Procon Developments' $3 million Wheatbelt medicinal cannabis proposal approved for AvonWest industrial estate

A $3 million medicinal cannabis growing operation has been approved in WA's Wheatbelt, marking the first project to get the green light at Northam's new industrial estate.

The Regional Development Assessment Panel approved the application for a pharmaceutical-grade cannabis facility on future Lot 838 at Yilgarn Avenue, Malabaine, about 4 kilometres east of Northam's town centre.

The operation will be run by Vitaponix, a Netherlands-based agricultural company that specialises in plant nutrition products. They're not a typical cannabis operator, but they clearly see opportunity in Australia's growing medicinal market.

What's Being Built

The approved building covers 3,299 square metres over two levels. It's a serious setup: hydroponic growing rooms, drying and storage areas, packaging space, a warehouse, and a loading dock big enough for 19-metre semi-trailers.

Security features include 2.4-metre perimeter fencing, controlled access gates, and parking for three articulated trucks. Three 300,000-litre rainwater tanks will also be installed.

The building uses concrete tilt-up construction with timber cladding accents.

First Project at AvonWest Industrial Estate

This is the first project approved at the AvonWest Industrial Estate, a 62-hectare logistics hub designed to connect with interstate rail freight and the RAV7 road network.

The WA Planning Commission approved the subdivision in November 2024, with earthworks already underway. For a regional shire looking to diversify its economy, landing a pharmaceutical manufacturing tenant is a solid result.

The Shire's planning documents describe the development as "a significant addition to the Shire of Northam's economy" that will help grow "high-value, high-technology clean industries" in the region.

Federal Licence Still Required

The developer still needs a medicinal cannabis licence from the Office of Drug Control before production can begin. The ODC requires strict security protocols for all cannabis operations.

Community Consultation

The proposal went through 56 days of public consultation. Three submissions were received: two objections from the same resident, and one letter of support from the Northam Race Club next door.

Traffic impact should be minimal, with the site expecting just two semi-trailer deliveries per week and seven dispatch van runs.

Approval conditions include an Odour Management Plan and ongoing compliance with landscaping and stormwater requirements.

WA's medicinal cannabis industry continues to expand into regional areas, bringing investment and jobs to communities beyond Perth.