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We have five areas of focus which respond to regional need and align with Government priorities and our legislative framework.

Regional Liveability

Making our region a good place to live is critical for the wellbeing of regional residents, and underpins labour market and community resilience.

The Commission recognises that a high level of liveability and connectivity is critical to ensure the Mid West region is competitive as an investment and lifestyle destination.
The Commission is focused on working with the responsible State and Federal Government departments and regional stakeholders to improve access to education and health services, maximise opportunities, and enhance quality of life.
In order to build key sector capacity and to cater for community and regional growth, the Commission continues to play a lead role working across industry and government to deliver greater housing choice.

Regional housing:

Geraldton Housing Action Plan

The Commission delivered the Geraldton Housing Development Forum in 2023, providing an opportunity for industry, Government and key stakeholders to discuss housing solutions to improve the capacity of the local housing market, respond to the needs of current and future population growth, learn about government funding opportunities, address key challenges and connect with industry partners.

Two workshop sessions were held with Forum attendees, which focussed on supply and demand challenges and possible interventions in the constrained Geraldton housing market.

These identified several priority actions including the development of a Geraldton Housing Action Plan, and formation of a Geraldton Housing Advisory Group and Geraldton Housing Industry Working Group.

The Action Plan identifies actions, opportunities and outputs from the Forum workshop to increase housing for workers and provided recommendations for how the development of housing might be best facilitated in the city centre, including ranked priorities, lead agencies and potential funding.

The framework for the Action Plan is based on achieving seven critical outcomes to improve housing market efficiency and address the identified supply and demand challenges and opportunities.

The seven outcomes are:

Supply side responses - to remove barriers to the local market’s ability to deliver the required accommodation to meet demand:
- Optimise existing housing and land stock
- Enable new housing and land supply
- Increase housing market capacity
- Attract funding and financing.
Demand side responses - to cultivate, shore-up and bring forward the demand required to secure the required supply:
- Coordinate current and future demand
- Optimise outcomes from (Government and private sector housing and worker accommodation) tender processes
- Increase investment in housing in the Mid West region.

Geraldton Housing Advisory Group

The Geraldton Housing Advisory Group (GHAG) is a collective of stakeholders from Government and industry who aim to foster a better understanding of the constraints and limitations for Geraldton housing supply, and to identify proactive solutions.

The GHAG members share knowledge and provide strategic advice and guidance to the Commission and other relevant agencies on strategies to increase housing supply as identified in the Geraldton Housing Action Plan.

The purpose of the GHAG is to:

Support and guide the review and implementation of initiatives and actions in the Geraldton Housing Action Plan.
Engage with government agencies, the private sector and relevant peak bodies on key housing issues.
Collaborate with key representatives and stakeholders from across the housing sector, relevant community organisations and peak bodies as required.
Identify solutions and next steps, including alternative housing solutions to address project-driven population growth, and associated delivery models.
Leverage existing Government support with an understanding of the constraints and limitations for Geraldton housing supply, including capacity constraints.

Chaired by the Commission, the GHAG is made of industry peak bodies and key government bodies.

It provides advice to the Commission on local and State Government land supply and development options, project workforce accommodation needs, investor and industry attraction models, and other relevant issues.

Geraldton Housing Industry Working Group

The Geraldton Housing Industry Working Group (GHIWG) is a forum for building and construction industry leaders to develop a shared vision and cohesive industry voice.

The GHIWG provides insight and an understanding of the constraints, limitations and potential solutions for Geraldton housing supply, and feedback on key initiatives in the Action Plan.

The purpose of the GHIWG is to provide ‘real time’ insight into the housing and construction issues in Geraldton.

It advises the GHAG and ensures that any planning is directly informed by those currently working in the local construction industry.

North Midlands and Batavia Coast Housing Forum

The North Midlands and Batavia Coast Housing Forum connected Government and construction sector representatives, particularly modular building companies, in March 2024.

Different housing scenarios and case studies were shared, with delegates concluding that the following were critical to facilitate the required housing supply in these communities:

Land availability – accessible land, suitably zoned and serviced to support the intended housing / accommodation outcomes
Certainty of demand – proponent commitments to occupy and pay for the housing
Funding and financing – a clear pathway to secure the required project funding and / or financing arrangements
Delivery capability and capacity – ability of industry to efficiently deliver the required built form solutions to the desired scale, time, cost and quality standards.

Participants were invited to workshop the issues and collaborate to identify, plan and deliver specific solutions - and describe what they were willing to contribute.

The Forum concluded that a number of initiatives are necessary address this challenge, with strong willingness from all parties to work together.

The Commission continues to work with stakeholders to develop and progress tailored housing solutions.

Murchison Housing

The Commission funded a Murchison Housing Study in 2022-23 that was undertaken during 2023‑24.

The study explored options to address the challenges facing housing delivery in the Murchison subregion, which is also severely constrained by high development costs, scarcity of suppliers, cyclical economic conditions and relatively low investment returns.

Collaboration was identified as a key opportunity for shires to address housing challenges by pooling resources and coordinating advocacy, engagement and policy efforts to develop solutions.

An economic modelling tool was also produced that allows the comparison of different scenarios between individual shires and collectives.

The ‘model’ considers individual shire efforts as the ‘base case’ and compares this to individual dwellings and shared developments across multiple communities.

The model includes capital costs and expected revenues across individual and group developments, and allows users to consider the impact of external funding, interest rates, repayment periods and other factors on overall project feasibility (at a high level).

It highlights the value of collaboration and assumes benefits of larger scale developments in terms of external funding potential, streamlined design and procurement efforts and lower pricing.

The Commission shared the report with Murchison local governments during 2023-24 and will continue to encourage use of the model to compare different development scenarios.

Housing demands are unlikely to subside and the Commission will continue to advocate for collaborative efforts to address growing future housing demands across the Mid West.

Kalbarri key worker housing

Following STC Seroja in April 2021, there were various government efforts to provide short stay accommodation for key workers to aid the reconstruction efforts.

A suitable site opposite the Kalbarri foreshore was identified and although a preferred housing developer was selected, this process was later terminated.

Demand for key worker housing has not waned and the State released the Woods Street site to the Shire in 2023-24 for development.

The support the Shire’s efforts to develop the site, the Commission provided $130,000 for analysis of options, site designs and a business case.

Preliminary estimates suggest the lot will facilitate around 30 dwellings, which could mean accommodation for up to 60 key workers.

Future management of this site may include real estate services and tenancy management and servicing.

The business case will inform the Shire’s decision whether to manage these responsibilities in‑house or through a third party.

The dwellings will be modular in design to expedite development and reduce costs.

This project may also help introduce modular dwellings to the region, where standard ‘brick and tile’ construction methodologies and expertise are most prevalent.

The Shire confirmed plans for the modular dwellings late in 2023-24, which are expected to be delivered and erected within 2024‑25.

The first 1-2 dwellings will occupy Shire and contract staff involved with project management and site supervision for the Kalbarri foreshore redevelopment.

The emerging private sector focus on Kalbarri (e.g., renewables and garnet) is also driving significant demand from industry and government agencies.

Remaining dwellings may support these growing public and private sector demands in the medium-longer term.

Regional industry benefit:

Local content

The Commission is committed to capturing regional benefit from government and major industry investment by identifying local content opportunities from tenders or projects.

The Commission worked with local businesses to assess their capacity and capability to engage with government and the private sector for commercial tendering opportunities, identify support mechanisms and actively promote local content opportunities to businesses.

Supporting the development of new and existing Aboriginal owned and operated businesses is a priority.

By working closely with JTSI and the Department of Finance, regional businesses were better prepared to meet the requirements of the Buy Local Policy, Aboriginal Procurement Policy and Western Australian Procurement Rules, and participate in local tenders, contracts and projects.

Throughout 2023-24, the Commission worked closely with Multiplex, the head contractor for the State Government’s Geraldton Health Campus Upgrade.

A review of project documentation identified opportunities to isolate individual work packages suitable for local businesses and a Stage 1 minor works package was awarded to a local Aboriginal business.

As a result of the strong working relationships established with Geraldton Health Campus project managers, the Commission was then engaged in the early-stage development of the Meekatharra Hospital Project.

The process has also resulted in the development of a database of 500 businesses and detailed understanding of capacity and capability across the region.

Additional local content outcomes include:

Value of contracts awarded to local businesses in the Mid West and reported for 2022-23 was over $14 million.
Current estimated value of contracts awarded for 2023-24 in the Mid West is approximately $27 million.
Forward procurement planning look ahead for the Mid West region for 2024-25 has approximately six opportunities with a value estimate of $23 million.
Awareness-raising of State Government, local government, resources and large private enterprise tenders via weekly subscription email to local businesses.
Increased local business engagement and awareness of opportunities for Department of Communities tenders.

Workforce development:

Designated Area Migration Agreement

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) provide access to more overseas workers to a designated area than the standard skilled migration program.

DAMAs operate under an agreement-based framework, providing flexibility for regions to respond to their unique economic and labour market conditions.

A Mid West and Gascoyne DAMA Business Case was led by Regional Development Australia Mid West and Gascoyne in partnership with the Commission and Chambers of Commerce from Carnarvon, Exmouth and the Mid West.

This business case was driven by a clear understanding of requirements for a DAMA to exist in the Mid West and Gascoyne regions and recognises the job and skill needs of incoming major projects, renewable energies and future industries, along with traditional industries such as mining, agriculture and fishing.

For the Mid West Gascoyne DAMA, two visa subclasses were sought:

Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Provisional: Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Provisional (subclass 494).

For both visas, an allocation of 600 total workers across the first three years of the five‑year initial agreement is proposed.

The final business case included 249 occupations and concessions across all sectors.

The new Western Australian DAMA (June 2024), combined with existing State Nominated Migration Program, will enable up to 10,000 overseas workers to settle in WA annually.

The Commission will continue working with the Department of Training and Workforce Development and regional stakeholders to highlight key industries of demand, and support positive migrant workforce outcomes for the Mid West.

Residential land development:

Batavia Coast Marina Stage 2

The Batavia Coast Marina Stage 1 (BCM1) development comprises high quality residential and commercial property, short stay accommodation, retail and Museum on the Geraldton waterfront.

The adjacent Batavia Coast Marina Stage 2 (BCM2) site is partly owned by the Commission and has undergone extensive environmental investigations and remediation due to its previous life as railway and marshalling yards.

Remediation works were concluded in 2023-24, resulting in site reclassification to permit public access and further development.

The Commission has been working with lead agency, DevelopmentWA, and the City of Greater Geraldton (CGG) for many years through the BCM2 Steering Committee, with Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation (YSRC) participating from 2023-24.

The adjacent Lot 601 site is part of the Yamatji Nation ILUA (2021) settlement and will need to be planned and developed in concert with BCM2.

Concurrently, YSRC and CGG are undertaking further strategic planning for Lot 601, which has the potential to be a centrepiece development for Geraldton.

Residual Commission project funding was supplemented by Development WA to enable a review of previous BCM2 master-planning and concurrent delivery of key access roads, services, parking and potentially a small housing lot development from 2024‑25.

In time, BCM2 will be developed as an iconic CBD site that complements stage 1 and Lot 601, and becomes a high value inner city precinct that drives higher density living and urban activation.

Creative Industries:

Arts

The Arts and Recreation Services sector generates more than $42 million of annual economic output and supports more than 175 workers across the Mid West.

This year, the Commission supported a range of creative industries initiatives including:

The 2024 Geraldton Open Studios and Surrounds (GOSS) program
North Midlands Project’s expansion of their Here+Now creative program to Northampton and Mullewa; Stronger Together program of community lunches and dinners through the North Midlands and Mullewa; and their Women of the Hinterlands + International Women’s Day programs with Martine Perret
Euphorium’s development of a Mid West event suppliers and providers portal
Regional Arts WA’s Mid West Creative Ecology Summit planned for February 2025
Mullewa Community Resource Centre’s Community Harmony Mosaic Project for Harmony Week 2024
Mingenew Shop Rejuvenation Project, which features a new mural artwork
Town Team Movement’s Morawa Makeover
Badimia Land Aboriginal Corporation for Wirnda Barna Arts Centre’s art classes in Mount Magnet.

The Commission has participated in Department of Local Government Sports and Cultural Industries and Regional Arts WA funding panels, coordinated the Regional Development Commissions’ (RDCs) Creative Industries Group and is on the planning committee for the Mid West Creative Ecology Summit in 2025.

Cross-regional Aboriginal arts investment

The Commission is supporting development of an Aboriginal Visual Arts Industry Investment Package, led by the Pilbara Development Commission, in collaboration with other RDCs.

The project is funded by Lotterywest and DPIRD.

The Aboriginal Art Centre Hub of WA is consulting Mid West Aboriginal Art Centres and independent Aboriginal artists through this project.

There are 5,427 artists represented by Aboriginal Arts Centres in WA. The consultation process has considered infrastructure and level of resources, with an aim to ascertain future feasibility.

From this, a Business Case will be developed to support future investment through Lotterywest.

Film friendly

As a Film Friendly region, the Commission also worked closely with Feisty Dame Productions to support local writer Holden Sheppard’s ‘Invisible Boys’ to be filmed in Geraldton.

This was estimated to have brought more than $6.4 million expenditure to the State, boosting businesses and creating 280 local jobs.

The Stan series has received support from Screenwest, Lotterywest, Screen Australia and the WA Government’s Regional Screen Fund.

The Commission works closely with Screenwest to generate positive social and economic outcomes for the region with productions accessing the WA Screen Fund.

Quality of life initiatives:

North Midlands Project

Hon Don Punch MLA, Minister for Regional Development allocated a fund for small grants to the nine Regional Development Commissions across the state in 2023-24.

This initiative was designed to support local projects that address community needs, strengthen social bonds and encourage active participation, thereby contributing to the overall development and resilience of the regions.

The North Midlands Project is a regional development initiative aimed at supporting and revitalising rural and remote communities in the North Midlands.

The Project often includes collaborations between government agencies, local councils, businesses and community organisations to achieve its goals.

“Hinterland”, a German term for the land behind, signifies regional areas inland from the coast.

From 2021 to 2024, renowned photographer Martine Perret collaborated with North Midlands Project, exploring Amangu, Badamia, Wajarri, Widi, and Yued country.
Perret captured aerial landscapes and worked with local women to document their perspectives and create stunning portraits.

Funding from the Commission assisted in recognising these important regional women, supporting Perret’s engagement in a series of skill-based workshops with local youth, and expanding the Women of the Hinterlands series to include Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women.

The project produced 18 portraits and accompanying stories of women from Carnamah, Coorow, Latham, Mingenew, Moora, Morawa, Mullewa, Piawaning, Perenjori, Three Springs and Warradarge.

These works responded to themes of Ebb+Flow, Time+Place, and Here+Now, which reflect life’s natural fluctuations and the importance of mental health and wellbeing.

The expanded Women of the Hinterlands series was launched for the 2024 International Women’s Day in Carnamah and toured through Mingenew and Mullewa.

It was also showcased across the State, with viewings held in Geraldton, Moora and Margaret River, drawing enthusiastic participation and positive feedback to recognise and support regional women and their achievements, which is crucial to encourage community resilience and celebrate diverse contributions.

Carey Right Track Foundation

Hon Don Punch MLA, Minister for Regional Development allocated a fund for small grants to the nine Regional Development Commissions across the state in 2023-24.

The Carey Right Track Foundation is a not‑for‑profit organisation established in 2010.

The Foundation is dedicated to empowering remote and Aboriginal communities through athletic development.

The Foundation promotes the belief that lasting positive change requires consistent engagement and self-sufficiency, focusing on enabling these communities to independently develop and sustain year-round athletics programs.

The Commission’s funding benefited the Pia Wadjarri community through delivery of an athletic program that promoted physical health, social and emotional wellbeing, and deep connections with Aboriginal culture.

Carey Right Track Foundation will conduct another workshop in Term 3 2024.

Remote and under-served communities often face significant barriers to accessing organised sports, with limited resources, inadequate facilities, and a shortage of trained coaches.

Commission funding enabled provision of essential equipment, the organisation of specialised programs, and the travel of facilitators who bring expertise and engagement to these communities.

Supporting regional education:

Tertiary education

The Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) is an independent, not-for-profit, incorporated body, supporting university courses on behalf of partner universities from around Australia.

There is a gap in the market for courses supported by Western Australian universities, which is resulting in some students needing to travel interstate to complete some elements of coursework, as their desired study areas are only offered through interstate institutions.

The Commission supported GUC to take part in the WA Regional Higher Education Exchange in Perth in March 2024.

The Exchange brought together all WA universities and Regional University Centres and Study Hubs.

One of the key areas explored was the need to develop more courses that were fully accessible for regional students.

The Commission is continuing to work with GUC to progress initiatives that support these important outcomes.

The initial focus is on the critical areas of Allied health and Secondary Education Teaching courses, which can be delivered into Geraldton, and other regions, via WA universities.

Geraldton Universities Centre Scholarship

The Commission has been a longstanding donor to GUC’s Hollomby Foundation Scholarships, and was delighted to attend its annual presentations to award the Commission’s scholarship to recipient Chelsea Routledge.

Chelsea is studying a Bachelor of Social Work degree with GUC partner, CQUniversity.

Named in honour of the late Joe Hollomby, the Hollomby Foundation supports the GUC and Mid West students to access tertiary education without having to leave their community.

By providing opportunity for all local people and recruiting students to courses that address local workforce needs, GUC has pioneered an innovative model over the past 20 years, building the capacity of our region, particularly in the education, health and business sectors and we are honoured to be a long-standing advocate of GUC and donor to the Foundation.

Central Regional TAFE Scholarship

The Commission continued its partnership with Central Regional TAFE to offer course‑based scholarships in information and technology (IT).

Graduates with IT qualifications are in high demand across the globe and play a crucial role in helping communities and organisations stay connected.

Jong Johan Penetrado and Sanjanah Rughoobeer received the Commission’s scholarships in 2024 to complete their studies in Diploma of Information Technology and Certificate IV in Information Technology, respectively.

Economic Development, Diversification, and Innovation

Diversification leverages existing strengths in resources, primary industries, and tourism, and seeks to develop and support new industries and careers.

Strategic industrial and mining hubs:

Arrowsmith Development Hub

There is approximately $10 billion of current and proposed industry investment centred around the Mid West region’s Arrowsmith area.

This includes on- and off‑shore energy projects, hydrogen projects and carbon capture and storage, as well as mineral sands extraction and rare earths processing.

This activity has the potential to transform the regional economy and social landscape.

With an estimate of around 4,000 workers during construction phases across all projects and up to 1,000 workers once operational, the region needs to effectively plan to address housing demands to accommodate workers.

The Commission established the Arrowsmith Development Hub (ADH) in 2022-23 to coordinate dialogue between project proponents, local government and industry representatives, to help realise and manage local opportunities and benefits from major projects.

This approach covered priority topics including water, power, transport infrastructure, and workforce matters (including accommodation) in the Arrowsmith area and wider North Midlands.

The information gathered through this process has been instrumental in informing other Government processes, particularly around broader industry development and industrial land planning from 2023-24.

Next Generation Schools Program
The Commission supported Energy Club WA’s Next Generation Schools Program in Dongara in May 2024.

The event introduced the ‘next generation’ (years 9-11 students) to careers in the energy industry in a fun, interactive and educational way.

Students learned about the energy industry and the important role energy plays in our society and the diversity of careers options available.

Participant schools included Carnamah, Dongara, Morawa and Jurien Bay District High Schools, and Geraldton Grammar School.

Around 140 students attended, with exhibitors including Beach Energy, Central Regional TAFE, Mitsui E&P Australia, QETRA, Strike Energy, EnerMech, Pilot Energy, Mineral Resources and the Commission.

Students from Jurien Bay District High School went on to visit Strike Energy’s Walyering 7 rig site and the Walyering production station with Energy Club WA career mentor Hamish Smith.

The feedback from the students was very positive and they gained a lot from the exposure to the industry and talking to the respective people on site.

Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area

The Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area (SIA) will create a new heavy industrial area and potential multi-user deep-water port for strategic and downstream processing industries to service the Mid West region.

Oakajee SIA has the potential to generate tens of billions of dollars for our region, create thousands of skilled and semi-skilled jobs and significant business investment, stimulating and further diversifying economic diversification our economy.

It is in close proximity to Geraldton, and the Mid West boasts an excellent combination of wind and solar resources and potential for low-cost energy to unlock the region’s mineral resources, including magnetite, vanadium, and heavy mineral sands.

Following the State Government’s allocation of land within Oakajee SIA to six industry proponents in 2022, they are developing their operational plans in consultation with the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) and other State Government agencies and their land agreements with DevelopmentWA.

This year proponents Kinara Power, Blue Diamond Australia, bp Australia and Green LOHC all signed their Options to Lease agreements, whilst the other proponents – Fortescue and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners – continue to progress theirs.

The Commission regularly provided advice directly to industry proponents, liaised with State Government agencies and local governments, and participated in the Oakajee SIA Industry Reference Group (IRG) and Project Control Group (PCG).

The Commission regularly contributed to meetings of the IRG and PCG, alongside Government agencies responsible for coordinating the site activation and associated infrastructure, including JTSI, DevelopmentWA, Mid West Ports Authority, Western Power, Water Corporation and Main Roads WA.

The Commission is also represented on JTSI’s recently established Mid West Industrial Areas Working Group (MIAG) to drive broader strategic industrial area development.

Activation of Oakajee SIA is now at a crucial stage.

Various studies have been, and are being, undertaken to support activation of the site, and Main Roads WA tendered the Oakajee SIA Access Road, which is due to be completed in 2025.

To examine possible adjacent benefits to local industries, the Commission undertook an Oakajee Desalination Opportunity Study which revealed an opportunity to establish new irrigated agriculture precincts ideally for tunnel crops and table grape production in the greater Geraldton region once a desalinated water supply is constructed at the SIA, pending water pricing and market conditions.

Whilst significant, Oakajee is just one node of major project activity in the Mid West, with activity in Arrowsmith and Narngulu also continuing to grow.

Further development of the gas sector in Arrowsmith and low‑carbon manufacturing and mineral processing in and around Narngulu are both helping to build the business case for Oakajee’s activation and help the Mid West realise its significant potential in the green and low-carbon industrial economy.

Murchison major projects

In 2023-24, the Commission has directly engaged with many of the mining companies currently operating or planning operations in the Murchison, including Fenix‑Newhaul, Australian Vanadium, Victory Metals, 10M, Terra Mining, Extension Hill, Ramelius Resources, Westgold Resources, FI Joint Venture, Aurumin Resources, Alto Metals, Horizon Gold, APA Group, Australian Gas Infrastructure Group, 29 Metals, Liontown Resources, Meeka Metals and Rosslyn Hill Mining.

The Commission regularly attend meetings of the Mid West Yilgarn Infrastructure Group, which includes members from other regions who transport resources through the Murchison to Geraldton Port.

In March 2024, the Commission contributed to Informa’s planning of the Mid West and Gascoyne Major Projects event in Perth, as well as Regional Development Australia’s Murchison Mining and Local Governments Forum.

Through this engagement, the Commission has been able to connect industry proponents with public and private sector stakeholders who may be able to assist operations or the planning of future projects in the region.

Key issues for the Murchison are:

Reliance on road transport for resources freight through to Geraldton Port
Lack of accommodation in towns
Lack of opportunities for young people
Approvals timeframes when establishing new projects or infrastructure.

The Commission continues to liaise with other State Government departments regarding plans for the Murchison region, such as the future development of an eco-tourism precinct at Walganha (Walga Rock) near Cue.

Advanced manufacturing:

Advanced manufacturing industry development

The Mid West region has a strong manufacturing sector that has evolved over many years to support traditional primary industries such as mining, agriculture and fishing.

Existing manufacturers have diverse expertise spanning marine services, construction, engineering, metal, plastics and glass fabrication, logistics and maintenance, and more.

The region’s existing manufacturing sector contributed around $830 million in 2023, or round 5% of total Mid West economic output.

The sector plays a critical role to supply essential products and services for other key sectors, with around $310 million spent through various local supply chains including mining, agriculture and construction.

The Mid West region’s economy is changing sharply with growing major project focus on new industries and drivers through decarbonisation, renewable energy, space, radio astronomy, defence, critical minerals and the production of hydrogen and its derivatives.

Businesses that can apply innovation, technology and knowledge may be able to extract new value through improved capability, productivity and competitiveness.
Advanced Manufacturing is defined as “manufacturing that takes advantage of high‑technology or knowledge-intensive inputs as an integral part of its manufacturing process, Or in simpler terms, it’s not just what we make, but how. It includes advanced knowledge, advanced processes, and advanced business models”. (Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, 2022)

The State government released a new prospectus, ‘Western Australia: Advancing the Future of Manufacturing’ (May 2024), to help guide new investment in the sector to build capability, capacity and competitiveness as a deliberate measure to shape the State’s future.

This prospectus is strongly aligned with the State’s ‘Diversify WA’ economic development framework and the release of ‘Future State: Accelerating Diversify WA’, with their shared focus on creating a smarter, more sustainable, diversified economy by 2035.

Importantly, it is recognised broadly that future growth and success in manufacturing is likely to require new levels of scale, sophistication, automation, robotics and innovation.

This type of business transition can be expensive and is not without risks, which often means there is a role for government support.

The Commission is undertaking a study that:

Provides better understanding of existing Mid West manufacturers, their capabilities and future aspirations
Identifies emerging economic drivers (domestic and global megatrends) that present realistic future opportunities for local businesses
Indicates key industry focus areas and necessary public interventions to enable manufacturers to realise new opportunities and capture new business.

The consultancy involved site visits and conversations with more than 30 local manufacturers, prospective major projects and diverse key stakeholders.

It quickly reaffirmed that the Mid West has significant natural advantages that will make it highly prospective and appealing for continued growth in large scale renewables, mine services, marine services, modular construction, space and radio astronomy and agribusiness.

Mid West manufacturers quickly demonstrated impressive capability, expertise and established supply chains, with some local businesses already providing critical content for multi billion-dollar domestic and global capital works projects.

Several local manufacturers already have strong interest in technology and advanced manufacturing, with some already exploring significant capital expansions in light of the new opportunities.

Although the consultancy won’t conclude until early 2024-25, the engagement process resulted in advanced manufacturing being featured at the Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s signature event in 2024, the Mid West Economic Summit: ‘Investing today for tomorrow’.

The Summit highlighted the impressive local capability of Mid West manufacturers, with most delegates previously unaware and suitably impressed by what can be delivered from their backyard.

It is hoped the subject matter and study outcomes can be profiled at similar events in the future.

Tourism:

Sustainable tourism at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands

A business case jointly developed by the Commission, Tourism WA and DPIRD in 2023‑24 led to $8.1 million being allocated in the 2024‑25 State Budget to help activate world‑class sustainable tourism at the Abrolhos Islands, aimed at creating new Mid West jobs and economic opportunities.

Tourism at the Abrolhos has been limited by physical access, infrastructure, availability of tour operators and management capacity.

Developing the Abrolhos seeks to capitalise on enormous domestic and international tourism interest, by making the island more accessible by boat and air charter operators, tour packagers, cruise ship promoters and privately owned vessels.

The funding package includes:

A new public access multi-purpose jetty on Rat Island linked to the existing airstrip, unlocking new tourism opportunities in the Easter and Pelsaert island groups
Refurbishment of a fishing camp adjacent to the jetty, providing visitor infrastructure and a rest area for tourists and tour operators
Ten new public moorings supported by a booking system to protect the globally important biodiversity and heritage sites.

The ability to progress the important public access jetty and rest area was secured through allocation of $250,000 in 2023-24 for the acquisition of a camp on Rat Island, which is a prime location to allow visitors to springboard to other island groups and experiences.

The proposed infrastructure developments will support growth in agritourism and new aquaculture products, as well as leveraging established events like Pearls and Plates and the Shore Leave Festival, which attract more than 23,000 visitors and contribute $2.5 million to the Mid West economy each year.

Importantly, the investment is expected to deliver nearly $67 million to the Mid West economy and generate nine new business ventures plus nearly 250 long-term, sustainable jobs in the region.

The planned developments are closely linked to the management plans for the Houtman Abrolhos Islands Reserve and Fish Habitat Protection Area, which are anticipated to unlock more than $30 million of private sector investment on the islands and mainland over the next 25 years.

Eastern Breakwater Jetty

Geraldton’s new Eastern Breakwater tourism jetty was officially opened in 2024.

With a primary focus on tourism, the jetty will help unlock access to the pristine Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park, by providing a facility specifically designed for easy boarding and disembarking of passengers from commercial vessels.

The Eastern Breakwater Jetty construction project was successfully delivered by the Mid West Ports Authority (MWPA), which will also assume ongoing maintenance and management of the facility as the asset owner.

The planning and business case for the project were funded by the Commission and developed through a working group involving City of Greater Geraldton, Department of Transport and Geraldton Yacht Club.

The jetty is designed to accommodate commercial vessels of over 25m, which cannot utilise the Batavia Coast Marina for passenger access.

The Esplanade jetty has potential an enhanced visitor experience, with improved access to amenities and closer links with the Geraldton CBD retail precinct.
Fixed term access to the jetty can be negotiated with the MWPA.

Kalbarri foreshore and beaches revitalisation

As a result of a Commission-led business case, the WA Government announced an $8.1 million package in the 2023-24 State Budget to develop the first stage of the Kalbarri foreshore and beaches revitalisation initiative.

This was an initiative of the Commission, Tourism WA, the Shire of Northampton and the Kalbarri community.

The Stage 1 works are part of a larger foreshore masterplan that includes some key beaches south of Chinaman’s Beach. These may be considered as a second stage.

Revitalising the foreshore and beaches will help reinstate Kalbarri as a premier tourism destination, develop new Aboriginal tourism sites and opportunities, and help restore the economy and community resilience, following Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja in 2021.

This project aims to redevelop existing tourist facilities that will withstand future weather events, enhance the environment and cultural values of Kalbarri and the Nanda people, and support the recovery of tourism and aligned local industry.

The package includes:

Additional toilets and shelters across the foreshore precinct to cyclone standards
A feature replica of the Zuytdorp shipwreck bow frame at Chinaman’s Beach
Foreshore carparking, viewing areas, RSL memorial revitalisation with terraced seating, landscaping and better integration with the rest of the foreshore and town centre (3m esplanade)
Reinstating water flow to the Gidamarra Spring Aboriginal heritage site, raised boardwalk with Nanda interpretive signage and visitor amenity.

The redevelopment will also include consistent interpretation, wayfinding and landscaping throughout the project area, which will provide excellent opportunities to promote the unique industrial, natural and cultural heritage Kalbarri.

The Commission will join the Kalbarri Foreshore Redevelopment Advisory Committee to support delivery of the project, which will be convened early in 2024-25.
The Commission is also supporting the Shire of Northampton to develop key worker housing required for the project.

Backroads Gravel Fields of Gold event

The Commission supported the second annual Backroads Gravel Fields of Gold racing event in 2023, having also supported it in 2022.

Backroads is WA’s newest cycling and running event, using the network of gravel roads that runs through farms and communities within the Shire of Chapman Valley.

The event exceeded its pilot year participation numbers, with more than 600 riders and runners completing routes up to 160km long.

Support from the Commission enabled the program to be expanded beyond the weekend’s cycling events, to create a Mid West experience that included a free Geraldton Backroads Social Hub at Blue Heelers Square and casual Captain’s Ride.

This was the first event held at the Blue Heelers site since its redevelopment, which was supported with a $250,000 Regional Economic Development grant.

The Commission also funded an economic analysis of Backroads Gravel, to help to quantify and highlight the significant impact that this event – and other sporting events like it – have on our regional economy.

Delivered by the Mid West Sports Federation using economic analysis from ACIL Allen, the analysis estimated a total visitor spend in the Mid West of nearly $608,000, contribution to Gross Regional Product at more than $540,000 and contribution to real incomes of regional residents of around $255,000.

Updated tourism development planning

The Commission supported Tourism WA (TWA) in 2022-23 to develop new Destination Development Plans for Australia’s Coral Coast (ACC) and Australia’s Golden Outback (AGO) tourism regions, as well as a Mid West Tourism Strategy for our region.

Extensive review and feedback was undertaken throughout 2023-24, with the Plans and Strategy expected to be released late in 2024.

The new Strategy reaffirms the tourism priorities for the Mid West, replacing the 2014 Mid West Tourism Development Strategy.

The 2014 Strategy helped the Commission and partner agencies secure around $50 million for tourism outcomes in Kalbarri (Kalbarri Skywalk and Foreshore redevelopment), the Abrolhos Islands, and Pink Lake and Lucky Bay.

The Commission looks forward to the release of the plans and working with stakeholder to deliver new priorities including the Moresby Ranges Conservation Park, Walga Rock and the Murchison Vast Sky Experience.

Murchison GeoRegion

The Murchison GeoRegion was established as a collaborative tourism promotion of the seven Murchison local governments (Cue, Meekatharra, Mount Magnet, Murchison, Sandstone, Wiluna and Yalgoo), with partnership support from key agencies and individuals.

The GeoRegion is focused on drawing visitors to the area to appreciate its unique landscape attractions, biodiversity and cultures, both Aboriginal and non‑Aboriginal.

During 2023-24 the GeoRegion adopted a new governance framework with participating local governments now finalising a new constitution and plan to become incorporated in 2024-25.

This represents a bold step towards greater independence and reduced reliance on government, while creating greater opportunity for community involvement and local economic development activity.

The Murchison GeoRegion also engaged a new Project Officer, based in Mount Magnet, which will enable greater intensity of outcomes and more effective local stakeholder engagement.

As a longer-term objective, the GeoRegion maintains an interest in one day aligning with the UNESCO Global Geopark network, which now includes 213 geoparks across 48 countries. There are still none in Australia.

The Commission will remain engaged with the project and join other government agencies to support the GeoRegion project as required.

Cross-regional tourism infrastructure

The Commission joined the Gascoyne and Pilbara Development Commissions in 2022‑23 to identify and plan for critical tourism infrastructure to support industry growth across the three regions.

The initiative recognises that visitors typically traverse one region to reach another, and enhanced infrastructure in each region can benefit all.

The project also recognises that existing tourism data in the less populated part of our regions is extremely porous, making planning and evidence-based decision making very difficult.

The project secured funding from the DPIRD Leverage Fund to undertake a three stage initiative, namely to:

Obtain replicable, reliable data to inform the need for, location, and type of infrastructure required to support tourism visitation resulting in regional economic benefit.
Develop a tourism infrastructure development plan that prioritises projects across the Mid West, Pilbara and Gascoyne regions over the next ten years (2023-33), on which business cases and delivery of infrastructure funding can be based.
Develop or support a cross regional business case for one positive return on investment tourism infrastructure project encompassing the Mid West, Pilbara and Gascoyne regions, to submit for funding via the WA State budget process in 2024-25.

Stage 1 concluded that no existing product/s were available to adequately answer key tourism questions in the less populated parts of regional WA.
As a result, work has continued with an existing data platform provider that has capability to add additional datasets and produce a more holistic analysis of tourism in priority Mid West, Gascoyne and Pilbara nodes.

This work will be ongoing throughout 2024-25 as the new platform is fully tested in the context of the broader cross regional project.

Concurrently, stage 2 was initiated to identify and assess existing Mid West, Gascoyne and Pilbara tourism opportunities using the new platform. Using multi criteria analysis, the opportunities will be prioritised in a regional tourism infrastructure development plan.

The resultant development plan will highlight priorities for each region, as well as exploring opportunities for strategic cross regional investments in things like wayfinding, telecommunications, promotions, events and themed trails (e.g., wildflowers, stargazing) across various communities.

Stage 3 will involve business case development for the highest priority initiatives, based on evidence from stage 1 and 2.

Shore Leave Festival

The Commission supported Tourism Geraldton Mid West (TGMW) with operational funding as well as to co‑host the Marketplace event with the Mid West Food Industries Alliance, at the 2024 Shore Leave Festival.

Preliminary outcomes from Shore Leave (2024) include:

26,000 people attended, which was an increase from 2023
~80% of attendees to the Abrolhos Islands long table lunch were from outside Geraldton
62% of attendees to the Paddock to Plate were from outside Geraldton
Introduction of Dongara was a success
Mid West general public attendance increased 25%.

Tourism collaboration

The Commission continued its partnership with TWA and WAITOC to host critical new human resources to help drive a range of tourism priorities. This followed a long period without in-region tourism officers, since ~2010.

The Commission now hosts TWA’s Tourism Experience Development Manager for the ACC tourism region, and two Product Development Coordinators for the WA Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC), who represent the ACC and AGO respectively.

The presence of these new staff in-region has been very successful and resulted in notable increase in tourism focus across the region, including strategic infrastructure investments, strategic planning, capacity building initiatives and hosting of various successful events.

Agriculture, aquaculture and food:

Mid West Food Industries Alliance

The Commission partnered with Mingenew Midwest Expo and the Mid West Food Industries Alliance (MWFIA) in August 2023, to support its inaugural Tastes of the Mid West demonstrations to showcase the diversity and high quality of seasonal produce available in the region.

Tastes of the Mid West featured local lamb, beef, seafood, fruits and vegetables, olive oil, canola oil, eggs, goat dairy products, dukkah, granola and spices, and provides an opportunity for the community to share in tastings, prepared by Central Regional TAFE hospitality students, local chefs and cooks.

The Commission also supported the third Mid West WA Food Marketplace event at Shore Leave Festival in April 2024, which was officially opened by the Hon. Jackie Jarvis MLA, Minister for Agriculture and Food; Forestry; Small Business.

The Marketplace, and the broader Shore Leave Festival showcases the best of Geraldton and the region to locals and visitors and highlights what the region contributes to the WA economy.

From cooking demonstrations and samples using local produce, an array of stall holders, industry chats and an education hub, there was something for everyone.
Events like these highlight the high quality, healthy and sustainable food and beverages that are produced in the Mid West.

In 2024, the State Government announced a two-year partnership with MWFIA to build more competitive and innovative food industries, boosting growth and employment in the region.

MWFIA will be supported by the Commission and DPIRD to deliver a range of initiatives.

This funding will help MWFIA elevate the status of Mid West produce and deliver a range of initiatives including helping local producers to connect with buyers and delivering workshops.

This builds on the creation of the Mid West Food and Beverage Capability Guide, which was launched at the Shore Leave Festival.

The Guide showcases a diverse range of businesses from the region’s iconic livestock, horticulture and seafood industries, as well as premium produce, with the aim of connecting local suppliers with retailers, buyers, wholesalers, chefs, caterers, tourism operators and consumers.

Aquaculture

The Commission supported the Abrolhos Island Aquaculture Group to progress WA Shellfish Quality Accreditation Program (WASQAP) accreditation for shellfish producers, raising the importance of the Abrolhos Island aquaculture industry and diversified opportunities.

Significant progress has been made towards conditional approvals for shellfish and pearl oyster producers for WASQAP accreditation has been made, with support from the Department of Health and DPIRD’s aquaculture team.

The Commission contributed to the DPIRD Aquaculture Coordination Group and the Abrolhos Islands Aquaculture Subcommittee throughout the year.

Energy:

Green energy production and decarbonisation

The Commission continues to actively support the energy transition through its engagement with industry proponents, communities and Government agencies, with the Department of Jobs, Tourism Science and Innovation (JTSI) leading implementation of the Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap.

Likewise, the Commission works closely with Energy Policy WA, PoweringWA and Western Power to support the transmission upgrades that will facilitate the region’s role as a renewable energy generation hub for Western Australia.

To support the energy transition, and community readiness for it, the Commission, with funding support from JTSI and industry, presented a series of education and engagement events focusing on hydrogen and renewables, which included:

Two Oakajee SIA community engagement sessions (‘Community Chats’) in August 2023 with more than 150 people attending, presented in association with the Shires of Chapman Valley and Northampton and the Yuna Farm Improvement Group (YFIG).
An Oakajee SIA Forum in Geraldton in September 2024, for almost 400 people (in person and online) to learn about the sector’s potential, possible impacts and new opportunities.
Three Arrowsmith Community Chats were delivered with the Shires of Mingenew, Three Springs and Carnamah in October 2023, providing regional stakeholders with information about planned projects, the State’s energy transition agenda and how to prepare for it.
A free Global Energy Futures and Just Transitions Masterclass in Geraldton with Curtin University, for 20 local government representatives and MWDC staff in March 2024.
Funding for the Mid West Hydrogen Technology Hub (auspiced by the Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry) to redevelop its website and host Hydrogen and Renewables Information Sessions in Morawa, Chapman Valley and Northampton.
Regular engagement with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners in regard to its Murchison Green Hydrogen proposal north of Kalbarri, with MWDC on the project’s Community Investment Program group that met for the first time in June 2024.

World Hydrogen Summit

The Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), in partnership with Port of Rotterdam and the City of Rotterdam extended an invitation to an international delegation, including Commission Chair Rob Houwen, to attend the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam in May 2024.

As the global transition towards sustainable energy systems increases, hydrogen emerges as a crucial component in achieving decarbonisation across various sectors.

The Summit presented a platform for knowledge exchange and networking with global leaders, experts, and stakeholders in the field of hydrogen energy.
More than 2000 participants including governments and private sector stakeholders shared their latest projects advancements and announcements on how to ensure this exciting energy source is deployed around the world.

By attending in this event, Mr Houwen met key decision and policy makers from across the world, to discuss the challenges and opportunities relating to hydrogen development.

He gained insights into the progress of hydrogen’s complex supply chains development, trends and best practice in hydrogen technology, positioning Western Australia, and especially the Mid West, as a frontrunner in this transformative energy landscape.

This visit was strategically aligned with the State’s commitment to exploring innovative solutions for regional development, particularly in the realm of renewable and low-carbon energy projects, where the Mid West has a comparative advantage.

This includes hosting the Mid West Hydrogen Hub at the Oakajee SIA.

Space economy:

Square Kilometre Array

The €3 billion global SKA is a collaboration of 16 countries to build the world’s largest radio telescope in the Murchison subregion and South Africa’s Karoo region.

Collectively, the two locations create around one million square metres of collecting area. The Commission was proud to be present to see the first SKA-LOW antennae installed onsite in March 2024; signalling around 25 years of shared commitment to the SKA project.

Construction is likely to last seven years, with around $400 million of local investment expected to create a range of supply chain opportunities for Mid West businesses.

The SKA Observatory (SKAO) was established to drive this project and efforts to engage Wajarri people through procurement, training and employment must be commended.

In addition, new investment at the Mingenew Space Precinct (MSP) and Australian Defence Satellite Communications Station reflect a step change in activity across the space, radio astronomy and defence industries.

Mid West environmental factors, such as wide open spaces, atmospherics, radio quietness and low population density, are of particular appeal.

This notable upswing in activity creates potential to leverage the sophisticated science, innovation and technical activity occurring in the region for socioeconomic benefit.

To investigate these opportunities, the Commission has produced a series of plans and business cases for:

An immersive SKA interpretive centre (Murchison Vast Sky Experience) at the Murchison Settlement
Sealing the Carnarvon‑Mullewa Road from Mullewa and the Murchison Settlement
A masterplan for the MSP
A socioeconomic analysis of opportunities to leverage the planned space, radio astronomy and defence activities in the region.

As funding for the different business case projects is sought, opportunities to leverage benefit from the emerging sector are ongoing.

The successful AARNet fibre extension to future proof four Mid West communities is a case in point.

The Commission has also been supporting outreach events including the 2024 Radio School, which will attract around 100 radio astronomy PhD students from around the world in October 2024.

The local engagement activities will broaden local awareness and understanding of the SKA project and associated socio-economic opportunities.

These will include various public events and a targeted forum to provide shared local visibility of SKA project skills demands and create a pipeline of relevant local STEM training opportunities.

It is recognised that many of the STEM skills required at the SKA will be transferrable across different industries, meaning such interventions could help tailor Mid West skills of the future.

Defence industries are another understated sector of the Mid West economy, which make a considerable contribution to local supply chains and have significant complementarity with other science focussed sectors like space and radio astronomy.

As geopolitical factors increase and the AUKUS impact on WA coastlines emerges, the region’s existing infrastructure and assets, including optic fibre, satellite tracking capabilities and marine servicing industries, may create new opportunities.

Climate Resilience and Low Carbon Transition

A changing climate alongside the global transition to a low carbon economy provide risks and significant opportunity for diversification and job growth in our region.

Water:

Water opportunities

Declining rainfall and aquifer recharge rates continue to constrain water availability for new and emerging industries and associated community growth.
With a prospective major project pipeline exceeding $50 billion, demands for water can only increase, meaning significant future water requirements that cannot be met through traditional means.

Following a recent collaboration with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), two investigations were prioritised to explore new water opportunities to help address growing pressures on water resources for industrial and community growth.

Ancient Murchison Paleovalleys

With winter rains in the Murchison subregion rarely exceeding 200mm, water scarcity has always been a key barrier to industry and community development.
Using Airborne Electro Magnetic (AEM) survey technology in 2015, CSIRO confirmed some of WA’s largest and deepest paleovalleys in the Murchison; some being several kilometres wide and over 150m deep (from top to bottom).

The report showed that volumes and salinity were extremely variable throughout the 150,000km2 study area, with extensive drilling and detailed testing necessary to confirm the resource for economic or community use.

The costs of such investigations across such large areas are prohibitive.

A desktop review of the CSIRO findings was commissioned, to complement the AEM findings with other existing datasets and considerations.

A multi criteria analysis and Geographic Information System (GIS) platforms were developed to help identify the most prospective locations.

The analysis posed three different use cases; namely stock water, agriculture and town water supply.

GIS mapping allows stakeholders to consider the data through different lenses, depending on the desired use case.
The GIS platform also allows users to adjust the tolerances in the model, providing additional granularity and opportunity for users to tailor analysis to suit specific needs.

The model outputs have been shared with Murchison local governments.

Less intrusive steps are still possible to refine target areas further before undertaking expensive drilling programs.

Interest from potential end-users will be needed to warrant further investigations.

Climate resilience:

Regional drought resilience planning

Western Australia has a history of drought and drying climate. Effective, community‑identified solutions to mitigate current and future climate change impacts are critical.

The Future Drought Fund (FDF) set up by the Australian Government invests $100 million annually into projects across Australia to strengthen regional drought resilience.

The Regional Drought Resilience Planning (RDRP) program is one of eight under the FDF that invests in building resilience to drought for farmers, allied industries and regional communities.

Regional Drought Resilience Plans are community-led and present the historical and expected future impacts of drought in the focal regions, based on the best available evidence.

In Western Australia, during the 2021-22 foundation year, drought resilience plans were developed in the Mid West, Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions.

The Commission, together with NACC NRM and DPIRD delivered the Regional Drought Resilience Plan for the Mid West pilot region; the City of Greater Geraldton and the Shires of Chapman Valley and Northampton.

The resulting plan is helping to build environmental, economic, and social resilience to drought, improve natural resource management, ensure our regional communities are prepared for future droughts, and are well‑positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities for investment in drought resilience in regional Australia.

In 2023-24, additional funding from the FDF and WA Government was released to support the implementation of priority initiatives identified in the Plan.
Background work on the initiatives’ design has occurred, with delivery on track for 2024-25.

The Commission and DPIRD also commenced the Regional Drought Resilience Plan for the Mid West extension region; the North Midlands local government areas of Carnamah, Coorow, Irwin, Mingenew, Morawa, Perenjori and Three Springs.

The establishment of this plan is a key stage in unlocking further funding through the FDF.

Aboriginal Empowerment and Prosperity

Partnerships and engagement with Aboriginal people, strong accountability and culturally responsive working will enable our region to realise a ‘future in which all Aboriginal people, families and communities are empowered to live good lives and choose their own futures from a secure foundation.’

The Commission understands the vital importance of Aboriginal people, their traditions and culture to the regional economy. The Commission has actively incorporated Aboriginal economic development outcomes in projects and activity areas, including tourism, infrastructure, mining, agribusiness, industry development, local content and liveable and connected communities.

Aboriginal Economic Development:

Walganha National Park

Walga Rock (Walganha) is arguably Australia’s second largest monolith after Uluru, spanning 50 hectares around 40km west of Cue.

The 2.6 billion year old ‘monzogranite’ has eroded in places to create rock overhangs and shelters for Wajarri people over thousands of years.

In 2022, a masterplan was commissioned, involving Traditional Owners and the Wajarri Yamatji Aboriginal Corporation (WYAC).

The masterplan confirmed Wajarri aspirations for tourism at Walga Rock and nearby Wilgie Mia, with concept plans developed.

Based on this masterplan, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) will develop the Walganha National Park as part of its Plan for Our Parks (PfOP) initiative, which will create an additional five million hectares of marine and national parks to be included in the State’s reserve system.

DBCA secured funding for 2024-25 to deliver priority (stage 1) visitor infrastructure and ongoing site management at Walga Rock, with other conservation estates in the Mid West also set to enjoy enhancements and protections to welcome greater public access.

Walganha National Park will be one of a number of jointly managed conservation estates (managed by both DBCA and Wajarri Yamatji people) across the southern Wajarri Yamatji reserves.

The Commission, Tourism WA and DBCA visited Walganha with Wajarri Traditional Owners in March 2024, with Australia’s Golden Outback and WA Indigenous Tourism Operators Council also engaged to support tourism development and promotion in the area.

DBCA landscape architects are designing the infrastructure for Wajarri consideration, with priority works expected to commence during 2024-25.

Yamatji Nation Indigenous Land Use Agreement

As a proud signatory to the Yamatji Nation Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA), the Commission continues strong working relationships with Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation (YSRC).

The Commission’s primary focus has been the effective investment of funds for tourism infrastructure and management at Pink Lake and Lucky Bay.

With CPI adjustments, the budget allocation to the project is now around $11 million, which is managed through an independent trustee.

This primary relationship also creates opportunity for staff at both organisations to engage proactively on other strategically important economic activities.

These have emerged over three years to include land and housing development, horticulture, agriculture, water, energy and employment and training, among others.

A Tourism Working Group (TWG) was established in 2021 to help drive the Pink lake and Lucky Bay developments and readiness to support priority YSRC actions, including those in the Yamatji Tourism Strategy and Hutt Lagoon Commercial Tourism Opportunities Analysis (both completed in 2022).

A land management plan needed to enabled transfer of Lucky Bay to YSRC was lodged with the Minister for Planning in September 2023.

Further planning is required to define priority Lucky Bay nodes from a public access and visitor management perspective, including cultural heritage protection, coastal process mapping, biodiversity mapping, visitor management, traffic management, bush fire management and pest control.

Progress is to be low impact and light touch in the first instance, to ensure the sensitive cultural and conservation values are respected and properly protected.

The 2022 Commercial Analysis highlighted Pink Lake’s significance as a key tourism drawcard in the district and the State.

Pink Lake has been widely promoted as a tourism icon by Tourism WA and Tourism Australia, targeting the prominent overseas visitor market.

With domestic and international borders now relatively unrestricted, assets like Pink Lake may represent strong economic upside for Yamatji tourism operators.

Current planning and design efforts during 2024-25 will further test this opportunity for YSRC.

The Commission executed the Project Agreement for Pink Lake during 2023-24, enabling funds to be disbursed for this planning and design work.

As a member of the Yamatji Nation ILUA Government Partnership Committee, the Commission will continue to support YSRC as required in relation to its ILUA obligations as well as collaborating on a range of other socioeconomic development initiatives.

Aboriginal Business Support

The Commission has played a critical role in promoting economic growth opportunities for Aboriginal businesses in the Mid West throughout 2023-24.

By fostering strong connections with Aboriginal enterprises, the Commission is helping bridge the gap between these businesses and various procurement opportunities across government and private sectors.

A key aspect of this role involved understanding the unique capabilities and capacities of local Aboriginal businesses, which enables the Commission to provide tailored support.

This included offering access to business advisory services to establish robust business structures, systems and procedures, positioning them favourably for tender opportunities.

The Commission also plays a pivotal role in raising awareness about tender opportunities, pre-qualifications and registrations necessary for direct engagement.

This ongoing support is crucial in helping businesses navigate the complexities of the procurement process, enhancing their chances of securing contracts.

The efforts of Local Content Advisers in the Mid West extend beyond immediate procurement opportunities.

By supporting Aboriginal businesses through the tendering process and beyond, the Commission seeks to ensure these enterprises are not only competitive but also sustainable in the long run.

This comprehensive support system contributes to the economic development and empowerment of Aboriginal communities in the region.

Key outcomes of Aboriginal procurement engagement in the Mid West include:

An Aboriginal commercial cleaning company engaged to maintain the Geraldton Health Campus construction office facilities for the term of the construction contract.
Direct engagement of a local Joint Venture company, GBSC Yurra, to construct the $28.5 million (44 unit) Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation project
- Construction commenced in 2023‑24, and expected to create around 96 jobs and inject $37 million into the region’s economy.
The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) remains an excellent example of Aboriginal procurement and training outcomes in a major project environment
- WYAC, CSIRO, the SKA Observatory and Central Regional TAFE have committed to Wadjarri training and businesses outcomes from the SKA project
- Full construction began in April 2023, with opportunities for Wajarri businesses through construction and 50 years of operations and maintenance.
Value of contracts awarded to Aboriginal owned businesses in the Mid West and reported for 2022-23 was over $2.56 million.
With current open opportunities and forward look ahead procurement by Government agencies valued at over $30 million, there is an opportunity for Aboriginal business participation within State Government tender process to improve in the Mid West region.

Mural artwork reflection - land, water and sky

DPIRD, in collaboration with the Commission, developed a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) – as a formal commitment to respectful and meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the region.

DPIRD’s RAP is intended to:

Build and strengthen partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, communities, and individuals
Create and foster respect of local Aboriginal cultures, histories and knowledge through our actions and interaction
Create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities that enable knowledge sharing and professional development
Monitor, evaluate and reflect on our RAP deliverables to ensure we are embedding meaningful change within DPIRD.

During 2023-24, the Commission partnered DPIRD to identify a local Aboriginal artist to develop a large mural at the shared Gregory Street premises, which represents the Traditional Owners in the Mid West and their connection to Country.

As a representation, the Commission and DPIRD have started development of an Aboriginal artwork mural to be painted on a publicly visible exterior wall at the 20 Gregory Street site.

A local Artist and project manager were selected in 2023-24.

The mural will represent cultural connection between all elements of ‘primary production and regional development’ – land, water, and sky – and reflect the work that the Commission and DPIRD do and represent in the Mid West region.

WA Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC)

The Commission continues to host two WAITOC staff at its Geraldton offices to support Aboriginal tourism in the Mid West and Gascoyne regions.

The Commission supports the WAITOC staff as required and assists them to align with existing Aboriginal tourism priorities and key proponents.

The hosting and collaboration with WAITOC highlights the importance of tourism to the Commission for economic diversity and enhanced liveability.

Organisational Excellence

The success of the Commission will be determined by the way it works to deliver strategic initiatives and build organisational excellence in collaborative and cooperative delivery of regional development.

The Commission provides a central point of coordination and contact for various economic development and community stakeholders within and outside the Mid West and works in partnership with all tiers of government, business and the community, providing information and advice to maximise economic development and employment opportunities for the region.

The Commission works with stakeholders to raise awareness of the Mid West region, its natural advantages and opportunities and the challenges limiting further development. The Commission shares its networks and knowledge of hard and soft regional infrastructure to help activate projects and support a number of current and legacy State Government funding schemes.

Regional leadership and collaboration:

Regional Development Portfolio

The nine RDCs and DPIRD are the operational team for the Regional Development Portfolio.

Together, we have five areas of focus which respond to regional need and align with Government priorities and our legislative framework.

They are:

Regional liveability
Economic development diversification and innovation
Climate resilience and low carbon transition
Aboriginal empowerment and prosperity
Organisational excellence.

We are committed to impacting these areas through collaborative, coordinated and aligned actions that draw on our collective expertise and are tailored for regional difference.

The Regional Development Council (RDCo) comprises the Chairs of the nine RDCs, and the WA Regional Development Alliance (WARDA) includes the respective RDC CEOs.

These groups are supported by leaders from DPIRD.

RDCo and WARDA provide strategic leadership to the Regional Development portfolio, and advice to the Minister for Regional Development.

Throughout 2023-24, the Commission represented the Mid West on a number of working groups, covering areas including aquaculture, climate, housing, workforce, digital services, drought resilience, regional data, tourism and creative arts.

The Commission also attended the second annual RDC workshop in Busselton in February 2024, hosted by the South West Development Commission.

The workshop was an opportunity for staff to connect and share knowledge about common challenges and solutions specific to regional communities.

Highlights of the two-day workshop included:

An interactive poster session, showcasing projects and processes that drive success in regional development and the achievements of each RDC, with the Commission showcasing community engagement activities delivered to support the renewable energy transition and better understand the social and economic impacts on communities.
Tours of regional development successes stories in the South West, including the Busselton Foreshore redevelopment, Shelter Brewing Co (RED grant recipient) and Collie’s economic and community transformation.
An outline of the Western Australian Regional Development Framework.
Exploration workshops, unpacking liveability issues and designing solutions.

The RDC collaboration workshops have proven extremely valuable in terms of individual professional development and enhanced networking across the portfolio.

As a consequence of the successful RDC collaboration events, the nine Directors of Regional Development and respective Administration and Finance teams also commenced regular cross regional engagement efforts in 2023-24.

These collaborations promote the various Portfolio-wide strategies and support key knowledge-sharing across the nine RDCs.

State Government

The Commission continues to strengthen is networks across industry, government and stakeholder groups to advocate for coordinated and aligned regional development outcomes of strategic importance.

The Commission participates with a range of multi‑agency groups that align with our legislative role and broad regional development mandate.

These include the Regional Coordination Committee, which sees us collaborating with the Department of Training and Workforce Development, along with local education and training stakeholders and a range of cross‑agency working groups focused on industry and project development across the region.

The Commission also holds the Co-Chair role on the Mid West-Gascoyne District Leadership Group, which is made up of key human services agencies and is focused on addressing social and community issues across the two regions.

Throughout 2023-24, the Commission continued to deliver feedback on a number of Government strategies and policies, including the State Hydrogen Strategy and Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework, and provides critical local intelligence and insight to central agencies.

Local Government

During 2023-24, the Commission assisted the Murchison Executive Group (MEG), made up of the local governments of Cue, Meekatharra, Mount Magnet, Murchison, Sandstone, Wiluna and Yalgoo, in the development of a subregional socio‑economic development strategy.

The 10-year strategy aims to provide a roadmap for the sustainable development and growth of the Murchison, under four pillars; business and industry, jobs and skills, liveability and looking to the future.

The strategy prioritises areas of shared importance, where Murchison communities can capitalise on their combined strength and drive socio-economic change for the subregion.

The Commission continues to engage with MEG through tourism, housing and strategic infrastructure initiatives and also supported MEG and Regional Development Australia Midwest and Gascoyne’s mining and community partnerships work, which aims to optimise local community outcomes from major mining projects in the Murchison.

The project examines best practice templates from current initiatives and identifies how positive approaches in mining and community engagement can deliver successful community outcomes.

Examples include community chest or benefit funds, road access and maintenance or reinstatement agreements, employment and training outcomes, Aboriginal economic development and mutually beneficial infrastructure agreements.

The Commission also established the North Midlands Executive Group (NMEG) to enable this group of local governments (Carnamah, Coorow, Irwin, Mingenew, Morawa and Perenjori) to address common issues in a collaborative and strategic fashion.

Key issues addressed to date include workforce housing, industrial lands, engagement with industry and transport and logistics infrastructure.

The Commission also continues to play a key role in connecting local and State government, and industry to improve communication across key stakeholders, and advocate for more efficient and effective pathways for local and regional development.

Investment attraction

Invest Mid West

The Commission serves an important role in supporting both external investment into the Mid West and helping to connect regional businesses and business opportunities with prospective investors.

Over the last year, this has included hosting interstate and international delegations with interests across multiple industries, including property, mining, renewable energy and low-carbon steel.

The Commission is uniquely able to bring together potential investors, along with key regional stakeholders, and to speak authoritatively about the boundless opportunities that exist within the region.

In 2023‑24, we also welcomed visits from elected officials, including the Hon Patrick Gorman MP, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister (below), to build greater visibility within Government of the region’s investment potential.

The Commission works actively with partners in Government, including JTSI’s Invest and Trade team, to familiarise our international trade offices with the comparative advantages of investment in the Mid West, and potential partner businesses and organisations.

There is keen international interest in the region’s energy sector in particular, which we will keep promoting in the coming year, and beyond.

In 2024-25, the Commission will continue efforts to create a public facing online platform focussed on investment attraction.

This will include successful past investments, profile business successes and highlight new and emerging investment opportunities from major projects across the region.

The platform will be linked with the Commission’s major project mapping efforts that will also highlight known major project activity and help estimate aggregated impacts and opportunities from proposed future investments across the Mid West.

Marketing and communications:

Major event presentations

The Commission is dedicated to informing stakeholders about the region’s economic activity and highlighting the Commission’s crucial enabling role in this landscape.

By providing regular updates, we ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed about the latest developments, trends and opportunities within the region, fostering a transparent and collaborative environment.

Throughout the year, we delivered presentations at numerous events, including the Mid West Economic Summit in Geraldton and the Mid West and Gascoyne Major Projects event in Perth.

These engagements are designed not only to share valuable economic insights but also to illustrate the progress being made in various sectors across the region.

Our continued focus is to increase opportunities for investment attraction, serving as a single window for investors to access the local knowledge, data and connections necessary to make informed and beneficial investment decisions.

Client relationship management

The Commission interacts and collaborates with individual stakeholders and organisations both within and beyond our region to deliver better economic, environmental and social outcomes, every day.

In order to improve information management and streamline business processes, the Commission initiated a procurement process for a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution in 2023-24.

Throughout the year, the Commission has worked with the successful provider to tailor a solution capable of managing accounts, contacts, project-related information and communication with relevant entities.

Key business advantages include:

Improved stakeholder engagement
Enhanced efficiency and productivity
Better decision making
Improved service delivery
Increased transparency and accountability
Enhanced collaboration.

Grants and funding:

Regional Economic Development Grants

The Regional Economic Development Grants (RED Grants) program is a State Government initiative administered by the Commission that invests in local projects to stimulate economic growth and development in regional Western Australia.

In the Mid West, the RED Grants program has invested in over 34 projects with a total funding amount of over $5.8 million.

Those projects have contributed to the Mid West region’s economic and social development and unlocked the potential of several businesses.

For more information visit the Regional Economic Development Grants page.