an estimated 5,000 jobs in 2019. The largest industry sectors by employment are Agriculture Forestry and Fishing, Health Care and Social Assistance, Retail Trade and Education and Training. In 2021, unemployment for the region was 3.5%. The tourism sector is a key component of the economy within the region. The coastline is rugged, exciting and accessible, with Misery Beach being named Australia’s best in 2022 by Tourism Australia. Little Beach, Blossoms Beach, Greens Pool and Peaceful Bay are other Great Southern beaches recommended by the Australia’s South West Regional Tourism Organisation. The region also includes some of the oldest granite ranges in the world including the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges. A large part of the Great Southern’s culture and tourism is based on its important role in WA’s history, both European and Noongar. Lonely Planet rates the National Anzac Centre in Albany a top choice destination. The Region includes part of the 1.5million hectare Biosphere Reserve of the Fitzgerald River National Park and is recognised as a place of environmental significance by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The Reserve ranks among the most important areas for plant biodiversity in the world and contains over 250 rare or geographically restricted plant and animal species, about many of which little is known. Of the 5,000 or so vascular plant species native to this area, 79% are endemic. The Great Southern tourism experience has expanded in recent years with a four-star hotel in Albany; additional cellar doors and restaurants throughout the region; significant upgrades to regional trails; and the spectacular Bremer Bay Orca experience where the deep-sea Bremer Canyon Sub-Basin attracts Killer Whales and other unique marine life. The Great Southern is the fifth most visited region in the State of WA, with around 740,000 overnight visitors each year. This includes 67,000 interstate visitors and 61,000 international visitors.
Fitzgerald River National Park
52 | WA Investment Prospectus
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