https://www.keston-economics.com/

Keston Economics, 133/135 York Street, Albany (2026)

30/04/2024

Congratulations to our clients and Wildlife Service, Western Australia (DBCA), Mid West Development Commission and Tourism Western Australia for their success in securing funding through the Cook Labor Government's $165 million Outdoor Adventure Tourism package.

Keston Economics developed socio-economic analyses and business cases for four of the funded projects, supporting the attraction of a combined $41.7 million, including completion of the iconic Wadandi Track in the South West, the Pemberton Trails Masterplan, priority initiatives to support sustainable tourism at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, and phase one of the Kalbarri Foreshore and Beaches Revitalisitation Initiative.

We are excited to see the projects develop and look forward to enjoying these high-quality tourism destinations and experiences ourselves once complete.

View the full WA Government Outdoor Adventure Tourism package here: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook-Labor-Government/%24165-million-to-support-West-Aussies-exploring-the-great-outdoors-20240428

Image Credit: The Great Escape Charter Company

31/12/2021

A big congratulations to the The City of Albany for the opening of the Binalup/Middleton Beach Foreshore Enhancement this morning. The $9 million project includes coastal protection measures, wooden decking, concrete walkways, large, grassed areas, rock walls and seating areas, new barbeques, landscaping and murals. Its conception and staged development are seen as a catalyst for the attraction of investment and future development of the adjacent hotel and Activity Centre sites.

Through business case development and grant funding applications, Keston Economics supported the City of Albany and Landcorp (project partner) to secure $4.5M for the project through Round 2 of the Building Better Regions Fund (Australian Government) and $3.6M from Mark McGowan's WA Government.

The stunning results have been realised through a dedicated consultant project team, including Neo Civil (Stage 1 civil works), MP Rogers & Associates (coastal engineers), GHD Group (civil and structural engineers), Seedesign Studio (landscape architects), WT Partnership (quantity surveyors), and Successful Projects (time planners). Murals were created by local artist Jhodi Bennett and Glenn Hegedus.

Well done to everyone involved for a fantastic outcome, which is sure to continue to drive and deliver strong community and economic progress for Albany and the wider Great Southern region.

Photo credit to Laurie Benson, Albany Advertiser.

08/10/2021

A huge congratulations to our clients, The City of Albany and The Margaret River Region, for their success in the Australian Government's Building Better Regions Fund (Round 5)!

Thanks to the awarded funding, development of the Albany Motorsport Park and enhancement of above ground facilities at Ngilgi Cave in Yallingup can soon commence. Further, effective and culturally sensitive strategic and implementation planning can now be undertaken towards developments, activities and events surrounding the upcoming 2026 bicentenary of Albany (and European settlement in Western Australia).

All three projects represent considerable social and economic value for their respective regions, and we couldn't be happier to have been part of the journey. We look forward to seeing the initiatives take shape in the coming years.

01/07/2021

Trail demand is increasing globally, and Western Australia is well positioned to expand its trail network. Demand in our state has in part been driven by the increasing development of state, regional and local strategies, as well as growing public sector recognition of the importance of trails and connection to nature for mental and physical health, economic diversification, job and volunteering growth, Aboriginal enterprise development and engagement, and tourism industry development. Recent Keston Economics modelling suggests a net benefit of just over $1 million per annum per kilometre of trail constructed, when considering all above factors.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further stimulated demand, with Trails WA recording an increase in trails participation of 100% in only two months between May and June 2021. During COVID-19 restrictions, the state has relied on trails infrastructure as one of the last socially distanced opportunities for physical activity, adventure, and engagement with nature.

In general, participation in bushwalking, cycling, canoeing/kayaking, mountain bike riding and horse riding has increased 4% per annum between 2017 and 2020 (Sport Australia). Common Google searches in Western Australia related to trails have also increased by an average 7.3% per annum since 2004/05 (normalised by relative popularity). Similarly, bicycle imports into Australia and memberships to AusCycling and Mountain Bike Australia - MTBA have been increasing steadily. Cycling Australia recorded an average 6.1% growth per annum since 2011, and MTBA 11.2% since 2013.

Trails WA identify approximately 622 trails across WA (when removing duplicated entries as part of trails networks), with over 20,000km of combined trail length. Whilst Trails WA records trail types by larger Tourism Research Australia tourism regions, it is interesting from a state perspective to extrapolate these data for a more refined view by development commission region. Perth has the highest number of recorded trails (160), but the South West leads the charge in terms of total trail length at over 5,000km (24.4% of the states total trail length).

Unsurprisingly, two-wheel drive trails have the greatest trail length across WA. However, when considering physical activity only, bushwalking leads with 389 trails and a combined length of over 3,000km (13.6% of the state total). Mountain biking also contributes significantly, with just under 1,900km (7.9% total state) and 47 trails. In terms of strategic planning, the South West and Wheatbelt regions have the greatest number of regional and local trail-related plans developed between 2006 and 2021 (14 each), followed by the Great Southern (10). Recent State Government strategic plans include the WA Hiking Strategy, WA Strategic Trails Blueprint, WA Mountain Bike Strategy, and WA Bicycle Network Plan.

Great Southern Development Commission, Outdoors Great Southern, Peel Development Commission, Mid West Development Commission, Kimberley Development Commission, Pilbara Development Commission, Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission, South West Development Commission, Gascoyne Development Commission, Wheatbelt Development Commission, Tourism Western Australia, Australia's South West, HikeWest, WestCycle, Common Ground Trails, The Margaret River Region

25/12/2020

Happy holidays everyone!

Despite a relatively rocky year, it is now coming to an end and the future is looking bright. Western Australia has performed exceptionally well compared to our eastern and global counterparts, and I couldn't think of a better place than the Great Southern to call home and do business; working on so many fantastic projects and with so many amazing clients all around the world.

Our population is booming, there are numerous wonderful developments nearing completion or in the pipeline, new restaurants and bars, new hotels, new activities, events, products and services, strong intrastate travel and local spend, and rapidly diversifying demographics and industry sectors. All key ingredients to strong regional economic growth.

Interstate and eventual international easing of border restrictions are expected to significantly increase growth for regional Australian cities, particularly those that have demonstrated resiliency and strong health and economic performance through the pandemic. Anecdotal evidence provided by local banking and real estate experts suggests unprecedented growth in the local population throughout 2020 (e.g. up to 12% based on increase in new banking customers, residential rental requests and property purchases). It certainly will be interesting to see what the future holds and what the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census shows in tangible data.

A special thanks to those that have chosen to do business with or assist Keston Economics in its endeavours throughout 2020: The City of Albany, Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre, Great Southern Development Commission, Albany Business Centre, Albany Chamber of Commerce & Industry, YM, Railways Football & Sporting Club Albany, Parks and Wildlife Service, Western Australia, The Margaret River Region, Fletcher International Exports, Albany Youth Support Association, Pivot Support Services, Lower Great Southern Tennis Association (LGSTA), Lawley Park Tennis Club, Merrifield Park Tennis Club, H+H Architects, Shire of Cranbrook, Denmark Surf Life Saving Club, Shire of Denmark.

Congratulations also to our clients whose developments were completed or near completion this year: Advance Housing Ltd Serpentine Road 40-bed student accommodation, The City of Albany Pump, Jump & Skills Challenge Park, Albany Town Hall and Middleton Beach Foreshore Enhancement projects, Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre Long Live You program, hockey turf and new cricket nets.

18/12/2020

So exactly how important is it to buy local and encourage local employment?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics household expenditure survey estimates that the average household spends $40,000 per year on a broad range of consumer goods and services. Of this, consumers estimate that 24.6% of their spending is with local small business.

Better still, spending on local products and services provides significant value for local economies. Known as the Boomerang Dollar effect, the American Express (2019) Shop Small report finds that 45 cents of every dollar in Australian local business turnover is reinvested locally. This amounts to $57.7 billion that small businesses have contributed to their local economy in 2018 alone (up from $37.3 billon in 2017).

Whether it's toys, clothes and nursery items for your new baby (Bebe Bits), your next loaf of bread (Bredco), pint of milk (Yard 86), wheel of cheese (Porongurup Pure) or cut of beef (Plantagenet Meats), night out (Majuba Bistro and Pepper & Salt Restaurant), catering or snacks on the run (Market Grill), groceries (IGA - York St), gifts for family and friends (Stamms EMPORIUM and La Botanic Albany), art (Blush Retail Gallery), business support, workshops and advocacy (Business Great Southern, Albany Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Denmark Chamber of Commerce, and Katanning Regional Business Association - KRBA), coworking and networking space (Albany Business Centre and Ideation Co.), tax accounting (Albany Accountants - Smith Thornton Accountants), dancing lessons (Antonia's Dance Studio), clothing alterations (Ashley Whiting Creative), wine, beer or spirits (Alkoomi Wines, Artisan Brewing and Great Southern Distilling Company), wedding inspiration (The Wedding Collective - Great Southern), first home or investment property (Elders Real Estate Albany), settlement and conveyancing needs (HR Settlements), insurance (Elders Insurance Katanning), or will, estate and succession planning (Great Southern Wills), always remember to buy local first. From cradle to grave, the Great Southern region is brimming with fantastic local produce and consumer, personal and professional services, many of which are developing strong national and international reputations. Why take your business elsewhere if you don't have to?

17/12/2020

The Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) has officially been announced!

Incorporated not for profits, local government agencies and non-distributing co-operatives are eligible for $20,000 to $10 million in funding for infrastructure projects or $5,000 to $1 million for new or expanded local events, strategic regional plans or leadership and capability strengthening activities. Funds will cover 50% or more of eligible project costs.

Round 5 opens on the 12th of January 2021 and closes on the 5th of March 2021.

More information is available from business.gov.au - https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/building-better-regions-fund-community-investments-stream & https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/building-better-regions-fund-infrastructure-projects-stream

09/12/2020

Need to develop a business plan, strategic plan or risk management plan to develop your business and/or idea but don't have the cash to hire an expert? There are still two days left to apply for Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development - DPIRD's Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program!

Western Australian food and beverage manufacturers can apply for vouchers valued up to $10,000 to engage consultants or technical experts to help grow their business.

The Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program supports Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across regional and metro WA to overcome potential barriers to growth, reduce risks around planned expenditure and capture new opportunities for growth.

https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/AFBvoucherprogram

09/11/2020

It is such a fantastic honour to have won the category for best business with 0-4 employees and be finalists for business of year at the 2020 Albany Chamber of Commerce Business Awards on Saturday night! We are humbled by the recognition and so appreciative for the opportunities it provides us.

Thank you to the amazing team at Albany Chamber of Commerce & Industry for putting on such a wonderful gala event. Thank you to all the sponsors, especially Harvey Norman Albany for sponsoring our category. Thanks to Gertrude WellEase for your energy and flamboyance as presenter for the evening, an integral part of what made the night so special and entertaining. Thanks also to the Albany Entertainment Centre for catering the event. And a special thanks and shout out for the support we have received from the Albany Business Centre to get where we are today, including your nomination for the award. We'd also like to thank the judges for donating their time and for acknowledging the value Keston Economics has provided the region.

Congratulations to the other finalists for the 0-4 employees category. Both Evolved Wellbeing and Rule the Books are more than worthy contenders, and I am sure it was a very difficult for the judges to make their final determination. Congratulations also to Handasyde's for taking home the business of the year award and winning your tourism award category! We are so happy that your contributions to the Great Southern tourism industry (and its residents through a great number of employment opportunities and delicious treats) have not gone unnoticed.

And finally, congratulations to all other very deserving finalists and winners for other categories. There are so many unique and dynamic small business making our beautiful region the amazing and engaging place it is; particularly in their contributions to a thriving economy despite the trials experienced across the globe over the last year. We couldn't be more proud to be a part of it with you, and look forward to another decade of positive development and growth for all.

17/07/2020

Great news for all the data lovers out there! Tourism Western Australia has just published its 2017/18/19 fact sheet for the Great Southern Development Commission Area, 8 other Regional Development Commission Areas and the Perth Metropolitan Development Commission Area.

https://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/Research-Reports/Facts-Profiles/Pages/Development-Fact-Sheets.aspx #/

Although these statistics are likely to experience significant change in the coming years as a result of Covid-19, it's certainly not all bad news. Leading global economists agree that domestic travel is going to become more pronounced than ever as we tackle ongoing border restrictions and long-term travel disruptions.

With intrastate travel already making up a significant contribution (84%) to Great Southern visitation, we can expect exceptional growth in this market as those that usually travel interstate or overseas look for exciting destinations closer to home. Importantly, although staying less nights, they spend considerably more than their international counterparts.

The only questions now remain; how do we get them through our doors? How do we ensure they buy our products and services? How do we capitalise on the very real, and already evident, coming surge in domestic intrastate visitation?

The Amazing South Coast; Great Southern Centre for Outdoor Recreation Excellence; Discover Denmark WA

Keston Economics

30/04/2024

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01/07/2021

25/12/2020

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