The Avon River Basin forms a large part of a region that is referred to as the Wheatbelt in Western Australia. This region has been the home of many aboriginal groups for many millennia, giving it a rich cultural diversity and history. Map 5 (of Avon NRM Strategy) shows the areas of tribal groups within the Southwest of WA that occur in the Avon River Basin. Aboriginal settlements tended to congregate around the local water holes usually associated with granite outcrops.

Note: Map 5 of the Avon NRM Strategy is a general representation of socio-linguistic groups within the Avon River Basin. The boundaries are not definitive or exclusive. Further information is available here.

It is also one of Western Australia's regions with the longest period of non-Aboriginal settlement, some areas being settled for over 160 years. During this period, a well-established network of infrastructure and a stable population base has been established. The people of the region are recognised for innovation and persistence, qualities that are integral to developing and achieving a vision for the future. The Avon River Basin has a population of 46 000 people. The population has been fluctuating since the 1940s but is now declining and aging. There is continued pressure on the region to encourage people, particularly younger people to the region, with improvement in employment opportunities and 'quality of life' facilities. Many young people leave the region in pursuit of employment or higher education and few return.

Areas close to Perth (the 'Avon Arc') are increasing in population. This could lead to a population increase in the Avon Arc of 43% – 147% by 2026 (ECS, 2003). The percentage of Aboriginal people in the region is above the State average, and their influence in economic, social and cultural life is growing. Aboriginal values and heritage are significant within the region. The Avon Catchment Council recognises the importance of protocols for identifying and respecting Aboriginal heritage vales (AHC, 2002) and has completed a study in the Avon River Basin (Bidjamarni Consulting, 2003).

There are approximately 25 000 people employed in the Local Government Areas of the Avon River Basin (including adjacent areas). Of these, 34.7% are employed in primary industry. A further 24.7% are employed in the major secondary industries (wholesale, retail, manufacturing and construction) and 17.7% are employed in the major tertiary industries (education, health and government administration).

Local communities are generally identified by their association within Shires within the region. There are 36 local government authorities (LGAs) associated within the Avon River Basin (35 Shires and the Town of Northam). Of these, 17 occur entirely with the region and a further 12 have more than 50% of their land areas within the region (Table 2) The location of LGAs within the Avon River Basin is shown in Map 6 (of Avon NRM Strategy). A significant change to local government administration within the region is the formation of Regional Organisations of Councils (ROCs). These provide opportunities for neighbouring communities to associate and undertake cooperative planning and action for regional natural resource management. The heritage values of buildings and other infrastructure is identified through surveys coordinated by the Wheatbelt Development Commission.