South West

One of nine regions outside the Perth metropolitan region, and the most populated, the South West uniquely fronts two coasts – the Indian and Southern oceans.

The region which spans across 24,000 square kilometres, is made up of two-thirds of State Forrest, National Parks and regional parks, while a quarter of its area is made up by agricultural and rural uses, and eight per cent used for industrial and development.

The South West is located on Noongar Country, where archaeological evidence shows that the Aboriginal history dates back some 45,000 years ago.

With a population of more than 200,000 people across 12 local government areas, the most popular area is in its major regional centre of Bunbury Geographe which accounts for more than half of the people. And the region’s population is ever growing, with an increase of 30 per cent over the past decade.

It’s also home to our Port of Bunbury, and more than 85 of our team.

Wardandi Boodja sculpture on Koombana Bay foreshore

Koombana Bay with Dolphin Discovery Centre

Economy

The South West region is the front line of WA’s next major economic shift in advanced manufacturing, industry and the energy transition.

According to Regional Development Australia South West, it’s one of the most economically diverse regions and has a total output of $43.2 billion (equivalent to just over five per cent of the state’s output).

The highest grossing industries in the South West, by output, includes:

Manufacturing
Mining
Construction

Of the total 80,000 jobs in the region, health care and social assistance, construction and retail are the largest sectors for employment.

Tourism

Known for its premium vineyards, fine dining and lush forests, common areas of interest for tourists in the region include Margaret River and Busselton.

While a significant percentage of tourists arrive to the region by road travel and some by air, it’s becoming a growing cruise destination with two cruise stops – Busselton and Bunbury.

Find out more by visiting Australia’s South West.

Infrastructure

The location of the region and having a major regional centre means that it has a good level of infrastructure, however given its growing nature, Infrastructure WA has identified key priorities for its future development, based off key strengths.

Strengths	Infrastructure direction
Agriculture and food Integrated road and rail freight network Proximity to Perth	Support interstate and international tourism, and the South West as a world-class tourism precinct Support agriculture and food, value-adding, and innovation and advanced manufacturing Support population growth, Greater Bunbury as a major population centre, and Bunbury Faster Rail investigations and planning

Completed Turkey Point Access Road and Bridge

Creating access for recreation

Through the Royalties for Region program, we delivered the $34 million Turkey Point Access Road and Bridge in the South West to provide direct access to a popular recreational fishing spot.

Learn more