HORTICULTURE in the region could receive a boost with a State Government planning process discussing the development of the industry.
Last week politicians visited Moora Citrus to promote is the planning process that aims to attract investment and new projects to the region.
Visiting the fruit-growing operation were Member of the Agricultural Region Mia Davies, Minister for Agriculture Terry Redman and the Director General of Regional Development and Lands Paul Rosair.
Moora Citrus is operated by 2010 Rural Woman of the Year Sue Middleton and her husband Michael Brennan.
The innovative horticultural project produces oranges and mandarins for the Western Australian market from its 210-hectare orchard.
Ms Davies said she had previously visited the operation and invited the other visitors to observe the exciting work being carried out.
“Horticulture is a relatively new but growing industry in the West Midlands,” Ms Davies said.
“As Sue and Michael have found the area is almost ideal for horticulture with right climatic conditions and almost no risk from pests and disease.
“Its relative proximity to Perth also makes accessing the market place easily achievable.”
With production eight months of the year, Moora Citrus aims to cater for the majority of the State’s citrus demand.
Currently fruit from the eastern states is needed to complement local supply.
As part of the visit, Mr Redman observed the operation’s sophisticated irrigation system, which works to maximise water absorption and minimise wastage.
Ms Middleton spoke to the Mr Redman about the further possibilities of the development of horticulture in the West Midlands region.
“Moora Citrus would like to be a part of developing further horticulture projects in the region,” Ms Middleton said.
This process would result in project certainty for developers and attract new investment to develop the West Midlands area into the future food bowl of WA.
By 2050 Perth’s population is predicted to double and at that stage the city outskirts will be at Bindoon.
Food production areas in the south of the state and areas such as Gingin and Bindoon will be under increasing land use and water use pressure and competition.
Areas such as the West Midlands will be the new food bowl for this increased population and will be a logical area for food production, processing and distribution into domestic and export markets in South East Asia.
Ms Davies said ventures like Moora Citrus were integral to the continued vibrancy of regional WA.
“Moora Citrus employs and provides professional training to up to 40 staff in peak season,” she said.
“The flow-on effects for the surrounding communities will be profound.”
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