Esperance and Kalgoorlie-Boulder included in $1.4B Investment

Four of WA’s key regional centres have been identified to share in a recommended $1.4 billion of investment as part of the National Farmers Federation’s ambitious blueprint for Australia-wide regional renewal.  Merredin, Greater Geraldton, Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Esperance were included in the NFF’s new Regional Development Precincts proposal, aimed at ensuring Australian agriculture becomes a $100b industry by 2030.

The proposal outlines the policy interventions required by all levels of government to ensure economic and employment opportunities are unlocked in regional hubs across the country. It has put the onus on National Cabinet to establish a government-led strategy and framework.

Esperance was chosen for its access to national and international markets via airports and seaports, which the NFF said was “critical to the success of surrounding regions”.  “There are many challenges facing Esperance and surrounding regions to meet their full economic potential, requiring government intervention,” the proposal said.  “As a centre for a large and sparsely populated region, the quality of freight networks is a critical challenge, noting the dominance of industries that trade in physical goods.”

Kalgoorlie-Boulder, was chosen for its role in supporting and servicing the region’s mining and agricultural sectors.  “It provides a strategic inland focus, with access to ports and airport infrastructure and good east-west land freight connectivity” the proposal said.