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 DevelopmentCommission to provide a snapshot of the region’s economy.

The Mid West region has a strong and diverse economy, with a numberof valuable mineral deposits as well as an important agricultural

industry. The region’s incredible natural environment supports strongtourism, agriculture and fishing industries.

The Royalties for Regions program is an important State Government initiative that willallocate 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 ininfrastructure 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 summarydocuments.

I invite you to read Mid West: a region in profile and trust you will find it interesting and

informative.

Hon Terry Redman MLAHon Terry Redman MLMinister for Regional Development

Regional Development Commissions The State’s nine Regional DevelopmentCommissions were established by theWestern Australian Parliament followingthe ratification of the Regional Development Commissions Act 1993.

The role of each commission is to:

opportunities in the region

economy

economic and social development of the region

promote business development withinthe region

and access to, government services inthe regions is comparable to the Perthmetropolitan area.

For the purposes of achieving that role acommission is expected to:

statutory bodies and State governmentagencies

and commerce, employer and employeeorganisations, education and training institutions and other sections of thecommunity within the region

in the region and encourage that investment

region and encourage the provision of that infrastructure in the region

public service of the State and the Commonwealth and other agencies,instrumentalities and statutory bodies of the State and the Commonwealth in orderto promote equitable delivery of services within the region

to promote equitable delivery of services within the region.

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1

$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 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.

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.

Overview

Source: Department of Regional Development.Note: Industry activity is an estimation of the gross value of production of key regional industries.

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.

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.

The Mid West is an extremely diverse minerals province. Production is a major contributor to the region’s economy, valued at more than

2

PopulationThe 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.

Region/LGA 2003 2013% Share

2013

AAGR 2003-2013

%

Aboriginal ERP 2011

MID WEST 50,607 57,901 100% 1.4 12%Carnamah (S) 797 550 1% -3.6 3%

Chapman Valley (S) 891 1,214 2% 3.1 5%

Coorow (S) 1,389 1,085 2% -2.4 3%

Cue (S) 376 298 1% -2.3 35%

Greater Geraldton (C) 34,348 40,448 70% 1.6 12%

Irwin (S) 2,943 3,780 7% 2.5 3%

Meekatharra (S) 1,374 1,521 3% 1.0 41%

Mingenew (S) 583 486 1% -1.8 6%

Morawa (S) 957 906 2% -0.5 12%

Mount Magnet (S) 831 711 1% -1.5 45%

Murchison (S) 150 127 0% -1.7 43%

Northampton (S) 3,355 3,379 6% 0.1 7%

Perenjori (S) 584 924 2% 4.7 8%

Sandstone (S) 132 116 0% -1.3 6%

Three Springs (S) 740 632 1% -1.6 8%

Wiluna (S) 851 1,279 2% 4.2 29%

Yalgoo (S) 306 445 1% 3.8 31%

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.

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.

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20,000

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2003 2008 2013p 2018 2023 Year

Population

Estimated Resident Population Source: ABS

Population Projections Source: Western Australian Planning

Commission (D series)

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics and WA Planning Commission.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics. Note: AAGR = Average Annual Growth Rate.

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3

Labour forceThe 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.

Industry of Employment 2011 2006

Construction 10.6% 8.5%

Retail Trade 10.1% 11.0%

Health Care and Social Assistance 9.1% 8.7%

Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 8.7% 12.4%

Education and Training 8.6% 8.8%

Mining 8.3% 6.7%

Public Administration and Safety 6.7% 6.7%

Accommodation and Food Services 6.5% 6.0%

Transport, Postal and Warehousing 6.3% 5.1%

Manufacturing 5.3% 4.9%

Real Estate, Administrative and Support Services 4.1% 4.0%

Other Services 4.0% 3.9%

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 3.2% 2.8%

Wholesale Trade 2.6% 3.3%

Inadequately described/not stated 2.4% 3.1%

Financial and Insurance Services 1.4% 1.6%

Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services 1.0% 1.0%

Information Media and Telecommunications 0.6% 0.7%

Arts and Recreation Services 0.6% 0.6%

Source: ABS 2011 and 2006 Census of Population and Housing; usual residence.

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

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: Department of Employment with additional estimates by the Department of Regional Development.

4

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 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 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.

Tourism

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.

Source: Tourism Western Australia and Department of Regional Development .

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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.

6

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.

7

Livestock disposals valued at $74 million represented seven per cent of the region’s totalagricultural production and consisted mostlyof 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 quantitiesof eggs and milk also produced.

Land and water resources are significant to the future economic development of agriculture in the Mid West. The soils andlandforms in parts of the region have potential for the development of irrigated agriculture and horticulture (dependent on watermanagement, quality and supply).

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics.

8

practices and best management, ensuring industry longevity and export values continue to remain high. Smaller values of finfish, molluscs and crabs are also produced.

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.

The principal aquaculture development activities in the Mid West include finfish

Fishing and aquacultureIn 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.

The region’s fisheries operate sustainably and are internationally recognised for research

Source: Department of Fisheries with further estimates by the Department of Regional Development.

Aquaculture 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.

Source: Department of Fisheries with further estimates by the Department of Regional Development.

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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

9

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.

Mean Taxable Income

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.

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.

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) $605* $65,841

Irwin (S) $517 $71,410

Meekatharra (S) $920 $57,271

Mingenew (S) $700 $73,839

Morawa (S) $550 $70,676

Mount Magnet (S) $582 $64,598

Murchison (S) $553 $82,434

Northampton (S) $430 $63,709

Perenjori (S) $1,297 $69,334

Sandstone (S) $485 $58,130

Three Springs (S) $544 $74,411

Wiluna (S) $1,667 $58,244

Yalgoo (S) $1,504 $75,417

WESTERN AUSTRALIA $662 $73,591

Source: Based on ABS State Retail Turnover. Regional estimates by the Department of Regional Development.

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.

10

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

Mining and mineral processing$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.

11

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.

12

Building approvalsBuilding 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.

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,

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 value of non-residential construction peaked at $185 million in 2009-10, with activities centred on mining construction projects.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics.

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Source: Deloitte Access Economics Investment Monitor and Department of Regional Development. Note: The graph represents investment value for calendar year.

Project investmentthey are committed and under construction where work has commenced.

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).

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.

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

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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

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.

Aboriginal Australians

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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.

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

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 Radio-astronomy 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.

Social and economic infrastructure

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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 environmentresidents characterised the Mid West by lifestyle, quality of climate and the attractiveness of its natural environmenta 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.

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.

Living in the Mid West

Source: Department of Regional Development - Living in the Regions 2013 State Report.

Invest in the Mid West Mining and manufacturingThe 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 technologiesThe 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

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.

TourismThe 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

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hinterland. Further tourism investment opportunities throughout the region include:

tourism accommodation and resorts

leisure tourism, including marine, cultural heritage, wildflower and Aboriginal experiences

foreshore and marina developments

convention facilities

amenities including signage and access

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.

Aquaculture and agricultureThe 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

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.

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GERALDTON OFFICELevel 2, 209 Foreshore Business Centre

PO Box 238GERALDTON WA 6531

Telephone: (08) 9921 0702TTFacsimile: (08) 9921 0707

Level 2, Gordon Stephenson House 140 William StreetPERTH WA 6000

PO Box 1143WEST PERTH WA 6872

Telephone: (08) 6552 1800TTFree call: 1800 049 155 (Country only)Facsimile: (08) 6552 1850

Email: info@drd.wa.gov.auWeb: www.drd.wa.gov.au

Mid West Development Commission

Department of Regional Development

All correspondence should be directed to:

Chief Executive OfficerMid West Development CommissionPO Box 238GERALDTON WA 6531

Email: info@mwdc.wa.gov.auWebsite: www.mwdc.wa.gov.au

Contact us

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 theiremployees, 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 thedocument or it being used or relied upon by any person, or it being used or relied on for comparative purposes.