The North Midlands consists of the Shires of Carnamah, Coorow, Mingenew, Morawa, Mullewa, Perenjori and Three Springs.  These seven Shires have a combined population of 5,433 (9.9% of the region’s total) and occupy 7.1% of the Mid West’s land mass (33,976.6km2).

Whilst the North Midlands are characterised largely by their predominant agricultural base, it is also very diverse, spanning from the coastal communities of Leeman and Greenhead to the mineral rich hinterland some 200km inland.  The coastal communities thrive on fishing and coastal based tourism, and expect significant growth since the recent opening of the Indian Ocean Drive.  The inland districts are characterised primarily by small animal farming and agriculture, incorporating the State’s largest grain receival point at Mingenew.

North Midlands communities are popular tourism destinations, particularly during the spring due to the unique wildflowers and landscape.  From a tourism perspective the North Midlands is known as “Wildflower Country” (It also includes Moora and Dalwallinu).

Resource sector activity has always been present in the North Midlands, including mineral sands, gas and iron ore.   The significant iron ore resources within this subregion have stimulated larger scale mining activity at Tallering Peak and Karara, with more projects in the pipeline.  This significant resources focus is expected to increase the population and lead to expansion of facilities and services in the area to meet growing and changing community demands.

Land management is another important aspect of the subregion, with several large inland pastoral stations now set aside for conservation, including Charles Darwin Reserve (owned by the Australian Bush Heritage Fund) and other stations acquired by the Department of Environment.

Key features of the North Midlands include Coalseam Conservation Park, Yarra Yarra Lakes, Mount Lesueur National Park, Koolanooka Springs, Dynamite Bay and the Wildflower Country drive trial.  Other attractions include the annual Mingenew Expo established in 1983, showcasing everything from new farming equipment to the latest fashions.