The Western Australian Government is laying the foundations to build the poles and wires needed to deliver the state’s energy transition, allocating $25 million to local manufacturing in the 2025–26 budget.
Following a commitment made in its Made in WA plan, the State Government will invest $10 million in a brand-new manufacturing facility in Forrestfield to supply Western Power with the thousands of kilometres of transmission lines it will require to deliver Western Australia’s energy transition.
The facility will be developed in consultation with established steel fabrication companies to provide a State Government-backed facility that can manufacture transmission components.
The Western Australian Government said it will work with industry to determine which products will be built between Forrestfield and Picton, where Western Power will become a foundational customer of a new Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Hub (AMTECH).
Planning for the facility will receive $5 million via the Strategic Industries Fund, helping secure a major local manufacturing hub in regional Western Australia.
The State Government-backed manufacturing hubs are expected to create local jobs, maximise opportunities for local businesses, and build the major energy infrastructure required to deliver Western Australia’s future energy system.
To maximise local content, a further $10 million has been allocated in the State Budget for a Local Industry Development Fund, helping Western Power achieve the highest level of commercially viable local content in delivering the energy transition.
This will include establishing a government agency-led local content coordination group to drive a whole-of-government approach to local procurement.
Western Australian Premier, Roger Cook, said the facility is a cornerstone of the State Government’s commitment to a future Made in WA.
“By ensuring we have the facilities to deliver the poles and wires needed for Western Australia’s energy transition, we are creating opportunities for local industry to scale up and provide steel components to the energy transition that would otherwise be sourced from overseas.
“This will create jobs, diversify the economy, and help decarbonise Western Australia –ensuring our state’s economy remains the strongest in the nation.”
Western Australian Treasurer, Rita Saffioti, said the State Government has always been a very strong supporter of local manufacturing, having returned railcar manufacturing to the state and continuing to deliver its transformational METRONET program.
“Now, we’re building on those pillars to further boost local manufacturing as part of our job-creating Made in WA plan.”
Western Australian Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation and Manufacturing, Amber-Jade Sanderson, said, “We are working with local industry to maximise the opportunities provided by the energy transition, ensuring the creation of skilled local jobs to support the expansion of manufacturing capabilities.
“We want to make more things here as we diversify our economy by leveraging our existing strengths.
“This will enable local suppliers to be engaged in long-term supply contracts – creating a pipeline of skilled jobs and delivering value for money with materials made right here in Western Australia.”
