Commerce
The City of Bunbury is the commercial and administrative centre and the major service hub of Australia's South West.
Bunbury is also the regional distribution centre because of its access to major road, rail and port facilities. This allows it to service the transport needs of the rural hinterland.
With strong population growth in the areas of Austalind, Eaton and Dalyellup, retail turnover in the Greater Bunbury area is set for continued growth.
Busselton, the second largest urban centre, also has a strong retail industry based on the high population growth of the town and surrounding areas.
Vasse Newtown, a new land development south west of Busselton, will provide further opportunities for retail development with a village-style town centre planned.
The other towns with notable retail activity are Manjimup, Margaret River, Harvey, Donnybrook, Collie and Bridgetown. In 2007/08 retail turnover for the South West Region was estimated at $1.634 billion.
A variety of businesses supply goods and services to the mining, agricultural, forestry, fishing and tourism industries as well as the wider community.
The range includes everything from basic food and clothing to retail and wholesale trade, banking, investment and financial services, industrial and building supplies, real estate, accommodation, hospitality, and recreational and cultural requirements.