Prioritising, de-risking and brokering agricultural development in Western Australia

Project locations: Perth, Broome, Karratha

Project partners: WA Dept. Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) ; NAJA Business Consulting

Project summary and impacts

Northern Western Australia has significant opportunities to expand agricultural and aquaculture production, building on its extensive land resources, emerging irrigation opportunities and growing demand for high-quality food products. However, development proposals often face challenges associated with land tenure, Native Title, infrastructure, regulatory approvals, investment risk and stakeholder coordination.

This project examined the barriers and opportunities affecting agricultural and aquacultural development across the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne regions. Delivered in partnership with the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the project reviewed existing development processes, analysed case studies and engaged extensively with government agencies, industry, Traditional Owners, Aboriginal organisations and investors to identify practical ways to improve development outcomes.

The research found that while northern Western Australia offers substantial development potential, investors and proponents can face significant uncertainty arising from complex approval pathways, fragmented processes and challenges in building trusted relationships between stakeholders. The project highlighted the importance of balancing economic development with environmental stewardship, Indigenous participation and community expectations.

Through analysis of 28 agricultural developments and detailed case studies, the project identified opportunities to streamline investment facilitation, improve coordination across government agencies and strengthen approaches to agricultural planning and project assessment. Recommendations included enhancing case management and investment facilitation services, improving access to information and infrastructure planning, supporting Aboriginal economic development and fostering stronger collaboration between government, industry and Traditional Owners.

The project provides a practical framework for supporting sustainable agricultural growth in northern Western Australia. Its findings help inform future policy and investment approaches that can reduce development risk, improve investor confidence and unlock new opportunities while delivering economic, environmental and social benefits for regional communities.