Our region is home to a diverse, productive and growing local economy.

Fertile soils, abundant underground water and favourable climate enable agriculture, forestry and fishing to thrive in the region, underpinning the region’s economic base. The Agriculture, forestry and fishing sector provides the largest number of jobs in the region .

Beef, dairy, sheepmeat and wool contribute a major share of agricultural production, whilst Forestry is the largest employer in the region, with operations in and around Mount Gambier, Millicent, Tarpeena and Nangwarry. Other important primary production crops are grain, pasture, vegetable seed, potatoes, onions and fruit crops.

Established wine producing areas such as Coonawarra, Padthaway, Wrattonbully and Mount Benson make valuable contributions to the State’s annual wine crush and wines from this region are recognized around the world.

The Dairy sector is concentrated in the lower part of the region.  This delicious drop represents a huge 40% of South Australia’s total milk production.

Fishing and aquaculture-based industries make a small but highly significant contribution to the economy through employment and export opportunities, and include the all important Southern Rock Lobster catch, farmed abalone, yabbies, barramundi & atlantic salmon.

Manufacturing enterprises within the region are related to agriculture, forestry, and food and wine processing and make up the second largest employment sector

The retail sector is the third largest employer within the region, with a mix of national retailers and unique boutique stores in all major towns.