Economy
WA Government invests $150.5 million towards Rottnest Island Infrastructure upgrades
May 15, 2024
Rottnest Island, a premier tourist destination in Western Australia, is scheduled for significant improvements funded by the state government. The 2024-25 State Budget allocates $150.5 million towards essential infrastructure upgrades to meet visitor expectations and future operational demands. Key investments include $98.5 million over eight years to develop new staff accommodations for businesses on the island. This will attract more staff, support businesses in operating beyond ferry schedules, and enhance visitor services. Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti stated that Rottnest Island is a globally recognised tourism destination. Investing in infrastructure is crucial for supporting island operations and ensuring safety. The enhanced …
$160 million contract for the Collie Big Battery Project awarded, providing more jobs for Western Australians and boosting local economy.
May 14, 2024
The delivery of the Collie Battery Energy Storage System (CBESS) reached a new milestone as Synergy awards a $160 million contract to SCEE Electrical. SCEE Electrical will manage the civil, electrical, and major equipment installation, including 640 battery container units, 160 inverters, and 220 kilometers of high-voltage cabling. They will also oversee a laydown facility at the Port of Bunbury. According to Energy Minister Reece Whitby, the contract is projected to provide more jobs for Western Australians and be of great benefit to the local economy. The Collie battery will be a crucial infrastructure component and play a vital role …
Record Employment, with an all-time high of 1.6 million, boosted by Western Australia’s Robust Economy
March 26, 2024
Recent data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates a 1.7% surge in Western Australia’s employment rate or 26, 319 jobs in February, which marks the state’s strongest growth in over three years. With the unemployment rate dipping to 3.6% in February, the number of unemployed in WA fell by 11,419 for the month. In February, WA’s total employment surpassed 1.6 million for the first time, with both men and women achieving record employment levels. The state’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.6%, below the national rate of 3.7%, with 11,419 fewer unemployed individuals. Since the Labor government took office …
$107 Million contract for Ocean Reef Infrastructure delivery awarded, supporting more than 150 Western Australian jobs.
February 21, 2024
The contract for works on the Ocean Reef Marina Development in Western Australia has now been awarded, with Georgiou set to deliver the construction of public infrastructure. The $107 million contract comprises the delivery of public infrastructure such as boat ramps, marine walls, as well as recreational spaces. These works will also include the development of lots for residential, retail and hospitality purposes. Work will begin in 2024 to create: A Family Friendly beach Perth’s first coastal pool Pedestrian Promenade Residential Living Spaces Children’s Play Spaces Recreational facilities such as change rooms, toilets, BBQs and shade structures. Construction on the …
$50 million package of works underway on WA’s Great Northern Highway Corridor
February 16, 2024
The delivery of 11 overtaking lanes on Great Northern Highway between Newman and Port Hedland is now underway as part of a $50 million package of works. The lanes, which have been included under the Australian Government’s newly announced Great Northern Highway corridor, will help support the Pilbara region’s booming mining industry and foster economic development as well as improve road safety for heavy vehicle drivers and other road users. The major package of works is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, with the Australian Government providing $40 million and the Western Australian Government $10 million. With more than …
NRW Contracting Pty Ltd named preferred proponent for the $225 million Reid Highway Interchanges Project in Western Australia.
January 24, 2024
NRW Contracting Pty Ltd has been appointed to lead the design and construction of two new interchanges on Reid Highway. This initiative, the Reid Highway Interchanges Project, comes with a $225 million budget, jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, who are each contributing $112.5 million. The primary goal is to replace the current signalized intersections at Altone Road and Drumpellier Drive/Daviot Road with efficient, free-flowing interchanges. This includes modifying Reid Highway to pass over Altone Road and constructing a new bridge for Drumpellier Drive/Daviot Road over Reid Highway. The project also aims to cater to cyclists and …
WA’s Woodman Point Water Resource Recovery Facility is undergoing a $238.5 million upgrade, providing local jobs and $174 million spent with WA Subcontractors
January 16, 2024
Western Australia’s Woodman Point Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) in Perth is undergoing a $238.5 million upgrade, aiming to set a new standard in sustainable wastewater management. This upgrade is pivotal for the facility, which processes wastewater for about 900,000 homes and businesses in Perth’s southern suburbs. The upgrades, which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5,600 tonnes C02-e annually, with less power needed to be purchased from the electricity grid to run the plant. Enhanced energy recovery technology will also be installed, allowing the facility to capture and reuse more biogas (mostly methane, which is naturally produced during …
$100M Construction to Perth gateway resulting in new job opportunities for the local economy.
March 15, 2023
Construction has started on the $100 million Causeway pedestrian and cyclist bridges. The project features two cable-stayed bridges, which provides a 6m wide shared path that links Victoria Park foreshore at McCallum Park with Heirisson Island and Perth’s CBD at Pint Fraser. The project, which is part of the $1.5 billion Perth City deal, aims to provide alternative transport options with greater connectivity and to further enhance the natural environment and public amenity. The project’s goal is to improve the safety, connectivity and amenity for people commuting to work and school, and for tourists as well. The Causeway Link Alliance …
Western Australia’s unemployment rate is the lowest of the States at 3.1%
September 15, 2022
The Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force data shows that Western Australia’s unemployment rate fell to 3.1 per cent in August, the lowest of the States, and below the national rate of 3.5 per cent. A further 879 Western Australians found work in August, up 0.1 per cent. Over the year to August, employment has risen by around 70,000 new full-time positions, or 5 percent, the strongest in the nation. WA’s female unemployment rate fell to just 2.8 per cent. Over the year, the rise in employment was entirely driven by full-time work, with 7.5 per cent annual average growth, …
Construction commences on a $45 million grid-scale battery storage system in the NT, generating cost savings of about $9.8 million annually.
September 5, 2022
The energy storage system, being provided by Swiss-headquartered Hitachi Energy, is expected to be operational in 2023, with battery installation due to commence late this year. The battery will support the Darwin-Katherine grid that services 150,000 customers, allowing greater penetration of renewable energy while increasing stability and reliability of the power supply. “Construction of the Darwin-Katherine BESS is a huge step forward in our plan for 50% renewables by 2030,” Energy Minister Selena Uibo said. “Our electricity will be more reliable and stable, whilst maintaining affordability for Territorians. “Our future is renewables. This is why we are investing now in the BESS and hydrogen-powered …
