The Wagin Shire hosted the meeting at which hot topics of discussion included a potential alternate power source from Morton Seed and Grain, accommodation for staff in business, and rail and road structural support for business.

CCIWA's manager of external relations David Harrison travelled with Mr Pearson over the nearly 1,000 kilometres, meeting business and community leaders across six Wheatbelt communities, including Wagin.

“We found it extremely beneficial to talk to Wagin business people and community leaders about the issues facing the local community,” he said.

“We appreciated local people taking time out of their busy day to meet us, and discuss a range of local issues.

“We admire their desire to make Wagin and the Wheatbelt better places to live and work.

“It is a goal and vision shared by CCI.

“Several common trends and issues emerged over the three days.

“The biggest issues facing local employers are labour shortages, the ongoing difficulty regional towns have in attracting and retaining workers, the availability of affordable housing and sufficient land for development, infrastructure such as roads and railways, and access to high speed broadband internet and other telecommunications.

“CCI looks forward to forging even closer links with Wagin business people, and help make it easier for them to do business.”

Wagin Shire chief executive officer Len Calneggia said he believed local shires need to support infrastructure within the town as Wagin Shire does.

“Wagin Shire council supports the Wagin Medical Centre by providing a house, car and surgery with a cash component to the contract company that provides the medical team,” he said.

“This assists with the town having and maintaining this essential service and this is one of many examples of our pro-active support of Wagin infrastructure.”