Economy
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 …
Major Perth Zoo upgrade underway as part of a $16.5 million construction program supporting approximately 380 jobs.
August 26, 2022
The Café and Function centre are the first projects to be delivered under the McGowan Government’s Perth Zoo Master Plan 2040 and are planned to be completed by mid-2023. The café will create a new eating and alfresco area adjacent to the zoo’s main lawn, with the new function centre set to provide a much-improved space for events, functions, seminars and weddings. Both projects are being built by local company Crothers Construction, supporting about 380 jobs during construction and sourcing materials from local suppliers. These developments are the first to be delivered under the Perth Zoo Master Plan 2040, with …
The $280 million Swan River Crossings project final concept revealed as one of Fremantle’s most significant infrastructure projects.
August 25, 2022
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, each contributing $140 million. The transformation of the area includes: removing the signalised intersection at Canning Highway and Queen Victoria Street; realigning Canning Highway from East Street to travel down and under the new bridge, and connecting to Beach Street; prioritising journeys into Fremantle via Queen Victoria Street, providing a direct, free-flowing journey from North Fremantle into the harbour city; and opportunities for urban landscaping, heritage interpretation and community connection for an area in front of the existing Naval Store, including the use of existing timber pylons in …
Western Australia to be the State of choice for skilled workers migrating to Australia, supporting industry demand for its strong economy and jobs market.
August 23, 2022
As part of its work to deliver the skilled labour needed to support Western Australia’s strong economy and jobs market, the McGowan Government has made changes to its migration program to ensure WA is the State of choice for skilled workers migrating to Australia. New settings include: Shake-up of migration program to attract more skilled workers to WA and support industry demand Temporary relaxation of migration criteria and $200 application fee waived to help meet current skills needs Skilled Migrant Employment Register available to connect new skilled migrants with WA jobs To capture all priority industries, the State Government has …
Multibillion dollar Wind Farm planned for WA’s Mid West, estimated to create 14,500 jobs during construction.
August 18, 2022
The proposed Midwest Offshore Wind Farm will have up to 200 turbines and six substations within Commonwealth waters and will be constructed and operated off the coast of Kalbarri, 500km north of Perth. The project will be developed in phases. It is currently planned that construction would span 36 months and is targeted to start in 2028. The total capital expenditure is proposed to reach $8 billion USD which equates to more than $11.5 billion AUD. The project will create approximately 14,500 jobs during construction and up to 200 during operation. Kalbarri has abundant natural resources including wind and solar …
Major milestone for WA’s EV fast charging network
August 11, 2022
Western Australia’s Electric Vehicle fast charging network has taken a major step forward with the McGowan Government awarding JET Charge the contract. This is part of the McGowan Government’s $43.5 million investment to boost EV infrastructure around WA. JET Charge will provide 98 EV chargers at 49 locations around the State, creating the World’s longest continuous EV fast-charging network. The first charger is to be installed in November, with the highway to be completed by 2024. WA’s EV fast charging network will stretch from Kununurra in the North, to Esperance in the South, and East to Eucla. The State …
WA Economy continues to Grow in 2022 – snapshot of growth, wages, exports, labour force, business investment and population
July 28, 2022
The WA government have issued highlights of the WA Economy and it looks good. Generated as of 14th July 2022, there are some keys factors for Western Australians to celebrate: $240.3 billion of goods were exported in the year to May 2022. This contributed to 46.8% shares of the National exports to May 2022. 1.46 million people employed as of June 2022. 3.4% employment rate – this is the lowest across all states. $42.1 billion of business investment. Source: Link
McGowan driving Job Opportunities and Economic Growth in WA by reconnecting with Europe
June 27, 2022
WA Premier Mark McGowan revealed plans to make WA the western hub for much of the world with direct routes to Johannesburg and Jakarta, in addition to a Perth-Rome direct flight. The Premier said the Rome flight was the first time Australia has been connected to continental Europe and was a “great opportunity to establish WA as the hub for Europe”. Mr. McGowan said he would look to recruit as many overseas workers as possible. “We want to sell our State and make sure our State is prominent in Europe.” “We’ll be doing forums, meetings and events, particularly in Ireland …
Perth set to get the largest Surf Park in the Southern Hemisphere.
June 22, 2022
The largest surf park in the southern hemisphere with 150-metre-long waves will be built in Perth. There will be a choice in wave size and intensity from small beginner surf to hollow, barreling two-metre advanced waves, with “beast mode” the most challenging and dangerous level. The wave park will also have food outlets, a beach club and an entertainment hub. The project has been given ‘’state significant’ status and will provide consistent and quality waves for Perth surfers. The state government and project proponent Aventuur have signed a 21-year lease agreement for the project, with the option to extend it …
