Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013 – 2018
(Version 3 – Revised July 2016)
RDA Wheatbelt Strategic Regional Plan 2013-2018 Page | 1
DISCLAIMER This Strategic Regional Plan was prepared by Regional Development Australia Wheatbelt Inc. and does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government, its officers, employees or agents. Any representation, statement or opinion expressed or implied is made in good faith and on the basis that the committee, Government, its employees and agents are not liable for any damage or loss whatsoever which may occur as a result of action taken or not taken, as the case may be, in respect of any representation, statement, opinion or advice referred to herein. Professional advice should be obtained before applying the information contained in this document to particular circumstances.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
All images in this document were supplied by Michelle Blackhurst of “A Flash of Life Photography” or through entries to the Wheatbelt Photographic competition (2010) unless otherwise stated.
FURTHER INFORMATION
The RDA Wheatbelt Strategic Regional Plan is available to download as a PDF on our website: www.rdawheatbelt.com.au
For further information regarding the Regional Plan please contact:
Regional Development Australia Wheatbelt Inc.
3 Constable St, Gingin, WA 6503
Phone: (08) 9575 1888
Email: [email protected]
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 2
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
The Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-2018 is a five-year outlook for the Wheatbelt region that aims to inform decision makers about appropriate policy for our region and provide a focus for investment. It examines current and emerging challenges faced in the region and identifies opportunities for growth.
The Plan also provides key social, economic and environmental data and information for our region. This profiling along with extensive consultation has provided us with a strong evidence base to determine the strategies and actions that will have the most impact on addressing identified challenges and capitalising on opportunities that will secure long-term economic growth prospects.
These strategies and actions will almost always require high levels of co-operation and collaboration between stakeholders which will include Local Government, State Government bodies including most notably the Wheatbelt Development Commission and our organisation. This is particularly so as most game changing strategies that have been identified for the Wheatbelt will require not only facilitation through appropriate enabling planning policies, but the securing of funding from various programs, both State and Federal. We see our role at RDA Wheatbelt as one that seeks to both inform policy makers and acts to enable the garnering of Federal resources where Wheatbelt identified needs and solutions align with Federal Programs.
Two prime areas that showcase the importance of this focus are the recent work RDA Wheatbelt has undertaken working with Wheatbelt Local Government and Not for Profits to enhance success in the Federally funded National Stronger Regions Fund, and the extensive analysis and advocacy undertaken to improve regional resourcing to address the needs of our growing Aboriginal community, targeting the Indigenous Advancement Strategy and other Federal programs.
I would like to acknowledge the contribution made by regional stakeholders in the development of the Wheatbelt Regional Plan. In particular, the Wheatbelt Blueprint prepared by the Wheatbelt Development Commission in consultation with regional stakeholders including RDA Wheatbelt has significantly informed the development of our plan. We continue to work closely with the Wheatbelt Development Commission Board to establish key common priorities to ensure alignment of key messaging at both a State and Federal Government level.
Although we update our Regional Plan on a regular basis, the core of it, and in particular the identification of the priority projects and initiatives, remains consistent with the engagement process undertaken in 2012. With the Census to be held in August 2016 providing an opportunity to revisit the data for our region, 2017 will be a time to re-assess and update the regional projects and initiatives in collaboration with our stakeholders to ensure the work of RDA Wheatbelt continues to provide a meaningful contribution to the goals and aspirations of the Wheatbelt.
We look forward to continuing to work together with all of our stakeholders to ensure that our region reaches the potential we believe it has, to be a key contributor to the State and National economies.
The Committee endorses the ‘RDA Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016)
Graham Cooper
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 3 CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR ...... 3
CONTENTS ...... 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 5
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA ...... 5
THE WHEATBELT REGION ...... 5
THE WHEATBELT REGIONAL PLAN ...... 6
STRUCTURE OF THE PLAN ...... 6
REGIONAL TRENDS ...... 7
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK ...... 8
IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISMS ...... 8
CONTEXT ...... 8
1 MEGATRENDS AND FUTURE INDICATORS ...... 9
2 REGIONAL OVERVIEW ...... 17
3 FRAMEWORKS ...... 51
ANALYSIS ...... 55
4 COAG KEY DETERMINANTS OF LONG-TERM REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH ...... 55
ACTION AGENDA ...... 59
5 VISION ...... 59
6 PRIORITY REGIONAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES ...... 59
7 IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISMS ...... 67
8 REVIEW ...... 67
REFERENCES ...... 68
APPENDIX 1 ...... 72
ACRONYMS ...... 80
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA
Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a national initiative which seeks to grow and strengthen the regions of Australia. RDA Wheatbelt Inc. is part of a national network of 55 RDA committees representing regional areas across the country.
The RDA network strives to forge and strengthen key partnerships across all levels of government, business and the community sector to boost the economic capability and performance of our region.
RDA WHEATBELT – WORKING FOR THE WHEATBELT COMMUNITY
RDA Wheatbelt is a locally based, not-for-profit, incorporated association governed by a volunteer committee, who come from varied personal and professional backgrounds and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organisation.
RDA Wheatbelt engages with local communities and other stakeholders to identify inhibitors to development and to take action that will enable the sustainable economic growth of our region.
To address regional priorities RDA Wheatbelt:
. Advocates for our region to Government. . Coordinates and facilitates collaboration on initiatives across relevant stakeholders particularly where initiatives are able to leverage Federal Government programs or services . Assists communities in shaping projects that align with identified priorities for the region and that will have broad reaching impact (i.e. beyond one community or local government area), particularly projects that may be eligible for Federal Government investment. . Raises awareness of programs, initiatives and legislation that will impact (either positively or negatively) on regional projects and initiatives.
THE WHEATBELT REGION
The Wheatbelt region is situated in the south west of Western Australia and comprises an area of 154,862 square kilometres, extending out to the north, east and south east of the Perth metropolitan area. The region is home to approximately 74,777 people1 making it the third most populous region in the State.
The Wheatbelt is divided in to five distinct but inter-connected sub regions, each of which is serviced by a regional centre. The sub regions are:
. Avon, with Northam as its regional centre; . Central Coast with Jurien Bay as its regional centre; . Central Midlands with Moora as its regional centre; . Central East, with Merredin as its regional centre; and
1 Based on ABS Population Estimates released 31 March 2015. Source: Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2013-14 (cat. no. 3218.0)
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 5
. Wheatbelt South, with Narrogin as its regional centre
There are no major cities in the Wheatbelt. Northam is the largest regional centre with an estimated resident population of 6,580 (ABS, 2011). The clear division of the Wheatbelt in to sub-regions makes it unique to other regions in Western Australia as with no one dominant regional centre the infrastructure and service provision models that work in other areas are not suitable for this context.
The Wheatbelt is so called because of its extensive agricultural industry. The region is the primary producer of cereal crops in the state and contributes other agricultural products such as canola, olives, vegetables, wine grapes, honey, citrus fruits and livestock. Whilst agriculture remains the dominant industry, the economy of the region is also supported by mining, commerce, retail, manufacturing, fishing and tourism.
THE WHEATBELT REGIONAL PLAN
The Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-2018 is a five-year strategic outlook for the Wheatbelt region that aims to inform decision makers about appropriate policy for our area and provide a focus for investment.
The plan has been developed through extensive consultation as well as desk top research to ensure that the actions and strategies identified are based on robust evidence.
In preparing the Wheatbelt Regional Plan consideration was given to Commonwealth, State and Regional priorities. The COAG key determinants of long-term regional economic growth and megatrends were also examined to identify challenges and opportunities for the region.
STRUCTURE OF THE PLAN
The Wheatbelt Regional Plan has three key components:
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 6
REGIONAL TRENDS
The Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-2018 identifies the following regional priorities: . The Wheatbelt’s population is increasingly skewed toward the ageing end of the scale. Substantial investment in infrastructure and services for an ageing population is critical to ensure that we can meet the needs of this demographic. . Agriculture is fundamental to the region’s economy. With the predicted agriculture boom the prospects for this industry are bright but for it to thrive, new and innovative farm products, practices and business models need to be explored. . The Wheatbelt region as a whole is experiencing population growth. This growth, however, is not evenly dispersed. This creates significant challenges for planning in the region and necessitates a sub-regional approach to economic and social planning in the Wheatbelt. . Unemployment rates in the Wheatbelt region have traditionally remained lower than the State contributing to labour shortages. On the flip side of this, the Wheatbelt has the highest rate of youth unemployment in the state. Workforce planning is imperative in the face of these unique challenges. . The Wheatbelt region’s Indigenous population is also increasing. There was an 11% increase in the Indigenous population between 2006 and 2011 compared to an overall population increase of 5%. The projected growth of the Indigenous population along with a younger population profile requires focussed attention to be given to issues of disadvantage and need. . It is anticipated that water demand will increase as a result of population growth, particularly in the Avon Arc and coastal areas (WA Planning Commission, 2012a). Opportunities to improve water supply, storage and harvesting need to be investigated to address this increased demand. . Limited mobile phone reception in many parts of the region (100 significant blackspots have been identified) impacts on emergency services, social amenity of communities and business performance/development. Sub-standard internet connections are a further social and economic disadvantage in the region, which will only be partially addressed by the NBN roll- out. . The natural attributes of the region make it particularly suitable for renewable energy projects including large scale wind farms. Connection costs and capacity restraints in the distribution network are inhibiting the development of energy generation and limiting the regions ability to contribute to the renewable generation market. . The lack of diverse and suitable housing stock is a key developmental issue for the Wheatbelt. Multi-purpose housing developments to accommodate the needs of different sectors of the community are required across the region. . Wheatbelt small businesses have the lowest corporate website presence in Western Australia. Efforts to improve uptake of digital technologies should be a focus for the Wheatbelt. . An extensive national, State and local road and rail network serves the Wheatbelt region. Investing in this infrastructure is imperative to ensure safe and efficient access to ports and strategic hubs for connection with domestic and international markets. . The Wheatbelt has lower Year 12 attainment rates when compared with the rest of Western Australia. There are also limited opportunities to participate in post-compulsory education in the region. Reform in the delivery of education to this region is required to achieve greater compulsory and post-compulsory attainment rates to improve the employability of people within the Wheatbelt.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 7
. The Wheatbelt lacks adequate early childhood education and care facilities for children. This lack of services is a significant workforce development issue, as it not only restricts the available supply of labour for local employers, it also decreases the economic multipliers associated with additional income in the local economy.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
Vision for the Region RDA Wheatbelt’s vision for the region is: “The Wheatbelt has a thriving economy supported by diverse industry that builds on the regions comparative advantages and aligns with domestic and global opportunity” To realise this vision the Wheatbelt requires: Utilities (power, water, telecommunications) that meet demand and enable further growth (business and people) in the region; Digitally enabled and well-connected communities and businesses; A diverse pool of skilled and available workers; Engaging and advancing Indigenous people’s economic participation; A value adding and adaptive agriculture industry that meets food production, supply and distribution needs domestically and internationally; A strong and sustainable economy built on diverse industry that is responsive to emerging and niche markets; Safe, well networked and inclusive communities that have services and infrastructure that meet the needs of a diverse demographic profile; A safe and efficient transport network that supports a thriving logistics industry; and Equitable access to high quality health/medical services and education/training opportunities.
IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISMS
It is not the intention of RDA Wheatbelt to oversee all of the initiatives outlined in the Action Agenda described in the Wheatbelt Regional Plan; rather RDA Wheatbelt will focus its efforts on those activities that it is best positioned to pursue in order to achieve positive economic outcomes for the region. RDA Wheatbelt has identified three key areas of focus to guide the activities of the organisation. These priorities are: 1. Identification and utilization of Federal policies and/or programs that already exist to support progress with strategies that have been identified as having regional priority 2. With particular focus on human capital, business competitiveness and infrastructure. 3. Priority to programs that create regional collaborations and build regional capacity.
These key areas will facilitate policies, programmes and projects that strengthen human capital, productivity, infrastructure, access to markets, regional comparative advantage and business competitiveness, leading to increased economic activity and the creation of jobs, improved standards of living and working conditions.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 8
High level focus areas for RDA Wheatbelt in 2016-2017 include:
Improving knowledge, understanding and access to support to encourage small business development including impacts of the digital economy Development of partnerships with the private sector Contributing to the knowledge base within the region particularly relating to the measures of Economic Development and professional tools and skills to enhance the effectiveness of the region in developing business cases and attracting funding Closing the Gap in relation to our Aboriginal community Agriculture in particular opportunities created by the demand for food Contributions to policy discussions particularly in relation to the impact on our regional community of current or planned Federal interventions (funding or policy) CONTEXT
1 MEGATRENDS AND FUTURE INDICATORS
The “Our Future World” report by CSIRO (Hajkowicz & Littleboy, 2012) identifies six interlinked megatrends that will shape the way we live in Australia over the next 20 years. The following section summaries these key trends and highlights opportunities for the Wheatbelt region.
1.1 MORE FROM LESS
The earth has limited supplies of natural mineral, energy, water and food resources that are essential for human survival and maintaining lifestyles. Many of these resources are being depleted at sometimes alarming rates. CSIRO predicts that climate change will place pressure on water and food production systems, while at the same time population growth and economic growth will place upward pressure on demand.
1.1.1 SUMMARY OF PREDICTED TRENDS . The Global population is expected to reach 9 billion people by 2043 (UNESA, 2012) and is forecasted to level off at over 10 billion people (United Nations, 2011). This growth will place pressure on scarce natural resources. . World economic output is expected to grow from $78trillion in 2011 to $111trillion by 2017. Median growth rates for advanced economies will range from 0.8 percent to 2.1 percent, whilst developing economies will grow 4.1 percent to 4.4 percent. This will see a rise in the middle class. . Global water will become scarcer as demand is forecast to increase by 55 percent between 2000 and 2050, with the largest increases coming from manufacturing, electricity and domestic use. . Total water consumption in Australia is forecast to rise by 42 percent by the year 2026 and 76 percent by the year 2056 compared to 2009 levels (WSAA, 2010). The increased demand is likely to be associated with price rises. . The Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resource Economics and Sciences (Syed et al., 2010) forecasts 35 percent growth in total energy consumption over the period 2008 to 2030. The most
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 9
rapidly growing sources of energy will be natural gas and coal seam gas (3.4 percent per year) and renewables (3.5 percent per year). . Worldwide energy use is forecast to rise by 40 percent between 2009 and 2035. All sources of energy are forecast to experience growth, however renewable energy will still only make a minor contribution to world energy use by 2035. . During the period 2011 to 2035 the world is forecast to spend some US$38 trillion on energy supply infrastructure to meet growing demand. . The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) forecast that food production needs will increase by 70 percent by the year 2050 to meet demand (FAO, 2009). This includes growth in annual cereal production from 2.1 billion tonnes to 5.1 billion tonnes and meat production from 200 million tonnes to 470 million tonnes. The world loses 12 million hectares of productive agricultural land each year to land degradation (UNCCD, 2011). . Factors such as income growth, biofuel production, climate variability, trade distortions, rising oil prices and urbanisation are considered likely to push up food prices into the future (OECD and FAO, 2011). . Currently 1 percent of the world’s arable land area is devoted to biofuel production. This is forecast to grow to between 2.5 percent to 3.8 percent by the year 2030 (IEA & OECD, 2006). . As water and other resources become scarce relative to demand the risk of conflict is heightened. . Mining in the future may happen above the ground more than below the ground as ore grades decline and resource rich “waste” is recycled.
1.2 GOING, GOING, GONE
Coming decades will see billions of people added to the world population and the continued rapid industrialisation of the emerging economies. Many habitats, plant species and animal species are in decline or are on the brink of extinction. Greenhouse gas emissions and climate change herald potentially unforeseen consequences on our natural and human systems.
1.2.1 SUMMARY OF PREDICTED TRENDS
. The three main components of biodiversity - that is genes, species and ecosystems - are all continuing to show signs of decline. . Extensive degradation and fragmentation of habitats continues to be a leading cause of biodiversity loss and diminished ecosystem services. . Although the rate has slowed deforestation continues to occur. . The number and extent of protected areas, particularly critical biodiversity sites, has increased since 2002 and efforts to protect these sites are increasing. . Climate change will continue to impact on animals, plant species and humans in a significant way as a result of extreme weather events, sea level rise, higher temperatures and changed environmental conditions.
1.3 THE SILK HIGHWAY
Coming decades will see the world economy shift from west to east and north to south. Rapid income
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 10
growth in Asia and, to a lesser extent, South America and Africa will see billions of people transition out of poverty and into the middle income classes.
The powerhouses of the new world economy are China and India. Both countries have continued to grow their economies rapidly during and after the financial crises of the last decade. Strong economic growth is forecast by many analysts to continue over coming decades.
This will build new export markets, trade relations, business models and cultural ties for Australia. Tourists, funds and ideas will increasingly flow out of Asian countries and into Australia’s economy and society. Australia’s cultural composition will also become more diverse. People with Asian ancestry will make up an increasingly large portion of the Australian population.
1.3.1 SUMMARY OF PREDICTED TRENDS
. The hotspot of world economic activity will shift to a location firmly between China and India by 2030. . Economic growth is forecast to slow in the short term for Asia and the world. Despite this, the five-year outlook by the International Monetary Fund (2012) still has year on year economic growth at 8 percent for the developing Asia region compared to economic growth in advanced economies of around 2 percent to 3 percent. . By 2030 the bulk of global GDP will be generated from non OECD countries (OECD, 2010). This is a major shift for the world economy. . As a result of a growing middle class the composition of imports in to Asia will shift toward high value add goods such as cars, office equipment and technology. . The growth of Australia’s economy will be closely linked to the growth of China and India . Tourism will emerge as a growth export industry for Australia. . Commodity prices are expected to decline from 2012 and impact on the Australian economy which is heavily dependent on coal, iron ore, gold and other minerals to generate export income. . Economic growth in China is forecast to slow, which may mean a move away from rapid industrialisation toward a more services oriented phase of development. This will decrease demand for Australian mineral exports. . Australia might be able to identify and develop new niche industries to feed in to the Asian market.
1.4 FOREVER YOUNG
The ageing population may be seen as an advantage to Australia’s economy and society. Retaining some level of connection to the workforce later in life, via appropriate tapered retirement models, may lead to better physical and mental health outcomes for individuals. In addition this may open up under-utilised highly valuable knowledge resources Nevertheless, there are some challenges associated with an ageing population and associated demographic trends. Two of these challenges include Australia’s widening retirement savings gap and rapidly escalating healthcare expenditure. This will change people’s lifestyles, the services they demand and the structure of the labour force.
People will retire later in life, gradually wind back and change duties in a tapered model of retirement and spend increasingly large sums of money through the healthcare system to combat age related illnesses.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 11
1.4.1 SUMMARY OF PREDICTED TRENDS
. By the year 2050 there will only be 2.7 people of working age to support every Australian aged 65, compared to 5 in 2010 and 7.5 in 1970 (Australian Government, 2010). . The world population as a whole is ageing. In 1950, 8 percent of the world’s people were over 65 years old. This grew to 11.2 percent by 2011 and is forecast to reach 22 percent by 2050. . One of the reasons the Australian, and world, population is ageing is because of longer life expectancy. Advances in medical sciences and healthcare over time means that people will live longer in the future. . The retirement savings gap (i.e. the shortfall in savings for the current workforce to have a comfortable retirement) is estimated at $836 billion or $79,200 per person as of 30 June 2011 (Rice Warner Actuaries, 2011). . The combined pressures of ageing and the retirement savings gap might redefine the concept of retirement into the future and see more people maintain a form of reduced employment in retirement rather than ceasing work altogether. . Lifestyle related illnesses (e.g. diabetes and obesity) are on the rise in Australia and worldwide but at the same time people are more aware of health issues and are investing more in fitness. . The ageing population and lifestyle illnesses are drivers of growing healthcare expenditure. There is growth in spending on all areas of healthcare: hospitals, medical benefits, pharmaceuticals and private health insurance.
1.5 VIRTUALLY HERE
The world is becoming more connected. People, businesses and governments are increasingly moving into the virtual world to deliver and access services, obtain information, perform transactions, shop, work and interact with each other.
Online retail and teleworking in Australia represent less than 10 percent of total retail sales and less than 10 percent the workforce composition. But they are forecast to grow rapidly. Both have the ability to change labour markets, retail models, city design and transportation systems.
1.5.1 SUMMARY OF PREDICTED TRENDS
. It is expected that online retail will continue to grow and contribute to a structural shift in the Australian economy. Retail trade already contributes $59 billion to the Australian economy and employs 1.2 million people. . Collaborative consumption (i.e. using the same product through some type of sharing arrangement) will be boosted by continued development of innovative online transaction platforms. . Modern information and communication technology will increasingly remove the necessity for many workers to visit a physical location and see a rise in teleworking arrangements and alternative models of working. . The integrated logistics industry - encompassing road, rail and shipping freight - has experienced revenue growth of 6.5 percent per year for the past six years (IBISWorld, 2012). The growth of online commerce is likely to be accompanied by a growth in background logistics operations. . We may see a rise in freelancing (i.e. Portfolio workers supplying their services to a range of
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 12
companies) and off-shoring (i.e. sourcing employment from other countries) models. . An inevitable consequence of society’s movement into the digital world is the rising threat of cybercrime.
1.6 GREAT EXPECTATIONS
People of the future will have expectations for more personalised, better and faster services. They will seek higher-end experiences due to income growth and the oversupply of mass consumables. Social relationships will hold increased importance given the potential for social media and digital communication burnout and the desire for face-to-face interaction. Conversely, for the millions of impoverished people in the world the expectations are still for the basic necessities of life such as water, food, clothing, shelter and personal security.
1.6.1 SUMMARY OF PREDICTED TRENDS
. In both the developed and developing world incomes will grow considerably over coming decades. With this people will be in a position to look beyond the basic necessities of life in search for higher level services and experiences. . Relative to population and income growth material consumption is declining in countries with advanced economies. This is due to more efficient production processes and consumer preferences for experiential services as opposed to physical products. As people become wealthier they spend more money on activities such as tourism, education and entertainment. . As people and countries become wealthier they will redirect discretionary income towards education services. . Over the past two decades Australian households have substantially increased weekly expenditure on art, culture and entertainment. Film, digital media and literature have experienced the biggest jumps. . Marketers have long sought to personalise products and services to increase sales. Modern technologies will allow personalisation to leapfrog into new territory. . Retail turnover is growing in the experience oriented sectors and contracting in the products oriented sectors. . Moral and ethical dimensions are increasingly important to consumers. Recent decades have seen a growth in the number of products labelled as environmentally and socially responsible. . The growing popularity of social media has potential to lead to isolated groups within society that are unable to derive the necessary bonding social capital. However, there is a possible flipside. Social media may also permit greater connectivity for people isolated from friends due to geographic barriers or physical and mental health restrictions. . Even though the situation is improving many of the world’s people, including some disadvantaged demographics in Australia, live in survival mode. They have an expectation not for higher-order experiences but for basic necessities (food, water, shelter, clothing, and personal safety). . The severity and extent of global poverty is reducing over time. But far too many people still live in poverty and closing the gap will be a priority of the international community for decades to come.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 13
1.7 IMPLICATIONS FOR THE WHEATBELT
The Megatrends outlined by CSIRO present great opportunity for the Wheatbelt region.
1) Food Production: As the largest producers of new and traditional agricultural products in Western Australia, the Wheatbelt is in a unique position to be able to grow existing agricultural production and diversify in to new markets to meet the demand for food from the rising Australian and world population. For the Wheatbelt to gain maximum benefit from this trend new and innovative farm practices, products and business models need to be explored.
2) Sustainable Farming: As outlined in the “More from Less” megatrend, the need for food (particularly cereal crops and livestock) is growing at the same time prime agricultural land is declining. Continued research and development in to sustainable farming practices is a real opportunity for the Wheatbelt. Our farmers are already recognised as some of the best dry land farmers in the world and this knowledge could become a saleable asset as other parts of the world look to replicate the successes. The expansion of existing research and development facilities in the region, such as the Merredin Dryland Research Institute (operated by the Department of Agriculture and Food WA) is one way that this could be achieved.
3) Biofuel: The expected growth in Biofuel production and demand for this source of fuel could be met by Wheatbelt agricultural producers. As outlined in the “Biodiesel for the Wheatbelt Feasibility Report” (Oilseeds WA) biodiesel is an important fuel option for rural and urban WA. It is relatively easy to manufacture, is renewable and has better lubricating and environmental properties than mineral diesel. The greatest impediment at present is that volumes of feedstock required are extremely large and make production unfeasible. Further research and development in this area is therefore required.
4) Tourism: The Wheatbelt is in a prime position to capitalise on the growing demand for experiential services (e.g. tourism), particularly for the Asian market. The clear skies and open spaces that are a trade mark of the Wheatbelt are highly attractive to Asian (and other) tourists who venture from densely populated urban environments. Innovative and targeted marketing of the regions tourism assets is required to improve knowledge of the Wheatbelt as currently it is not a well-known area to tourists domestically or internationally.
5) Water Consumption: Underground water reserves and saline affected water in the region could meet demands for domestic and industrial water. Given that water prices are expected to rise this could represent an economic opportunity for the region as water will become a highly valued and potentially expensive commodity. Costs associated with accessing and treating this water is a current impediment that would need to be overcome to realise the potential of this commodity.
6) Renewable Energy: The Wheatbelt region has favourable conditions for renewable energy generation (e.g. solar, wind and geothermal), particularly along the coastal strip. There are currently a number of large scale renewable generation projects proposed for the region and with improvements to the transmission network they will be in a position to progress.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 14
7) Niche Industries: The availability of land coupled with the region’s proximity to major ports at Kwinana and Albany puts it in a prime position to accommodate emerging niche industries in response to International demand (e.g. growing and packaging a diverse range of food products). Further exploration of demand and supply possibilities is warranted to identify the actual potential for the region.
8) Ageing Population: Wheatbelt communities offer affordable housing and safe environments which are attractive to older generations. This combined with the work that is being done to improve health services through the Southern Inland Health Initiative and the aged care planning that has been done for the whole of the region, places the Wheatbelt in a favourable position to not only meet the challenges of an ageing population but to embrace this trend as an economic opportunity. Investment in aged care infrastructure and services is required to better position the region to accommodate a greater population of older people.
9) Background Logistics: Running through the Wheatbelt are two of the State’s most significant transport routes – the Great Eastern and Great Northern Highways. The region is essentially the gateway between Perth and the North of WA and the East Coast of Australia. Additionally, there is a substantial rail network within the region. Because of this connectedness there is great potential for the development of inland ports or intermodal hubs to receive and distribute goods. Upgrades to road and rail infrastructure in the region are required to secure the future of the transport network of the region.
10) Teleworking: The Wheatbelt region is home to many well educated and talented people. Unfortunately, due to factors such as isolation or family commitments not all of these people are currently able to access employment. Teleworking presents a huge opportunity for the Wheatbelt region as it will allow people who are unable to travel to a place of work to be engaged in the workforce from their own home. This will help to meet workforce challenges within the region and provide opportunities for people to offer their services nationally and even internationally. For telework to become a more viable option for individuals and businesses, improvements to telecommunications infrastructure, such as that being provided through the NBN roll-out, is essential.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 15
Image: Wheatbelt RDA Region
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 16
2 REGIONAL OVERVIEW
2.1 GEOGRAPHY AND LOCATION
The Wheatbelt region is situated in the south west of Western Australia and comprises an area of 154,862 square kilometres, extending out to the north, east and south east of the Perth metropolitan area. The region is home to 74, 777 people (ABS estimated resident population as at 30 June 2014) making it the third most populous region in the State, after Peel and the South West.
The Wheatbelt is a large and diverse region encompassing a range of environments, social and economic characteristics. Opportunities and constraints differ greatly across the region, especially when comparing the high growth peri-urban and coastal communities with the broad acre farm land in the east and south of the region.
With the amalgamation of the Narrogin Shire and Town on 1 July 2016 the Wheatbelt covers 42 Shires. The population of the Wheatbelt is dispersed over more than 200 towns, villages and smaller settlements with the highest density occurring in towns closest to Perth. Travelling towards the far north and east of the Wheatbelt, there are further distances between towns and a smaller concentration of people. There are no major cities in the Wheatbelt. Northam is the largest town in the region with an estimated population of 6,580 (ABS, 2011 Census).
2.1.1 WHEATBELT SUB-REGIONS
The Wheatbelt is divided in to five distinct but inter-connected sub regions, each of which is serviced by a regional centre. The sub regions are:
. Avon . Central Coast . Central Midlands . Central East . Wheatbelt South
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 17
Estimated Resident Population of Wheatbelt Sub-regions 2004 - 2014 30000 25000 20000 15000
Axis Axis Title 10000 5000 0 Central Wheatbelt Avon Central Coast Central East Midlands South 2004 24920 7471 10024 10648 18665 2014 26775 8735 11428 9669 18167
Figure 1: Estimated Resident Population for Wheatbelt Sub-regions (2004 - 2014). Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Regional Population Growth, Australia, cat. No. 3218.0 released 31 March 2015
2.1.1.1 AVON
The Avon sub-region had a projected population of 26,775 people as of 30 June 2014. The Avon encompasses the Shires of Beverley, Cunderdin, Dowerin, Goomalling, Koorda, Northam, Quairading, Tammin, Toodyay, Wyalkatchem and York (refer to table 1 for a breakdown of individual Shire populations). The ABS population data for this sub-region suggests that there was an overall increase of 1,855 people over the decade from 2004-2014. This sub-region is expected to experience the greatest population increase of all Wheatbelt sub-regions over the next decade and reach 32,970 people by 2026 according to projections provided by the WA Planning Commission (2012b).
A not insubstantial contribution to this population growth will be an increase in the Indigenous population which increased by 11% between 2006 and 2011 and which with a substantially younger population could be expected to continue to increase at a higher rate compared to the non-Indigenous population.
The town of Northam, with a population of approximately 6,580 (ABS 2011 Census) is the main service centre for this sub-region. Northam is recognised as a “Super Town” under the State Government’s Regional Centres Development Program and through targeted investment aims to reach a population of 20,000. Northam is also an Indigenous population centre in the Avon Sub region comprising people of various Noongar clans. At the time of the 2011 census the Indigenous population of Northam was almost 600 people.
The major drivers of the Avon economic activity are transport, logistics and manufacturing, agriculture and construction. These industries collectively account for 45 percent of sub-regional industry value add. Health, social welfare and education are also important sectors contributing an additional 15 percent (Wheatbelt Development Commission (WDC), 2015).
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 18
According to the Avon sub-regional economic strategy (RPS, 2013) industries that are likely to play an important role in the future economy of the Avon are broad acre agriculture and animal husbandry; transport, logistics and mining support industries; health and aged care; retail and lifestyle; and tourism.
Health, social welfare and education is the largest employment sector in this sub-region employing 19 percent of the workforce. Agriculture, transport, logistics and manufacturing; and retail are also significant employment sectors in the region (WDC, 2015). However, it could be assumed that broadacre agriculture’s contribution to employment levels will decline in the future. This evidenced in the 23% decrease in the number of farm businesses in the region between 2006 and 2011 leading to a 47% decline in employment positions for 15-24 year olds in the industry. It should be expected that the increase in the size of broadacre farms in the region along with improved economies of scale and technology will reduce the requirement for semi-skilled farm labour.
At the same time the increasing utilisation of sophisticated technology in the agricultural sector is expected to increase demand for highly skilled technology workers. In addition, as farms move along the value chain towards food production new employment opportunities will be created in processing, marketing, business management and all other support skills and occupations necessary for getting product to an end consumer. These opportunities are yet to be realised en masse within the Wheatbelt, however in pockets innovative farmers are making the move from commodity to food, and increasingly both State and Federal Governments are making resources available to farmers to help them in this process.
Local Government 2004 2014p Change Estimated Population 2026 Change Beverley (S) 1625 1589 -36 1900 311 Cunderdin (S) 1344 1326 -18 630 -696 Dowerin (S) 760 683 -77 520 -163 Goomalling (S) 967 991 24 1300 309 Koorda (S) 488 438 -50 510 72 Northam (S) 10157 11629 1472 14800 3171 Quairading (S) 1084 1051 -33 1000 -51 Tammin (S) 426 409 -17 300 -109 Toodyay (S) 4198 4641 443 6300 1659 Wyalkatchem (S) 652 529 -123 310 -219 York (S) 3219 3489 270 5400 1911 TOTAL 24920 26775 1855 32970 6195
Table 1: Avon Sub-regional population (2004 - 2014). Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Regional Population Growth, Australia, cat. No. 3218.0 released 31 March 2015 and WA Planning Commission (2012b) Band C Projections
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 19
2.1.1.2 CENTRAL EAST
The Central East comprises a large number of small communities in an expansive geographical area with a total estimated population of 9,669 people as of 30 June 2014 (refer to Table 2). This represents an estimated decrease of 979 over the decade from 2004-2014. The Central East sub-region includes the Shires of Bruce Rock, Kellerberrin, Merredin, Mount Marshall, Mukinbudin, Narembeen, Nungarin, Trayning, Westonia and Yilgarn. Population Projections provide by the WA Planning Commission (2012b) suggest that the population of this sub-region will continue to decline over time.
According to the WDC Blueprint (2015) at 59 percent, mining is the most significant contributor to subregional industry value add (IVA) in the Central East. Transport, construction, logistics and manufacturing and agriculture also make significant contributions to the Sub-region’s IVA.
The Central East Sub-regional Economic Strategy indicates that opportunities for future economic development will be in broad acre agriculture; mining and support services; and population services including health, aged care, tourism and education and training (RPS, 2015).
Agriculture, employing 28 percent of the workforce is easily the most dominant industry in employment terms. However, a sustained decrease (40%) in the number of farm businesses in the region between 2006 and 2011 and a corresponding 38% decrease in employment positions for 15-24 year olds suggests agricultures employment dominance in the region is slipping. This and the slowdown in the resources industry will place more emphasis on health, social welfare, education, transport, logistics, manufacturing and retail as employment alternatives in the Sub-region. The comments made earlier in relation to the changing needs of an agricultural workforce remain applicable to this sub region.
Local Government 2004 2014p Change Estimated Population 2026 Change Bruce Rock (S) 1055 949 -106 680 -269 Kellerberrin (S) 1206 1223 17 1300 77 Merredin (S) 3496 3292 -204 3000 -292 Mt Marshall (S) 672 469 -203 780 311 Mukinbudin (S) 664 490 -174 390 -100 Narembeen (S) 960 795 -165 540 -255 Nungarin (S) 266 227 -39 200 -27 Trayning (S) 410 341 -69 350 9 Westonia (S) 236 271 35 200 -71 Yilgarn (S) 1683 1612 -71 830 -782 TOTAL 10648 9669 -979 8270 -1399
Table 2: Central East Sub-regional population (2004 - 2014). Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Regional Population Growth, Australia, cat. No. 3218.0 released 31 March 2015 and WA Planning Commission (2012b) Band C Projections
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 20
2.1.1.3 CENTRAL COAST
The Central Coast sub-region consists of the Shires of Dandaragan and Gingin and covers the coastal area of the Wheatbelt extending from Guilderton to Jurien Bay. The estimated population of this sub- region as at 30 June 2014 is 8,735 (refer to Table 3). WA Planning Commission (2012b) estimates suggest that this sub-region will reach a population of 9,700 by 2026.
Jurien Bay, as the Central Coast’s regional centre, was announced in 2011 as one of WA’s nine Supertowns. The Jurien Bay Regional Centre Growth Plan released in 2012 outlines that the town has the aspirational goal of transforming from a small coastal settlement to a regional city of 20,000.
The major drivers of the Central Coast economic activity are mining, agriculture and fishing activities and associated transport, logistics and manufacturing. According to WDC (2015) these sectors account for 58 percent of the local industry value add. The construction sector is also strong in the Region and accounts for a further 17 percent of regional employment and is also a strong employment option for the 15-24 years age group. As such it has absorbed most of the 9% decrease in agriculture employment positions for 15-24 year olds along with retail trade and the health and social services sector.
The Central Coast Sub-regional Economic Strategy (RPS, 2014a) identifies a number of key themes for future economic development. These include aquaculture (mariculture), horticulture and food processing; renewable energy; mining, construction and light industry and tourism.
Agriculture is the dominant employment sector in the Central Coast, employing 27 percent of the sub-regions workforce. However, with a 10% decline in agribusinesses in the region, agriculture’s employment dominance could be expected to decrease. Transport, logistics and manufacturing; retail, construction and health, social welfare and education are also significant employment sectors in the Central Coast (WDC, 2015).
Local Government 2004 2014p Change Estimated Population 2026 Change Dandaragan (S) 2967 3288 321 4200 912 Gingin (S) 4504 5447 943 5500 53 TOTAL 7471 8735 1264 9700 965
Table 3: Central Coast Sub-regional population (2004 - 2014). Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Regional Population Growth, Australia, cat. No. 3218.0 released 31 March 2015 and WA Planning Commission (2012b) Band C Projections
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 21
2.1.1.4 CENTRAL MIDLANDS
The Central Midlands sub-region has an estimated resident population of 11,428 as of June 2014 (refer to table 4). Shires in this sub-region include Chittering, Dalwallinu, Moora, Victoria Plains and Wongan- Ballidu. This sub-region has experienced positive population growth as a whole over the decade from 2004-2014 but this has largely been driven by the high growth rate in the Shire of Chittering. Chittering is expected to continue experiencing growth while all other Shire’s in this sub-region are anticipated to decline in population over the years to 2026 (WA Planning Commission 2012b). However it should be noted that there was a substantive increase of 24% in the Indigenous population between 2006 and 2011 in the region (ABS 2011). Growth in the Indigenous population is expected to continue both in absolute terms and as a percentage of the population.
The major drivers of economic activity in the Central Midlands are transport, logistics and manufacturing and agriculture contributing 25 percent and 19 percent respectively to the sub-region’s industry value add (WDC, 2015). Mining and construction are also significant contributors.
The Central Midlands sub-regional Economic Strategy identifies a number of key themes for future economic development. These include agriculture, horticulture and livestock; peri-urban living; mining, manufacturing and support services; health and aged care; and tourism (RPS, 2014b).
Agriculture is the dominant employment sector in the Central Midlands, employing 26 percent of the workforce. Transport, logistics and manufacturing; health, social welfare and education; and retail are also significant employment sectors in the Sub-region (WDC, 2015). As with the trend in other Wheatbelt Sub regions, there has been a 19% decline in the number of agribusinesses in the region which appears to have flowed through to available employment positions for the 15 -24 year age group. Between 2006 and 2011 there was a 24% decrease in agriculture employment positions for this age group (ABS 2011). However, there was a 7% increase in non-agribusinesses in the same period which saw a 10% increase in employment positions for the regions 15-24 year olds. This increase was led by the construction and retail sectors.
Local Government 2004 2014p Change Estimated Population 2026 Change Chittering (S) 3328 5218 1890 8500 3282 Dalwallinu (S) 1588 1284 -304 800 -484 Moora (S) 2626 2516 -110 2300 -216 Victoria Plains (S) 971 915 -56 760 -155 Wongan-Ballidu (S) 1511 1495 -16 1200 -295 TOTAL 10024 11428 1404 13560 2132
Table 4: Central Coast Sub-regional population (2004 - 2014). Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Regional Population Growth, Australia, cat. No. 3218.0 released 31 March 2015 and WA Planning Commission (2012b) Band C Projections
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 22
2.1.1.5 WHEATBELT SOUTH
The Wheatbelt South comprises an approximate population of 18,167 people and includes the Shires of Brookton, Corrigin, Cuballing, Dumbleyung, Kondinin, Kulin, Lake Grace, Narrogin Shire, Narrogin Town, Pingelly, Wagin, Wandering, West Arthur, Wickepin and Williams. Population estimates provided in Table 4 indicate that 66 percent of Local Governments in this sub-region have experienced population decline over the years from 2004 to 2014. Population decline in many of the Local Government areas in this sub-region is predicted to continue in the years up to 2026; however, the overall sub-regional population is expected to increase, with the largest growth anticipated to be in the Town of Narrogin.
This Sub region is another area that has recorded a considerable increase (10%) in the Indigenous population between 2006 and 2011. The highest levels of increase were in Narrogin (22%) and Pingelly (33%). It would be reasonable to expect the Indigenous population in the Sub region to continue to increase given the recent Native Title Agreement between the South West Land and Sea Committee and the WA State Government. This agreement entails the development of considerable areas of land and assets to Indigenous communities throughout the Wheatbelt and within the Wheatbelt South Sub region. It is anticipated that Indigenous communities’ access to Native Title land will lead to a level of urban Indigenous migration back to ‘Country’ and regional communities.
Contributing 31 percent and 17 percent respectively to the Wheatbelt South’s industry value add (IVA), mining and agriculture are the sub-region’s major economic drivers (WDC, 2015). Transport, logistics and manufacturing; health, social welfare and education; and construction are also significant contributors.
Of all of the Wheatbelt sub-regions, the Central South has the highest average percentage of overall employment in the agriculture industry at 35 percent of the workforce but as with the other Sub regions Wheatbelt South has experienced a substantial 24% decrease in the number of agribusinesses in the region between 2006 and 2011 The impact of this decrease could be seen in the 38% decline over the same period in employment positions for 15-24 year olds (ABS 2011). Added to this was the loss of 7% of non-agribusiness in the region which translated into a 23% decrease in employment positions for 15-24 year olds and a 39% increase in the number of unemployed youth in the region. While health, social welfare and education; transport, logistics and manufacturing; and retail are significant employment sectors (WDC, 2015) for the Wheatbelt South Sub region population the data indicates that these sectors do not have positions available for the regions youth. Youth and workforce development strategies are needed to address this mismatch.
The Wheatbelt South sub-regional Economic Strategy (RPS, 2014c) identifies a number of key themes for future economic development. These include agriculture, livestock and food supply chains; health and education; lifestyle, amenity and retirement; and tourism.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 23
Local Government 2004 2014p Change Estimated Population 2026 Change Brookton (S) 1028 1020 -8 730 -290 Corrigin (S) 1217 1100 -117 1400 300 Cuballing (S) 769 889 120 880 -9 Dumbleyung (S) 702 589 -113 470 -119 Kondinin (S) 1013 1010 -3 910 -100 Kulin (S) 906 808 -98 800 -8 Lake Grace (S) 1563 1329 -234 1000 -329 Narrogin (S) 821 888 67 1300 412 Narrogin (T) 4582 4451 -131 5600 1149 Pingelly (S) 1208 1183 -25 1300 117 Wagin (S) 1916 1905 -11 1800 -105 Wandering (S) 365 438 73 540 102 West Arthur (S) 891 898 7 700 -198 Wickepin (S) 752 727 -25 700 -27 Williams (S) 932 932 0 940 8 TOTAL 18665 18167 -498 19070 903
Table 5: Wheatbelt South Sub-regional population (2004 - 2014). Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Regional Population Growth, Australia, cat. No. 3218.0 released 31 March 2015 and WA Planning Commission (2012b) Band C Projections
2.2 DEMOGRAPHICS
Population estimates (ABS, 2015) indicate that the population of the Wheatbelt region reached 74,777 in June 2014. Between 2004 and 2014 the population of the region increased by 4.1 percent, which represents an average annual growth rate of 0.4 percent.
Estimated Resident Population of the Wheatbelt 2004-2014 76000
75000
74000
73000
72000
71000
70000 Estimated ResidentPopulation 69000 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Population 71728 71695 71549 71107 71499 72267 72664 73195 73984 74768 74774
Figure 2: Wheatbelt Population Growth (2004 - 2014). Source: ABS Regional Population Growth (cat. no. 3218.0 released 31 March 2015)
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 24
Population growth in the Wheatbelt has not been consistent across the region with some areas experiencing strong growth while others are experiencing stagnant or declining populations. The 2011 Census (ABS) showed that 26 Wheatbelt shires had recorded an increase in population between 2006 and 2011, ranging from 1.1% to 20% while 12 shires had registered a decrease in population and four shires had shown little change.
Conversely in regard to changes in the Wheatbelt Indigenous population 25 LGA’s have experienced considerable increases in their Indigenous population between 2006 and 2011 while 15 LGA’s have seen a decrease (ABS 2011). The Indigenous population growth was strongest in the Sub regions of Central Midlands (14%), Avon (12%) and Wheatbelt South (11%) which are the primary Indigenous population centres of the Wheatbelt. This growth trend was also demonstrated in the Central Coast Sub region which has traditionally had a small Indigenous population with an increase of 29% between 2006 and 2011.
The effect of the increase in the Indigenous Wheatbelt population is exemplified by the influence on the overall population statistics. For example, the Indigenous population increase in the Wheatbelt South Sub region contributed 0.4% to total population increase while in the Avon, and Central Coast Sub regions it was 0.3%. Equally in the Central East Sub region the low decrease in the Indigenous population reduced overall population decline by 0.2%. This illustrates the effects and importance the growth of the Indigenous population has in the future of the region.
Estimated resident population statistics provided by ABS indicate that as of 30 June 2013, males represented 51.5 percent of the total population of the Wheatbelt. There are slightly more males than females across all age groups with the exception of the 35 to 39 age range, where there is an equal representation and the 40 to 44 age range where there are slightly more females than males (3.5 percent and 3.3 percent respectively).
As per figure 3 the percentages of the population across the age ranges from 15 to 44 are lower for the Wheatbelt when compared with Western Australia as a whole. On the flip side of this the percentage of the population in the age ranges 50 to 85 and over is higher in the Wheatbelt than Western Australia.
At the 2011 Census (ABS Cat. 2003.0) 4.7 percent of the Wheatbelt population identified themselves as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (approximately 3,293 people). This is a higher proportion than for the whole of Western Australia (3.1 percent).
The percentage of people born overseas (or not specified) increased from 19 percent of the Wheatbelt population in 2001 to 23 percent in 2011 (ABS Census 2011). According to Census information there are a diverse range of ethnic groups represented in the Wheatbelt including people from German, Indian, Italian and Philippine decent.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 25
5.0% 4.5% 4.0% Wheatbelt 3.5% Male 3.0% Wheatbelt Female 2.5% WA Male 2.0% 1.5% WA Female
1.0% PercentofTotal Population 0.5%
0.0%
9
–
14 19 24 29 34 39 44 49 54 59 64 69 74 79 84
0-4
5
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
85+
10 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 15 Figure 3: Percentage of Population according to Age & Gender - WA and the Wheatbelt (2013). Source: ABS Cat. 3235.0 Estimated Resident Population by Age and Sex, Regions of Australia 30 June 2013
We look forward to the release of the 2016 Census data which will enable a complete update of the Regional Profile and enable the tracking of trends.
2.2.1 EMPLOYMENT CHARACTERISTICS
Agriculture is the predominant industry of the Wheatbelt region and as such a large percentage of the population is employed either directly or indirectly in this industry sector. According to the 2011 Census 24.3 percent of Wheatbelt workers were employed in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries. This is down from 33.3 percent in 2001 (refer to Figure 4), which represents a 23.9 percent reduction of people employed in this industry sector. Employment in this industry within the Wheatbelt is markedly higher than the proportion of the labour force employed in these industries across the rest of the State, with a total workforce representation of only 2.4 percent (ABS, 2011). Following agriculture, the next major industries for employment in the Wheatbelt include education and training (8.2 percent), health care and social assistance (8.0 percent) and retail trade (8 percent). Whilst only employing 4.4 percent of the workforce in the Wheatbelt, the mining industry experienced the highest rate of growth between 2001 and 2011, with a 98.6 percent increase. This growth corresponds with an increase in activity within this sector in the region.
Unemployment in the region has traditionally remained lower than the State average. As of December 2014 the Wheatbelt’s unemployment rate was 4.0 percent compared to the State unemployment rate of 5.8 percent (Department of Employment, Small Area Labour Markets publication, December Quarter 2014). The highest rates of unemployment in the region are in the Shires of Narrogin (6.3 per cent) and Northam (6.2 percent). The lowest unemployment rate is in the Shire of Chittering (1.8 percent).
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 26
35
30
25
20
15
10
PercentofLabour Force 2001 5 2006 2011 0
Figure 4: Percentage of People Employed by Industry in the Wheatbelt. Source: ABS 2011 Census of Population and Housing, Industry of Employment Cat. 2069.0.30.003
According to the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (2014), in the ten years between 2004 and 2014 a number of WA regions have experienced large increases in youth unemployment rates. The largest shift in youth unemployment rates has been in the Wheatbelt, increasing by 16 percentage points from 7.3 percent to 23.3 percent (refer to figure 5).
Figure 5. Youth Unemployment Rate for Regions of Western Australia 2014. Source: Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (2014).
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 27
In 2009 the former Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) undertook a survey of employers’ recruitment experiences in the Midlands-Wheatbelt Employment Service Area. The survey showed that labour market conditions in the region were strong, with 57 percent of employers experiencing recruitment difficulty and about 4 percent of vacancies unfilled. According to this report the main reasons for employers finding recruitment difficult were the lack of technical (job-specific) skills, location and soft skills (personal attributes) and the most common reasons applicants were considered unsuitable were lack of experience and insufficient qualifications or training to perform job duties. Higher levels of recruitment difficulty were associated with the construction industry, with over half of the vacancies unfilled.
The traditionally low unemployment rates within the Wheatbelt create a barrier to industry growth in the region. If businesses are to expand or establish in the region they need to be able to attract workers and with already low unemployment, the pool of labour is limited within the region necessitating an inward migration of skilled and unskilled workers.
Labour force participation of Aboriginal people is lower than that of non-Aboriginal at a state level and the Wheatbelt is no different in this regard. The Central Midlands sub-region records the highest Aboriginal participation level, at 55.6 percent compared to other sub regions and is higher than the participation rate of the Aboriginal population of Western Australia (Department of Training & Workforce Development, 2012).
2.3 ECONOMY
The Wheatbelt has displayed strong economic growth over the past 10 years with an 8.2 percent average annual growth rate (WDC, 2015). This has occurred across an increasingly diverse economic base with growth in the mining, transport and logistics, manufacturing and construction sectors.
The top five industries in the Wheatbelt in 2011-12 were mining, agriculture, fisheries and forestry, construction, personal and other services and transport and storage (Department of Regional Development, (DRD) 2014). The estimated Gross Regional Product was $6.4 billion in 2012-2013, growing at a rate 34 per cent higher than the state average (CEDA State of the Regions, 2014).
2.3.1 AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is fundamental to the region’s economy. The Wheatbelt region is the principal contributor of agricultural commodities in Western Australia. In 2012-13 the total value of agricultural production in the region was $3.86 billion, accounting for 58 percent of the state’s total value (ABS, Value of Agricultural Commodities Produced released September 2014).
According to ABS statistics, in 2012-13 Wheatbelt crops were valued at $2.9 billion, with Wheat making up 68 percent of Western Australia’s total value of wheat production totalling $1.4 billion alone. The Wheatbelt also produced 96 percent of the state’s oats and 74 percent of its barley, valued at $122 million and $473 million respectively.
Livestock disposals were valued at $478 million in 2012-13. This included sheep and lamb slaughtering as the greatest product at $272 million. The value of livestock products was $471 million, with wool accounting for $420 million of the total value.
Over the past decade, the Wheatbelt agricultural industry has been adversely impacted by poor
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 28
commodity prices, increased input costs, drought and other climatic and environmental factors. According to a report from the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (2011), since season 2008 WA broad acre farm businesses, as a whole, have experienced poor years with sizeable negative farm business profit being recorded in 2009-10 and 2010-11. This has significantly impacted on the farming community and local businesses that service the agricultural industry. A record grain harvest in 2013 has buoyed the industry and renewed faith in the long term growth potential of agriculture in the Wheatbelt region.
Grain production is expected to prevail as the dominant agricultural activity in the region for the foreseeable future; however major horticultural development is expected to occur through the western shires of Dandaragan and Gingin. According to the WA Planning Commission (2012a), current water allocations in these areas could see horticulture production increase by 30-50 percent over coming years.
Agriculture Commodities 2012-13
Livestock products Livestock 12% disposals 13%
Crops 75%
Figure 6: Contribution of Agriculture Commodities to overall Industry Value in 2012-13. Source: ABS Value of Agricultural Commodities Produced by State and SA4 Region – Western Australia 2012-13, released September 2014
2.3.2 FISHING AND AQUACULTURE
There are very few aquaculture activities in the Wheatbelt given the limited availability of protected deep waters typically required by this sector and the relatively minimal coastline of the region. Commercial fisheries are therefore based primarily on the wild-caught western rock lobster in the regions only two coastal Shires of Dandaragan and Gingin. In 2011-12 the value of the Wheatbelt rock lobster catch was $57 million, which accounts for 32 percent of the state’s rock lobster value (DRD, 2014).
Aquaculture production in the Wheatbelt is relatively small with an industry value of $1 million (DRD, 2014). Aquaculture activity in the region includes fish and yabby farming.
2.3.3 MANUFACTURING
The manufacturing industry accounted for only a small percentage (3.8 percent) of the total Gross Regional Product for the Wheatbelt in 2011-12. In 2006-2007 the regions manufacturing sector generated an estimated $519 million.
There are approximately 288 manufacturing operations in the Wheatbelt including flour milling, engineering and metal fabrication works, cabinet making and furniture manufacture, mineral sands
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 29
processing, brick making, abattoir activities and seafood processing.
The Avon sub-region has taken advantage of its proximity to Perth, developing the Avon Industrial Park featuring 203 hectares of industrial land. The transport, logistics and manufacturing sector has contributed 21 percent to the Avon’s sub-regional value-added industry growth, increasing by over 15 percent between 2006-07 and 2010-11 to $67 million.
With the opening and expansion of Industrial Parks, the regions close proximity to Perth, growth in other economic activities (e.g. mining) and the low cost of industrial land it is anticipated that manufacturing activities in the region will continue to expand and create valuable employment opportunities.
2.3.4 MINING AND RESOURCES
In 2013 the Wheatbelt generated approximately $2.6 billion in mineral production, which represents 2 percent of the total value of minerals and petroleum in Western Australia. As shown in figure 6, Iron Ore was by far the most valuable commodity produced within the region. The greatest level of mining activity occurs within the Shire of Yilgarn ($1.76 billion) followed by the Shire of Dandaragan ($393 million). Mining activity to varying degrees also occurs in the Shires of Dalwallinu, Kondinin, Lake Grace, Westonia, Gingin, Koorda, Moora, Wyalkatchem, Northam and Kellerberrin.
It is anticipated that the Wheatbelt mining sector will experience growth given prospects for the mining of bauxite-alumina in the western part of the Wheatbelt, kaolin resources in Meckering and Narrogin and shale gas in areas within the Dandaragan and Gingin Shires (WA Planning Commission, 2012a).
Value of Wheatbelt Commodities 2013 $2,000 $1,800 $1,600 $1756m $1,400 $1,200 $1,000 $800 $600 $400 $200 $396m $320m $124m $17m $0 Iron Ore Gypsum & Nickle, Gold, Silver & Other Heavy Mineral Copper, Salt Natural Gas Sands
Figure 7: Value of Minerals and Petroleum by Commodity for the Wheatbelt (2013). Source: Department of Mines and Petroleum (2014)
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 30
2.3.5 TOURISM
The tourism industry in the Wheatbelt is an increasingly important contributor to the economy. According to the “Wheatbelt: A Region in Profile” (DRD, 2014) the region hosts the second most visitors outside Perth after the South West region.
The region’s close proximity to Perth ensures it receives a large number of stop over visitors (primarily domestic rather than international) and allows it to cater for the day trip market. According to tourism Western Australia the industry attracted an average of 605,700 overnight visitors annually between 2010 and 2012. In the same period turnover was estimated at $246 million per annum (DRD, 2014).
The natural environment is the main attraction for tourists in the Wheatbelt and includes landscape features such as the Pinnacles and Wave Rock, recreation on the coast, waterways and wildflowers. There is a growing market for visits to the many wineries, olive groves, orchards, honey producers, etc. There are also cultural and heritage experiences for visitors such as New Norcia with its Benedictine monastery and York with its heritage buildings and historical significance as the first inland European settlement in Western Australia.
2.3.6 RETAIL
The retail sector is an important contributor to the Wheatbelt economy. The industry has experienced steady growth over the past 10 years increasing 50 percent from an estimated $377 million in 2001- 02 to $569 million in 2011-12 (DRD, 2014).
The retail sector in the Wheatbelt is likely to become increasingly influenced by on-line sales and competition from the metro area, which for the simple fact that the customer base is far greater, is generally able to offer comparatively cheaper prices and a larger range of goods and services.
2.3.7 SMALL BUSINESS
Small business is acknowledged as a key driver of employment and economic growth and as such is integral to the future of economic development in the Wheatbelt. Small business development has become all the more important for the Wheatbelt with the 17% decline in the number of farms between 2006 and 2011 (ABS 2011). With the consolidation of farm enterprises into larger farms, economies of scale and agri-technology uptake there is a key need to encourage and promote development of alternative businesses.
The latest RAI and Bendigo Bank Innovation competitiveness data (2015) indicates a reserve of innovative capacity in the Wheatbelt. Using ‘Patent applications’ and ‘Trademark applications’ as indicators of business innovation highlights the potential in the region. There were 14 LGA’s ranked in the top 25% nationally for ‘Patent applications’ and seven for ‘Trademark Applications’.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 31
The challenges for the Wheatbelt are to transform innovative and entrepreneurial concepts into commercial enterprises and develop a culture that nurtures innovative and entrepreneurial thinking.
2.4 SOCIETY AND PEOPLE
2.4.1 UTILITIES
2.4.1.1 POTABLE WATER
The majority of reticulated water in the Wheatbelt is supplied through the Goldfields Agriculture Water Supply Scheme (GAWSS) which links to the Integrated Water Supply System (IWSS). This system services the Avon, Central East and parts of Wheatbelt South and the Central Midlands and Coastal sub-regions, also delivering water to Perth, the South West region and Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Water from this supply system comes from dams on the Darling Range, groundwater and the Perth sea water desalination plant in Kwinana. In 2011/2012 the water supplied into the IWSS was sourced from 31 percent surface water, 46 percent groundwater and 23 percent desalinated seawater.
The Great Southern Towns Water Supply scheme (GSTWS) services the remainder of the Wheatbelt South sub-region along with the Great Southern region. The coastal settlements in the Central Midlands and Coastal sub-region also heavily rely on groundwater aquifers. Outside of the IWSS, settlements are dependent on a range of independent water sources, such as strategic community water supply facilities (including surface water capture), non-strategic Agriculture Area dams, rainwater collection and groundwater.
The Water Corporation is the largest wastewater license holder in Western Australia, with about 80 percent of the states wastewater collected and treated occurring in the Perth metropolitan area. Several Wheatbelt Shires including Brookton, Dalwallinu, Dowerin, Dumbleyung, Goomalling, Koorda, Lake Grace, Moora, Victoria Plains, Wickepin and Yilgarn also hold sewerage and non-potable water licenses.
Current demand for water in the Wheatbelt is adequately met, however it is anticipated that water demand will increase as a result of population growth, particularly in the Avon Arc and coastal areas (WA Planning Commission, 2012a). Worryingly there is no water supply planning for Wheatbelt areas connected to the GAWSS and IWSS to account for future population and industrial growth and the associated demand on water.
According to the Wheatbelt Snapshot Series: Potable Water (WDC, 2012a), to accommodate the aspirational population target established in the SuperTowns program, the Chidlow and Wundowie stations will require an upgrade when demand nears 130 ML/day (currently 125 ML/day). The cost of these upgrades is estimated at $6 million each. Upgrades to infrastructure at Mundaring will be required when demand nears 170 ML/day (currently 142 ML/day). This upgrade is estimated to cost $27.7 million. Additional 13,000 residents in Northam would consume another 11.3 ML/day.
According to WDC (2012a) currently there is no additional funding available for these capital works upgrades for the Water Corporation. The State budget for 2013-14 does however allocate $7.2 million for upgrade works on the Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 32
2.4.1.2 WASTE WATER
The lack of infill sewerage in a number of communities is impacting on the environment and is hindering further growth and development of the region. Subsurface rock base and heavy clay soils in many areas is not conducive to septic tanks and leaching of effluent is a major health and environmental concern that requires addressing. Development of commercial areas in some towns is also being impacted upon as a direct result of the lack of sewerage infrastructure. The Water Corporations Infill Sewerage Program benefited a number of Wheatbelt towns; however, this initiative has now been deferred.
The Water Corporation have identified that they are exploring recycling opportunities to cater for anticipated growth in wastewater volumes and demand for non-drinking water in Northam and Jurien Bay, both of which are designated as SuperTowns (Water Corporation, 2013).
2.4.1.3 WASTE MANAGEMENT
The need for sub-regional land-fill sites in the Wheatbelt is becoming of increasing importance. Existing facilities are not able to keep up with community needs and new land-fill restrictions have rendered some current facilities unusable.
Strategic waste management plans have been prepared for all Wheatbelt local governments. Seven plans cover 42 local governments and a further two plans have been developed for individual shires according to the following groupings:
. Western Wheatbelt Shires - Shires of Chittering, Dalwallinu, Goomalling, Moora, Toodyay, Northam, Victoria Plains and Wongan-Ballidu. . Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils - Shires of Bruce Rock, Kellerberrin, Merredin (lead), Nungarin, Tammin, Westonia, and Yilgarn. . North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils - Shires of Koorda, Mt Marshall, Mukinbudin, Trayning (lead), and Wyalkatchem. . ROE Regional Organisation of Councils - Shires of Corrigin, Kondinin (lead), Kulin, Narembeen. . South-East Avon Regional Organisation of Councils - Shires of Beverley, Brookton, Cunderdin, Quairading and York (lead). . Wagin group - Shires of Cuballing, Dumbleyung, Lake Grace, Narrogin, Town of Narrogin, Shires of Pingelly, Wagin (lead), Wandering, West Arthur, Wickepin, Williams and Woodanilling. . Shire of Dandaragan. . Shire of Gingin.
In order for Local Governments to progress with the implementation of these plans substantial financial investment (from the private or Government sector) is required.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 33
2.4.1.4 ENERGY
The Wheatbelt is supplied with energy by the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), through the South West Interconnected Network (SWIN) and is serviced by the North and East Country load areas.
The SWIN is a self-contained system, unlike major urban areas elsewhere in Australia which are powered through interconnected networks such as the National Electricity Market. This means the system has no outside support or backup.
The geographic reach of the SWIS presents difficulties for the Wheatbelt, especially in the extremes of the network, where supply can be unreliable (WA Planning Commission, 2012a). The large number of aged wooden power poles creates health and safety issues, and replacement and maintenance programs are unable to deal with all of them in the given time frames.
The East Country load area covers the eastern Wheatbelt region. According to the Wheatbelt Snapshot Series: Power and Energy (WDC, 2012b) Western Power does not forecast any transmission fault limits or thermal limits in the Eastern Country Load Area in the next 5 years. This is assisted by the Collgar Wind Farm.
The Collgar Wind Farm, built over a land envelope of 18,000Ha, has 111 Vestas V90 turbines with a power production capacity of 206MW, generating on average 792,000 MWh per year (Collgar Wind Farm, 2013). This is more than double the size and power generating capacity of the next two biggest wind farms in WA, at Walkaway near Geraldton and Emu Downs near Cervantes.
The Collgar Wind Farm has almost doubled the level of renewable energy in the SWIS from 5 percent to 9 percent (Collgar Wind Farm, 2013). Stage Two of the Wind Farm has been planned for but is not yet funded, and would see the construction of an additional 16 turbines.
Image: Collgar Wind Farm. Sourced from http://www.collgarwindfarm.com.au/
The North Country load area services the northern area of the Wheatbelt, covering the coastal areas to 150kms inland. The North Country network was designed to supply small distributed loads and as such, the network does not have the capacity to meet the forecast electricity needs of existing and prospective customers (Western Power, 2010). To address these capacity limitations Western Power has planned the Mid-West Energy Project (MWEP). The project will alleviate energy restrictions and support industry growth in this region.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 34
The MWEP southern section was approved as part of the state government’s budget announcement in May 2012. This gives Western Power the go ahead to continue work on the next steps of this project – one of the largest transmission line projects ever undertaken in Western Australia.
At present power generation in the Wheatbelt is limited to renewable energy sources, primarily wind farms (e.g. Emu Downs located in the Dandaragn Shire and Collgar located in the Merredin Shire). Further adoption of renewable and clean energy sources are being developed on a smaller scale across the region. In 2012, the 0.02 megawatt Chittering Valley Solar became a Renewable Energy Target (RET) accredited power station, entitling it to create tradeable certificates for the renewable energy produced. Planning is also underway for a cogeneration plant near Wagin in the Central South sub- region utilising two biomass boilers to convert oat husks into steam and electricity.
The federal government’s RET target of 20 percent of all energy generated to be renewable by 2020 will require 4,750GWh of renewable energy generation to meet Western Australia’s needs (Western Power, 2010). At present the only proven large scale renewable energy generation technology is wind.
The natural attributes of the Wheatbelt’s coastal strip, makes the region very attractive for renewable energy proponents (Western Power, 2010). There are a number of large scale renewable generation projects currently proposed for this part of the region including the:
. Badgingarra Wind Farm: APA Group (130MW) . Joanna Plains Wind Peaker Project: Griffin Energy (106 MW duel fuel gas turbine power station) . Dandaragan Wind Farm: Wind Prospect (513MW)
The North Country transmission network, which supplies electricity to this part of the region is limited in its capacity to supply load growth and in its capacity to connect generators to this network (Western Power, 2010). The MWEP will facilitate the connection of new power generation projects such as the aforementioned wind farms planned for the coastal area of the Wheatbelt.
Image: Mid-West Energy Project (Western Power 2012)
2.4.1.5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The communications network is critical in providing access to resources, markets and trade opportunities. It also contributes to social development as it underpins the quality of life for many people and makes life in regional areas more attractive.
According to the 2011 ABS Census 25.7 percent of dwellings in the Wheatbelt had no internet connection. This represents a significant improvement over the 2006 Census which indicated that a massive 42 percent of dwellings were not connected to the internet. The most common type of connection is broadband (62.9 percent), however there are still some residents using a dial-up connection (4.1 percent).
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 35
According to the “State of Small Business Research Project” (SBDC, 2012) Wheatbelt small businesses have the lowest corporate website presence in the State and only 25 percent utilise social media for online marketing.
2.4.1.5.1.1 NATIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK
On 29 March 2012 the three-year construction plan for the fibre component of the National Broadband Network (NBN) was announced, with more than 3.5 million new homes and businesses under construction or completed by mid-2015. Included in this three-year plan are 19 communities located within the Wheatbelt region.
Based on information available on the NBN Co. website, as of April 2015 there are six locations in the Wheatbelt where NBN services are available through wireless or fibre connections. An additional eight sites have construction underway and ten are scheduled to commence prior to June 2016.
Outside of the regional centres, the majority of the Wheatbelt will be connected to the NBN via either fixed wireless or satellite service. The new NBN fixed wireless infrastructure aims to deliver minimum download speeds of 25Mbps (megabits per second) and upload speeds of 5Mbps. This will be a significant improvement to the current internet capacity in the region but still falls very short of the fibre connections, which have the capacity of download speeds up to 100Mbps and upload speeds of 40Mbps. The wholesale speed options that will be available to internet service providers via the new Sky Muster satellite service are 12Mbps download with a 1Mbps upload, or 25Mbps download with a 5Mbps upload. Plans are progressing to provide a second separate service for eligible distance education students. Current NBN plans allow up to 50GB per month of data per student up to 150GB per household. The intention is to provide distance education students with their own data allowance. 2.4.1.5.1.2 MOBILE PHONE CONNECTIVITY
Mobile phone service and connectivity issues are common across the Wheatbelt. Through the WA Government Department of Commerce, a “telecommunications needs assessment” was undertaken and identified that there are approximately 100 significant telecommunications mobile phone black spots across the region. The limited mobile phone reception impacts on emergency services, social amenity of communities and business performance/development.
In January 2012, the then Science and Innovation Minister John Day and Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls announced that Telstra had been awarded $39.2million in Royalties for Regions funding under the Regional Mobile Communications Project (RMCP). Under this project, the WA Government and Telstra have upgraded or deployed new mobile communications infrastructure at 113 sites along major roads and highways and in several communities across the State, including 16 in the Wheatbelt region (refer to Figure 9).
In February 2015 the Honorable Terry Redman MLA and Honorable Michael Mischin LLB announced that 85 mobile phone towers would be constructed across regional WA over four years commencing 2015, under the $45million Regional Telecommunications Project (RTP). A total of 22 priority sites will be constructed in the first year of the project, eight of which are located in the Wheatbelt (Muntadgin, Highbury, Tammin, Bolgart, Yerecoin, Westonia, Wickepin and Wongan Hills).
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 36
Jointly the Federal Blackspot and State Regional Communications Towers Programs have delivered 56 towers to the Wheatbelt from 2013-June 2106 RCTP (RfR): 16 RTP (RfR): 8 MBSP (Federal): 33 (32 in Wheatbelt, 1 on border)
Image: Telstra NextG Network Coverage improvements via the Regional Mobile Communications Project (RMCP). Source: Department of Commerce
2.4.2 TRANSPORT
An extensive national, State and local road network serves the Wheatbelt region. The most important links include the Great Northern Highway, Great Eastern Highway, Great Southern Highway, Brand Highway, Indian Ocean Drive and the Albany Highway. Overall the Wheatbelt has more than 43,000km of road, of which 11,370km, or less than 30 percent, are sealed (WA Planning Commission, 2011).
The region also has access to a standard gauge line from Southern Cross to Fremantle Port’s Kwinana Bulk Terminal and Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 narrow gauge lines that provide access for many of the grain growing areas in the Wheatbelt to ports in Albany and Geraldton.
2.4.2.1 ROAD According to WA Main Roads and the state’s Office of Road Authority, the Wheatbelt is demarcated into two sections – North and South, divided loosely along local government boundary lines between York and Merredin (Main Roads WA, 2009a). The Wheatbelt North Region covers an area approximately 100,134km2 (3.9 percent of the state) and comprises 25 local government authorities, as compared to the Wheatbelt South network which covers an area approximately 55,400 km2 (2 percent of the state) and comprises 18 local government authorities. The Wheatbelt North region has the economic advantage of being close to the Perth Metropolitan Area. Road needs in the Wheatbelt North are not being met by the current network which was built mainly in the 1950s and 1960s. With significant regional development, diversification of the agricultural industry, increasing cartage of lime sands and a thriving tourism industry there is an urgent need to plan and implement projects across the network.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 37
Road usage within the Wheatbelt South region is highly dependent on agricultural production and diversification, which varies from season to season. The Wheatbelt South has a comprehensive road network that has developed since the 1900s, however much of the existing network is not built to cater for current day travelling speeds and vehicles (Main Roads, 2009b). Strategic projects identified for this region include the Narrogin East West Link, Norseman to Wheatbelt and Wheatbelt to Kwinana (Main Roads, 2013).
2.4.2.2 RAIL
The rail network serving the Wheatbelt is vital to the regions grain industry, providing the means of moving the majority of grain to ports for export markets. The rail network consists of a combination of standard and narrow gauge lines. The standard gauge line forms part of the interstate mainline which links Western Australia to the Eastern States and transports the majority of general freight along that transport corridor.
The 2,300 kilometre narrow gauge line forms the grain rail network that services the region and transports export commodities through to ports in Geraldton, Bunbury, Albany, Esperance and Fremantle.
The State-owned freight rail network is privately operated by Brookfield Rail under a lease that is in place until 2049. Brookfield Rail operates the network as an open-access, multi-user network. The company provides track infrastructure and train control services and is responsible for negotiating commercial access with end users and above-rail service providers.
2.4.2.3 STATE TRANSPORT PRIORITIES
In 2013 the State Government released “The Western Australian Regional Freight Transport Network Plan”. This document outlines the “enduring strategic directions the WA Government will take to manage the future freight growth and address its cumulative impacts over a long-term horizon to 2013” (Department of Transport, 2013).
The State Government focus for the Wheatbelt region, as identified through the Regional Freight Transport Network Plan, is on delivering a package of road and rail projects to secure the future of the region’s grain transport network, regenerating the region’s arterial roads and managing inter-regional freight growth.
Priority projects identified for the Wheatbelt region between 2012 and 2020 include: . Investing in narrow gauge network upgrades to Tier 1 and selected Tier 2 lines serving the region’s grain silo network. . Continuing to work with parties to facilitate a sustainable arrangement to keep Tier 3 lines operational. . Upgrading the Great Northern Highway: Muchea to Wubin Stage 2 . Great Eastern Highway: Reconstruct the Highway from Walgoolan to Karalee.
Projects identified for 2020 and beyond include: . Upgrading the Albany Highway: Bedfordale Hill to Arthur River; Harold Road to Settlement Road. . Rolling out a road renewal program for the Brookton Highway.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 38
2.4.2.3.1.1 GREAT NORTHERN HIGHWAY
The southern sections of the Great Northern highway, which run through the northern Wheatbelt, are experiencing significant traffic volume increases particularly in the movement of oversize loads transporting goods from Perth to the resource rich areas in the north of WA.
As the mining and resource industry continues to grow exponentially, so too do the demands of the freight network. Iron ore and gas outputs from the north-west Pilbara region is expected to increase from 470 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in 2012 to exceed 1,000mtpa by 2030 (Freight and Logistics Council of WA, 2012). Up until the present time, the road transport network has dominated the Pilbara inbound freight, with the majority utilising the Great Northern Highway via the ports in Fremantle and Port Headland. This has resulted in significant growth of Restricted Access Vehicles (RAVs) travelling through the Central Midlands and Coastal sub-region along the Great Northern Highway.
The State Government has taken action to improve over-dimensional load access to the north of Western Australia by introducing a one-stop shop for heavy vehicle permits and undergrounding eight power lines along the Great Northern Highway between Bindoon and Wubin.
The creation of the one-stop shop for permits means that a transport operator needs to make only one application to Main Roads Western Australia in order to obtain an oversize load permit, book a police escort and obtain a referral for power line clearance.
The undergrounding of power lines will mean that 80 percent of the OSOM loads previously requiring power lines to be lifted to allow passage will no longer do so (Freight and Logistics Council of WA, 2012).
The Main Roads NorthLink WA project will provide a non-stop transport link from Morley to Muchea. This 1.12 billion project will take the pressure off the Great Northern Highway by shifting the majority (around 80%) of heavy vehicles over to the new route and is anticipated to be completed by Mid-2019. This phase will see dual lane from Morley to Ellenbrook and single lane from Ellenbrook to Muchea.
Main Roads WA are upgrading the 218 km section of Great Northern Highway between Muchea and Wubin. 11 km of highway through the Bindi Bindi bends at a cost of $35m and a 21km section of new highway from Batty Bog to Walebing at a cost of approximately $65m have been completed.
Additional construction packages to be delivered between 2016 and 2019 include town bypasses at New Norcia, Miling and Bindoon, wider roads, more passing lanes, flattening crests and easing curves, safer roadsides, more rest stops and additional facilities for heavy vehicles.
The Main Roads WA 2020 Strategy plans to complete all projects between Muchea and Wubin to meet National Highway Standards to ensure that the highway is able to meet the requirements of all road users, including 53.5m road trains, by Mid-2019.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 39
2.4.2.3.1.2 GREAT EASTERN HIGHWAY
The Great Eastern Highway is the major road linking Perth and Kalgoorlie and is a key route for heavy vehicles accessing the Wheatbelt and Goldfields Esperance regions. Importantly, it also forms the main road transportation link between Perth and the east coast of Australia, playing a vital role in the social and economic integration of Western Australia with Australia’s eastern states and providing a lifeline for many remote communities.
The Walgoolan to Karalee section of the Great Eastern Highway investment is narrow and deteriorating due to its age. This project is considered a high priority due to the poor quality of service this section of the highway provides and the importance of this route (Main Roads, 2009a).
2.4.2.3.1.3 INVESTMENT IN NARROW GAUGE RAIL
Western Australia’s grain sector produces an average of 11 million tonnes of grain per annum, with 80-90 percent of production destined for export markets (Freight & Logistics Council WA, 2009). The rail network is vital to this industry, providing the means of moving around 60 percent by volume and 80 percent by net tonne kilometres of the sector’s freight task.
Funding from the Commonwealth and State Governments will underwrite the Tier 1 and 2 narrow- gauge rail re-sleepering package which will see around 1,265 kilometres of rail lines re-sleepered over four years (Brookfield Rail).
On completion of the works in June 2013, the Tier 1 and Tier 2 lines will be re-sleepered from a 1-in-4 steel/timber sleeper pattern to a 1-in-2 steel/timber sleeper pattern, providing improved strength and stability (Brookfield Rail)
2.4.2.3.1.4 A SUSTAINABLE ARRANGEMENT FOR TIER 3 LINES
Tier 3 lines represent around 509 kilometres of track, which carry between zero and 8 percent of the total annual grain volumes on rail. This equates to less than 1 per cent of the total annual tonnes transported on Brookfield Rail’s entire rail network (Brookfield Rail, 2014).
In 2009 a Strategic Grain Network Committee (SGNC) was formed by Western Australia’s then Minister for Transport, Hon Simon O’Brien MLC, to provide advice on emerging transport infrastructure issues in the export grain supply chain. The SGNR committee consisted of representatives from all levels of government, as well as industry and farming groups.
The SGNR committee concluded that $165 million would be invested to re-sleeper Tier 1 and 2 lines. The committee also determined that the Tier 3 lines were not competitive with road transport, which was significantly cheaper than rail transport in those areas. As a result, the State Government invested in upgrading the road network in these areas and it was agreed that the Tier 3 lines would only be kept open until the road investments were complete.
Post this announcement the farmer-owned cooperative CBH Group, who had just invested $175million in new rolling stock (locomotives and wagons), put forward a business case to State Government, challenging the findings of the SGNC, arguing that it is cheaper for the Government to spend money fixing the Tier 3 rail lines than it will be for the Government to pay for on-going road
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 40
maintenance and repairs to accommodate the extra road trains. Furthermore, it was argued that roads (particularly those that are already in poor condition) will become increasingly hazardous due to the deterioration caused by increased road train traffic (both in country and metro areas).
In June 2012, a parliamentary committee recommended that Tier 3 rail lines should remain open for a further year to enable the CBH Group to demonstrate its business case for the retention of the lines. The committee also recommended that, within the same time frame, the WA government should commission the Wheatbelt Development Commission to undertake an economic review of the appropriate grain transport infrastructure for areas serviced by Tier 3 lines.
The Minister for Transport initially rejected both recommendations but later conceded to allow CBH and Brookfield Rail to extend operations on the Tier 3 rail network to 31 October 2013 to allow time to demonstrate the economic viability of the lines and for further negotiations regarding the future of the network to take place.
As of 30 June 2014 Brookfield Rail placed the final Tier 3 lines into care and maintenance. Negotiations between Brookfield Rail and the CBH Group are ongoing to determine if there is a commercial solution to underpin investment that will ensure the safe and cost effective operation of these lines for grain freight.
2.4.2.3.1.5 UPGRADING THE ALBANY HWY
The Albany Highway is the main road connecting Perth and Albany, as well as a number of the southern Wheatbelt’s major regional centres. The route supports a range of agricultural-related freight movements, including grain, wool and livestock, as well as fuel and general freight, and is also a significant route for the tourist industry.
Heavy and light traffic between Perth and Albany will continue to grow, particularly at the northern end of the highway. Sections of the highway will require major upgrades in the future, including a substantial program of passing lanes.
2.4.2.3.1.6 ROAD RENEWAL PROGRAM FOR THE BROOKTON HIGHWAY
The Brookton Highway is a major inter-regional route linking Perth to the southern areas of the Wheatbelt and Goldfields-Esperance regions.
The highway is a designated double road train route supporting a diverse mix of vehicle types, from cars towing caravans to heavy vehicles carting grain. A large number of tourists also use this route to access tourist attractions around Hyden and Wave Rock. Widening and realigning substandard sections of the highway to improve safety and heavy vehicle transport efficiency will be an investment priority for Government.
2.4.2.3.1.7 NARROGIN BYPASS
The Narrogin Link Road project involved the construction of a new four km long road providing a direct route through the Narrogin town-site linking the Great Southern Highway north and south of Narrogin. This route, completed in June 2016, improves freight efficiency due to shorter travel time and provides
for freight vehicles up to 36.5 m whilst improving road safety for traffic and pedestrians.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 41
2.4.2.4 AVIATION
The Wheatbelt region is serviced by around 50 airstrips, airfields and airports. The management of aviation facilities is generally undertaken by local government or an aero club. The key aviation industries in the Wheatbelt are aviation training, general aviation, (including charter services) and tourism aviation (skydiving, ballooning, gliding). Aviation facilities in the region are also used by the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Fire and Emergency Services Authority.
The airports at Cunderdin, Merredin, Northam and Wyalkatchem are the focus of aviation training for pilots and engineers. Northam, York, Beverley, Jurien Bay and Cunderdin are the main focus for tourism aviation, with skydiving at York and Jurien Bay, ballooning at Northam and gliding at Beverley and Cunderdin. Southern Cross is the main airport in the region used predominately for charter flights, particularly those associated with fly-in fly-out (FIFO) operations servicing mining and exploration.
There is capacity for the aviation industry of the Wheatbelt to be substantially expanded, however this is currently limited by the lack of funding and adequate planning. The principal funding source for the upgrading of aviation facilities in Western Australia is the Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS). This scheme requires matched funding from the applicant, which can be a constraint for small Local Governments who have access to limited funding that has to be spread over many competing investment priorities.
2.4.2.5 PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The Avon Link, Merredin Link and the Prospector are the only regular public transport in the Wheatbelt region. These passenger rail services run from Northam and Toodyay to Midland (Avon Link), from Merredin to East Perth (Merredin Link) and from Kalgoorlie to East Perth (Prospector). The Avon Link and Prospector run every day, whilst the Merredin Link only runs three times a week. The scheduling of these services provide only minimal commute options and are only accessible to those communities located along the east-west rail corridor.
In late 2013 Transwa announced that they would cancel both the Avon Link and Merredin Link. The Avon Link was to be replaced by a bus service, whilst the Merredin Link was to be folded in to the current Prospector service. The cancellation of these services was cited to be poor patronage coupled with high operating costs.
On 3 December 2013, the WA Minister for Transport, Troy Buswell, announced that the Avon Link service would be retained, initially for a period of six months, while Transwa through a funding solution that would enable the service to keep running beyond that initial period. The Merredin Link service was also retained.
In May 2014 it was announced that $6.575 million in funding from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program would be provided to enable an enhanced service offering two extra return services on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, a new return service on weekends and one return service for ten special events per year. Under this arrangement the Avon Link service will continue until at least June 2017.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 42
Public transport in a geographically dispersed region like the Wheatbelt is integral to allow all demographic sectors to access essential services, education, etc. It is particularly pertinent for the elderly, young people living in small communities with limited educational and recreational opportunities, the disabled and other residents who do not have access to their own vehicle or cannot drive for various reasons.
The lack of public transport in the area will become a greater issue as the population of larger towns such as Northam continue to grow and smaller communities decline in population. For people residing in these small communities travel will be required to access many services as they increasingly become restricted to the regional centres where the population is concentrated.
2.4.3 HEALTH
There are 24 Hospital Services, four Nursing Posts, seven Health Centres, ten Community Health Services, five Silver Chain Facilities, two Mental Health Services and a Cancer Care Service located within the Wheatbelt (WA Country Health Service, 2013). The major hospitals are located in the sub- regional centres of Moora, Northam, Narrogin and Merredin.
The primary health related concerns for the Wheatbelt have centred on a lack of General Practitioners, limited access to specialists and allied health professionals and increasing pressure on health services as a result of the ageing population. It is anticipated that many of the health services issues facing the Wheatbelt will be addressed by the announcement in 2011 that the State Government will provide $565 million to reform and improve access to health care for all residents of the Southern Inland area of Western Australia. The Southern Inland Health Initiative (SIHI) will:
. Deliver safe and effective emergency services and good access to general practice. . Put private GPs back into country towns, supported by visiting specialists and health practitioners backed up by "e-technology" such as telehealth. . Provide better support to nurses who, due to the lack of doctors in this region, carry greater responsibilities.
Since 2007, the Australian Government has committed around $650 million to the funding of more than 60 GP Super Clinics around Australia and for Primary Care Infrastructure Grants to upgrade and extend around 425 existing general practices, primary care and community health services and Aboriginal Medical Services. Under the 2010-11 budget the Wheatbelt GP Network was awarded $3 million to construct the Wheatbelt Health Centre in Northam, which opened in 2014.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 43
Image: Wheatbelt Operational Services Map. Source: Department of Health
2.4.4 AGED CARE
The Regional Australia Institute (RAI, 2014) has identified that the Wheatbelt is one of 21 regions whose ageing trends outstrip the rest of the country. The Wheatbelt, according to the RAI has the largest proportional Baby Boomer population (i.e. those aged between 50 and 69 years) of any region in the country at 27 percent.
The Wheatbelt Aged Care Solutions Report (Verso Consulting, 2014) states that “while population growth and decline varies across the Wheatbelt, one trend that is relatively consistent is the ageing of the population in both absolute and percentage terms”. The demographic analysis done as part of this report indicates that by 2027 the population of the Wheatbelt aged 70 and over will have increased by 75.3 percent from 2011 – “a population of 7,646 will have increased to 13,400 by 2027, moving from 10.4 percent of the total population to around 17 percent”.
The most significant implications of an ageing population are that the proportion of the community available to participate in the labour force is reduced, and the demand for community and health services will increase. There is already significant pressure on aged care infrastructure and services in the Wheatbelt and this will only continue to grow. Immediate action is required to ensure that the Wheatbelt can remain a safe and adequately serviced region for people to grow older. The Wheatbelt Aged Care Solutions Report offers a clear implementation plan to achieve ageing in place, for both current and future residents of the region. Key solutions include: • Development of age friendly infrastructure; • Quality universal design housing; • Enhanced delivery of home care services; and • Residential facilities which include dementia and respite care.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 44
2.4.5 EDUCATION
The Wheatbelt Youth Strategy (RDA Wheatbelt, 2014) states that there are 83 schools (government and private) located in the Wheatbelt region, including 45 primary schools, 22 district high schools, three senior high schools, two agricultural colleges, one education support centre and ten non- government schools. Two independent Brethren schools included in this non-government schools category operate in Dalwallinu and Cunderdin to accommodate the Exclusive Brethren who live and work in these communities. The region also provides post-compulsory education through the CY O’Connor Institute which has four campuses throughout the Wheatbelt (Northam, Moora, Merredin and Narrogin).
The Wheatbelt Regional Education, Skills and Jobs (RESJ) Plan produced by the former Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR, 2013), indicates that attendance at school in the Wheatbelt is relatively high, with most schools across the region achieving higher than 90 percent attendance.
According to the 2011 Census, approximately 36 percent of the population in the Wheatbelt RDA region aged 15 to 64 years had attained a Year 12 or equivalent certificate, which is considerably lower than Western Australia with an average of 49 percent (DEEWR, 2013). Added to these low levels of year 12 attainment in the Wheatbelt are the comparisons of Indigenous year 12 attainment. Analyses of the ABS Census (2011) data from the main Indigenous population Sub regions of Avon, Central Midland and Wheatbelt South results showed that only 16% of Indigenous people aged between 15 and 64 had attained year 12 (RDAW 2016).
The low levels of year 12 attainment for non-Indigenous and Indigenous Wheatbelt residents extended into low levels of non-school qualifications. The Wheatbelt with 39% had the lowest rate of non-school qualifications in WA compared to a state average of 49% (ABS 2013). Further analyses of the Wheatbelt working age groups (15-64 years) non-school qualifications showed that 35% of non- Indigenous residents held a non-school qualification compared to just 11% of Indigenous people (RDAW 2016).
In the 2013 State Budget the Western Australian Government committed $14.6 million to education services in the Wheatbelt, including $8 million on upgrades to Northam Senior High School and $3.5 million on upgrades to Narrogin Senior High School, funded from the Royalties for Regions Program. They also committed $2.3 million for upgrades to the CY O’Connor Institute Narrogin Campus and $4.9 million from the Royalties for Regions Program, on the development of the Muresk Institute.
2.4.6 CHILDRENS SERVICES
The Wheatbelt Workforce Development Plan (Wheatbelt Workforce Development Alliance, 2012) states that the region lacks adequate day care facilities for children, making it difficult for women with children to enter or remain in the workforce, as well as affecting the attraction of families to the region. Pelusey, Hatch and Tonts (2010) cite this lack of services as a significant workforce development issue, as it not only restricts the available supply of labour for local employers, it also decreases the economic multipliers associated with additional income in the local economy.
The Wheatbelt Regional Children’s Services Plan (RDA Wheatbelt, 2015) identifies five key areas of
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 45
focus to enable reform in the children’s services sector in the region:
Development of innovative service delivery models to improve the range and accessibility of services available within the region. The attraction and retention of suitably qualified staff and the upskilling of existing staff to meet workforce development challenges in the sector. The provision and maintenance of fit-for-purpose infrastructure and equipment. Identification of sustainable governance structures for community managed services. Formation of a strong leadership structure to provide a coordinated and cohesive approach to improving children’s services in the region.
2.4.7 ART
With its quintessential rural backdrop and vibrant communities, the Wheatbelt attracts artists from across the world both to exhibit and as artists in residence. The Wheatbelt has over 20 unique and renowned art galleries in towns across the region, capturing the diversity of mediums and muses.
The Community Arts Network Western Australia (CANWA) is a not-for-profit organisation that has evolved over two decades to empower communities through arts and cultural development. CANWA’s commitment to social justice has lead the way in working with Aboriginal communities, now having established offices in Kellerberrin (2006) and Narrogin (2010). CANWA has been responsible for a wide range of cultural and artistic initiatives in the Wheatbelt including the Urban Youth Crew hip hop workshops, Voices of the Wheatbelt, Wheat Beats, Yarns of the Heart and the Keela Dreaming Festival.
2.4.8 HERITAGE AND CULTURE
Aboriginal people have lived in the region for more than 45,000 years. It is recognised that the Noongar people are the traditional owners of the south west of WA, which covers most of the Wheatbelt region. Distinct Noongar tribal groups have continuing connection to different lands in the region (e.g. the Njaki-Njaki people land in the Eastern Wheatbelt, the Yued people land in the North and the Ballardong people land in the Central Wheatbelt).
Aboriginal sites are places of importance and significance to Aboriginal people because they link Aboriginal cultural tradition to place, land and people over time. There are approximately 800 registered sites in the Wheatbelt (WA Planning Commission, 2012a), some of which are popular tourist or recreation destinations. It is important that these sites are protected to avoid damage from traffic, loss of vegetation, graffiti or litter.
Non-indigenous heritage is managed in Western Australia through the Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990. In the Wheatbelt, there are 162 (WA Planning Commission, 2012a) listed on the State register.
The Wheatbelt has a diverse range of museums and heritage sites that tell of its rich history, from World War II military sites through to the infamous Rabbit Proof Fence. Art and craft exhibitions are held throughout the region with galleries and craft shops in a number of towns.
Nearly all Wheatbelt towns contain individual historic buildings and other structures, such as railway
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 46
stations, hotels and general stores. There are hundreds of places within the region that are listed on the State register of heritage places. The towns of Toodyay and York have been recognised by the National Trust as two of only ten ‘historic towns’ throughout the State, and the only ones located in the Wheatbelt. It is important that not only those places on the register, but also those that are locally important are recognised and protected.
2.4.9 SPORT AND RECREATION
The primary recreational facilities in Wheatbelt towns come in the form of sporting facilities (e.g. hockey fields, basketball/netball courts, football ovals, swimming pools, etc.). Other entertainment and recreational facilities are limited in the region, even in the larger regional centres. In particular there are minimal avenues for engaging in cultural or artistic pursuits other than at purpose built facilities such as the Cummins Theatre in Merredin.
A substantial improvement in sport and recreation infrastructure in many Local Government areas has occurred over recent years largely as a result of investment from the WA Department of Sport and Recreation, Royalties for Regions and Commonwealth funding programs such as the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. There are however still a large number of community facilities that require extensive maintenance and upgrades to make them fit for purpose and more accessible to all sectors of the community (e.g. disabled and elderly)
The region’s coastal towns are increasingly a focus for recreational activity, primarily fishing, four- wheel-driving, camping and boating. Many Wheatbelt residents frequent the coast for holidays and weekends and increasingly Perth residents are also turning to the Wheatbelt coastal areas for their getaways. Pressure for additional boating and fishing facilities (e.g. ramps, moorings, harbour expansions) is expected to increase given the improved accessibility resulting from the completion of the Indian Ocean Drive in 2011.
2.4.10 ACCOMMODATION STOCK
Accommodation as social infrastructure relates to the provision of residences for various groups in the community including aged, workers, visitors, families and youth. The “Towards a Wheatbelt Infrastructure Plan Report 3” (WDC, 2012c) indicates that the lack of housing stock is a key developmental issue for the region. The process of developing this plan involved extensive consultation across all 43 Local Government areas in the region and the lack of accommodation for workers, elderly, tourists and other, was identified by all as a key area of concern.
The Department of Housing provide social housing in the Wheatbelt including aged accommodation, Aboriginal and regional housing. According to the Department there is only a minimal shortfall of social housing in the region and in some areas there is a surplus. The exception to this is in the town of Northam, where additional social housing development is currently occurring.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 47
2.5 ENVIRONMENT
The physical environment of the Wheatbelt varies significantly, with pristine coastline expanding from Guilderton to Jurien Bay, the fertile soils of the Avon region and mineral rich country to the east. The predominant environmental feature of this region, is however the extensive agricultural land.
The Wheatbelt is typical of other agricultural regions throughout the world, in that it has been largely cleared. Clearing for agriculture has resulted in the removal of more than 90 percent of the native vegetation (Saunders et al., 1991). The Wheatbelt is an almost entirely human modified environment that consists of cleared paddocks, pastures, salt pans and remnants of native vegetation (Saunders, 1989).
2.5.1 LAND
2.5.1.1 BIODIVERSITY
The southwest of Western Australia is identified as one of 25 internationally-significant biodiversity 'hotspots' for its high level of species diversity. The natural biota of the Avon Region includes (information sourced from Wheatbelt NRM website):
. Over 4,000 species of vascular plants. . 62 species of mammals. . 203 species of birds (including 55 species of water birds). . 16 species of frogs. . 110 species of reptiles. . 10 species of fish. . An unknown number of invertebrate species (the region's wetlands are significant - over 560 invertebrates have been identified during recent biological surveys, with 45 percent restricted to fresh water).
There has been extensive biodiversity loss in the Wheatbelt from the historical clearing of native vegetation for agriculture, and more recently for housing and infrastructure. The biodiversity of many natural areas in the Wheatbelt continues to decline and is exacerbated by dry land salinity, altered hydrology, grazing, introduced plants and animals, dieback, inappropriate fire regimes, and climate change.
The land used for agriculture has been substantially cleared of natural vegetation and now only 1.14 million hectares (13.2 percent) of this area retains its original vegetation cover. According to the State Planning Commissions “Wheatbelt Regional Profile” (2011), there are no local government areas in the Wheatbelt that have more than 30 percent of the original native vegetation cover remaining, and many local government areas have less than 10 percent of the original native vegetation cover remaining. Consequently, the Wheatbelt has a higher proportion of threatened species and communities than other parts of Western Australia. A significant proportion of biodiversity assets in the region are located on private land, which put them at risk from land developments.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 48
2.5.1.2 SALINITY
Dryland salinity is a major problem affecting agricultural production in all Australian states and the Wheatbelt is no exception. The clearing of native vegetation (and subsequent land use) has resulted in the Wheatbelt degrading its agricultural potential and nature conservation value (Hobbs and Saunders, 1991). Significant losses of agricultural production have occurred because of soil salinization, waterlogging, and wind and water erosion (Malcolm, 1983). Remnant vegetation, wetlands and riverine systems on both public and private lands are being degraded by dryland salinity, silting, nutrient enrichment and weed invasion (George et al., 1995).
The State of the Environment Report (2007) estimates that more than 70 percent of Australia’s dry land salinity occurs in WA, with more than 14,000 hectares being lost to salinization each year. Five of the ten WA local authorities that experience the most salinity occur in the Wheatbelt region: Koorda, Nungarin, Wongan-Ballidu, Wyalkatchem and Goomalling.
According to the “Salinity and land management on Western Australian Farms” article (ABS, 2003) Western Australia is the state most affected by salinity with 6,918 farms and almost 1.2 million hectares of agricultural land showing signs of salinity, and 45.7 percent of salinized land unable to be used for production. Overall, salinity affects 51.3 percent of farms in Western Australia. The worst– affected region in Western Australia is the Avon (refer to figure 11), with 2,297 farms (or 79.8 percent of the farms in the region) and 451,044 hectares of land showing signs of salinity. The Avon region for the purposes of this study encompassed 35 of the 43 Wheatbelt shires. In the Avon region, 63.2 percent of salinity affected land is unable to be used for production.
Image: Percentage of farms affected by salinity in the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP) regions in WA. Source: ABS 2003
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 49
2.5.1.3 SOIL ACIDIFICATION
According to the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality and Natural Heritage Trust program 2003-2009 Final Report (Department of Agriculture and Food, 2010); soil acidity is a major degradation threat to soils. Acidic soils cause significant losses in crop production and restricted crop choice, with reduced plant growth leading to increases in erosion and nutrient leaching. Acidic drainage also has the potential to cause serious harm to wetlands. Acidification of ground and surface water supplies has been observed in parts of the Wheatbelt. In the west Avon region this is a potential issue for development of on-farm water supplies.
The State of the Environment Report (2007) quotes estimates that two-thirds of agricultural land in the Wheatbelt is affected by surface soil acidity or is at risk of acidification. This proportion is much greater than the amount of land affected by dry land salinity. There are four main techniques used in ameliorating acid soils. These are:
. Application of liming material. . Use of acid tolerant plants. . Using management practices which reduce the rate of acidification. . Applying other types of neutralizing agents.
2.5.1.4 Water
The majority of the Wheatbelt lies within the Avon River Basin, which extends east of the Darling Scarp for approximately 500 kilometres. The Avon River Basin includes the catchments of the Avon, Yilgarn and Lockhart River systems. Extensive clearing of the Wheatbelt since European settlement has altered water quality within the catchment resulting in once fresh or near fresh waterways becoming saline. There are nine wetlands in the Wheatbelt that are listed in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia.
2.5.2 CLIMATE
The climate of the Wheatbelt is typified by mild wet winters and hot dry summers. The majority of rain falls between May and September and until recent years has been of low variability. Long-term historical records indicate that our climate is becoming progressively warmer and dryer. This trend is expected to continue due to increased levels of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Predictions by CSIRO (2001) suggest that by 2070 the region can expect higher temperatures (1-5 degrees warmer), changes to seasonality and amount of annual rainfall, higher evaporation rates and more frequent extreme weather events.
2.5.2.1 CLIMATE CHANGE
A report produced by the Department of Agriculture and Food WA, “Climate adaptation of the Central Agricultural Region”, predicts that annual rainfall in the Wheatbelt will be 5-20 percent less by 2030. Other predicted climatic changes for the region include higher average temperatures, late season breaks, fewer days receiving more than 10mm of rain during the growing season and more dry years. The impact that these changes are likely to have include:
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 50
. Lower yielding crops with poorer grain quality due to shorter seasons and higher temperatures at fill . Lower lambing numbers due to less feed . Less groundcover and stubble . Change in pest and weed risks . More extreme summer rainfall events
Climate change effects are predicted to be greatest in the eastern parts of the northern Wheatbelt with 10 to 30 per cent yield decreases. Many adjoining areas are also likely to be affected plus large areas of the south eastern Wheatbelt.
2.6 REGIONAL TRENDS
The Wheatbelt is characterised by the diversity of its 43 Local Governments, varied natural environments, mixed industries and expansive population and cultures. Underpinning this array of attributes are key trends that are directly impacting the economic development of the region.
. The Wheatbelt’s population is increasingly skewed toward the ageing end of the scale, with 11 percent of the region’s population aged 70 and over as compared to the state average of 8.3 percent (ABS, 2014). There is already significant pressure on aged care infrastructure and services in the Wheatbelt and this will continue to increase according to population projections that suggest by 2026 one in four people in this region will be over the age of 65 (Western Australian Planning Commission, 2012a). Substantial investment in infrastructure and services for an ageing population is critical to ensure that we can meet the needs of this demographic.
. Agriculture is fundamental to the region’s economy The Wheatbelt region is the principal contributor of agricultural commodities in Western Australia. In 2012-13 the total value of agricultural production in the region was $3.86 billion, accounting for 58 percent of the state’s total value (ABS, 2014). Over the past decade, the Wheatbelt agricultural industry has been adversely impacted by poor commodity prices, increased input costs, drought and other climatic and environmental factors. With the predicted agriculture boom there are bright prospects for this industry but for it to thrive new and innovative farm products, practices and business models need to be explored.
. The Wheatbelt region as a whole is experiencing population growth. This growth, however, is not evenly dispersed. Coastal and peri-urban areas are experiencing growth while communities in other parts of the region are stagnating or declining in population. This creates significant challenges for planning in the region and necessitates a sub-regional approach to economic and social planning in the Wheatbelt.
. Unemployment rates in the Wheatbelt region have traditionally remained lower than the State average (4.0 percent compared to the State average of 5.8 percent as of December 2014). These consistently low unemployment rates have resulted in skilled and unskilled labour shortages and are an impediment to further industry growth. On the flip side of this, according to the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (2014), the Wheatbelt has the highest rate of youth unemployment in the State at 23.3 percent. Workforce planning is imperative in the face of these unique challenges.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 51
. Current demand for water in the Wheatbelt is generally being met, however it is anticipated that water demand will increase as a result of population growth, particularly in the Avon Arc and coastal areas (WA Planning Commission, 2012a). Opportunities to improve water supply, storage and harvesting need to be investigated to address this increased demand.
. The natural attributes of the region, particularly the coastal strip, make it particularly suitable for renewable energy projects including large scale wind farms. Connection costs and capacity restraints in the distribution network are inhibiting the development of energy generation and limiting the regions ability to contribute to the renewable generation market.
. Accommodation as social infrastructure relates to the provision of residences for various groups in the community including aged, workers, visitors, families and youth. The lack of diverse and suitable housing stock is a key developmental issue for the Wheatbelt. Multi-purpose housing developments to accommodate the needs of different sectors of the community are required across the region.
. According to the 2011 ABS Census 25.7 percent of dwellings in the Wheatbelt have no internet connection. Furthermore, a “State of Small Business Research Project” (SBDC, 2012) indicates that Wheatbelt small businesses have the lowest corporate website presence in the State. As we move further in to the “digital age” online participation is going to become increasingly important, particularly for business and the aforementioned data suggests that efforts to improve uptake of digital technologies should be a focus for the Wheatbelt.
. An extensive national, State and local road and rail network serves the Wheatbelt region and plays an integral role in inter-regional and interstate freight through its connections to major ports in Perth and Albany, the North of the State and the eastern states of Australia. From an economic perspective, investing in this infrastructure is imperative to ensure safe and efficient access to domestic and international markets.
. According to the 2011 Census, approximately 36 percent of the population in the Wheatbelt RDA region aged 15 years and over have attained a Year 12 or equivalent certificate, which is a considerably lower attainment rate than Western Australia with an average of 49 percent. Furthermore, there are limited opportunities to participate in post-compulsory education in the region. The proportion of people who have at least a Certificate III qualification or who are employed in a skilled occupation provides an indication of the capacity of people in a region to capitalise on job opportunities, as well as the potential to engage in skilled occupations (Department of Infrastructure & Regional Development, 2014). Reform in the delivery of education to this region is required to achieve greater compulsory and post-compulsory attainment rates to improve the employability of people within the Wheatbelt.
. The Wheatbelt lacks adequate day care facilities for children, making it difficult for women with children to enter or remain in the workforce, as well as affecting the attraction of families to the region. Pelusey, Hatch and Tonts (2010) cite this lack of services as a significant workforce development issue, as it not only restricts the available supply of labour for local employers, it also decreases the economic multipliers associated with additional income in the local economy.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 52
3 FRAMEWORKS
3.1 COMMONWEALTH PRIORITIES
The following priorities are derived from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development Portfolio Budget Statement 2015-16.
. Improved infrastructure across Australia through investment in and coordination of transport and other infrastructure. . An efficient, sustainable, competitive, safe and secure transport system for all transport users through regulation, financial assistance and safety investigations. . Strengthening the sustainability, capacity and diversity of regional economies including through facilitating local partnerships between all levels of government and local communities; and providing grants and financial assistance. . Good governance in the Australian Territories through the maintenance and improvement of the overarching legislative framework for self-governing territories, and laws and services for non-self-governing territories.
3.2 STATE PRIORITIES
3.2.1 STATE PLANNING STRATEGY The State Planning Strategy (2013) is an overarching strategic document that informs all other State, regional and local planning strategies, policies and approvals in Western Australia. Six inter-related principles underpin and inform the State Planning Strategy;
Community – Enable diverse, affordable, accessible and safe communities. Economy – Facilitate trade, investment, innovation, employment and community betterment. Environment – conserve the State’s natural assets through sustainable development. Infrastructure – Ensure infrastructure supports development. Regional development – build the competitive and collaborative advantages of the regions. Governance – build community confidence in development processes and practices. Five interrelated strategic goals have been identified with the view to realising a vision of sustained prosperity for Western Australia:
Global competitiveness will be enhanced through economic diversification. Economic expansion and inter-regional collaboration will build strong and resilient regions. Investment in infrastructure and social capital will build sustainable communities. Infrastructure planning and coordination will achieve efficiencies and promote economic growth. Sustainable development and efficient use of resources will enhance environmental conservation.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 53
3.3 LOCAL GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES
Local Government priorities for the purposes of this Plan were deduced through the following consultation mechanisms2: 1) Facilitated workshops held during the Wheatbelt Conference in April 2013. 2) A Local Government Survey administered in May 2013. 3) Country Local Government Fund forums hosted by the Wheatbelt Development Commission in August 2012. Priority Focus Areas identified include:
Telecommunications infrastructure (including the NBN rollout and Mobile Phone towers) and regional capacity to optimize use of new and existing technology.
Economic growth and development facilitated by building on the regions comparative advantages and existing industry strengths.
Improved health/medical services and facilities.
Services and infrastructure to support an ageing population. Improved education/training and employment opportunities.
Build tourism as a complimentary industry for the region. Overcome barriers to residential and industrial land development.
Address inefficiencies in current utilities, particularly power and water.
Transport infrastructure including roads, rail and aviation. Facilitate greater collaboration and resource sharing across the 43 Local Governments.
Adequate and appropriate child care services accessible to all Wheatbelt communities. Diversify accommodation stock to cater for a greater range of needs (e.g. ageing, workers, short stay, etc.). Continued investment in community infrastructure such as sport and recreation facilities and public spaces.
Availability of skilled labour and employment options Arts and culture offerings are limited and what is on offer is not of a high standard
Young people leaving the region and those that stay have limited support and opportunities The Wheatbelt “brand” is not well known. We need to market our social assets to encourage inward migration to the region
2 Further information on each of these consultation mechanisms is available in appendix 1
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 54
3.4 WHEATBELT ROADMAP FOR GROWTH
The Wheatbelt Blueprint (WDC, 2014) analysis has identified the following priority areas for action, which the RDA Wheatbelt board has endorsed.
ANALYSIS
4 COAG KEY DETERMINANTS OF LONG-TERM REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH
The economic performance of a region is influenced by a range of factors. The Key Determinants of Long-term Regional Economic Growth provide a common lens through which to analyse a region and identify regional economic development priorities.
The key determinants facilitate coordination and cooperation between different levels of government by focusing development efforts. They also provide a foundation for regional planning and give a strategic and coordinated basis for considering activities and investments to support the long-term economic growth of regional Australia. This approach can help regional leaders to identify opportunities to align with government policies, implement regional actions that support existing policies and take advantage of regionally-focused programs.3
3 Please note that all definitions of the key determinants are taken from the Framework for Regional Economic Development (DRALGAS, 2013)
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 55
4.1 HUMAN CAPITAL
Improvements in human capital can enhance the innovative and productive capacity of a workforce. Developing a highly skilled and educated workforce assists with building the resilience of a region. Individuals with greater education and skills can pursue a wider range of employment opportunities, adapt to new processes and technologies which improve productivity, and improve their standard of living.
4.1.1 HUMAN CAPITAL CHALLENGES
. Low unemployment in the region is contributing to skilled and un-skilled workforce shortages. . Limited alternative employment models (e.g. flexible, job share, telework) exclude certain sectors of the population from participating in the labour force. . The limited scope and availability of training and employment opportunities is resulting in an out- migration of Wheatbelt young people. . There are limited opportunities to participate in post-compulsory education in the region and barriers to accessing on-line education due to substandard telecommunications.
4.1.2 HUMAN CAPITAL OPPORTUNITIES
. Address workforce shortages by targeting improved participation from Wheatbelt residents currently underrepresented in the labour force. . Introduce flexible and alternative models of early childhood education and care (i.e. childcare) to enable greater workforce participation from primary caregivers wishing to gain employment. . Become niche providers of agricultural research and education (both vocational and non- vocational) and market this expertise as a saleable asset domestically and internationally. . Trial innovative labour sharing models, particularly for hard to fill skilled positions and apprentices/trainees. . Greater access to alternative employment arrangements such as teleworking will be enabled by improvements to telecommunications infrastructure (through the NBN rollout and Regional Mobile Communications Program). . Cross-Industry skills training and targeted recognition of prior learning initiatives will enable highly skilled but “under qualified” workers in the region to improve their employability. . Expanded e-education offerings through local training and education providers and linkages with external providers will minimize geographical barriers and enable greater access to all levels of education. . Improvements to health/medical services in the region (facilitated through the Southern Inland Health Initiative) offer the potential for a greater array of employment opportunities across the spectrum of education levels. This represents a particular opportunity for young people in the region.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 56
4.2 SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
Population is one of the most important resources of a region. Population change can be a significant factor in the long term viability of the local community in terms of economic, environmental and social sustainability.
Population change affects demand for regional infrastructure and services, and can influence the amenity or liveability of regions. Growth in a region’s working age population can boost the labour force and expand the productive capacity of the region’s economy.
4.2.1 SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES CHALLENGES
. Differential growth across the region, with the population growing steadily in some areas whilst other parts of the Wheatbelt have more stable or declining populations. . The demographic profile of the region is shifting toward an increase in the number of older people and a decline in the number of young people. . The increased ethnic diversity of Wheatbelt residents is not being matched by an increase in services and support for people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. . Providing infrastructure and services to a relatively small and geographically dispersed population means that there is limited capacity for economies of scale.
4.2.2 SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES
. Facilitate a comprehensive network model, built around the regional centres, to enable improved equity of access to services and amenities through links between communities. . The affordability of the region and its close proximity to Perth, coupled with improvements to health/medical facilities and aged care services and infrastructure will attract an older demographic to the region and drive demand for retirement villages and aged friendly housing. . Improved access to health and other services in more remote parts of the region can be achieved through digital technology. . Capitalise on the continued population growth of peri-urban and coastal areas, to attract new services and infrastructure to the region.
4.3 ACCESS TO MARKETS
Access to markets includes access to trading partners, clients and labour. Improving access to markets broadens trade, allows competitive industries to grow and can increase the availability of goods and services.
4.3.1 ACCESS TO MARKETS CHALLENGES
. The network of state, national and local roads in the region require a significant injection of funds to ensure that they are safe and fit for purpose. . Closure of Tier 3 rail lines has the potential to negatively impact grain freight to ports, which could have long term implications given the predicted exponential growth in demand for cereals and
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 57
other agricultural products in years to come. . The aviation industry within the Wheatbelt is minimal and largely centres on recreational activity (e.g. gliding, flight schools, etc.). Further growth of this industry for commercial purposes is hampered by a lack of funding and adequate planning.
4.3.2 ACCESS TO MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES
. The spatial location of the Wheatbelt in relation to mining activity in the North and East of the state puts it in a prime position to offer support services (e.g. maintenance and fabrication) to this industry. . The regions substantial road and rail network and the resultant connectedness to major ports and urban centres presents an opportunity for expansive development in transport, background logistics and manufacturing. . Western Australia’s and in particular the Wheatbelt’s proximity to Asian markets compared to other major trading partners (e.g. Europe) has the potential to enable seamless production and distribution of a wide range of export products. . Improved telecommunications infrastructure (enabled through the NBN rollout and Regional Mobile Communications Program) will enable access to more diverse markets on a national and international scale. . The development of a centrally located regional airport with the capacity for commercial and passenger aircraft has the capacity to enable new freight options and allow for greater mobility of the workforce to support areas in higher need of labour
4.4 COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE & BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS
Comparative advantage is an area of relative strength or specialisation. Efforts to develop regional economies are most successful when they focus on building on such strengths. Businesses can also use a region’s comparative advantage to build a competitive advantage, which is also developed through the combination of factors such as knowledge, resources, skills and the ability to innovate.
4.4.1 COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE CHALLENGES
. The agriculture industry of the Wheatbelt is the region’s biggest asset but at the same time creates its greatest challenge as the industry is subject to huge peaks and troughs that are mostly determined by factors beyond human control (e.g. weather). . Financial constraints are a barrier to industry diversification, particularly for agriculturalists. Many have identified opportunities to value add to their core business but are unable to progress due to a lack of capital. . Infrastructure deficiencies (e.g. power, water and telecommunications) are a limitation to industry growth and a deterrent to private investment in the region. . The supply of water for commercial and industrial uses will become increasingly challenging particularly for high growth areas within and adjacent to the region. . The Wheatbelt is not well known domestically or internationally. People can’t invest if they don’t know that the region exists.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 58
4.4.2 COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE OPPORTUNITIES
. Currently untapped subterranean water reserves (saline or otherwise) have the potential to be accessed, treated and utilised for domestic and commercial purposes. . As the world population grows, so too will the worlds need for more food. There is huge potential to expand existing agricultural production and diversify in to new areas to meet market demand. . The corporatisation of farming businesses and exploration of other alternative business models will help to ensure the sustainability of the industry in the face of a decline of the family farm business. . The connectedness of the Wheatbelt reduces costs associated with transporting goods. Long term planning and good marketing of this comparative advantage will attract investment to grow and diversify industry and grow jobs in the region. . The natural amenity and heritage of the region is a comparative advantage. Building on the diversity and quality of tourism infrastructure (including accommodation) will enhance the attractiveness of the region to domestic and international visitors. ACTION AGENDA
5 VISION
RDA Wheatbelt’s vision for the region is:
“The Wheatbelt has a thriving economy supported by diverse industry that builds on the regions comparative advantages and aligns with domestic and global opportunity”
To realise this vision the Wheatbelt requires:
. Utilities (power, water, telecommunications) that meet demand and enable further growth (business and people) in the region; . Digitally enabled and well-connected communities and businesses; . A diverse pool of skilled and available workers; . A value adding and adaptive agriculture industry that meets food production, supply and distribution needs domestically and internationally; . A strong and sustainable economy built on diverse industry that is responsive to emerging and niche markets; . Safe, well networked and inclusive communities that have services and infrastructure that meet the needs of a diverse demographic profile; . A safe and efficient transport network that supports a thriving logistics industry; and . Equitable access to high quality health/medical services and education/training opportunities.
6 PRIORITY REGIONAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES
The priority infrastructure projects outlined in this section have primarily been derived from State Government identified priorities for the region (as determined through State budget allocations for 2013-14 and the Western Australian Regional Freight Transport Network Plan), Local Government identified regional priorities as determined through the 2012 CLGF forums (refer to Appendix 1) and priority projects identified by the RDA Wheatbelt committee through the assessment of projects for
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 59
the Regional Development Australia Fund Rounds One, Two and Four. Round Three projects have not been included as the focus for this round was on smaller scale local projects as opposed to broad reaching regional projects that were the focus of the other rounds.
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of infrastructure projects for the region. Additional Local Government priority infrastructure projects are provided in Appendix 1.
The list of priority planning and leadership projects has been adapted from the Wheatbelt Blueprint (WDC, 2015). Only those projects with a specific focus on economic development have been included here. The Blueprint provides a more comprehensive list of regional priorities based on the key themes of vibrant economy, clever people, connected communities, valued natural amenity, marketing Wheatbelt opportunities and effective partnerships.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 60
6.1 PRIORITY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Project Location Benefits Possible Lead Agent (s) Other Stakeholders
TRANSPORT Re-sleepering of narrow gauge Various locations These upgrades are essential to secure the . WA Department of . Wheatbelt Local network upgrades to Tier 1 future of the grain rail network, which is vital Transport Governments and selected Tier 2 lines to the agricultural industry of the Wheatbelt. . Brookfield Rail . Commonwealth serving the region’s grain silo Government network Department of Infrastructure & Regional Development . WATCO . CBH Group Completion of Great Northern Central Midlands Sub-Region This road is a key link for transport of . WA Department of . Commonwealth Highway Upgrade: Muchea to equipment and supplies to the resources Transport Government Wubin Stage 2 industry in the north of Western Australia, . Main Roads WA Department Infrastructure & including the Pilbara. These upgrades will Regional improve productivity by enhancing the Development highway and improving safety and travel . Wheatbelt Local times. Governments Completion of Great Eastern Shires of Westonia and Yilgarn A significant improvement to road-user . WA Department of . Wheatbelt Local Highway reconstruction safety, reduced maintenance costs due to Transport Governments between Walgoolan and edge wear and reduced transport and road . Main Roads WA . Commonwealth Karalee. Government user costs. Department of Infrastructure & Regional Development
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 61
Priority Project Location Benefits Possible Lead Agent (s) Other Stakeholders
ENERGY Mid-West Energy Project Central Midlands and Coastal Provision of power to cater for predicted . Western Power . WA Office for Sub-Region future electricity demand and possible Energy generation connections.
Collgar Wind Farm Stage 2 – Shire of Merredin – Eastern Contribute toward the federal government’s . UBS International . Western Power Construction of additional 16 Wheatbelt RET target of 20 percent of all energy Infrastructure Fund & . WA Office for Turbines generated to be renewable by 2020 and Retail Employees Energy continued support of the Country East load Superannuation Trust area to meet future demands. (owners)
SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE Narrogin Cottage Homes – Narrogin Provision of essential services and . Narrogin Cottage Homes . Commonwealth Dementia Specific Residential infrastructure to meet the needs of the ageing Government unit population in the Southern Wheatbelt Department of Health . WA Country Health Service Southern Inland Health Northam, Narrogin, Merredin Reform and improve access to health care for . WA Country Health . Wheatbelt Local Initiative (SIHI) - Major all Wheatbelt residents. Service Governments upgrades to regional hospitals . Department of Health Multi-Purpose Housing Central Midlands ROC, WEROC, Provision of diverse housing stock to . Wheatbelt Local . Lancorp Projects – Various (as per NEWROC, Brookton-Pingelly accommodate the needs of different sectors of Governments . WA Planning priority projects identified RTG, AROC the community (e.g. aged, youth, workers, Commission through the CLGF Forums families, visitors) . WA Department of outlined in Appendix 1) Regional Development (RfR program) 4WD Well-Aged Persons Shires of West Arthur, Williams, The units are specifically designed for aged . Lakes & 4WD Well-Aged . WA Department of Housing – Construction of 52 Wagin, Dumbleyung, Lake Grace, persons seeking the opportunity to downsize Persons Housing Strategy Regional Units across 7 Shires. 31 Units Woodanilling and Kent from the family home to a more manageable Regional Alliance Development (RfR have been completed or under smaller home, in their community of choice. program) construction (June 2016)
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 62
Priority Project Location Benefits Possible Lead Agent (s) Other Stakeholders TELECOMMUNICATIONS National Broadband Network Whole of region The NBN will provide high-speed, affordable . NBN Co. . Wheatbelt Local (NBN) Rollout – Fibre, fixed- broadband internet to households and . Commonwealth Governments wireless and satellite businesses throughout the region. Government Department technologies of Communications Construction of priority mobile Identified blackspot locations The Regional Telecommunications Project . WA Department of . Wheatbelt phone towers through the builds on the Regional Mobile Commerce Development Regional Telecommunications Communications Programme which delivered . WA Department of Commission 16 new mobile phone towers in the Wheatbelt. Regional Development . Wheatbelt Local Project It is intended to deliver terrestrial mobile, Governments voice and high speed wireless data broadband to improve highway and town-to-town coverage in regional, rural and remote communities of the State. EDUCATION & TRAINING Upgrades to Northam and Northam and Narrogin Improvements to education infrastructure in . WA Department of . WA Department of Narrogin Senior High Schools regional centres, which service the majority of Education Regional Wheatbelt youth, will result in improved . Northam and Narrogin Development (RfR quality of secondary education in the region Senior High Schools program) and help to improve year 12 attainment rates. Upgrades to the CY O’Connor Northam and Narrogin There are limited opportunities to participate . CY O’Connor Institute . WA Department of Institute Narrogin Campus and in post-compulsory education in the region. CY Regional Muresk Institute. Narrogin O’Connor Institute is currently the primary Development (RfR provider and investment is required to ensure program) Campus is under existing infrastructure meets current needs construction???? and can expand to offer additional education/training opportunities.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 63
Priority Project Location Benefits Possible Lead Agent (s) Other Stakeholders ECONOMIC/INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT NEWROC Business Shires of Koorda, Mt Marshall, The focus of this project is on attracting new . NEWROC Local . WA Department of Development – construction Mukinbudin, Nungarin, Trayning SME’s to the region which will complement Governments Regional of 11 modular industrial and and Wyalkatchem existing industries and diversify and grow the Development (RfR business incubator units economic base of this sub-region. program) “World Class on the Water” – Shires of Dandaragan and Gingin The Coastal sub-region is host to two world- . Shires of Dandaragan . WA Department of Classic Windsurf and Blessing class events which are a key part of its and Gingin Regional of the Fleet economic future (Classic Windsurf and Development (RfR program) Blessing of the Fleet, Indian Ocean Festival). These events have grown beyond the capacity of existing infrastructure. In addition, the full potential to leverage these events for economic and social benefits to the local communities has yet to be realised. Cunderdin Regional Airport Cunderdin This project will contribute to diversifying the . Shire of Cunderdin . WA Department of Commercial Development economic base of the Wheatbelt through the Transport Project growth of the aviation industry. Wagin Integrated Food/Fibre Wagin This innovative project will help to address . Shire of Wagin . Morton Seed and Processing Hub (WIFFPH) salinity issues and build the regional economy. Grain . Murdoch University Completion of the Wheatbelt Shires of Dowerin, York, This tourism project addresses the identified . Shire of Dowerin . Other Wheatbelt Heritage Rail Project Northam, Beverley, Goomalling need for industry development in our region Local Governments and Wyalkatchem and it also has the potential to increase involved . Rail Heritage Australia domestic and international visitors to the Wheatbelt. WATER Upgrade works to the This system services the Avon, Upgrades to the GAWSS will help to meet . Water Corp . WA Department of Goldfields and Agricultural Central East and parts of anticipated increased demand on water Water Water Supply Scheme Wheatbelt South and the Central resulting from future population and industrial (GAWSS) Midlands and Coastal sub- growth in the region. regions
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 64
6.2 PRIORITY PLANNING & LEADERSHIP PROJECTS TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC GROWTH
Priority Project Location Benefits Possible Lead Agent (s) Other Stakeholders Develop an Integrated Transport Whole of region Integrated transport improves access to . Main Roads . Wheatbelt Development Plan for the Wheatbelt. markets. Commission . RDA Wheatbelt Inc. Develop emerging industry Locations will be Industry Attract public and private investment for . Wheatbelt . RDA Wheatbelt Inc. strategies and investment driven emerging industry development as Development . Wheatbelt Business Network prospectuses for intensive identified through existing Sub-regional Commission . Heartlands WA agriculture, transport and Economic Strategies. . Wheatbelt Local Government’s logistics, renewable energy, aviation and population services (aged care, health, education and tourism). Initiate a Wheatbelt Whole of region High impact and cost effective . Wheatbelt . Wheatbelt Local Infrastructure Co-ordinating infrastructure investment will drive Development Government’s Group. economic growth in the region. Commission . RDA Wheatbelt Inc. Implement targeted marketing Whole of region Targeted marketing of the region will . Heartlands WA . Wheatbelt Local for workforce and visitor attract workers, businesses, visitors and Government’s attraction. investors to the region. . RDA Wheatbelt Inc. Develop sub-regional business Whole of region Businesses are supported to grow . Wheatbelt Business . Wheatbelt Development alliances for collaborative market consumer base by connecting with new Network Commission development. markets. . Heartlands WA . Wheatbelt Local Governments Implementation of the Wheatbelt Whole of region A digitally enabled region with well- . RDA Wheatbelt . Wheatbelt Development Digital Action Plan. connected communities and businesses. Commission . Heartlands WA . WA Department of Commerce . Wheatbelt Local Governments
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 65
Priority Project Location Benefits Possible Lead Agent (s) Other Stakeholders Implementation of the priority Sub-regional reports have been The Wheatbelt will be well placed to meet . Wheatbelt . WA Country Health actions identified through the developed for: the demands of an ageing population Development Service Wheatbelt Aged Care and - Coastal and Central through investment in identified services, Commission . Department of Health Support Solutions project. Midlands support and infrastructure needs for the . RDA Wheatbelt - AROC region. . Wheatbelt Local - SEAVROC Governments - ROEROC - 4WDL ROC - Dryandra Implementation of the Whole of region This Plan was developed with the primary . Wheatbelt Workforce . Regional Training Wheatbelt Workforce aim of building, attracting and retaining a Development Alliance Organizations Development Plan. skilled workforce to meet the economic . Wheatbelt business needs of the Wheatbelt region. The sector actions identified will address local workforce development challenges. Implementation of Individual Plan’s for each sub- The economic planning process . Wheatbelt . Wheatbelt Local recommendations outlined in region undertaken by RPS on behalf of WDC has Development Governments Sub-Regional Economic identified an investment focus for each Commission . Wheatbelt Business Development Plan’s. sub-region within the Wheatbelt that Sector builds on the comparative advantages and . RDA Wheatbelt natural assets of the area. Implementation of the Whole of region Accessible and responsive children’s . RDA Wheatbelt Inc. . Wheatbelt Early Years Wheatbelt Regional Children’s services that meet the needs of the Networks Services Plan. current and future population of the . Wheatbelt Local region and facilitate greater labour force Governments participation. . Department of Local Government & Communities . Service providers
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 66
7 IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISMS
It is not the intention of RDA Wheatbelt to oversee all of the initiatives outlined in the Wheatbelt Regional Plan; rather RDA Wheatbelt will focus its efforts on those activities that it is best positioned to pursue in order to achieve positive economic outcomes for the region
RDA Wheatbelt has identified three key areas of focus to guide the activities of the organisation. These priorities are:
1. Alignment with Federal policies and/or programs. 2. With particular focus on human capital, business competitiveness and infrastructure. 3. Priority to programs that create regional collaborations and build regional capacity.
With a high level of focus for RDAW 2017 being on –
Closing the Gap in relation to our Aboriginal community members Innovation particularly as it relates to stimulating activity within the small business sector including agriculture Improving understanding of the Wheatbelt’s Economic Development measures and developing regional skills in relation to economic analysis Contributing to Policy discussions through both formal and informal mechanisms
8 REVIEW
The Wheatbelt Regional plan is a living document and will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure it remains adaptive to the regions needs and priorities. An update to the Plan will be completed in July of each year. The update for 2017 will account for the update in the regional profile following distribution of data from the 2016 census and is expected to include a complete update of regional investment priorities. RDA Wheatbelt also has an annual Business Plan that specifies the detail of delivery against the key strategies identified in this plan. Any changes to the Regional Plan will be reflected in the Business Plan.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 67
REFERENCES
1. ABARES (2009). Promoting productivity in the agriculture and food sector value chain: issues for R&D investment
2. ABS (2003). Salinity and land management on Western Australian Farms
3. ABS 2011 Census Data. Various Statistics.
4. ABS 2013 Perspectives on Regional Australia: Non-school qualifications in Regions 2011, Cat. No. 1380.0. 55.011 http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/mf/1380.0.55.011
5. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Year Book Australia (2012). Labour Force and other characteristics of farmers. ref 1301.0 http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Lookup/1301.0Main+Features3032012
6. ABS (2014). Population by Age and Sex, Regions of Australia Cat. No 3235.0
7. ABS (2014). Value of Agricultural Commodities Produced by State and SA4 Region – Western Australia 2012-13, released September 2014
8. ABS (2015). Regional Population Growth, Australia, Cat. No. 3218.0
9. Australian Government (2010). The 2010 intergenerational report.
10. Australian Productivity Commission (2005). Trends in Australian Agriculture.
11. Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (2014). Workforce and Skills, Western Australian Labour Markets in Transition. Focus on Western Australia Report Series No. 3
12. Brookfield Rail (2014). Grain Freight Rail Network Fact Sheet.
13. Brookfield Rail. Wheatbelt Projects. Online at: http://www.brookfieldrail.com/our- projects/wheatbelt.html
14. Collgar Wind Farm (2013). Online at http://www.collgarwindfarm.com.au/
15. CSIRO (2001). Climate change in Australia.
16. Department of Agriculture and Food (2010). National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality and Natural Heritage Trust program 2003-2009 Final Report.
17. Department of Agriculture and Food (2011). Business Outlook for WA Wheatbelt Farms in 2011.
18. Department of Commerce (2011). Telstra NextG Network Coverage: RMCP Coverage.
19. Department of Commerce (2013). Online at http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/scienceinnovation/content/programs/Regional_Mobile_Com munications_Project/Recently_completed_sites.html
20. Department of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations (2012). Draft Wheatbelt Regional Education, Skills & Jobs Plan.
21. Department of Employment (2014). Small Area Labour Market publication, December Quarter 2014.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 68
22. Department of Health, WA Country Health Services, Wheatbelt, (last updated 18 January 2013). Online at: http://www.health.wa.gov.au/services/detail.cfm?Unit_ID=2240
23. Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development (2014). Year Book 2014, Progress in Australia’s Regions
24. Department of Mines and Petroleum (2014). Western Australian Mineral and Petroleum Statistics Digest 2013.
25. Department of Planning & Western Australian Planning Commission (2013). State Planning Strategy, Planning for Sustained Prosperity
26. Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport (2013). Regional Australia: Strengthening Communities 2013-14
27. Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport (2013). Framework for Regional Economic Development
28. Department of Transport (2013). The Western Australian Regional Freight Transport Network Plan
29. Environmental Protection Authority (2007). State of the Environment Report Western Australia.
30. FAO (2009). How to feed the world in 2050
31. Freight and Logistics Council WA and SD&D Consult (2009). Strategic Grain Network Review Report.
32. Freight and Logistics Council of WA (2012). Out of Gauge Coordination Unit Final Report
33. George, R.J.; McFarlane, D.J. and Speed, R.J.; (1995) 'The consequences of a changing hydrologic environment for native vegetation in South-Western Australia.' In Saunders, D.A.; Craig, J.L. and Mattiske, E.M. (Eds) Nature conservation 4: The role of networks.
34. Hajkowicz SA, Cook H, Littleboy A. (2012). Our Future World: Global megatrends that will change the way we live. The 2012 Revision. CSIRO, Australia
35. Hobbs, R.J. and Saunders, D.A.; (1991) 'Re-integrating fragmented landscapes – a preliminary framework for the Western Australian Wheatbelt.' Journal of Environmental Management 33:161-167
36. IBISWORLD (2012). IBISWorld Industry Report January 2012.
37. IEA & OECD (2006). World Energy Outlook 2006
38. International Monetary Fund (2012). World Economic Outlook April 2012: Growth Resuming, Dangers Remain.
39. Kingwell. R. & Pannell. D. (2005). Economic trends and drivers affecting the Wheatbelt of WA to 2030. CSIRO Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, Volume 56, pp 553-561
40. Main Roads WA (2009a). Wheatbelt North Regional Profile
41. Main Roads WA (2009b). Wheatbelt South Regional Profile
42. Main Roads WA (2013). Wheatbelt South Strategic projects. Online https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/AboutMainRoads/OurRoleRegions/WheatbeltSouth/project
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 69
s/Pages/Projects.aspx
43. Malcolm, C.V. (1983). 'Wheatbelt salinity.' Western Australian Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin 52.
44. MMT Consultancy Services (2009). Western Wheatbelt District Community Consultations June 2009.
45. Organisation for Economic Cooperation and development (2012). OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050: The Consequences of Inaction
46. OECD & FAO 2011. Agricultural Outlook 2011-2020
47. Pelusey, H, Hatch, J and Tonts, M (2010), Industrial Skilled Labour Force Attraction in the Avon Valley, Institute for Regional Development, University of Western Australia.
48. Regional waste strategy – Western Wheatbelt Shires: Towards zero waste, August 2011
49. Regional Australia Institute (2014). Talking Point: An ageing (regional) Australia and the rise of the Super Boomer
50. Regional Development Australia Wheatbelt (2014). Wheatbelt Youth Strategy
51. Regional Development Australia Wheatbelt (2015). Wheatbelt Regional Children’s Services Plan
52. Rice Warner (2011). Retirement Savings Gap at June 2011 Prepared for the Financial Services Council
53. RPS (2013). Avon Sub-Regional Economic Strategy
54. RPS (2014a). Central Coast Sub-regional Economic Strategy
55. RPS (2014b). Central Midlands sub-regional Economic Strategy
56. RPS (2014c). Wheatbelt South sub-regional Economic Strategy
57. RPS (2015). Central East Sub-regional Economic Strategy
58. Saunders, D.A. (1989). Changes in the avifauna of a region, district and remnant as a result of native vegetation: The Wheatbelt of Western Australia. A case study. In Biological Conservation 50: 99-135.
59. Saunders, D.A.; Hobbs, R.J. and Margules, C.R.; (1991) 'Biological consequences of ecosystem fragmentation: A review.' Conservation Biology 5(1):18-32.
60. Small Business Development Corporation (2012). State of Small Business Research Project
61. Strategic Grain Network Committee (2009). Freight and Logistics Council of WA, ‘Strategic Grain Network Review’ December 2009
62. Syed, A., Melanie, J., Thorpe, S. & Penney, K. (2010). Australian energy projections to 2029-30. ABARE research report 10.02
63. The Water Corporation (2012). WA 10 Year Water Supply Strategy
64. Trestrail. C, Martin. P, New. R, Corrie. K and Frakes. I, (2013). Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, ABARES, About my region 13.42
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 70
65. The Department for Training and Employment (2009). Wheatbelt Regional Profile Report
66. Verso Consulting (2014). Wheatbelt Aged Support and Care Solution/s Final Report
67. Water Corporation (2013). Online at http://www.watercorporation.com.au
68. WA Country Health Service (2012). Service Plan: Western Wheatbelt Health District 2011/12 – 2021/22
69. Western Australia Planning Commission (2011). Wheatbelt Regional Profile (Draft).
70. Western Australia Planning Commission (2012a). Draft Wheatbelt Planning & Infrastructure Framework
71. Western Australia Planning Commission (2012b). Western Australia Tomorrow Population Report No. 7, 2006 to 2026
72. Wheatbelt Development Commission (2012a). Wheatbelt Snapshot Series: Potable Water
73. Wheatbelt Development Commission (2012b). Wheatbelt Snapshot Series: Power and Energy
74. Wheatbelt Development Commission (2012c). Towards a Wheatbelt Infrastructure Plan Report 3 2012-13
75. Wheatbelt Development Commission (2015). Wheatbelt Blueprint: A Vision for a Vibrant Future
76. Wheatbelt Workforce Development Alliance (2012). Wheatbelt Workforce Development Plan 2013-2016.
77. UNCCD (2011). Desertification: a visual synthesis. In Hajkowicz SA, Cook H, Littleboy A. (2012). Our Future World: Global megatrends that will change the way we live. The 2012 Revision. CSIRO, Australia
78. UNESA (2012). When has the world population reached or is expected to reach each successive billion? Online: http://esa.un.org/wpp/Other-Information/faq.htm#q3.
79. Western Power (2010). Revised Options Paper, Midwest Energy Project – Southern Section.
80. Western Power (2012). Mid West Energy Project newsletter July 2012
81. WSAA (2010). Implications of population growth in Australia on urban water resources. Occasional Paper No. 25
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 71
APPENDIX 1
8.1.1 WHEATBELT CONFERENCE The 2016 Wheatbelt Conference focussed the attention of key business, community and government leaders on the future of the Wheatbelt region. Over two days in April, attendees were challenged by the latest in sustainability and innovation; and inspired by smart-thinking change agents. The conference aimed to help the Wheatbelt stride, with confidence, towards its goal of achieving regional resilience through the creation of strong, sustainable communites.
8.1.2 COUNTRY LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND (CLGF) FORUMS
During the CLGF Forum’s, Local Government participants were asked to identify the highest priorities for Wheatbelt-wide coordination and advocacy.
Priority Focus Areas identified include: . Telecommunications . Health care . Aged care . Education . Barriers to land development (particularly utilities) . Transport . Housing . Energy . Water . Childcare
Secondary Areas of Focus Identified include: . Impact of Carbon Tax . Aviation Industry development . Waste management . Heritage . Tourism Infrastructure
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 72
8.1.2.1 INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
The Wheatbelt infrastructure projects identified for the 2012/13 Regional Component of the country local government fund are outlined below
ROC/Group Highest Priority for the 2012/13 CLGF Regional Component
Coastal “World Class on the Water” –Classic Windsurf and Blessing of the Fleet
Central Midlands ROC . Accommodation . Land availability
AVON ROC Well aged housing
SEAVROC Under discussion at time of writing
WEROC Multi-purpose housing
NEWROC Multi-purpose housing project
Lakes & 4WD Well Aged Continue well-aged housing project Housing Regional Alliance
DRYANDRA ROC . Commercial and light industrial premises for business start- up/relocation . Regional Waste facilities . Narrogin Heavy Haulage Bypass Stage 2 . Regional mobile phone towers
ROE ROC Recreation and Events Centre (located in Corrigin)
Brookton-Pingelly RTG Multi-purpose housing project
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 73
8.1.3 LOCAL GOVERNMENT SURVEY The on-line survey, administered by RDA Wheatbelt asked Local Governments to outline key challenges and opportunities in the categories of social capital, business and industry, infrastructure and sustainable communities. It also asked for details of the top three priority infrastructure projects for the next five years. The following section outlines the responses received. Please note that the response rate to the survey was only 21 percent so this does not reflect the views of all Wheatbelt Local Governments
8.1.3.1 CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES Category Challenges Opportunities Infrastructure . Lack of road data and appropriate funding to upgrade and . Co-location and resource sharing of community groups and sporting maintain road infrastructure facilities . Mobile phone coverage and internet are poor . Tourist attractions with old historic buildings . Cost of upgrading water and power . Safer road network if rail system was upgraded . Water security . Passenger rail service from Gingin back into the metropolitan area, . Tier 3 Rail Network this would facilitate development within the town and make Gingin . Lack of aged accommodation more accessible to metro Perth . Poor state of State Infrastructure (e.g. schools, Police . NBN roll-out will benefit the community Stations, etc.) . Opportunity to construct an airport to cater for the FIFO workforce . Costs of maintaining historical buildings within towns . There is plenty of cheap land available (some fully serviced) . Deep sewerage for the industrial area of town. . Recreation infrastructure requires replacement. This includes Community Centres, toilets, change rooms, sports pavilions, and swimming pools Social Capital . Retention of services (e.g. medical, police, banking and . Further development of sport and recreational facilities education) . More social opportunities for Youth . Arts and culture is limited and not of a high standard . Improving indigenous relations and social interaction . Lack of health services within the Shire and ability to attract . Some aged care available with good community support permanent services . Large number of under utilised buildings . Year 11 and 12 schooling and the trend of sending children . Better Mental Health Services and places to stay instead of being outside of the region for education shifted off to Perth.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 74
. Lack of affordable housing and in particular aged care option . Better Centrelink premises and staffing levels for retirees . Better and more affordable rentals for lower income and single . Not enough Government Agency support in the region families, . Retaining 18 - 25year olds . Aged accommodation and specialists for older people . The need to develop District High Schools to ensure an excellent education to Year 10 . The need to provide excellent health care for the aged to allow "aging in place strategies" to work . Tertiary education is lacking and needs serious consideration and development . Dementia care is a strong requirement . Mental Health is a major issue Business & . More land released for light industries . Only minor increases in industry have occurred over the last 10 years Industry . Poor telecommunications so any growth is good growth. . Freight and infrastructure costs . An increase in employment and subsequent increase in residential . Reliance on agriculture housing developments will assist the Town to become a more vibrant . Training opportunities and support for small businesses and economic community . Availability of skilled labour . Agricultural Manufacturing, transportable manufacturing, food hub . Affordable Utilities - cost of power, water etc. are far too development, power production, education provision, health high provision, etc. are all economic opportunities . Clarity around Tourism WA and its local and regional . Highway access for freight involvement - what is the correct terminology and brand to . Processing of agricultural products locally to increase employment and be used? value add for farmers. . Business is not supported by Local People . Attracting business from Perth with improved lifestyle opportunities . Lack of Business Opportunities for owners and employees . Lack of Industry in Region . Wheatbelt can offer cheap land, good location for access to ports . Not enough Regional Industrial Land and infrastructure . Construction of business cells in the smaller towns around the . Business catchment is small Regional centres . Declining population . Home based businesses
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 75
Category Challenges Opportunities Sustainable . Environmental impacts on agriculture . Ensuring retention of vital services Communities . Sharply declining population . Wind and sun a readily available for renewable energy . Water infrastructure is ageing and power infrastructure is . Water capture and re-use could be improved very expensive to upgrade . Population growth will support expansion of existing services . Farms are being affected by several environmental . Development growth will enable the Shire to conduct community problems, lack of rain, salinity, acidity and climate change. facility planning and look at alternative funding methods such as . Population base increases during peak holiday periods which developer contribution plans creates a servicing issue for the Shire . Increased government support . Need to have good shopping facilities which will keep people . Growth of rural towns will take pressure off Perth and the coastal in town and make shops more viable strip. In most cases expansion of small towns would be a cheaper . Power is a big issue. Not enough incentives for small towns option to investigate renewable energy - especially solar. . Youth boredom and small opportunities . Communication (mobile phone reception) is poor . Existing water supply capacity (size of header tank) will restrict expansion . There is some doubt as to the adequacy of the electricity supply - sadly the information is not available from Western Power
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 76
8.1.3.2 INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Local Government Project Title Project Description Estimated Cost Possible Funding Sources Roads Additional $250,000 p.a. on maintaining viable road $250,000,00 Negotiating with State & infrastructure. Over ten (10) years Federal governments Run-Off Funding Black Spot Funding Release of Light Industrial Currently Reserve converted to freehold land. $500,000,0 Landcorp (State Government) Land $5million for 15 lots including power, water, Shire of Goomalling telephone and sewerage services. Retention of Doctors Retention of doctor/medical services ($100,000.00 $260,000,0 Federal Government, Rural & Services per annum) plus expansion of Goomalling airstrip to Remote Medical Funding accommodate RFDS. (2 years) Program. Regional Aviation Authority Business incubators Construction of industrial sheds to provide facilities Unknown Unknown for new businesses to move into the area. Universal Housing Construction of three houses built to a standard to $750,000 Regional CLGF - $695,000 Shire Shire of Mt Marshall allow for aged care/community housing/shire - $55,000 housing. Bowling Green’s - Installation of synthetic bowling green’s in Bencubbin $900,000 CSRFF - $135,000 CLGF - Bencubbin and Beacon and Beacon $674,000 Shire - $91,000 Blue Bird Provide a replica of Blue-bird and associated Not Known Not Known Memorial/Interpretive memorabilia Centre Shire of Dumbleyung Aged Accommodation Next Stage of Aged Accommodation units $900,000 CLGF Synthetic Bowling Greens Install Synthetic Bowling Greens $200,000 CLGF (one third) Council (one third) Community (one third)
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 77
Local Government Project Title Project Description Estimated Cost Possible Funding Sources
Guilderton Boardwalk This is a 2 staged project aimed at building a new Stage 1 $320,000 Stage 1. Shire of Gingin 90k and Jetty boardwalk along with a jetty and pontoon. and stage 2 Lotterywest 90k NRM, $650,000 Coastcare 50k each Bendigo 40k Stage 2 is 650k funded by Shire of Gingin R4R CLGF Revitalization - Gingin Preventative maintenance and improvements for $600,000 Not scoped at this stage - Swimming Pool Gingin Swimming Pool. This will include new tiles, probably a combination of Tiling completed solar heating and general improvements to this Shire, Bendigo, Lotterywest infrastructure. and DSR. Mobile Phone Towers More Mobile Phone Towers $1.25million Telstra Federal Government CLGF Shire of Wickepin Tier 3 Rail Upgrade and maintain tier 3 rail network $30million State Government Upgrade Main Roads All the Main Roads in the Regions are going Unknown Unknown backwards Solar Power To power all local government installations in town or $750,000 Unknown offset power costs through sale of power to the grid. Industrial Unit Construction of 4 industrial units $600,000 RDA and municipal funding Shire of Mukinbudin Development Memorial Hall Redevelopment of the hall toilets and kitchen. $300,000 Unknown - possibly R4R and municipal funds Caravan and Camping A staged development over five years resulting in a Stage 1 = CLGF and Shire of Tammin ground number of chalets and camping bays for overnight $927,000. budget accommodation. Remaining stages to be calculated. Shire of Tammin Say a total of $2.5m Depot New Depot for the Shire and possible amalgamated $650,000 CLGF and Shire of Tammin Region. Staff housing (1 house) A single house for staff $313,000 CLGF and Shire contribution Shire of Pingelly Recreation Facilities Replace netball/basketball hard courts $230,000 DSR, local government
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 78
Local Government Project Title Project Description Estimated Cost Possible Funding Sources Refurbish Community Refurbish Community Centre including extensions, $13.5million DSR, local government Centre spectator seating Shire of Pingelly Toilet & Change rooms Replace toilets and change rooms at recreation $840,000 DSR, local government ground Industrial Land The small Industrial Land Development and the $150million Council owns the Land and Development and greater parcel of land purchased need to be would be willing to do a joint Promotion developed for industry and this then should be venture with Land Corp to promoted to the WA Business arena and greater. This develop and work with the will stimulate housing development, increase WDC or other agencies to pressures on Schools to develop and increase health heavily promote Narrogin as provision the next place to invest. Oil Mallee Plant Potentially find a partnering or community Unknown Unknown Town of Narrogin organisation to take control of the Plant and produce power for the Narrogin Area and utilise the Oil Mallee that has already been planted in the surrounding area. Residential Land Potentially drive development in Narrogin through $150million Council Land, Royalties for Development either developing a parcel of land with Landcorp or Regions, Land Corp providing infrastructure to an area to stimulate development.
Wheatbelt Regional Plan 2013-18 (Revised July 2016) Page | 79
ACRONYMS
AAGR Average Annual Growth Rate RAC Royal Automobile Association ABARES Australian Bureau of Agricultural and RADS Regional Airport Development Scheme Resource Economics and Sciences RAV Restricted Access Vehicle ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics RCSP Regional Children’s Services Plan APC Australian Productivity Commission RESJ Regional Education, Skills and Jobs CANWA Community Arts Network Western Australia RET Renewable Energy Target CBH Co-Operative Bulk Handling RfR Royalties for Regions CEACA Central East Aged Care Alliance RMCP Regional Mobile Communications Project CLGF Country Local Government Fund SBDC Small Business Development Corporation CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial SGNC Strategic Grain Network Committee Research Organisation SIHI Southern Inland Health Initiative CSRFF Community Sporting and Recreation SALM Small Area Labour Market Facilities Fund SSS Satellite Subsidy Scheme DAFF Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and SWIS South West Interconnected System Forestry SWWML South West WA Medicare Local DAFWA Department of Agriculture & Food WA UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat DBCDE Department of Broadband, Communications Desertification & the Digital Economy UNESA United Nations Department of Economic and DEEWR Department of Education, Employment and Social Affairs Workplace Relations VAST Viewer Access Satellite Television DOHA Department of Health & Ageing WACHS Western Australian Country Health Service DRALGAS Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport WAPC Western Australian Planning Commission DRD Department of Regional Development WBN Wheatbelt Business Network DSR Department of Sport & Recreation WDC Wheatbelt Development Commission FaHCSIA Department of Families, Housing, WSAA Water Services Association of Australia Community Services & Indigenous Affairs FIFO Fly-in, fly-out GAWASS Goldfields Agriculture Water Supply Scheme GRP Gross Regional Product GSTWS Great Southern Towns Water Supply GVAP Gross Value of Agricultural Production Ha Hectare ISS Interim Satellite System IWSS Integrated Water Supply System LGA Local Government Area Mbps Megabits per second MPS Multi-purpose Services Mtpa Million tonnes per annum NACC Northern Ag Catchment Council NBN National Broadband Network OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development - OSOM Over-size, over-mass
RDA Wheatbelt Strategic Regional Plan 2013-2018 Page | 80