Economy
KARRINYUP’S $500M WEST VILLAGE MOVES INTO CONSTRUCTION
October 7, 2026
Blackburne’s $500 million West Village development has moved into construction, with Multiplex delivering the main works on the Karrinyup apartment project. The milestone comes more than four years after approval, taking the long-awaited development from planning into delivery. Adjoining Karrinyup Shopping Centre, West Village will bring luxury residences and resort-style amenities to a location connected to established retail, dining and entertainment facilities. The development includes two, three and four-bedroom apartments and penthouses, with generous balconies and views towards the coast, surrounding parklands and Perth’s skyline. Blackburne reports that more than 70 per cent of residences have already sold. For Western …
$389M Kathleen Valley Expansion Signals Continued Investment in WA’s Resources Sector
October 1, 2026
Western Australia’s resources sector has received another significant investment boost, with Liontown approving a $389 million expansion of its Kathleen Valley lithium operation in the Northern Goldfields. The expansion will increase processing capacity from approximately 2.8 million tonnes per annum to 4.2 million tonnes, supporting increased spodumene concentrate production. Importantly for the WA employment market, the project is expected to create approximately 210 roles during construction, followed by an additional 185 ongoing roles across Liontown and its contractor partners. The $389 million investment includes approximately $145 million in mining works, $137 million in processing infrastructure and $107 million in non-process …
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 …
WA LEADS NATION IN EMPLOYMENT GROWTH AS JOBS BOOM ACCELERATES
May 22, 2026
Western Australia has recorded the strongest employment growth in the nation, with more than 73,000 jobs created over the past year as the State’s construction, infrastructure and resources sectors continue to surge. The latest figures revealed more than 13,000 Western Australians landed a job in April alone – a rise of 0.8 per cent – marking the strongest monthly employment growth of any state in the country. According to the Cook Government, WA’s annual employment growth now sits at 4.7 per cent, the highest nationally, while the State also continues to maintain one of Australia’s lowest unemployment rates. The strong …
$202.4 MILLION PERTH PARK PROJECT TO DRIVE WA JOBS & ECONOMIC GROWTH
May 15, 2026
Perth’s next major entertainment and sporting precinct is moving ahead, with the Cook Government awarding the $202.4 million Perth Park construction contract to the Seymour Whyte, Civmec and Aurecon Alliance. Located on the Burswood Peninsula, the landmark project will help connect Optus Stadium, Crown Perth and the State Tennis Centre through major public infrastructure, landscaped parklands and new event facilities. A centrepiece of the development will be Perth’s first dedicated outdoor amphitheatre, alongside multi-use public spaces designed to strengthen Perth’s ability to attract major national and international events. The project is expected to generate more than $61 million in annual …
$1.1 Billion Investment to Strengthen WA Supply Chains and Productivity
April 30, 2026
Western Australia is set to benefit from a $1.1 billion Federal investment aimed at strengthening supply chains, boosting productivity, and supporting long-term economic growth. The funding will target key freight and transport infrastructure, improving connections between ports, roads, and regional networks that underpin WA’s mining, construction, and export sectors. This investment will drive significant construction and infrastructure activity, supporting jobs across civil, engineering, and logistics sectors throughout both metropolitan and regional WA. The pipeline of works is expected to create employment opportunities from planning through to delivery, while strengthening local industry capability. A key focus is improving supply chain resilience …
From Precincts to Power: WA’s $500M Push to Fast-Track Industry and Jobs
April 16, 2026
The Cook Government has announced plans to fast-track key industrial precincts and major projects across Western Australia, unlocking significant investment and job creation opportunities. Backed by a $500 million Strategic Industries Fund, the initiative will accelerate the development of Strategic Industrial Areas (SIAs), including Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area and Kwinana Industrial Area, enabling critical infrastructure such as roads, power, and serviced land to be delivered sooner. This is set to attract billions in private investment across clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and critical minerals. Key projects already forming part of this pipeline include the 470MW Parron Maam Marang Wind Farm, 130MW …
Australia’s $318 Billion Pipeline Driving Construction Momentum
April 8, 2026
Australia’s construction sector remains strong, with total activity reaching approximately $318 billion in 2025, highlighting a near-record pipeline of work nationwide. According to a March 2026 market update, project approvals and commencements are continuing to accelerate into 2026, particularly in key states such as Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia. This sustained momentum is being driven by major investment across energy, infrastructure, commercial developments and residential projects, reinforcing long-term confidence in the industry. Strong demand across these sectors is helping maintain a consistent flow of work and supporting ongoing project delivery. While cost pressures and labour demand are increasing, this …
Western Australia Tourism Soars to Record $19.2 Billion, Powering Economy and Jobs
March 23, 2026
Western Australia’s tourism sector has reached a major milestone, with visitor spending surging to a record $19.2 billion in 2025, highlighting the State’s growing appeal as a world-class destination and a key driver of economic growth. The result marks another step forward in WA’s tourism resurgence, building on previous records and reinforcing the State’s strong recovery and expansion post-pandemic. In just a few years, visitor spending has climbed significantly from $14 billion in 2022 to new record highs, demonstrating sustained momentum across both domestic and international markets. This surge isn’t just about more visitors; it’s about the scale of investment …
$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 …
