Western Australia
Western Australia is made up of nine regions: Kimberley, the South West, the Great Southern, Goldfields, the Mid West, Wheatbelt, Peel, Gascoyne and Pilbara.
Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is a lively and modern city with a stunning location on the Canning and Swan rivers. The beauty of this city is enhanced by some of the best beaches in the world. Perth has many cosmopolitan districts, romantic scenic areas and suburbs that gracefully line the banks of the river. There is an active nightlife and a wide range of cuisine available, of which the seafood is most exceptional. Breaking out from the beautiful beaches, the Perth area is rightly famed for the exciting fishing spots off the coast, and sailing is a perennial activity. A three hour drive south of the city will bring you to the famous Margaret River region, known for its quality wines, gourmet delights and world-class surfing beaches. Western Australia's spectacular 12,500 km coastline means fantastic beaches and spectacular coastal scenery abound. The coastline also provides a host of economic and recreational activities including the tides and waterfalls of the Kimberley, the pearl luggers of Broome, the canals of Mandurah, the diving of Ningaloo Reef, the fishing of Albany and Denmark and the sailing regattas of Perth and Fremantle. Nowhere else in the world can you experience and interact with such unique natural attractions, dive with whale sharks, snorkel with manta rays, swim with wild dolphins, walk amongst the tree tops of ancient trees or sleep under a canopy of stars in the desert, or explore beehive-like formations of the Bungle Bungles with the help of an Aboriginal guide. Western Australia is a truly diverse environment of sun, adventure and friendly people.
State Business Overview
Regional Western Australia offers numerous exciting business and investment opportunities, as well as an enviable lifestyle. The primary industries in the regions are highly competitive by international standards. Western Australia's regional communities extend as far as Kununurra, 2,300km North of Perth, and to Esperance, 720km South East of the capital. Well developed infrastructure exists throughout all nine regions and transport and communications systems provide fast, economical links. Major regional centres in Western Australia have a full range of services to support business and add to a high quality of life, while in smaller towns high standard essential services and infrastructure are available. Advances in the telecommunications, transport and power sectors have improved services and moderated costs to enhance the investment potential of the regions. The Western Australian State Government has created Regional Development Commissions (RDCs) in each of the nine regions to assist with delivery of Government policy and to promote and encourage investment and economic and social development across the State.
State benefits and Incentives
The Business Migrant Incentive Program (BMIP) is a Western Australian Government initiative designed to assist qualifying business migrants who intend to operate a business activity in a regional (based at least 50 km from the Perth CBD) area of the State to apply for State Sponsorship. Qualifying business migrants for BMIP purposes are classified as prospective business migrants wanting to appoint a Western Australian consultant to prepare a written business proposal, in support of their application for a State Sponsored Business Talent or Provisional Business Skills Visa to establish a business activity in a regional area of Western Australia. The level of funding provided is a contribution of up to AUD $1,500 towards the cost of preparation of the business proposal for State Sponsorship. Note that the consultant's fee for preparation of the business proposal is negotiated between the business migrant and the consultant. To be eligible for funding a prospective business migrant must qualify for a State Sponsored Business Talent or Provisional Business Skills Visa and be able to demonstrate the financial capacity and a genuine commitment to engage in the proposed business or investment activity in a regional area of Western Australia.
State Sponsorship Programme
The Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) is the only agency that has authority to grant visas for entry into Australia. However each State of Australia can participate in this process through the State/Territory Sponsored visa categories. These categories provide the ability to attract and sponsor migrants who have skills that are of value and importance to the State
Regional visas (business and other)
Western Australian State Sponsorship is available on the following categories of provisional (temporary residency) and residence (permanent residency) business skills visas: Skilled Independent Regional (SIR). Please note that SIR sponsorship for Western Australia can only be given to applicants with certain occupations. A Global Visas consultant will be able to advise further details of these occupations.
Skilled Independent Regional (SIR).Please note that SIR sponsorship for Western Australia can only be given to applicants with certain occupations. A Global Visas consultant will be able to advise further details of these occupations.
- State Sponsored Business Owner
- State Sponsored Business Investor
- State Sponsored Senior Executive
- State Sponsored Business Talent
Education
Western Australia offers a range of world-class educational institutions and courses. Western Australian and Australian Government legislation ensures high educational standards and quality premises whilst the educational programmes in all schools are monitored with the standards regularly evaluated through testing programmes. All schools share a common approach to learning, based around the individual needs of the student. All schools regularly report to students and to parents regarding educational progress and well being. The education system is made up of public (Government) and private (independent) schools which offer a wide choice of specialities within primary and secondary schools in Western Australia. There are co-educational and single gender schools, schools with a specific religious focus, and schools providing special programmes for exceptional children. The school education system is divided into three stages:
- Pre-Compulsory (Kindergarten and Pre-Primary)
- Compulsory (Years 1 - 10)
- Post-Compulsory (Years 11 - 12)
Schooling is compulsory from the beginning of the school year in which a child reaches the age of six years (Year 1) until the end of the school year in which the child reaches the age of 15 (Year 10), however most students continue in education until they are 18.
Public (Government) schools
There are around 770 Government schools in Western Australia, educating over 70 per cent (250,000) of Western Australia's students. Government schools are controlled by the State Government and funding is provided by both the State and Federal Governments. Western Australia Government schools follow a standard curriculum, however the subjects offered do vary between schools. The eight learning areas include: mathematics, science, the arts, english, other languages, health and physical education, technology and enterprise and society and environment. All Government schools in Western Australia are co-educational and each school decides its own dress code, with some opting for formal attire and others taking the causal approach to dress code. The cost of attending a Government school in Western Australia is less than AUD $300 p.a., however schools may also ask for a voluntary contribution to enhance the school's educational and sporting programmes. Payment of voluntary contributions is at the discretion of parents.
Government schools are listed in the White Pages telephone directory under 'Schools: Government' and in the Yellow Pages under 'Schools: State'. For more information about Government schools in Western Australia please visit our useful links section.
Private (independent) schools
A significant proportion (approximately 30 per cent) of Western Australian students attend one of Western Australia's 300 private or independent schools. The majority of private schools cater for a specific religious or cultural environment, with the main affiliated religions being Catholic, Anglican, Baptist and Seventh-Day Adventist. There are however also independent schools with no religious affiliation. Tuition fees vary between schools and between year levels. Fees can range from below AUD $1,000 p.a. at primary level in a lower fee school to about AUD $12,000 p.a. at the senior levels of a high-fee 'elite' school. Note that there are a variety of rates between these figures. Some independent schools also offer a boarding option which can add another AUD $10,000 p.a. or more. Furthermore these fees do not include the costs of textbooks, clothing and extra-curricula activities. Generally, co-educational private schools charge substantially lower fees than single-gender private schools and most Catholic and Anglican schools also charge low fees, with the average fees at Catholic Schools being AUD $600 p.a. at primary school level and AUD $2,300 p.a. at secondary level. Western Australia also has an elite schools group, consisting of 13 single-gender schools. These schools charge higher fees than other schools and set very high academic, sporting and cultural activity standards. Parents considering sending their children to a private school should note that there is a very high demand for admission and as such waiting lists can be between 2 and 7 years long, with year 1 especially in high demand. Parents considering sending their children to a private school should note that there is a very high demand for admission and as such waiting lists can be between 2 and 7 years long, with year 1 especially in high demand.
Kindergarten and Pre-Primary
Attendance at kindergarten and Pre-Primary is not compulsory, however the Department of Education and Training is committed to providing a place for all eligible children at their local or nearest school, or at the school or community kindergarten of their parents' choice. Kindergarten programs are available to children who have turned (or will turn) four by the 30th June in any given year. Kindergarten programs run for the equivalent of four half days, however they may also be offered as two full days, or one full day and two half days. While many Kindergarten programs are offered on the school site, some programs are run 'off-site' in close proximity to the school. Kindergarten programs are also offered through Community Kindergartens. A tuition fee of up to AUD $60 p.a. may be charged by Government schools. Pre-Primary programs are available to children who have turned (or will turn) five by 30th June in any given year. Pre-Primary programs run for five full days per week and a tuition fee of up to AUD $60 p.a. may be charged by Government schools.
Primary School
All children in Western Australia must begin primary school in the year they turn six. This means children will begin Year 1 at the beginning of the year they turn six. At primary school (Years 1 - 7) students are generally taught by one teacher for most of the school day, however some schools also have specialist teachers for some subjects like music, art, drama and religious studies. Children enroll in primary schools for years 1 to 7 and upon completing their 7th year of primary school they transfer to secondary school for Years 8 to 12. For more information about primary schools in Western Australia please visit our useful links section.
Secondary School
Choice and diversity increases for students at the secondary school level. In Lower Secondary (years 8 - 10) the curriculum is based on the same eight key learning areas as at primary level (mathematics, science, the arts, english, other languages, health and physical education, technology and enterprise and society and environment ) as well as a range of elective subjects which students can choose from. Secondary school students are taught by different teachers with specialised qualifications in their subject areas. In Upper Secondary (years 11 and 12) students are encouraged to study subjects in which they excel or which relate to their career aspirations. Students are required to develop a detailed theoretical knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. Students who do not intend to go to university after completing secondary school, but do wish to complete their secondary education, can choose from a wide range of vocational subjects. Students who do intend to go to university must stay on until year 12 and need to select four Tertiary Entrance Examination (TEE) subjects which will be assessed and will contribute to a student's Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER). University places are usually offered on the basis of a student's TER although for some courses there are other additional requirements. Students who complete Year 12 with satisfactory grades will also gain the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). For more information about secondary schools in Western Australia please visit our useful links section.
Western Australia State Schools Term Dates
Click here for details of Western Australia's school terms.
Tertiary Education - Vocational and Educational Training Facilities
Tertiary education in Western Australia is provided by Government funded institutions and a range of private institutions. The vocational sector provides education and training courses that award qualifications for direct employment, and entry into universities in Australia and overseas. The Technical and Further Education (TAFE) network within Western Australia consists of 10 colleges, four of which are in Perth with the remaining six located throughout regional Western Australia. The colleges offer diploma and certificate level courses and secondary graduation (year 12) is required for entry into the majority of courses. For more information about vocational and education training facilities in Western Australia please visit our useful links section.
Universities
There are five universities in Western Australia, with the oldest being The University of Western Australia, established in 1911. Curtin University of Technology, Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University are the three other public universities. There is also one private university, Notre Dame, which opened in Fremantle in 1991 and has strong links to its parent campus in the United States. The five universities in Western Australia offer courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level and all maintain high standards of excellence and as such have earned international recognition and admiration. The university academic year generally runs from early March to late November and is divided into two semesters. For more information about universities in Western Australia please visit our useful links section.
Employment
Key industries
Western Australia is one of the world's leading producers of minerals, hence the mining industry is a major source of employment within the State. The mining, oil and gas industries have long been the back bone of the State's economy and collectively these industries employ around 18 per cent of the workforce and contribute approximately a quarter of Western Australia's GDP. Other industries that are growing strongly and creating employment opportunities include the services, technology and specialist manufacturing sectors. The services sector is the fastest growing industry sector in Western Australia and provides many of the business opportunities available to small business operators. The services sector accounts for a large proportion of the State's economic activity and is highly competitive in the areas of education, health and biotechnology, building and construction, information technology and engineering. The manufacturing industry is dominated by the production of basic metal, chemical, petroleum and coal products, processed foods and beverages and mining equipment. The growing diversity and international orientation of manufacturing in Western Australia have been most clearly reflected in its share of the State's exports. Many sectors within the State have achieved international success covering a wide range of value-added goods and services such as high speed ferries, chemicals, mining equipment, communication devices, processed food and beverages, and expertise in - healthcare, education, building and construction, environmental management and tourism. Tourism is a key employer throughout the State, providing jobs for between 73,000 and 80,000 people in Western Australia. It is also one of the fastest growing industries in Australia. Opportunities in tourism stretch from owning your own tourism business, to working in accommodation, food and wine, events, sport or Government.
Looking for work
There are a number of resources available to jobseekers in Western Australia, including newspapers, recruitment agencies and the internet. The State’s major daily newspaper The West Australian has a dedicated section advertising employment vacancies, with Wednesday and Saturday editions holding the most extensive employment section. Other newspaper sources include The Australian and the Australian Financial Review. It should be noted that newspapers generally only contain 20-30 per cent of all job vacancies and therefore should not be the only approach used when searching for a job. Recruitment agencies and consultancies are another key source for job leads and can be found in the Yellow Pages or the career section of local newspapers. The internet is also a useful resource and there are many sites that list job vacancies in Western Australia. Furthermore, many large companies have their own websites, which may outline career opportunities or list job vacancies in their organisation.
Housing
Home ownership
There are a variety of options when it comes to choosing where to live in Perth. Migrants looking for an inner city lifestyle may be attracted to central Perth and its surrounding suburbs, while for those seeking a semi-rural lifestyle there is the Hills area on the outskirts of Perth and the wine growing region of the Swan Valley. Wherever migrants choose to settle, there are many parks, playgrounds, picnic spots, and picturesque waterside areas throughout Perth's suburbs. Perth's spacious suburbs allow many people to build a single or two storey, three or four bedroom free-standing home. In addition to a formal lounge, dining room, bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen, many homes also have an informal family area, a games room, a laundry room, an ensuite bathroom for the main bedroom, a covered patio, a swimming pool, and a large garage or carport. Most free-standing homes are built on 500 to 1,000 square metres of land, while larger land holdings of between a quarter of a hectare to two and a half hectares are found on the outskirts of the Perth. For those who choose to live in smaller homes such as apartments or a group of smaller villas or townhouses, there are usually parkland areas nearby to provide open leisure areas. One thing you will not see in Western Australia is concentrations of high-rise residential areas. One of the major influences in terms of where migrants choose to live is affordability. According to the Real Estate Institute of Australia the average median property price in Perth as at June 2004 was approximately AUD $240,000, making it one of the most affordable cities for housing in Australia and by interstate comparisons the local Perth market appears to be very good value. Other factors that will determine location include the influence of family, friends, work, schools and lifestyle. For more information about housing in Western Australia please visit our useful links section.
Renting
Perth offers a large variety of rental options, from simple units to luxury mansions. Availability of rental properties is largely seasonal with the highest demand for rental properties being in the summer months of November through to March. The average rent for a three bedroom home in Perth is around AUD $210.00 per week, however prospective tenants should expect to pay in the range of AUD $225 to AUD $250 per week for an average rental property in a middle range suburb. To secure a property, tenants will need to pay a security bond (refundable deposit) plus a payment of several weeks rent which has to be paid in advance. In many instances two references will also be required. Properties for rent are advertised in the 'To Let' section of The West Australian. . Landlords and real estate agents place advertisements in the classifieds section, with the largest number of listings being placed in Wednesday and Saturday editions. On average around half of available properties are usually rented out within two weeks of being advertised, with the better ones often being taken within days of coming on the market.
Transport
Cars are the most popular means of transport in Perth and the per capita ownership of cars in Western Australia is one of the highest in the world. Not surprisingly there is an excellent traffic network, which combined with low traffic densities and low car prices make owning a car a very attractive option. Despite the popularity of cars, Perth also has an efficient, modern public transport network of bus, train and ferry services that reach from one end of the city to the other. Transperth manage all of the public facilities, meaning that all of the train, bus and ferry timetables and tickets compliment each other. One of the easiest ways to travel around Melbourne is using the Metcard which allows you to change from tram to train to bus, all on the one ticket. Metcard tickets can be purchased from railway stations, trams and buses, and retail outlets such as newsagents and chemists. Within the central city area is a free transit zone which allows commuters to travel on either buses or trains for free. The transit free zone is provided every day of the week and stretches from Kings Park to the Causeway, and Northbridge to the Swan River. Taxis are also readily available at taxi stands in Perth and the outer suburbs. Alternatively people can telephone one of the taxi companies or book a taxi online. Cycling is also very popular and it is possible for cyclists to take bicycles on trains.
Population
Western Australia is a vast state with a population of approximately 1.95 million, of which 1.35 million are located in Perth. Of the nine regions in Western Australia, the Southwest has the largest regional population with approximately 132,000 people living within the main centres of Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Collie and Bridgetown.
Climate
Western Australia has one of the most diverse climates in Australia, from its tropical north, to its temperate areas in the south-west corner. The warm sun and temperate climate has helped Western Australia cement its reputation as a world-renowned food and wine region, and is also conducive to the State's outdoor lifestyle. In the southern half of the State there are four seasons - summer, autumn, winter and spring, while in the north there are just two - the 'wet' and the 'dry'. The northern winter, or 'dry' season (April-September), has long days of sunshine and blue skies with temperatures ranging from 24 degrees Celsius overnight to around 34 degrees Celsius during the day. Coastal temperatures vary little throughout the day, while the interior may top 40 degrees by day and dramatically drop towards zero in the cool of the night. The northern summer, or 'wet' season (October-March), sees temperatures in the mid to high 30s and high humidity. In the southern half of the State the weather is less dramatic. Southern coastal areas of the Southwest region average a maximum of around 32 degrees Celsius in summer and 14 degrees Celsius in the winter. The city of Perth averages more hours of sunlight each day (eight hours per day) and more rain-free days each year than Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Hobart and Adelaide.
Time Zone
Western Australia is + 8.0 hours GMT. Please note that daylight savings time is not observed in Western Australia.
Geography
Western Australia covers one third of the Australian continent and spans over 2.5 million square kilometers, making it the largest State in the world. It is bordered predominantly by desert to the east and 12,500 kilometres of the world's most pristine coastline to the west. The big variety of landscapes and climates in Western Australia means there is always plenty of sunshine, making it a perfect year-round location. It is a land with spectacular diversity where the deep reds of ancient interior rock formations contrast with the sparkling blue of the Indian and Southern Oceans and the lush greenery of the stunning southern regions. Western Australia is famous for its long days of sunshine, spotless blue skies and brilliant beaches.
Cost of living
Western Australia is one of the best locations in the world for quality of life, and it is also one of the most affordable by world standards. A worldwide cost of living survey by the Mercer Group of Companies in 2004 ranks Perth as the least expensive city in Australia and identifies the cost of living in Perth as less than half of the world's most expensive cities. Another survey conducted by the Mercer Group of Companies in March 2005 ranked Perth in the top 20 cities in the world for quality of life. Cost of goods in Perth. As in all countries retail prices can vary widely between retail outlets and across suburbs, hence prices shown here are approximate costs and are intended as a guide only. All prices are as at March 2005.
Public holidays
Click here for details of Western Australia's public holidays.
Western Australia's nine regions
Great Southern
The Great Southern region is approximately 40,500 square kilometres in area and is home to approximately 55,000 people, 3% of which are indigenous Australians. The majority of the people live in the main towns of Albany, Denmark, Katanning and Mount Barker. The main industries in the region are agriculture, fishing, forestry, mining, tourism and viticulture.
Gascoyne
The Coral Coast and Gascoyne region of Western Australia is an adventure and ecological wonderland. The region includes one of Western Australia's most famous tourist attractions, Monkey Mia in Shark Bay, where wild dolphins come close to the shore to be fed. The Gascoyne region is located in the northwest of the state, about 900 kilometres from Perth, and boasts a diverse, balanced economy, with major industries being tourism, fishing, mining, horticulture and pastoralism. The Gascoyne's 320 days of sunshine a year are a magnet for travellers from the southern areas of Western Australia.
The South West
About one quarter of all West Australians who live outside Perth, live in the South West (population approximately 132,000 in 2003). With its temperate climate and picturesque countryside it remains one of Western Australia's foremost holiday destinations. Attractions include the idyllic vineyards of Margaret River, the natural wonders of the Blackwood River system, Karri Forests and national parks like D'Entrecasteaux and Leeuwin. The main industries in the South West are mining, manufacturing and agriculture. Tourism, as in many of the regions, is a significant growth industry.
Kimberley
The Kimberley region is one of the world's last true wilderness areas and is Western Australia's premier destination for outback adventure. Kimberley incorporates the historical pearling town of Broome, whose wide, white Cable Beach is one of the most famous and photographed beaches in the world. This region has the largest Indigenous population of any of the regions with an estimated 47 percent of the population being Indigenous Australian. Indulge in rare treasures such as pink diamonds and stunning pearls or head inland to experience remote waterfalls, lush rainforests, limestone gorges and vast cattle stations - all alongside the mysteries of ancient Aboriginal culture.
Peel
Just an hour's drive south of Perth, the Peel region encompasses 5,500 square kilometers of diverse landscapes, ranging from rolling farm pastures and striking jarrah forests in the east to the calm waters of Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary in the west and the white sandy beaches that fringe the Indian Ocean. Mandurah - the Peel's 'capital' - and Rockingham are great family destinations, with their wide grassy foreshores for picnicking and cafes for al fresco and waterfront dining. With a combination of popular attractions and its close proximity to Perth, this is one of Western Australia's premier tourist destinations.
Pilbara
The Pilbara region is located about 1,600 kilometres north of Perth and covers roughly 500,000 square kilometers. The Pilbara is one of the earth's oldest land masses, estimated to be more than 2.5 billion years old. It is also the most prolific Aboriginal rock engraving region in the world, with the Burrup Peninsula alone having more than 10,000 engravings. Pilbara is a mineral rich region of spectacular scenery and is often described as the engine room of the nation because of its immense reserves of natural resources. This premier mining region provides the state with its two biggest export earners in iron ore and liquefied natural gas. Many mining companies employ workers based in Perth and fly them onto the mine sites in the Pilbara, in what is known as fly-in, fly-out operations.
Wheatbelt
As the name suggests, industry in the inland Wheatbelt region is dominated by agriculture. The Wheatbelt region comprises an area of 155,000 square kilometres, and is home to over 72,000 people making it the third most populous region in the State. The Avon area close to Perth is known for its lush environment, thanks to its relatively high rainfall. The areas to the East are rich in minerals, including, gold, nickel and iron ore, while the remainder of the region is mostly agricultural. Wheatbelt offers affordable housing and business premises, including established industrial precincts ideal for manufacturing and new industry.
The Mid West
The Mid West is home to one of the world's finest collections of flowering plants and is known to many as the 'Wildflower Region'. Situated only three hours north of Perth, the region has a warm, sub-tropical climate with hot summers and pleasant winters. The Mid West is undergoing the most dramatic growth of any of Western Australia's regions, a fact that is most apparent in the building industry where employment opportunities have flourished.
Goldfields/Esperance
The Goldfields Esperance region, which is the largest of the nine in Western Australia, is one of the world's richest gold mining areas. This region, which borders the Pilbara in the north of the state and stretches to the Southern Ocean, is incredibly diverse. The coast around Esperance, in the south, is home to some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery in the Sate. This coastal strip boasts four National Parks to protect unique native flora and fauna, with Fitzgerald River regarded as one of the most diverse botanical regions in the world. Esperance is the main tourist centre of this region of southern Western Australia.
Other cities within the State
Fremantle
Fremantle is a bustling port town less than half an hour from Perth. It is famous for its night life, pubs and coffee strip centered on the quaint harbour complex.
Margaret River
Margaret River is a popular wine region and its wines, resorts and cuisine are fast earning an enviable reputation internationally. Margaret River is 300km south of Perth.
Broome
Broome, the pearl of the north east, is famous for its pearl farms and the magical Cable Beach. Many people go to Broome expecting to stay maybe a day or two but find they end up staying longer.
