Mainland China's richest person is looking to set up a dairy plant in Busselton.
Zong Quinghou, who's wealth is reportedly more than double previous estimates of $11 billion putting his net worth at $21.6 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, is chairman of the group looking to establish a powdered milk plant in WA to supply China.
The project would involve thousands of cows and initially could have a big spinoff for local dairy producers.
It is understood that if the project goes ahead Mr Zong's group would look at establishing their own dairy farm in the region.
Mr Zong has indicated previously that his group, Hangzhou Wahaha, wants to spend more than $200 million on milk production and processing in WA.
Mayor Ian Stubbs confirmed that Mr Zong had been in Busselton for a low-key visit and was shown various potential sites for a processing plant.
"It is very early days. I met with Mr Zong over the weekend. He is looking at Busselton and a number of other locations. The discussions we had are confidential at this stage."
A local dairy farmer said the group had shown interest for some time in establishing a plant in the South West but was unsure how such a plant might benefit local farmers.
Minister for Agriculture, Terry Redman, is reportedly keen to assist the group in facilitating a plant in WA and there have been meetings over a period of time, with local dairy farmers and the group discussing the proposal and looking at cows and land in the region.
