Region tipped to stay agricultural leader

Sophie Gabrielle, Avon Valley GazetteHills Avon Valley Gazette

Five new plans for future growth and development of regional WA were recently released for public comment.

They examine the drivers for growth and potential economic, environmental and community outcomes for the future of the Kimberley, Goldfields-Esperance, Wheatbelt, Great Southern and South-West planning regions.

WAPC chairman Eric Lumsden said the frameworks tackled a broad range of issues.

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‘WA is highly diverse and each region has distinct aspirations and challenges, so the planning approach for each region needs to respond to what’s happening locally,’ Mr Lumsden said.

‘The issues facing communities in Broome, for example, are going to be quite different to those in Bruce Rock.’

Driven by its locational advantages, the Wheatbelt region will continue to be the State’s agricultural powerhouse and will seek to further diversify and value-add to the primary production sector, the plan said.

Freight and logistics will be an increasing part of the region’s future, as well as ‘lifestyle’ population growth around the Avon arc and turquoise coast.

Mr Lumsden said the five draft plans identified regional strengths and offered a way to create a platform for sound planning to build on those strengths.

‘The frameworks establish the planning priorities for each region and when finalised, will form a basis for the WAPC and local government decision-making,’ Mr Lumsden said.

‘It’s crucial that people consider their individual draft frameworks and let us know what they think, as these frameworks will set the scene for the future development of their local communities.’

Copies are available at tinyurl.com/ks4aakx.