- State Budget 2025-26 delivers future Made in WA with $25 million for local manufacturing
- $10 million to begin works on advanced manufacturing facility in Forrestfield
- Local content to be maximised with $10 million for Local Industry Development Fund
- Planning for Picton AMTECH facility to receive $5 million via Strategic Industries Fund investment
- Facility and funding to support Cook Government's economic diversification, Made in WA strategy
The State Government is diversifying Western Australia's economy and securing the poles and wires needed to deliver the State's energy transition with a $20 million investment as part of the 2025-26 Budget to help deliver an advanced manufacturing facility in Forrestfield and a Local Industry Development Fund.
Following a commitment made in the Government's 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 the State's energy transition.
That facility will be developed in consultation with established steel fabrication companies to provide a State Government-backed facility that can manufacture transmission components.
The State Government 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 this facility will receive $5 million via the Strategic Industries Fund, helping secure a major local manufacturing hub in regional WA.
These State Government-backed manufacturing hubs will create local jobs, maximise opportunities for local businesses, and build the major energy infrastructure required to deliver WA's energy transition.
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.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"This facility is a cornerstone of my 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 WA - ensuring our State's economy remains the strongest in the nation."
As stated by Treasurer Rita Saffioti:
"Our government has always been a very strong supporter of local manufacturing, having returned railcar manufacturing to WA and continuing to deliver our 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.
"Our government has delivered over 340,000 jobs since we came to office - the most in the State's history - and we are very keen to continue building on that as we keep diversifying our economy and propelling WA forward."
As stated by Energy and Decarbonisation and Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"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 WA."
As stated by Forrestfield MLA Stephen Price:
"The manufacturing facility will deliver great benefits for Forrestfield, creating local jobs and increased economic activity in the area.
"This facility could lead to other businesses being established in Forrestfield, ensuring long-term benefits."
As stated by South West Minister and Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
"Making this election commitment a reality brings our Made in WA agenda right into the heart of our South West.
"This is the beginning of an exciting new era for Bunbury and the region that will unlock our manufacturing potential and provide skilled jobs of the future."
