Economy

Kemerton Industrial Park is on the doorstep of the thriving regional port and city of Bunbury in the heart of Australia’s South West.

The park is just two hours drive from the State capital, Perth and one hour’s drive from the world-renowned Margaret River wine region.

The South West has a diverse regional economy with abundant mineral deposits, rich hardwood forests, agricultural soils, and substantial manufacturing, commercial, retail, construction, fishing and tourism industries.

The region’s gross regional product is estimated at $5.9 billion with mineral extraction, processing and manufacturing earning more than half of that figure.

In particular the region is a leading world producer of alumina and mineral sands.

The South West also supports thriving dairy, fruit and vegetable, beef and wine industries.

Mining and manufacturing makes a significant contribution to the South West’s economic activity with more than 22 per cent of the region’s workforce employed in this sector.

In the late 1990s there were more than 420 manufacturing locations in the region.

Growth

Economic growth is being driven by industry expansion, tourism appeal and a rising demand from overseas for quality South West food, timber and minerals.

Large investments are planned and underway in the mining and agriculture industries, in tourism and infrastructure.

Business support

There is a wide range of government and non-government services available to encourage investment and expansion of industries in the South West.

Local business support is available through the South West Development Commission, Business Enterprise Centres and local commerce groups.

Government programs are in place to assist businesses to develop export markets.