Economy
Western Australia Leads the Nation in Economic Performance
October 27, 2025
Western Australia has reaffirmed its position as the nation’s strongest economy, recording the highest domestic economic growth of all Australian states.  According to the Cook Labor Government, the result of CommSec’s State of the States report, highlights the state’s ongoing resilience and the success of its disciplined financial management. The report emphasised Western Australia’s strong performance across a range of key indicators, supported by steady business investment, robust household spending, and responsible budget surpluses. The government credited its focus on sound economic stewardship for maintaining confidence and stability amid national and global uncertainty. A major highlight was workforce performance. The …
$513 million construction on King Rocks Wind Farm has begun, creating around 200 local jobs in WA.
October 20, 2025
The Western Australian Government has begun construction of the King Rocks Wind Farm in the eastern Wheatbelt near Hyden. The project will feature 17 wind turbines with a total capacity of 105 megawatts, producing enough renewable energy to power around 70,000 homes. The Cook Labor Government has committed $513 million to the development. About 200 jobs will be created during construction, boosting regional employment and supporting local businesses through contracts for materials, infrastructure and site-works. Funded via the state-owned energy provider Synergy, this major investment is part of a broader strategy to expand large-scale renewable generation and storage across Western …
Expressions of Interest commences for $700m Kwinana Freeway Upgrade
October 16, 2025
A major milestone has been reached on the $700 million Kwinana Freeway Upgrade – Roe Highway to Safety Bay Road, with Expressions of Interest (EOIs) now open for qualified design and construction partners. The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments, each contributing $350 million. Carrying around 100,000 vehicles every weekday, the Kwinana Freeway is one of Perth’s busiest transport routes, and the upgrade aims to ease congestion for those travelling between the city and the southern suburbs. Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King said the works will create jobs, improve freight efficiency and support …
Robe River Joint Venture will invest AUD 1.1 billion to extend the West Angelas iron ore mine in WA’s Pilbara region
October 9, 2025
Rio Tinto, Mitsui, and Nippon Steel through the Robe River Joint Venture, will invest AUD 1.1 billion to extend the West Angelas iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, following full state and federal approval. The project will develop new ore deposits near the existing operations, maintaining production at around 35 million tonnes per year while using established infrastructure. Construction will create around 600 jobs, with approximately 950 ongoing roles once operational, providing a major boost to local employment and the WA economy. Key works include new haul roads, infrastructure precincts, and integration of autonomous haulage systems, reinforcing the …
$4 billion Port Hedland Iron Project in WA set to generate over 2000 jobs.
August 26, 2025
Western Australia’s Environmental Protection Authority has approved construction of the $4 billion Port Hedland Iron Project, a groundbreaking downstream processing facility at the Boodarie Strategic Industrial Area, just 10 km southwest of Port Hedland. This will transform Australia’s resource economy by shifting from raw ore exports to the production of higher-value hot briquetted iron (HBI) and pellets—positioning the region as a leader in value‑added iron exports. Upon commencement, the project is set to generate approximately 1,603 construction jobs and 400 operational roles, delivering a substantial boost to local employment and economic activity. Backed by global steelmaker POSCO (with partners like Marubeni and …
The Clean Energy Link – North program receives $342 million investment supporting demand for renewable energy and creating local jobs.
July 30, 2025
The Western Australian Government has announced a $342 million investment to upgrade the state’s transmission infrastructure – making the largest investment of its kind in over a decade. The funding has been awarded to UGL Engineering, Acciona and GenusPlus under the Clean Energy Link – North program. The project aims to expand Western Power’s network and improve access to clean renewable energy across the state. The project focuses on the key route between Malaga and Three Springs, including the construction of a 26.5-kilometer overhead 132 kilovolt (kV) transmission line from Wangara to Neerabup Terminal. It also includes the installation of …
126 Years of Grit, Glory and Rugby Legacy: Lions vs Wallabies Returns in 2025
June 27, 2025
In 1899, the British & Irish Lions played their very first Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground — a fierce battle that ended in a 13–3 victory for the Wallabies and marked Australia’s debut on the international rugby stage. Since that historic day, the rivalry has grown into one of rugby’s most iconic contests. The Lions — a unique combination of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales — have toured Australia 13 times, with 2025 set to be their 14th visit. Across 23 Test matches, the Lions have won 17 and the Wallabies 6, each clash a testament to …
WA Budget reveals $10.7B infrastructure investment
June 20, 2025
The Western Australian Government has committed $10.7 billion over the next four years to transform the state’s transport network through its 2025/26 State Budget. A key focus is on reducing congestion and improving accessibility across road, rail, and river. Major road upgrades include $700 million to widen and enhance the Kwinana Freeway and $450 million for the Reid Highway–Erindale Road Grade Separation. Regional communities will benefit from $250 million in continued safety upgrades through the Regional Road Safety Program, alongside $36 million for improvements to the Wanneroo Road Corridor. Public transport also gets a sustainable lift, with $107 million to …
GR Engineering Powers Ahead at King of the Hills – Boosting WA Jobs & Gold Sector
June 16, 2025
GR Engineering Services has secured a $79 million contract variation for Stage 2 of the King of the Hills (KOTH) gold mine upgrade in Western Australia, bringing the total contract value to $155 million. Awarded by Greenstone Resources, a subsidiary of Vault Minerals Limited, the project aims to enhance the processing plant’s capacity to 7.5 million tonnes per annum. Located near Leonora in the Goldfields region, approximately 900km North East of Perth, the KOTH upgrade is poised to bolster the local economy by creating jobs and stimulating regional development. GR Engineering Managing Director Tony Patrizi expressed enthusiasm about continuing the …
Western Range Iron Ore Mine: From Groundbreaking to First Ore
June 12, 2025
Western Range Iron Ore Mine: From Groundbreaking to First Ore The Western Range iron ore mine, a joint venture between Rio Tinto (54%) and China Baowu Steel Group (46%), has officially commenced operations in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. This $2 billion project, completed on time and within budget, is designed to produce up to 25 million tonnes of iron ore annually, sustaining the Paraburdoo mining hub for the next two decades. Construction began in 2023, featuring the development of a primary crusher and an 18-kilometre conveyor system linking to the existing Paraburdoo processing plant. The first ore was successfully processed …