Western Australia's industrial land supply is set for a further boost following the start of site works on stage two of the Avon Industrial Park near Northam.
Western Australia's industrial land supply is set for a further boost following the start of site works on stage two of the Avon Industrial Park near Northam.
Commencement of stage two by WA-based company Brierty Contractors was announced today by planning andiInfrastructure minister Alannah MacTiernan and Mid-West and Wheatbelt minister Kim Chance.
The project will involve the construction of a two-kilometre road extension and installation of water and electricity, telephone and fencing. It follows conditional approval by the Western Australian Planning Commission earlier this month.
Ms MacTiernan said stage two comprised 57 hectares and would deliver 17 lots ranging in size from 5,500 square metres to 12.5ha and averaging 3.3ha, which were expected to be ready for sale in mid-2008.
"The state government committed $4 million to the Avon Industrial Park project last September in response to demand for land and growth in WA's booming economy," the minister said.
"Many of the lots in stage two will be considerably larger than traditional Perth industrial offerings, therefore meeting the needs of business which have requested larger lots for their operations.
"The latest release, which is adjacent to Great Eastern Highway and the trans-Australia rail line, will provide industrial users with the opportunity to fast-track their growth plans and in turn, make a significant economic and social contribution to regional WA."
Ms MacTiernan said the state government anticipated strong interest as lots were expected to be offered at very competitive prices compared with Perth industrial land. The 467ha park was located 18km east of Northam on the Great Eastern Highway.
Mr Chance said the rapid sell-out of the park's 22ha Stage One release last year confirmed the foresight of the project's joint venture partnership between LandCorp and the Avon Community Development Foundation, along with stakeholders such as the Wheatbelt Development Commission, Avon Industrial Park Advisory Board and the local community.
"I particularly commend the Avon Community Development Foundation which continues to be a driving force behind the park, working in close partnership with LandCorp," Mr Chance said.
He said that as well as using local contractors in the development of stage two, the opening of new businesses at the park would create opportunities for existing and future regional enterprises, local jobs and population growth in the region.
The park was already home to a range of companies including Grass Valley Formulators, Bushman Tanks, Interquip, Outback Power, Swan River Kaolin, APA Property Group and OzTec Country Style Homes.
