Shire of Augusta-Margaret River

The Shire of Augusta–Margaret River is a local government area located in the South West region of Western Australia. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including beautiful beaches, vineyards, forests, and the famous Margaret River wine region. The shire covers an area of approximately 2,517 square kilometers and has a population of around 16,791 people as of 2021.

## History 
The Shire of Augusta–Margaret River was created in 1998 following the amalgamation of the former Shires of Augusta and Margaret River. The region has a rich history, with Indigenous people, primarily the Wardandi and Noongar peoples, having inhabited the area for thousands of years before European settlement. The first European settlers arrived in the early 19th century, with the town of Augusta being established in 1830 and Margaret River in the 1850s. On 1 July 1961, it became a shire under the *Local Government Act 1960*. In 2017, the Shire of Augusta–Margaret River abolished its system of wards, meaning councillors are now elected by the whole community rather than specific areas within the shire.

## Geography 
The shire is located along the south-western coast of Western Australia, bordered by the Indian Ocean to the west and the Blackwood River to the north. It has a diverse range of landscapes, including rugged coastlines, fertile river valleys, karri forests, and limestone caves. The Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park runs along much of the coastline, offering visitors access to some of the state's most beautiful natural environments.

The region experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The climate is ideal for agriculture, particularly viticulture, which has become a prominent industry in the area.

## Economy 
The economy of the Shire of Augusta–Margaret River is driven by several key industries:
*Viticulture and Wine Production: The Margaret River wine region is internationally renowned for its premium wines, especially cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay.
*Tourism: The natural beauty of the area, combined with wineries, beaches, and cultural attractions, makes tourism a significant economic driver. Popular activities include surfing, hiking, fishing, and visiting local art galleries and festivals.
*Agriculture: In addition to wine production, the region also supports dairy farming, beef production, and the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

## Local Government 
The Shire of Augusta–Margaret River is governed by a shire council, which consists of a Shire President and several councillors. The council oversees local services, infrastructure, and community programs. The administrative offices of the shire are located in Margaret River, which is the main town and commercial center of the region.

## Towns and Localities 
Key towns and localities within the Shire of Augusta–Margaret River include:
*Augusta: The southernmost town in the shire, known for its historic lighthouse and proximity to the Leeuwin-Naturaliste lighthouse and Cape Leeuwin.
*Margaret River: The largest town, famous for its wineries, arts scene, and surf culture.
*Gracetown, Cowaramup, Prevelly, Karridale, and several smaller settlements.

## Attractions 
The Shire of Augusta–Margaret River is known for its many attractions, including:
*Margaret River wineries and vineyard tours
*Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, with hiking trails and coastal vistas
*Surfers Point and Prevelly Beach, renowned for world-class surfing
*Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet
*Caves and karri forests, including Jewel Cave and Lake Cave

## Transport 
The shire is accessible by road via the Bussell Highway. The closest major city is Bunbury, located about 1.5 hours north, while Perth is approximately 3 hours to the north. Public transport options are limited, and most visitors rely on private vehicles to explore the region.