Economy

Construction Commences on 108 MW Waddi Wind Farm in WA, under a contract valued at approx $91million.
January 16, 2026
Construction is underway on the 108 MW Waddi Wind Farm near Dandaragan in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt, around 150 km north of Perth. Developed by Tilt Renewables, the project represents a significant renewable energy investment in the state. Major civil and balance-of-plant works — including access roads, foundations, cabling and infrastructure — are being delivered by Decmil and RJE Global under a contract valued at approximately $91 million. The project is expected to support around 150 jobs during construction, with six permanent operational roles once complete. The wind farm will comprise 18 turbines and generate enough clean energy to power approximately …

Milestones Achieved on Two Major WA Health Infrastructure Projects under the State Government’s $1.5 billion Building Hospitals Fund.
January 15, 2026
The Cook Labor Government has reached key milestones on two major health infrastructure projects that will expand hospital capacity and support jobs across Western Australia. Preferred alliance partners have been selected to progress the Royal Perth Hospital expansion and a new hospital at the Peel Health Campus in Mandurah, enabling both projects to move into detailed design and early works. At Royal Perth Hospital, Lendlease Construction Pty Ltd has been selected as the preferred alliance partner to deliver a new six-storey building. The development will include a modern emergency department, expanded clinical spaces and improved ambulance access to meet growing …

Proposed Newman Renewable Energy Hub in Western Australia’s Pilbara
December 12, 2025
APA Group has unveiled details of its proposed Newman Renewable Energy Hub in Western Australia’s Pilbara, a large-scale project intended to help supply cleaner, reliable power to the region. In a major step forward, APA has signed a Project Agreement and an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with the Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation (KNAC), the prescribed body corporate for the Nyiyaparli people. The agreements relate to development on Nyiyaparli Country, reflecting a commitment to formal engagement and consultation as planning continues. The hub is proposed to include a mix of wind and solar generation, battery storage, and supporting transmission and …

Australia’s property market is gearing up for a strong 2026, with Perth shaping up to be a front runner.
December 1, 2025
SQM Research forecasts national prices to rise, but Perth is expected to lead the country with impressive 12 – 16% growth. This momentum reflects Western Australia’s strong economic conditions, steady population growth and the city’s ongoing affordability advantage compared with the east coast. Low housing supply continues to fuel competition, helping drive values higher while maintaining confidence for both buyers and investors. With interest-rate cuts anticipated in mid-2026, demand is likely to strengthen even further, creating the perfect environment for continued growth. For homeowners, this signals excellent capital-gain potential, and for investors, Perth’s tight rental market remains a major drawcard. …

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 …

