WA INDUSTRY BRIEF – ECi Executive 2nd Edition
Fortnightly newsletter | Tuesday 27 October 2026 | Edition 2
Welcome to the second edition of ECi Executive’s WA Industry Brief.
This fortnight brings a $1.9 billion lithium expansion decision, major electricity transmission awards and a wind farm moving into construction. We also cover Henderson shipbuilding investment, commissioning progress in the Goldfields and Pilbara, and new property and health infrastructure developments.
This edition covers announcements from Monday 12th to Sunday 25th October 2026, plus a PLS financing update from 26th October.
PLS approves the P2000 expansion at Pilgangoora
PLS Group took a positive final investment decision on 16th October for the approximately $1.9 billion P2000 expansion at Pilgangoora. The new Jimmagunya processing plant is expected to lift annual spodumene concentrate production capacity to around 2 million tonnes, with first production targeted for the September quarter of 2029.
PLS expects more than 1,000 construction jobs and around 500 ongoing operational roles. The $1.9 billion is project capital, including previously approved early expenditure. A separate $600–650 million program covers road, permanent accommodation and mine-services infrastructure.
Post-period update, 26th October: PLS confirmed completion of its US$700 million senior notes offering. The financing adds flexibility ahead of its investment program, including P2000 and associated infrastructure. Proceeds are for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditure and growth opportunities. This is separate corporate funding, not additional project value.
PLS project decision and capital scope • 16 October 2026 / PLS infrastructure program • 16 October 2026 / PLS financing completion • 26 October 2026
Clean Energy Link East moves into delivery
Acciona, GenusPlus and UGL Engineering have been selected to deliver Clean Energy Link East infrastructure between Collie and Darkan. The 14th October government announcement identifies a new Cordering terminal, terminal expansions and 92 kilometres of 330 kV transmission lines, intended to unlock approximately 2.3 GW of renewable generation capacity.
UGL expects $478 million in revenue from its three packages, with works expected to commence in October. That figure is UGL’s contract revenue, not the total program budget. The government expects employment to rise from about 300 initially to 600 at peak construction.
WA Government contract announcement • 14 October 2026
Renewables and Major Industrial Projects:
Construction begins on Parron Maam Marang Farm
Construction is underway on Atmos Renewables’ Parron Maam Marang Farm near Badgingarra, the WA Government confirmed on 24 October. The latest announcement describes 78 turbines and 470 MW of capacity, with operations expected by late 2028.
The project is expected to support up to 400 jobs at peak construction. It follows a long-term power purchase agreement with Synergy and backing through the Commonwealth Capacity Investment Scheme. No project or construction-contract value was disclosed in the announcement
WA Government construction milestone • 24 October 2026
Austal secures funding for Henderson facilities
Austal announced $245 million in debt funding from the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation on 21 October to construct and fit out dedicated Landing Craft Heavy facilities at the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson.
The facility remains subject to customary conditions and supports the existing approximately $4 billion vessel contract. It is infrastructure financing, not a new shipbuilding contract. The Commonwealth will meet the loan’s funding costs under the existing program arrangements.
Austal ASX announcement • 21 October 2026
KCGM expansion enters commissioning
Northern Star’s 21 October quarterly report confirmed that tie-in of the existing Fimiston circuit to the expanded KCGM plant was completed on 28 September. Commissioning is in its early stages, with the focus on establishing stable operating performance.
Stage I increases total processing capacity to 27 million tonnes annually. Forecast total expansion expenditure is $1.75–$1.81 billion. Stage II commissioning is scheduled for early in the second half of FY2027, consolidating processing at Fimiston.
Northern Star quarterly report • 21 October 2026
Scarborough approaches first LNG
Woodside reported on 21 October that the Scarborough Energy Project was 99 per cent complete at the end of September. Gas had entered the offshore floating production unit and trunkline during the quarter, with commissioning progressing. Woodside continues to target its first LNG cargo in the December quarter of 2026. No new contract value was announced.
Woodside third quarter report • 21 October 2026
Property and Building:
Residential planning reforms open for consultation
Consultation opened on 24 October on proposed changes to WA’s Residential Design Codes. The package includes larger granny flats, reduced parking requirements and simplified apartment codes supporting greater building heights. The government says removing average lot-size requirements for R10–R25 land in Perth and Peel could make more than 70,000 existing properties eligible for subdivision.
These are proposed reforms, not rules already in force. Consultation closes on 26 February 2027, with amendments anticipated to begin taking effect later in 2027, subject to endorsement and approval.
WA Government proposed reforms • 24 October 2026
Department of Planning consultation and implementation timetable
Northbridge student tower enters public consultation
A $128 million development application proposes a 22-storey, 720-bed student accommodation building at 97–99 Stirling Street, Northbridge. TBB Planning lodged the application on behalf of GES Real Australia, with communal dining and study spaces among the proposed facilities.
The WAPC is seeking public comments until 15 November 2026. The tower remains an application, not an approved development or construction start. The $128 million is the proposed development value, not a construction contract.
WAPC consultation notice • current application
MSWA opens specialist Shenton Park accommodation
MSWA’s $26.8 million high-support accommodation facility has opened in Montario Quarter, with residents beginning to move in. The WA Government reported the opening on 21 October, followed by MSWA’s report on 23 October.
The 20 apartments incorporate assistive technology and accessible communal spaces for people with complex neurological conditions and high physical support needs. The government contributed $14 million. The $26.8 million is total facility investment, not a newly awarded building contract.
WA Government opening announcement • 21 October 2026
ADCO wins Hedland MRI main works
ADCO Constructions has been appointed to deliver the standalone MRI suite at Hedland Health Campus, the government announced on 24 October. Construction is expected to commence soon, following ADCO’s earlier involvement in design.
The $22 million project includes scanning and control rooms, anaesthetic preparation and supporting plant and amenities. This is the project value; an individual main works contract amount was not separately disclosed.
WA Government main works award • 24 October 2026
Infrastructure and Construction:
Newman Airport seeks terminal funding partners
The Shire of East Pilbara has finalised concept drawings for a proposed $106 million Newman Airport redevelopment, it announced on 16 October. A new 6,200-square-metre terminal would replace the existing approximately 1,400-square-metre building.
Council has committed $25 million from airport reserves and is seeking government and mining-industry support for the balance. This remains a funding and planning proposal, with no terminal construction award announced.
Shire of East Pilbara announcement • 16 October 2026
Subcontractor payment reforms pass Parliament
The WA Government announced on 22 October that Parliament had passed the Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Amendment Bill. Once operational, construction trusts will replace project bank accounts on State Government building projects worth more than $1.5 million, strengthening protection of subcontractor payments during insolvency.
Industry guidance will precede implementation; the announcement does not confirm commencement. The $1.5 million figure is a project eligibility threshold, not funding.
WA Government payment reforms • 22 October 2026
What this means for our industry
These investment decisions and construction milestones provide clearer visibility of WA’s delivery pipeline. Based on the announced scopes, our view is that engineering, project management, commercial, HSE and commissioning capability will remain important. This is our assessment, not confirmation of specific vacancies.
If you are planning a project team or considering your next move, we welcome a conversation with ECi Executive.
