The South West region is approximately 24,000km2 of which 16,000km2 comprises of State forest, national parks, conservation parks, nature and timber reserves. About 6,000km2 is occupied by agricultural and rural uses; with some 2,000km2 used for industrial and urban development.
The sub-region features substantial mining resource processing operations, served by Bunbury Port and strategic industrial areas at Kemerton, Waterloo, Worsley and Shotts. The power stations around Collie are facing closure in the short to medium term as the Western Australian Government has committed to cleaner energy options. In the meantime, programs have been put in place to transition the workforce.
Greater Bunbury has a range of higher-order services and facilities, including the Bunbury campus of Edith Cowan University, South Regional TAFE and the South West Health Campus which includes Bunbury Regional Hospital and St John of God private hospital. Most specialist services within the South West are located in Bunbury.