Welcome to the Great Southern
Welcome to the Great Southern Development Commission (GSDC) website. The GSDC is a Western Australian Government agency with offices in Albany and Katanning. The GSDC's activities focus on economic and social development.
The GSDC was established as a Statutory Authority under the Regional Development Commissions Act in 1993. It is one of nine development commissions established under this Act by the Government of Western Australia. It is directed by a nine member community Board, responsible to the Hon Kim Chance MLC, Minister for Agriculture and Food; Forestry; the Mid West and Wheatbelt; Great Southern.
The Great Southern region covers 40,000 square kilometres and features some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery in Australia.
The region’s economy is largely based on the agricultural production of wool, grain and livestock. However, primary production enterprises such as vineyards, horticultural crops and timber plantations have been established, and concerted efforts are being made to add value and diversity. The region has a growing reputation for cool climate premium wine production.
Local asparagus marketed under the Great Southern Naturally brand
More information about diversified agricultural production in the region is available from the websites of the Great Southern Region Marketing Association and the Great Southern Wine Producers' Association.
Fisheries off the region's coastline produce a significant proportion and range of the State's table fish. Aquaculture is an emerging industry with freshwater species such as yabbies, marron and trout produced and harvested inland, whilst mussels and oysters are produced commercially in Albany. Land based abalone production is emerging as a significant employer at Bremer Bay.
Tourism is an important industry for the region, with excellent prospects for growth. The Southern Ocean and its dramatic coastline are a major attraction. Our protected waters attract pods of Southern Right, Sperm, Humpback and endangered Blue whales. Heritage tourism is increasing throughout the region and wine and food-based attractions add to the tourism mix.
The popularity of local Noongar Australian Aboriginal Art is also growing and a marketing network is being established.
Further tourism information is available from the Albany Visitor Centre (www.albanytourist.com.au).
The historic port town of Albany, the State's oldest European settlement, has one of the best natural anchorages in the Southern Hemisphere and is the region's administrative hub. A $27 million marina and harbour development that will further enhance marine activities is underway.
