Business Opportunities and Investment
Wyalkatchem is a small but potent community that is seeking to expand the services and retail sectors to align with the expected growth in the central and north eastern Wheatbelt region over the next twenty years and beyond. The Shire’s strategies to achieve this alignment include the upgrade of the Wyalkatchem Airport, tourism initiatives and the establishment of the Prison Work Camp.
For instance the Airport Upgrade will facilitate aviation training that has regional, state and national significance. The Airport Upgrade will serve as the hub for the expansion of existing business such as Sport Aviation Academy and the establishment of others including the Aviation College, Aviation Mechanic Training Centre and Restoration Museum along with the establishment of the Australian Flight Instructor Training School’s introductory training level.
The full range of strategies can be found in the Shire’s Plan for the Future 2008-2028 and the Shire’s Aviation Strategy
Businesses and Retail Services Required
With the advent of the expected aviation training hub in Wyalkatchem and growth in tourism, there will be an influx of aviation students both local and overseas that will be underpinned by flight instructors and their families and other allied trades and services.
The tourists, students, instructors, workers and their families along with the existing local population require:
· A restaurant/café. An opportunity exists to compliment the current eateries in town including the Wyalkatchem Hotel, the café at Wylie News and Gifts and the Wyalkatchem Roadhouse;
· Hardware and general store. This would compliment the supermarket in town. The increase in businesses as a result of aviation training opportunities, tourism and establishment of the Prison Work Camp will need to source their hardware and general shopping requirements locally;
· Tradespeople including a plumber/gasfitter, electrician, carpenter/builder. Not required on a full time basis. However, each of these businesses could be built up to service neighbouring communities.
Each of the above business/retail opportunities could be established on a part time or full time basis. A support package may be available from the local business community and the shire to assist in establishing these business opportunities. This may include the provision of land, other infrastructure such as a commercial shed or relocation expenses.
Investment Opportunities
As outlined above, investment opportunities include the aviation hub at the Wyalkatchem Airport. The provision of additional infrastructure will be for multiple purposes and users and available to others who wish to invest in the aviation businesses or to establish their own aviation business.
Enquiries
Enquiries for business opportunities can be directed to the Chair of the Business Community Mr Glenn Hawser on 0419 933 505.
For the Wheatbelt Development Commission's business and investment opportunities information press here
Business case for airport upgrade
Business case presentation (short form)