Perth’s Western Trade Coast, a vital industrial area contributing $14.8 billion annually to Western Australia’s economy, is poised for a green energy revolution.
However, industry leaders warn that significant infrastructure upgrades are urgently needed to unlock its full potential.
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) and Kwinana Industries Council (KIC) are urging the state government to fund priority infrastructure projects outlined in its own Western Trade Coast Infrastructure Strategy, released in August 2024.
These upgrades are crucial for futureproofing the area and positioning WA’s economy for a low-carbon future.
Adrienne LaBombard, CME‘s Acting Chief Executive Officer, emphasised the importance of project-ready industrial land to attract investment in value-adding industries set for substantial growth through the net zero energy transition.
“Access to turnkey industrial land is no longer a nice-to-have – it has become a prerequisite for major projects that have motivated suitors in countries across the globe,” LaBombard stated.
The Western Trade Coast, comprising the Kwinana Industrial Area, Rockingham Industry Zone, Latitude 32 General Industrial Area, and Australian Marine Complex, is already operating at capacity.
This constraint comes at a critical time when the area is expected to play a pivotal role in WA’s clean energy future.
David Harrison, KIC Chief Executive Officer, expressed concern over the lack of funding for priority projects identified in the strategy, five months after its release.
He highlighted the potential impact on projects of state and national significance, including AUKUS and Westport.
The push for infrastructure upgrades aligns with the region’s growing focus on green energy initiatives.
The Western Trade Coast is set to become a hub for renewable energy projects, including green hydrogen production, battery materials manufacturing, and sustainable fuel facilities.
Premier Roger Cook has pointed out the area’s crucial role in WA’s transition to a clean energy future.
“Clean energy will play a generational role in transforming our economy for generations, and Kwinana is already front and centre in what will ultimately set up our state for decades to come,” Cook stated.
With over $40 billion of new projects planned for the coming decades, industry leaders are calling for immediate action.
“We have the plan, we know what is needed — now we need government to act,” Harrison urged.
The proposed infrastructure upgrades are expected to not only support economic growth and diversification but also facilitate the region’s transition to green energy.
This includes improvements to road, rail, and port capacity, as well as enhanced energy and water connections crucial for supporting emerging clean technologies.
As Western Australia aims to position itself as a renewable energy superpower, the development of the Western Trade Coast’s infrastructure stands as a critical step towards achieving this goal and meeting the state’s emission reduction targets.
