South West Development Commission

Shire of Augusta-Margaret River

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River is a popular tourist destination for its fine wines and vineyards, cave formations, scenic forests, national parks, restaurants, art galleries, coastal scenery and world class surf beaches.

Viticulture and wine processing are critical to the strength of the local economy. The local wine industry has experienced strong growth and the area is recognised as a world-class producer of premium wines.

Surfing is also important, bringing in a large proportion of the tourists that support the town. As with any area catering to thousands of tourists in a year, the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has a thriving hospitality and retail sector.

There also continues to be substantial farming activity, primarily beef and dairy, in the shire. Value adding to produce is significant, with locally made dairy products and boutique gourmet ranges widely available.

Margaret River is a SuperTown.

Attractions

Visit the Augusta-Margaret River Tourism Association website for detailed information on local attractions, events, tours and accommodation options.

Shire statistics

Shire representatives
Shire President	Ray Colyer
Chief Executive Officer	Gary Evershed
Towns & communities
Augusta, Margaret River, Cowaramup, Gracetown, Prevelly Park, Gnarabup, Witchcliffe, Karridale, Rosa Brook
Local industries
Dairying, Beef, Sheep, Deer, Fishing, Timber, Market Gardens, Viticulture, Tourism, Timber Crafts and Furniture Making, Arts and Cottage Industries
Population
Estimated resident population, 2011	12,913
Average annual growth rate, 2006-2011	3.0%
Demographic averages (a)
Median age	37
Median monthly home mortgage repayment	$1,254
Median weekly household rent	$180
Median weekly household income	$922
Mean houshold occupancy rate	2.5 people
Building approvals 2010-11
Total value of building approvals	$60,574,000
Residential approvals	$48,064,000
Non-residential approvals	$12,510,000
Number of residential building approvals	148
Labour market (b)
Labour force employed	7,378
Unemployed	256
Unemployment rate	3.5%
Average income 2008-09
Average personal taxable income per annum	$49,339
Property values (c)
Average sale value of dwellings, 2008	$544,264
Minimum price of sold properties	$263,500
Maximum price of sold properties	$1,470,000
Subdivisions
Residential lots approved for development, 2010	135
Agriculture
Total agricultural land holdings, 2005-06	64,483 hectares
Number of farms, 2005-06	403
Value of agricultural production, 2005-06	$49,176,038

Sources
(a) Australian Bureau of Statistics.
(b) Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Small Area Labour Markets - Australia.
(c) Valuer General's Office, Residential Sales Data.