Wheatbelt region

The Wheatbelt is primarily an agricultural region, dominated by the grains and livestock industries. The Wheatbelt consists of 42 local government areas, with the Shire of Northam having the largest resident base.

Key statistics*

Estimated resident population: 73,690

Gross regional product: $7.4 billion

Key strengths

  • Agriculture and food
  • Integrated road and rail freight network
  • Proximity to Perth

Infrastructure directions

  • Support agriculture and food, value-adding and supply chain efficiency
  • Plan and adapt service delivery and infrastructure to accommodate population change and structural readjustment

While the Wheatbelt region is distinct, consultation highlighted that many regions face shared challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed to achieve the Strategy’s vision. As such, the majority of the Strategy’s 93 recommendations apply to the Wheatbelt and other regions. It is expected that the unique circumstances of each region are taken into account when implementing recommendations.

* Adapted from Australian Bureau of Statistics, Regional population: 2019–20 financial year; Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Western Australia economic profile – May 2021.