Vibrant Economy
The Wheatbelt has displayed strong economic growth over the past 10 years of 8.2% Average Annual Compound Growth Rate. This demonstrates its competitiveness and opportunity for continued growth. This growth has occurred across an increasingly diverse economic base with expansion in the mining, transport and logistics, manufacturing and construction sectors.
- 8.2% average annual compound GRP growth rate over the last ten years.
- Diversified economic value across agriculture (18%), mining (27%), construction (11%), transport and logistics (10%), other (34%).
- Largest agricultural producing region in the State - $3.5b or 46% of the States production in 2011/12.
- Mining growth of 221% in the last 5 years.
- Wheatbelt produces 60% of the State’s renewable energy.
- Second most visited region after South West (average of 605,700 visitors annually resulting in a turnover of estimated $246 million).
- Low unemployment (2.5%) and high participation rates (62%).
- Over 10,000 small businesses.
- 40,000 additional homes needed by 2050 to house 180,000 people.
The map below provides a summary of each sub-region's opportunities for economic growth as identified in the sub-regional economic strategies.
Key Economic Features Map - Wheatbelt
