Every visit I make to the Great Southern only reinforces my appreciation for the innovation, ambition and strong sense of community across the region.
From paddock to port, the Great Southern is helping power Western Australia's economy.
The region is home to world-class agricultural producers, exporters, manufacturers, tourism operators and small businesses that play an important role in driving jobs, investment and economic activity across our State.
It’s great to be able to learn about local innovation and new technologies at Gnowangerup's Fields and Fortunes event, engage with the University of Western Australia on the opportunities in education, research and workforce development in Albany, as well as meet with local businesses, industry and community leaders across the region. It’s through these experiences I am reminded of the partnerships and the focus driving the Great Southern's continued growth.
Across communities, industries and organisations, there is a real shared commitment to creating opportunities, supporting local jobs and planning for the future.
At the heart of the region is Albany, a city that serves as a key economic, service and community hub for the Great Southern.
Its strategic location, skilled workforce and port infrastructure place it strongly for future growth and were key reasons it was identified as part of the Cook Government's Seven Cities vision.
Through Seven Cities, we are focused on strengthening regional centres so they can support growing industries, attract investment and provide the housing and services needed for growing communities.
A key part of that vision is ensuring Albany's role as a gateway for trade and exports can continue to support industry growth across the Great Southern.
Now in its 200th year, Albany’s port has also provided the gateway for economic growth for the region and will continue to do so for years to come. Our Government is investing more than $11 million into planning and design for a new general-purpose berth at the port to replace the ageing berth infrastructure that has served the port faithfully since the 1950s.
As Albany and the wider Great Southern continues to grow, the region is well placed to seize new opportunities and attract further investment.
The people and businesses featured in this edition of Business News highlight why the Great Southern is one of Western Australia's most important regional economies and a key contributor to our State's future prosperity.
Hon Stephen Dawson MLC
Minister for Regional Development; Ports; Science and Innovation; Medical Research; Kimberley
27 Jul 2026
