THE opening of the new AvonWest logistics and enterprise hub on Great Eastern Highway, Northam has been delayed until the end of 2027.
Developers say the delay is due to fuel spikes and broader economic inflation as well as challenging bulk earthworks, which have directly impacted construction and slowed the pace of on-site development.
Despite this, planning continues and they are now preparing for the next phase of activity on site.
Procon Developments Australia corporate affairs and business development director and former Nationals leader and Central Wheatbelt MLA Mia Davies, said the hub will prioritise sustainability and the responsible use of power and water.
“The $500 million, 62ha hub will be a modern industrial precinct with integrated renewable energy and wastewater recycling infrastructure built from the ground up,” she said.
“The estate will operate off grid with no connection to the south west interconnected system and be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy.
“In addition, an innovative on-site treatment system will collect and treat wastewater.
“Water harvesting is designed into the estate to ensure all rooftop stormwater is captured for use (for flushing toilets to industry use) ultimately reducing reliance on potable water supplies.”
She said the AvonWest hub would accommodate a wide range of businesses, from logistics and manufacturing through to technology-enabled and digital industries.
In the article Northam data centre development concerns remain, Clean Up Northam Community member Amber Balfour-Cunningham disputed the building of a new data centre at AvonWest.
She said the Shire of Northam had defined light industry as an industry which would not adversely affect the amenity of the locality and not impose an undue load on any existing or proposed essential services or utilities.
Ms Balfour-Cunningham questioned if this definition was appropriate for a 9m tall data centre stated as being used for cryptocurrency mining.
Ms Davies said Procon understood people had a keen interest in the businesses that would be located at AvonWest, particularly as they related to emerging industries.
“With an abundance of renewable power and sustainable water management built in, the estate is capable of hosting digital processing facilities or businesses that rely heavily on these capabilities,” she said.
“Modern logistics facilities, distribution centres and advanced manufacturing operations all rely heavily on digital systems, automation and data processing to operate efficiently.
“Digital processing facilities can include data centres, cloud services, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, financial technology and cryptocurrency mining.
“These technologies support everything from banking, freight, logistics, agriculture, healthcare, education and government services; they underpin our everyday life and economy.
“The important question is how and where these facilities are located and AvonWest has been thoughtfully designed to address the issues of power, water use and appropriate zoning.”
Another important part of the subdivision is the planned truck terminal.
Procon Developments managing director Leon Key said AvonWest is designed to reduce road train turnaround times, support just-in-time distribution models, and streamline supply chain efficiencies by avoiding cross-docking in metropolitan Perth.
“The precinct is expected to increase speed to market by up to 48 hours - a significant improvement for road train drivers and logistics companies,” he said.
“At the moment, truck drivers lose two to three days moving goods in and out of Perth from arriving at the road train assembly area in Northam.
“This is inefficient and affects the cost of goods - AvonWest will change that.”
