Economy

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 …

$180 million new construction contracts secured in Western Australia.
May 26, 2025
Monadelphous Group Limited has secured approximately $180 million in new construction contracts across Western Australia, bolstering the state’s infrastructure and energy sectors. These projects are anticipated to generate significant employment opportunities, contributing positively to the local economy. Key projects include a five-year master agreement with Rio Tinto for marine structural integrity works at the Cape Lambert Hub in the Pilbara region. Additionally, Monadelphous will undertake upgrades to Fortescue’s Rolling Stock Maintenance Workshop at the Thomas Marshalling Yard in Port Hedland, with completion expected in 2026. In the energy sector, the company has been contracted to provide multidisciplinary services for the …

The $150.3 million refurbishment of the heritage-listed Perth Concert Hall is officially underway!
May 20, 2025
The $150.3 million redevelopment of the Perth Concert Hall marks a significant investment in Western Australia’s cultural and economic future. Funded collaboratively by the WA Government ($134.3 million), the Australian Government ($12 million), and the City of Perth ($4 million), this project is a cornerstone of the $1.7 billion Perth City Deal aimed at revitalizing the city’s infrastructure and economy. Construction, led by Australian firm ADCO Constructions, commenced in early 2025 and is scheduled for completion in early 2028 . The refurbishment will not only preserve the hall’s renowned acoustics and architectural integrity but also enhance its facilities, including improved …

$350 million Geraldton Port Maximisation Project (PMaxP) has commenced!
May 16, 2025
Construction is now underway on a $52 million materials handling facility at Geraldton Port—the first major step in the $350 million Geraldton Port Maximisation Project (PMaxP). The new facility aims for faster, more efficient loading of mineral sands and other materials, using a conveyor system that transfers products directly from trucks to ships at Berth 4. This upgrade is expected to lower export costs and boost overall port productivity. Set for completion in late 2026, the project marks a significant milestone in expanding the port’s capacity to meet growing export demand. Ports Minister Stephen Dawson described the development as “critical …

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 …

Western Australia – Best Performing State, set to attract worldwide attention, creating an even stronger economy.
January 31, 2025
Western Australia (WA) has been recognized as Australia’s best-performing economy for the September quarter, according to the CommSec State of States report. The state ranked first in five of the eight key economic indicators, including retail spending, job growth, home lending, population growth, and new home construction. This is the third time in a decade that WA has secured the top position. Queensland moved up to second place, joining South Australia. Victoria stayed in fourth, Tasmania in fifth, while NSW and the ACT swapped places, ranking sixth and seventh. The Northern Territory remained last. As WA maintains its lead, experts …

Creating 6,500 jobs, the $1.65 billion project building the largest expansion of Perth’s rail Network in more than 16 years is complete.
December 9, 2024
Residents in Perth’s north-east now have access to affordable, high-quality public transport with the official opening of the METRONET Ellenbrook Line. This marks the largest expansion of Perth’s rail network in more than 16 years. Originally promised in 2008, the Ellenbrook Line faced significant delays under previous governments. After coming to power in 2017, the WA Labor Government prioritized the project, beginning construction in 2021. The $1.65 billion project has supported the creation of approximately 6,500 jobs, including roles for apprentices, graduates, and Aboriginal workers. Key construction milestones included: Building new bridges and underpasses. Tunneling under Tonkin Highway. Constructing a …