Shire of Augusta–Margaret River

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River is a local government area in the south-west corner of the South West region of Western Australia, approximately 270 km south of Perth. The shire covers an area of 2243 km2 and had a population of over 14,000 at the 2016 Census, about half of whom live in the towns of Margaret River and Augusta.

Nearly half of Augusta Margaret River's land area is state forest or national park. National parks include Scott National Park and Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Other land uses include agriculture, especially dairy and beef cattle; viticulture; and tourism.

History
It was first gazetted as the Augusta Road District on 16 April 1891 and was renamed to Augusta-Margaret River Road District on 10 September 1926. On 1 July 1961, it became a shire under the Local Government Act 1960. In 2017 it abolished its system of wards for electing councillors.

Indigenous people
The majority of the Shire of Augusta–Margaret River is located on the traditional land of the Wardandi people, except for the eastern part of the shire which is located on the land of the Bibulman (also spelled Pibelmen) people, both of the Noongar nation.

Towns and localities
The towns and localities of the Shire of Augusta–Margaret River with population and size figures based on the most recent Australian census:
 * (* indicates locality is only partially located within this shire)

Population
The historical figures for the population of the shire have been recorded in the census as follows:

Notable councillors

 * Barry Blaikie, Shire of Augusta–Margaret River councillor 1965–1971, later a state MP

Heritage-listed places
As of 2023, 143 places are heritage-listed in the Shire of Augusta–Margaret River, of which eleven are on the State Register of Heritage Places, among them the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Wallcliffe House and Ellensbrook.

Map

 * Western Australia. Dept. of Land Administration. Cartographic Services Branch. (2004) South West Corner/Western Australia Perth, W.A.. Scale 1:150 000 ; (E 114°58'--E 115°40'/S 033°27'--S 034°25')  Also known as StreetSmart Touring Map - with localities Augusta, Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River  on title ISBN 0-7309-2907-8