DIVERSIFICATION is important for the economic viability of the Donnybrook-Balingup Shire, says shire CEO John Attwood.
While Donnybrook livelihoods have traditionally been based on the orchard industry, a bad season this year that resulted in a 50 per cent drop in production while prices remained static, meant locals had to be flexible and resilient.
Tourism and viticulture are becoming more important as locals and Perth investors move to these more lucrative ventures.
IAMA Real Estate agent Rod Jackson said Margaret River land had become more expensive because of increased interest in viticulture.
“We benefited from the higher Margaret River prices. Sales increased in the area because prices were generally lower here,” Mr Jackson said.
While there is an abundance of land in Donnybrook, one problem faced by the town was the issue of Native Title which came into play when WA Government land was needed.
Mr Attwood said it was time the government realised the importance of releasing land for development.
He said it was no use promoting industry to the town if there was nowhere to house it.
The backbone of the shire is arguably the seasonal influx of 1,200 backpackers who work in the local orchards and spend their wages in local pubs and shops.
With an increase in the varieties of fruit under cultivation, the picking season had also been extended, allowing a longer work period for the backpackers.
However, local shop operators said they had experienced a drop in business this year because of a influx of boat people from the Middle East working in the orchards.
One shopowner said the new workers sent the money back to their families rather then spending it while in the local community.
Orchardists were allegedly receiving a government subsidy to employ the boat people – something which the traditional backpackers did not attract.
