Limestone Coast Region
With an estimated population of 64,105, Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast covers a region of nearly 21,337 square kilometres. The Limestone Coast Region is well known for its fertile soils, reliable rainfall and significant groundwater resources. The region’s 378 kilometres of scenic coastline provides the basis for much of the Limestone Coast’s economic activity which includes tourism, the production of world-class fresh seafood and a wide variety of recreational activities.
The City of Mount Gambier, located in the southern part of the region, with a population of 25,804 is the second largest city in South Australia. Mount Gambier is a major regional centre with a range of business, retail and community services. Other major commercial and service centres in the region include Naracoorte, Millicent, Penola, Bordertown, Keith, Robe, Kingston and Lucindale, each providing essential services and support agencies for growing families.
The Limestone Coast is home to a diverse range of industry sectors, which support a robust, and expanding business community. The main industries by employment in the region are:
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (16.8%)
- Manufacturing (14.1%)
- Retail trade (12%)
- Health and Community Services (9.7%)
- Construction (7.1%)
- Education (6.6%)
- Accommodation, Cafes and Restaurants (6.6%)
- Transport and Storage (4%)
Key agricultural industries include dairying, beef cattle, sheep, grain and seed production, viticulture and horticulture. Fishing includes both wild caught seafood and aquaculture production. The southern part of the region has extensive areas of well managed softwood forest plantations that have provided the basis for a strong forestry and timber processing industry for many years as well as more recently planted hardwood forests.
The region has numerous educational facilities including 75 schools providing pre-school, primary, secondary and special education services, as well as Independent Learning Centres and private schools. Mount Gambier has three university campuses with University of South Australia, Flinders University and Southern Cross University all being represented in the city. There are also five Technical and Further Education (TAFE) facilities located in the region with campuses located at Mount Gambier, Naracoorte, Millicent, Bordertown and Kingston.
A major regional health service is centred around the Mount Gambier Public Hospital and the co-located Private Hospital. The hospital is a 24/7 Accident and Emergency acute service facility with a range of specialist, surgical and allied health services supported by a comprehensive community health service. Small sub-regional hospitals provide local and back-up services in Millicent, Penola, Naracoorte, Bordertown and Kingston together with a community hospital in Keith.
The region is home to numerous tourist attractions including the World Heritage Listed Naracoorte Fossil Caves, the world famous Blue Lake at Mount Gambier, a number of premium wine growing regions, national parks, unique wetlands, volcanic landscapes and underground wonders. In summary, the Limestone Coast provides its many communities, both small and large, with an excellent quality of life in one of South Australia’s most desirable regions.
For more information on the Limestone Coast region, including employment opportunities visit: here
