The Shire of Katanning is in the north of the Great Southern, about 290km south of Perth, and 170km north of Albany. Its economic strengths are in agriculture and associated services. It boasts the largest roofed sheep saleyard in the southern hemisphere.
Katanning’s meat processing facilities have drawn a wide range of migrant workers to the town over the past five decades, and they have helped to create one of the most multicultural communities in regional Western Australia.
The town of Katanning is a regional centre and has access to a range of recreation and leisure facilities, government, health and education services, as well as a diverse retail and business district. Apart from Katanning’s residents, the town’s facilities serve the populations of surrounding Shires. Katanning is on the Great Southern Highway and its main entrance is framed by a picturesque and adventurous All Ages Playground and a pioneer-inspired ‘heart park’.
With a population of 4,057 and a land area of 1,518 sq km, Katanning contributes $334.7 million of the Great Southern’s gross regional product. Healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing and agriculture are the main employers.
Katanning
The Shire of Katanning is in the north of the Great Southern, about 290km south of Perth, and 170km north of Albany. Its economic strengths are in agriculture and associated services. Explore RegionsHealthcare and Social Assistance
Health care facilities are provided in Albany and regional towns. Home care, seniors’ services and assisted living provide employment for a significant number of people. We aim to ensure that services provided in the region are comparable to services in the metropolitan area.Education and Training
Public and independent schools serve families throughout the region. Technical and further education is available in Kinjarling / Albany and by extension elsewhere in the region. University courses are delivered at all levels. Tertiary education is supported by affordable student accommodation.Construction and Manufacturing
Steady construction activity takes place on domestic and commercial premises and in civil construction. Machinery manufacturers provide many agriculture-related products and a range of other items for industry and consumers.Primary Production
Broadacre farming and livestock are the backbone of the Great Southern economy. The regional economy also features plantation timber and associated products. Primary production feeds into the rest of the regional economy such as manufacturing and freight services.Noongar Enterprise
Noongar people continue to engage in commercial and community enterprises in the Great Southern. We encourage a range of initiatives that support growth of Noongar enterprises, thereby strengthening Great Southern communities.Retail and Hospitality
Major retail stores, general shopping and specialty services provide a significant number of jobs in the region. The hospitality sector has a steady employment base with seasonal peaks.Katanning Resident, Shire of Katanning.