The resource sector is a significant contributor to the economy in the Mid West. The region, (including the Gascoyne) covers an area of 610,000 square kilometres, encompassing the diverse resources rich areas of the Gascoyne, Murchison, Meekatharra, Cue, Mt Magnet, Yalgoo, Sandstone and the northern agricultural region of WA. Geraldton is well established as the major regional city.
The first mineral mine (Geraldine lead mine) in the state was established in 1851 at Ajana in the Midwest region. Gold and copper discoveries soon followed along with a range of other minerals that established the region as a significant economic contributor to the new state of Western Australia at that time.
The emergence of the Midwest as a major minerals and energy province has been in a number of phases but in recent years the demand from international markets for iron ore and other minerals has rapidly escalated. Currently there are over $12 Billion worth of projects either under construction or being planned for the region.
The resources sector now has a key role in the future development of the region and will continue to act as a vital source of economic stimulus and a catalyst for regional growth. Commodities produced in the Mid West include gold, copper, lead, zinc, heavy mineral sands, nickel and cobalt, iron ore, natural gas, silver and talc.
CME in the Mid West
Within the Mid West Region CME is focused on the following strategies to deliver the industry’s vision:
- Infrastructure and Planning – An industry-government infrastructure plan for state and regional development
- Infrastructure and Planning – Coordination between the responsibilities of government, industry and community in the provisions of social and physical infrastructure
- Communities – Contribute to community development
- Communities – Community engagement informs decision making on industry issues
- Communities – Social infrastructure provided by government, supported by industry
Projects and Issues
- Examination of infrastructure gaps and bottlenecks relating to the Midwest resources sector and prioritising the key infrastructure projects required to service planned projects.
- Develop a Midwest Industry Infrastructure Plan in conjunction with Industry.
- Development of an advocacy document that details the community contributions of Midwest resources companies.
Regional Council
The CME Mid West Regional Council is chaired by Phil Allsopp from Sinosteel MidWest Corp.