Discover the wonderful South-West.
The South West Region of Western Australia faces the Indian and Southern Oceans and is only two hours drive from the State capital, Perth. The region covers an area of 23,970 square kilometres and has a typically Mediterranean climate with dry summer months and a high rainfall in winter.
It is famous for its magnificent Karri, Jarrah and Tuart trees, unique cave systems, rivers, wetlands and spectacular coastlines and estuaries. Currently more than 141,000 people live here and by 2021 it is anticipated that 175,000 people will make this beautiful part of the world their home.
No wonder the rest of Australia is moving here.
Attracted by the great climate, affordable housing, magnificent natural environment and well-developed health and educational facilities, more and more people are choosing to live in the South-West.
Many enjoy an outdoor life and like to go hiking through the majestic forests, take their children to one of the many splendid and safe beaches or to go fishing.
Some prefer a tour through the world famous wine regions and summer nights are ideal for having friends visit for an outdoor barbecue.
And for those who enjoy sport, there are high-quality golf courses, yacht clubs, surfing beaches, international sports venues, race tracks, swimming pools and a great deal more.
It’s a wonderful place in which to invest and do business.
The South-West region of Western Australia has the State’s most diverse economy which generates around $8 billion annually.
Since 2002 the Region’s economy has been growing at an average of 10 per cent per year.
The South-West derives much of its wealth from a healthy mining sector (mineral extraction, mineral processing and mineral manufacturing).
Beyond this there’s substantial employment in a range of industries including forestry, agriculture, tourism, retail, construction and fishing.
The South West Development Commission even has a team in place to facilitate the migration of skilled labour to the booming Region.
The South West is also world renowned for its premium wine industry and is the State’s most popular tourist destination for local, national and international visitors.
There are millions of dollars worth of major projects under construction and billions of dollars worth under consideration in Australia’s South West.
Recently completed projects include the $250 million expansion of the Worsley alumina refinery near Collie as well as the newly built $260 million gas-fired power station at Kemerton.
There are many projects under consideration, from large-scale property developments, to new hotels, coal-fired power stations and new road systems.
There are many reasons why people choose to do business here.
The South West is close to Perth and the highly efficient import-export port of Bunbury.
It boasts well-established supporting infrastructure, including water, power, gas, telecommunications, road, rail and port facilities.
Moreover, it has a growing population, a highly skilled workforce, an abundance of natural resources, significant coal and gas reserves and a high-quality regional capability to service industry.
And as if that weren’t enough, the Region offers its envied lifestyle and low-cost housing, land and labour costs.
The Region is linked by modern bitumen-sealed roads and highways with the transit time from Bunbury to Perth only two hours by road.
Residents enjoy excellent telecommunications, with broadband Internet services available in many smaller regional centres.
Busselton is home to the main regional airport and airstrips for light aircraft are located at Bunbury, Margaret River, Manjimup, Collie and Boyup Brook.
A reliable passenger train service runs between the State capital, Perth, and the city of Bunbury, and there are also regular bus services throughout the region.
What’s more, there are many suitable light and heavy industrial areas in the South West.
A rich cultural heritage dating back 38,000 years.
The South West offers a rich and fascinating mix of cultural experiences.
The Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre hosts many substantial events.
Leeuwin Estate Winery has its internationally recognised concert series.
And there are music festivals in Bridgetown and Boyup Brook, a Wine Festival in Margaret River and other festivals from Balingup and Manjimup to Pemberton and Nannup.
The region is also home to many artisans and galleries and a thriving arts industry.
The South West has a rich history of Aboriginal occupation dating back to around 38,000 years ago.
Indigenous artworks by the Aboriginal Noongar people are inspired by their complex relationship to the land.
