Facts and Figures

Population

There are 4,200 people in the Shire of Katanning, with a town population of 3,700. Katanning is the most ethnically diverse regional centre in WA. The population of the wider regional area (which includes six neighbouring Shires of Broomehill-Tambellup, Dumbleyung, Kent, Kojonup, Wagin and Woodanilling) is currently 12,500.

Location

WA’s Great Southern Region, 287km south-east of Perth (3 hours drive) and 187km (1.75 hours) to the city of Albany. Situated on the northern gateway to the Great Southern, Katanning is well established as a major service centre for the region.

Environment

Sheep and wheat farming town situated in magnificent wildflower country.

Climate

Katanning enjoys a Mediterranean/temperate climate with cool, wet winters and hot summers with cool nights.

Summer Average (Dec – Feb) Max 29°C Min 13°C

Winter Average (Jun – Aug) Max 15°C Min 6°C

Industry and Employment

Katanning Sheep Sale Yards, the largest in WA; abattoir; meat processing; CBH, a major grain handling service; hospital; education (primary, secondary, tertiary); agribusiness services; transport and logistics; housing and construction; retail services; and a vibrant small business community.

Potential Drivers:

- Mining operations/exploration, creating up to 200 jobs.

- Development of a food processing precinct, creating up to 300 jobs

- Development of Regional Strategic Industrial Precinct around the new sales yards for new rural industries.

The Katanning Regional Business Association is working in partnership with the Shire and the Great Southern Development Commission to harness opportunities within the region to help further strengthen the local economy. A number of potential new business opportunities have been identified, including services to both Katanning and Western Australia’s multicultural community.

Housing

Katanning is a dream location for first home buyers, with prices starting from as little as $100,000 and an average house price of $215,000 for a 3 bed, 1 bathroom home.

Katanning achieved WA’s highest price growth in 2012/13 at 30.3%, more than double that of the second highest price growth in a regional town.

Education

3 kindergartens, 3 primary schools, senior high school, TAFE (tertiary) and 2 education support centres (inc. special care).

Facilities

Hospital and medical centre, community health centre, childcare centre, youth centre, recreation centre, aqua centre including Olympic-sized swimming pool, various sports clubs including golf, tennis and gymnastics, aged care accommodation, community resource centre, police, fire and St John ambulance services, parks, the National Broadband Hub in Katanning.

 

Churches

Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Foursquare, Jehovah’s Witness, Lutheran, Muslim Mosque, Seventh Day Adventist, Uniting, Wesleyan Methodist.

Retail and Commercial

Supermarkets, speciality shops, pharmacy, banks, bakeries, butcher (inc halal), newsagency, agricultural supplies, clothing, hardware.

Hospitality

Hotels, motels; bed & breakfast; caravan park and camping grounds, cafes, restaurants, bars, takeaway food outlets.

Transport

Road, Freight Rail, bus services, airstrip.