The Kimberley population demographics are considered unique with 47.3 per cent of the Region's resident population being Indigenous compared to around 3.5 per cent of the Western Australian population and 25 per cent in the Northern Territory. The 2001 Census reflected that the median age of the Kimberley Indigenous population in 2001 was 21 years, while the median age of the Region's Non-Indigenous population was 40 years. There are approximately 200 Indigenous communities across the Kimberley and over 34 Indigenous languages spoken.

Planning and Economic Development
Demographic trends suggest strong population growth and in particular strong Indigenous population growth. This trend will provide challenges in meeting education, health, housing and social welfare requirements. Planning will be required to create the opportunities so the Kimberley economy can take advantage of its growing workforce.

A range of programs, administered by State and Federal Government agencies, target and promote economic development within the Indigenous community.

There are an increasing number of Indigenous owned and operated businesses across a range of industries including:

Tourism
Tourism is one of the largest and most prominent industries in the Kimberley. Indigenous enterprise involvement in regional tourism is illustrated by the increasing development of tours and eco-adventure businesses, the provision of Indigenous and cultural tours, and the operation of commercial accommodation and service facilities. Opportunities exist to expand Indigenous involvement in this sector by incorporating traditional values into sustainable income-generating ventures.

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Art & Culture
Indigenous art and culture continues to develop as a world-class industry that attracts investment and interest, complementing the regional tourism and retail sectors. Regional-based publishing is encouraging increased production of stories by Indigenous authors, with a focus upon the recordings of oral histories, children stories and life experiences that are sold nationally and internationally. The progression of the industry, and the success of regional art centres, contributes towards the Region's economic and social development. There are currently 12 Indigenous art centres operating across the Kimberley.

Pastoral Industry
The Indigenous pastoral industry is an important component of the broader Kimberley pastoral industry, with 30 per cent of all establishments operated by Indigenous people. The industry provides career and training opportunities for remote Indigenous communities and opportunities for establishing self-sustaining commercial ventures.

Retail
Indigenous organisations operate a substantial number of retail outlets across the Region including major roadhouses and fuel outlets, community stores and hotel and accommodation establishments. In addition to providing local service and supply outlets to a diverse number of communities, these outlets are responsible for substantial economic activity and consequent employment outcomes.

Aquaculture Development
Indigenous organisations are involved in development of the Region's aquaculture industry. The Broome-based Multi Species Hatchery project is led by the Kimberley Aquaculture Aboriginal Corporation and remote Indigenous communities are involved in land-based trials of various species across the Kimberley. A number of coastal Indigenous communities have
access to aquaculture resources such as suitable land, quality water and pristine locations. The Bardi Ardyaloon hatchery at One Arm Point has successfully been producing trochus shell for a number of years including reseeding surrounding reefs and trialling other aquaculture species for development.

Other areas of increased participation include irrigated agricultural enterprises, bush foods, cultural interpretation and health and community service activities.

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Impact on Regional Economic Activity
In addition to the contributions that Indigenous owned and operated businesses make to the Region, a significant proportion of regional economic activity in the Kimberley is attributable to public sector expenditure for Indigenous people and the associated flow on effects to the regional economy. Much of this income and expenditure is year-round, and complements the seasonal aspects of other regional industries, such as agriculture, retail and tourism.

It is estimated that a substantial amount of these public sector monies are distributed through Indigenous owned and controlled organisations, which comprise a significant component of the Kimberley economy. Further data on these impacts and effects is contained in the publication 'Aboriginal Component of the Kimberley Economy' (Kimberley Development Commission 2001).

The Community Development Employment Program (CDEP) provides employment and community development opportunities where there is an absence of conventional labour market activity. Official employment statistics include CDEP participants as employed persons. The statistical effect of this is likely to mask the underemployment of Indigenous people within published labour force figures.

Land Management and the Economy
A Participation Agreement between Argyle Diamonds and the Miriuwung and Kija people of the East Kimberley promotes Traditional Owner participation in a number of the mine's planning and operational activities including Indigenous training, environmental rehabilitation, employment and business opportunities. The mine aims to increase Indigenous participation in its workforce to 40 per cent by 2008.

The West Australian State Government, the Miriuwung Gajerrong Traditional Owners and major stakeholders signed the Ord Final Agreement and Indigenous Land Use Agreement on 6 October 2005. The agreement provides substantial socio-economic benefits to the traditional owners and releases land for the potential development of Ord Stage 2.