Capel, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids CapelWestern Australia |
|
|---|---|
Forrest Road in Capel
|
|
 Capel
Location in Western Australia
|
|
| Population | 2,509 (2016 census) |
| Established | 1897 |
| Postcode(s) | 6271 |
| Elevation | 19 m (62 ft) |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Capel |
| State electorate(s) | Collie-Preston |
| Federal Division(s) | Forrest |
Capel is a town in the South West region of Western Australia, located 212 kilometres (132 mi) south of Perth and midway between Bunbury and Busselton. The town is located on the Capel River and is approximately 19 metres (62 ft) above sea level.
Economy
Historically, Capel is a farming area; traditional agricultural pursuits include dairy and beef. In recent times, Capel has become popular for hobby farms, and a number of innovative agricultural pursuits have been introduced, including alpacas, viticulture, aquaculture and growing of blue gums. There is also some mining of mineral sands in the Shire, and tourism is increasingly important to the Shire's economy.
Westralian Sands was established in 1954 but commenced operations in 1959 when it started mining and processing the Yoganup deposit just north of the town. Another company, RGC, operated a mine to the south of the town. In 1998 both companies merged to form Iluka Resources which continues to operate ilmenite mines around the area and produce synthetic rutile at the processing facility to the north of the town along the Bussell Highway.
Demographics
The population of the town was 91 (44 males and 47 females) in 1898. According to the 2016 census figures, the population of the Town of Capel was 2,509, and the population of the Shire of Capel was 17,123.
