South West Development Commission

Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes

Mining and tourism industries figure prominently in the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes, with the farming, horticultural and viticulture sectors also contributing to the local economy.

Mining is a major contributor to the shire's economy, with Talison Lithium operating out of Greenbushes. The combined total of spodumene, tantalite and tin production in Greenbushes was worth $179.6 million in 2006-07, with a significant portion of world demand for spodumene and tantalum met by the Greenbushes mine.

The shire, encompassing the historic towns of Bridgetown and Greenbushes, also recognises tourism as a very strong part of the local economy. Many old buildings in Bridgetown have been restored to their former glory, making Bridgetown a popular heritage tourism destination.

Attractions

Visit the Bridgetown-Greenbushes Visitor Centre website for detailed information on local attractions, events, tours and accommodation options.

Shire statistics

Shire representatives
Shire President	Brian Moore
Chief Executive Officer	Tim Clynch
Towns & communities
Bridgetown, North Greenbushes, Greenbushes, Yornup, Hester, Catterick, Winnijup, Maranup Ford, Hester Brook, Kangaroo Gully, Wandillup, Glennlynn, Sunnyside, Kingston
Local industries
Mining, Timber, Farming, Horticulture, Marron, Viticulture, Crafts & Cottage Industries
Population
Estimated resident population, 2011	4,670
Average annual growth rate, 2006-2011	2.3%
Demographic averages (a)
Median age	44
Median monthly home mortgage repayment	$895
Median weekly household rent	$130
Median weekly household income	$781
Mean houshold occupancy rate	2.4 people
Building approvals 2010-11
Total value of building approvals	$13,311,000
Residential approvals	$13,174,000
Non-residential approvals	$137,000
Number of residential building approvals	34
Labour market (b)
Labour force employed	2,574
Unemployed	101
Unemployment rate	3.9%
Average income 2008-09
Average personal taxable income per annum	$52,318
Property values (c)
Average sale value of dwellings, 2008	$352,906
Minimum price of sold properties	$183,000
Maximum price of sold properties	$1,180,000
Subdivisions
Residential lots approved for development, 2010	0
Agriculture
Total agricultural land holdings, 2005-06	46,009 hectares
Number of farms, 2005-06	186
Value of agricultural production, 2005-06	$15,481,440

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 2009.