The McGowan Government welcomes the significant investment CBH Group (CBH) has made in the future of the Wheatbelt and the Western Australian grain supply chain with the purchase of a 105-hectare site at the Avon Industrial Park.
The proposed primary receival site, known as 'Meenaar', is a critical component in CBH's goal to increase monthly peak export capacity from 1.6 to 3 million tonnes by 2033.
The project is expected to generate up to 140 jobs at the peak of construction, with 40 ongoing jobs in operations and transport.
Managed by DevelopmentWA and overseen by the Avon Industrial Park Advisory Committee, a sub-committee of the Wheatbelt Development Commission, the Avon Industrial Park has experienced strong growth over the past 18 months.
In October 2021, the State Government allocated $200,000 through the Regional Development Leverage Fund in partnership with CBH to undertake road and rail design and costing assessments to improve freight access and complement future expansion of the park.
CBH's purchase is the single largest development in the park's history and is a significant economic development opportunity for Northam and the broader Avon Sub-region.
Located on the outskirts of Northam on both interstate rail and road networks, the 470-hectare Avon Industrial Park accommodates a number of businesses servicing the rural, resources and mineral processing industries.
The Avon Industrial Park is part of a suite of strategic freight network assets near Northam, bolstering the town's position as a burgeoning intermodal freight hub on the doorstep of the Perth metropolitan area.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"This is a significant investment for the Wheatbelt and Northam that will greatly benefit both the regional economy and the Western Australian agricultural industry.
"The investment and work underway to further activate and expand the park forms part of the State Government's broader commitment to diversify regional economies and enhance freight efficiencies to benefit WA businesses.
"The State Government will continue to work with local government and industry to maximise these economic benefits."
As stated by Lands Minister John Carey:
"Our Government is committed to utilising Government-owned land to deliver both economic and social outcomes that benefit the Western Australian community.
"Avon Industrial Park continues its strong growth and is boosting employment opportunities, while driving economic development right across the State.
"Our Government welcomes CBH Group's and the Shire of Northam's commitment to the estate, reflecting Northam's significance as the economic hub of the Wheatbelt and its importance to the agricultural sector."
