The South West is a regional economic powerhouse – generating $13 billion during 2016-17. 
Why invest in the South West?
Businesses choosing to locate to the South West enjoy the region's strong economic growth, a skilled labour force, abundance of industrial land and close proximity to the expanding economies of South East Asia.
Diversity of jobs, the availability of strong business capabilities, and good community and business infrastructure are other factors that make the South West a great place to invest.
The South West's attractive climate and lifestyle are also incentives to those considering a base in the region.
The South West is world-renowned as a quality tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors − and many people like the idea of making their stay in the region a permanent one. With world-class facilities and modern technology, doing business with the rest of the world from the South West is effortless.
Comparative advantages
The South West region of Western Australia has a diverse economy, established infrastructure and an enviable lifestyle. This makes it an ideal place to live and do business.
There are many reasons why people choose to do business here. The region's comparative advantages include:
- Favourable location − close proximity to Perth and the highly efficient port of Bunbury
- Well-established supporting infrastructure, including water, power, gas, telecommunications, road, rail and port facilities
- Rapidly growing population
- Highly skilled workforce
- An abundance of natural resources, including significant coal and gas reserves
- Suitable light and heavy industrial parks
- High quality regional capability to service industry
- Excellent living standards and lifestyle opportunities
- Low cost housing, land and labour costs
About our sub-regions
The South West has three distinct regional economies.
The Bunbury-Geographe 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 Capes 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 Southern Forests region includes the shires of Boyup Brook, Bridgetown Greenbushes, Manjimup and Nannup. Traditional industries have included agriculture, timber and tourism with 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 Geographe region | Southern Forests region | Capes region |
|---|---|---|
| Mining | Agriculture | Tourism |
| Infrastructure projects | Timber | Viticulture |
| Manufacturing | Tourism | Agriculture |
| Agriculture | Viticulture | Creative industries |
| Commercial & professional services | Professional services | Professional services |
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.