THE state government has allocated an additional $4 million for the second stage of development at the Avon Industrial Park, located in the Shire of Northam, with new lots to be available by early 2008. Acting Planning and Infrastructure Minister, Jon Ford, said the Avon region was recognised as a significantly less expensive option to industrial sites in the metropolitan area. “Five of the seven stage 1 lots sold in the last 12 months, clearly demonstrating that demand for industrial land in the Avon region is strong,” he said. Work on the 57-hectare stage 2 development is expected to start towards the end of this year, with lots available in early 2008. Stage 2 will comprise 17 lots ranging from 5,500sqm to 12.5ha, with an average lot size of 3.3ha. The 473ha Avon Industrial Park is located 18km east of Northam on the Great Eastern Highway and is about 90 minutes from Perth.