Business News

WA and France Sign Landmark Critical Minerals Agreement
October 29, 2026
Western Australia and France have signed a landmark agreement to strengthen critical minerals supply chains, encourage international investment and expand collaboration across mining, engineering and advanced mineral processing. The Letter of Intent, announced on 28 October 2026, aims to bring together WA’s significant mineral resources and established mining expertise with France’s advanced industrial technologies. The partnership will focus on opportunities in mineral processing, research, innovation and the development of more resilient global supply chains. With two-way trade between WA and France already exceeding $900 million, the agreement is expected to support local industry growth, skilled employment and further investment in …

PERTH AIRPORT’S NEW TERMINAL SET TO TRANSFORM WA’S AVIATION LANDSCAPE
October 28, 2026
Perth Airport has unveiled the first designs for its major new terminal, marking another significant milestone in Western Australia’s growing infrastructure pipeline and setting the stage for one of the state’s most substantial aviation developments. The proposed terminal forms part of Perth Airport’s broader multi-billion-dollar transformation, designed to accommodate increasing passenger demand, improve international and domestic connectivity, and support Western Australia’s long-term economic growth. A Major Investment in WA’s Future The new terminal will deliver approximately 159,000 square metres of additional terminal space, significantly expanding Perth Airport’s capacity and modernising the passenger experience. Plans include 22 new aircraft contact gates, …

WA INDUSTRY BRIEF – ECi Executive 2nd Edition
October 27, 2026
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 …

WA INDUSTRY BRIEF – ECi Executive 1st Edition
October 13, 2026
Fortnightly newsletter | Tuesday 13th October 2026 | Inaugural edition Welcome to the first ECi Executive WA Industry Brief. Every fortnight, we’ll bring you the project and market developments that matter to Western Australia’s engineering, construction, infrastructure, energy and mining sectors. This edition leads with a major regional water upgrade, an apartment development moving into construction and new resources contracts. It covers announcements up to 9th October, together with selected property updates from late September. Work begins on the Goldfields pipeline upgrade The WA Government announced on 5 October that work has begun on the $543 million upgrade to the …

WA Civil Infrastructure: $173 Billion of Opportunity Ahead
September 8, 2026
Western Australia’s civil infrastructure sector is entering a decade of significant investment, with approximately $173 billion in civil construction activity forecast between FY2027 and FY2036. When mining and heavy industry are included, total engineering construction is expected to reach an impressive $419 billion. The near-term outlook is particularly encouraging, with civil construction forecast to grow 6% in FY2027 to $16.9 billion, before reaching a relative peak in FY2028. Longer-term growth will be supported by renewable energy, defence and maritime investment, transport infrastructure and WA’s continued population growth. Electricity leads the pipeline, with around $40 billion forecast as WA invests heavily …

Multiplex Changes Hands in Near $1 Billion Deal as Global Investors Back Australian Construction.
June 23, 2026
Australian builder Multiplex is set to enter a new chapter following its acquisition by Japanese construction giant Obayashi Corporation in a deal reportedly worth close to $1 billion. The acquisition reflects continued international confidence in Australia’s construction sector, which remains supported by strong infrastructure investment, population growth and increasing demand for housing and major developments. For the employment market, the deal reinforces the positive long-term outlook for construction professionals. Ongoing investment across the sector is expected to sustain demand for project managers, engineers, commercial specialists, site leadership teams and skilled trades. The transaction also highlights Australia’s attractiveness as a destination …

$3.8 Billion Burswood Point & Anantara Hotel Investment Boosts WA Economy
February 27, 2026
The $3.8 billion Burswood Point development – including the proposed five-star Anantara Hotel represents one of the largest private investments in Perth’s urban regeneration history. The multi-billion-dollar precinct is forecast to inject more than $10 billion into the Western Australian economy across construction and long-term operation. The scale of development will support thousands of jobs, driving activity across engineering, trades, consultants, suppliers, hospitality and tourism sectors. During construction, significant capital expenditure will flow through local contractors and supply chains. Once operational, the luxury Anantara Hotel will strengthen Perth’s ability to attract high-value domestic and international visitors, major conferences, and premium …

WA Government announces plans for a $217.5 million entertainment precinct able to host up to 50,000 spectators daily.
February 6, 2025
The Western Australian government has announced plans for a $217.5 million entertainment precinct at Burswood Park, featuring a new Perth Street Circuit, which is expected to debut in the 2027 Supercars season. The circuit will follow the successful models of street racing in Townsville and the Gold Coast, transforming roads around Burswood Park into a high-speed racetrack. Set between Perth Stadium and Crown Casino, the location will provide a world-class setting for motorsport and entertainment. The venue is expected to attract around 50,000 spectators per day, with provisions for night racing under lights. Apart from the circuit, the precinct will …

The $1 Billion Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade Project Alliance contractors have been named.
February 3, 2025
A major road project in Perth’s south has reached an important milestone with a contract awarded to begin work. The $1 billion Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade Project includes a 14-kilometre highway extension and improvements to Thomas Road, easing traffic and enhancing safety. The new four-lane highway will feature interchanges, underpasses, and roundabouts, along with equine underpasses and a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. The project aims to reduce heavy truck traffic on local roads in Byford, Armadale, Kelmscott, and Gosnells. According to Federal Minister Catherine King, the project will ease congestion, improve road safety, benefit commuters, …

Perth Airport to open first hotel on site as part of a $5 billion infrastructure program.
October 30, 2024
Perth Airport has partnered with Accor, Australia’s largest hotel group, to operate it’s first on-site hotel, which is part of the $5 billion infrastructure upgrade planned over the next decade. The new Pullman Perth Airport hotel, is projected to open in 2027 and will feature 240 rooms across eight floors, along with a rooftop restaurant and bar, café, gym, sauna, meeting rooms and co-working spaces. This development comes shortly after Perth Airport reported an increase in EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation), to $420.8 million in FY24, a bit higher from the $403.8 million the previous year. The …

