Invest South West is an initiative of the South West Development Commission (SWDC) and Regional Development Australia South West which is part of the West Australian Government, working under the umbrella of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

The Commission’s role is wide-ranging when it comes to economic development. From providing a range of business development advisory services, community capacity building, facilitation and navigation of government, administering grants programs to supporting key projects and fostering trade, the Commission works in a dynamic way to grow and diversify the economy, creating job and business opportunities in the process.

Number of building approvals

Value of building approvals ($ million)

Building value by Local Government area

Gross regional product values ($ billion)

Quarterly unemployment rate

Labour force by Local Government

Mining continues to be a key economic driver for the South West Region. Latest estimates show that mining and mineral processing was valued at $2.69 billion for 2017-18. Alumina production is the region's highest value commodity.

Value of mining ($ million)

Commodities by percentage

Data is based on financial years unless otherwise stated.

Mining values by commodity ($ million)

Population growth

Population projection




Population growth by Local Government

Data is based on financial years unless otherwise stated.

Import and export trade (million tonnes)

Data is based on financial years unless otherwise stated.

Total exports breakdown (tonnes)

Value of retail turnover ($ million)

The harvesting of hardwood is focused primarily on value added industries like fine furniture manufacture.

Softwood plantations are becoming a significant part of timber production in the area with high volumes of bluegum woodchips exported through the Bunbury Port each year.

Delivered value of log production ($ million)

Log volume (m3)

Delivered value ($ million)

Number of international visitors ('000)

Number of domestic visitors (million)

Tourism expenditure ($ million)

Visitor information

Tourism Western Australia produces annual data on the number of international, interstate and intrastate visitors, their length of stay, and how much they spend. It also details the types of accommodation used and main activities while in the region. Go to the Tourism WA website for more on visitor statistics and research.

The South West is one of the fastest growing winemaking industries in Australia with a significant increase in wine production and exports over the last five years.

The Margaret River Wine Region is the major wine production region. There's been some growth in other premium brand wine regions though Margaret River remains the largest producer.

Grape tonnage by region, 2018

Grape tonnage (crushed)

Aside from providing information for businesses looking to invest in projects in the South West, our Trade Advisors can also provide industry advice and assistance. 

For further information or more detailed statistics, please contact:

Email: info@swdc.wa.gov.au

Main office – Bunbury
9th Floor Bunbury Tower
61 Victoria Street
Bunbury Western Australia 6230

General enquiries: 08 9792 2000
Direct enquiries: See staff directory

International Telephone: + 61 8 9792 2000
Facsimile: + 61 8 9791 3223