The state government will tap the collective knowledge of unions and industry groups as it formulates a plan for the future of the state’s strategic industrial area near Rockingham.
The state government will tap the collective knowledge of unions and industry groups as it formulates a plan for the future of the state’s strategic industrial area near Rockingham.
A Western Trade Coast Industry Reference Group has been established, to be chaired by Cockburn local member David Scaife, and provide advice to government on development in the region.
The group will include a range of proponents operating in the heavy industrial precinct, as well as the Kwinana Industries Council (KIC), the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA, Henderson Alliance and the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union.
It will inform the delivery of common-user infrastructure in the region and consider industrial needs in government decision making.
The establishment of the working group follows a report released by the KIC in the lead up to the March State Election, which called for better coordination of decision making along the coast.
Its analysis found 11 of 17 cabinet ministers made decisions over the precinct in the first term of Roger Cook’s government.
In January, the KIC and the CME pushed greater action on infrastructure bottlenecks in the area, flagging concerns over major road congestion and the need for priority upgrades to energy and water connections and port capacity.
The trade coast is already home to a number of major industrial operators with grand plans for expansion, and will accommodate the Henderson defence precinct and Westport in the years ahead.
Mr Cook said it was integral that the area was supported by government.
“Western Australia’s economy is the strongest in the nation - but if we want to keep it that way, we need to invest in and support our industrial base,” he said.
“That’s why, as part of my government’s Made in WA plan, we are committed to supporting strategic industrial areas throughout the state that will help decarbonise our energy systems, diversify our economy, and continue creating jobs that will sustain our future prosperity.
“Establishing this reference group is a critical step in delivering major infrastructure projects across the precinct.
“With significant projects already underway - from clean energy initiatives to defence industry growth through AUKUS - it’s vital we have the right structures in place to ensure planning is strategic, staged, and aligned with industry needs.”
Mr Scaife said industrial diversification would be on the agenda for the Western Trade Coast.
The first meeting of the advisory group will be held in July.
