The Western Australian Government is investing $10 million on an advanced manufacturing facility in Forrestfield to make the poles and wires needed to deliver the state’s energy transition.
Following a commitment made in the Government’s Made in WA plan, the new manufacturing facility will supply Western Power with thousands of kilometres of transmission lines.
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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.
Premier Roger Cook said,”This facility is a cornerstone of my government’s commitment to a future Made in WA.
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“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.”
