Agriculture, forestry and fishing, mining, and transport, postal and warehousing are major contributors to the region’s economic output.

Agriculture

During 2008-9 within the Wheatbelt region the Agriculture industry had the following statistics:

• Valued at $3.2 billion of gross regional product in 2008-9
• Had 4210 agricultural establishments covering 11.2 million hectares
• Crop production accounted for 48% of total value of crops in the state
• Livestock disposals totalled $422 million
• Produced milk and eggs valued at $24 million 

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics and Department of Regional Development and Lands

Forestry and fishing

For the years 2008-9 the forestry and fishing industry provided:

• Rock lobster catch totalling 2335 tonnes, valued at $58 million
• Fish catch totalling 42 tonnes valued at $230,000
• 700 tonnes of timber harvested at a value of $10,000

Source: Forest Products Commission, Department of Fisheries with estimates by Department of Regional Development and Lands

Mining

The mining industry produced the following figures for 2008-9:

• Increased in value by 200% over the past 5 years
• Iron ore, gold and silver valued at $937.4 million
• Gypsum and heavy mineral sands valued at $238.3 million
• Nickel, copper and salt valued at $260.2 million

Source: Department of Mines and Petroleum with estimates by Department of Regional Development and Lands