Perth dominates the Western Australian economy, despite the major mining, petroleum, and agricultural export industries located elsewhere in the state. Perth’s is the State of Western Australia’s capital city, its economic base and population size have also created development opportunities for many other businesses oriented to local and diverse markets.

Since the 1950’s, Perth’s economy has been favouring of the service industry. Although one of the major sets of services it provides are related to the resources industry and agriculture, most people in Perth are not connected to either of these; they have employment that provide services to the people in Perth.

As for Perth's relative isolation geographically, it has never had the necessity to develop significant manufacturing industries other than those serving the immediate needs of its residents, such as mining and agriculture and some specialised fields such as, niche ship building and maintenance. It was in fact simply more affordable to import all of the needed manufactured goods from either the eastern states or overseas.

The effect of Industrial employment has certainly influenced the economic geography of Perth. The city experienced suburban expansion aided by high levels of car ownership especially after WWII. Due to workforce decentralisation and transport improvements, made it possible for the establishment of small-scale manufacturing in suburbs. Many companies and industries took advantage of inexpensive land to build vast, single-storey plants in locations in suburbs where parking, access and traffic congestion was very minimal.

In regards to the vast population growth post-WWII, employment growth occurred in manufacturing and in retail and wholesale trade, business services, health, education, community and personal services and in public administration. It was these services sectors, concentrated around the Perth metropolitan area, that provided work to the majority.

Perth has a large South African community and is comically referred to as “Perthfontein”. The climate and beautiful beaches seem to be a huge draw card to South Africans. It also has quiet feel in comparison to the hustle and bustle of Sydney. Many South African owned businesses have been opened successfully and now contribute to the ever growing economy of Perth and the surrounding areas of Western Australia.

Migrate to Perth today and become part of the South African community of “Perthfontein”