Unlike many rural areas across the nation, Kojonup will never accept that growth and prosperity can only occur in the cities and large regional centres.Take a visionary Council ready to show real leadership, add to this a large number of very active community organisations, a strong and inclusive volunteer ethos, and throw in some individual dreamers that make sure their good ideas turn into actions, and there you have Kojonup.
Traditionally an agricultural area, Council realised some years ago that it must start to attract more resources from outside the Shire to ensure its future.
One immediate way to bring in more money from outside is through tourism and economic development initiatives. Having the advantage of being located on a major tourist route, and already a popular stopover point, the key is to have a range of things to encourage more people to stop and spend in the Shire.
As one of the first areas in the southwest of WA settled by Europeans, Kojonup’s built heritage is a great drawcard. Heritage walks, combined with nature reserves with numerous rare and endangered species, are very popular.
The almost completed Kodja Place and bush tucker trail, together with the proposed heritage train rides, are expected to greatly expand visitor numbers.
As well as catering for day trippers, Council has been encouraging residents to establish farmstays and bed and breakfasts for overnight or longer visits. Visitors have a variety of farm experiences from which to choose. These range from fully self contained heritage cottages, to shared accommodation that all provide a working farm holiday experience.
Farm animals, native birds and other wildlife, farming memorabilia and extensive collections of country life in bygone days provide a range of things to do and see on one farmstay.
Kojonup also has a farmstay on property that draws its income from sheep, wool, grain and, more recently, flowers. Some 50 acres of this 2,000 acre property is producing magnificent Australian and South African proteas for local and overseas markets.
With diversification being the way of the future for many farmers, the harvesting of yabbies on one farm in the district has grown into a lucrative business and yet another popular tourist attraction, particularly with international visitors.
Kojonup has already been runner up three times in the Western Australian Top Tourism award and three times in the Golden Eye (Tourism Information Centres) awards.
This is a remarkable effort for a small inland town that does not have the advantage of a coastal location. Not to be outdone, Kojonup is convinced that taking out the main prize in these awards is not too far off.
