is blessed with warm
clean waters as a result of the Leeuwin
Current, which helps the region’s aquaculture
sector, stimulating investor interest.
The Mid West Development Commission
is actively supporting local research
18
Contact us
Mid West Development Commission
GERALDTON OFFICE
Level 2, 209 Foreshore Business Centre
PO Box 238
GERALDTON WA 6531
TTelephone: (08) 9921 0702
Facsimile: (08) 9921 0707
All correspondence should be directed to:
Chief Executive Officer
Mid West Development Commission
PO Box 238
GERALDTON WA 6531
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mwdc.wa.gov.au
Department of Regional Development
Level 2, Gordon Stephenson House
140 William Street
PERTH WA 6000
PO Box 1143
WEST PERTH WA 6872
TTelephone: (08) 6552 1800
Free call: 1800 049 155 (Country only)
Facsimile: (08) 6552 1850
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.drd.wa.gov.au
All photos are courtesy of the Mid West Development Commission.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this document is for general information only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness
of the information, information referred to in this publication may include or be based on data provided to the Department of Regional Development (DRD) from
other sources or organisations. Any person who uses or seeks to rely on this information, including for comparative purposes, should obtain appropriate professional
advice relevant to their particular circumstances.
Neither DRD nor the State of Western Australia (including their employees, officers and agents) make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or
completeness of the information or take responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information. DRD and the State of Western Australia (including their
employees, officers and agents) do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred or suffered by any person as a result of the information contained in the
document or it being used or relied upon by any person, or it being used or relied on for comparative purposes.