The South West is a regional economic powerhouse – generating $12.4 billion in 2009-10. 
Impressive Economic Growth
Regional economic powerhouse of WA
The South West region contributed $16.8 billion or 7.7 per cent to the State's economy during 2010-11 - an amount greater than any other regional area in Western Australia.
The South West has displayed impressive economic growth over the years, with the region experiencing a 112 per cent increase over the past five years.
Sub-regions
The South West has three distinct regional economies.
The Bunbury-Wellington region is a mix of mineral processing, energy production, mining and agriculture. It includes the region's capital city of Bunbury which hosts a range of service, construction, engineering and manufacturing industries together with the Bunbury Port. Tourism is a growing aspect of the region varying from wine in the Ferguson Valley and Harvey areas to motorsports at Collie.
The Vasse region includes the shires of Augusta-Margaret River and Busselton. It has traditionally been a centre for agriculture including dairy and beef production. It has become a premium wine growing area and is a significant centre for high value, technology-based industries including a variety of creative industries. Vasse offers a very attractive lifestyle for those whose business interests can be delivered through telecommunications. The area is a high value tourism location.
The Warren-Blackwood region includes the shires of Boyup Brook, Bridgetown Greenbushes, Manjimup and Nannup. Traditional industries have included agriculture, timber and tourism with some mining at Greenbushes. Together these industries support the small business sector with Manjimup as the regional centre. There is growth potential in food and timber processing.
Find out more about our region.
Major economic drivers
| Bunbury Wellington region |
Warren
Blackwood region |
Vasse region |
|---|---|---|
| Mining | Agriculture | Tourism |
| Infrastructure projects | Timber | Viticulture |
| Manufacturing | Tourism | Agriculture |
| Agriculture | Viticulture | Creative industries |
| Commercial & professional services | Professional services | Professional services |
Useful Links & Documents
The South West region's economy is booming, with over $3.5 billion of major projects currently under construction and a further $3.7 billion committed.
