Kwinana Industries Council calls for Governments to invest in infrastructure after $33.5m funding announcement

The Kwinana Industries Council called on State and Federal Governments to invest in infrastructure across the Western Trade Coast, including the local industrial area ahead of upcoming budget announcements and elections. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid a flying visit to Perth on Wednesday ahead of the release of Thursday’s State Budget. The PM announced $33.5m in funding to support planning and road widening works needed for the Westport outer harbour project, which the State will match. The $4 billion Westport project will see WA’s container port moved to the Kwinana industrial area by 2032. At a business breakfast during the visit, Mr Albanese called out the role the Kwinana Industrial Area plays in creating new industries, embracing new technologies and supporting global efforts to decarbonise. The Kwinana Industries Council, the peak industry association representing business and industry along the Western Trade Coast, welcomed the PM’s comments. Improving the local road network, many of which are heavily congested and constrained, is a major issue for local industry and impedes growth and investment, according to KIC Director David Harrison. Mr Harrison called on State and Federal Governments to use the forthcoming budgets and elections to invest in critical infrastructure across the Western Trade Coast to allow local industry to grow, thrive, invest and adapt. The Western Trade Coast covers 3900 hectares which cover the Kwinana Industrial Area, Rockingham Industry Zone, Australian Marine Complex and Latitude 32. “The Western Trade Coast is the perfect place for additional government support based on its long-standing global reputation as a leading heavy industrial area,” Mr Harrison said. “The scale of investment that is currently underway in new industries such as lithium processing, hydrogen, biofuels, and defence makes Kwinana the perfect place to invest. “What we have before us is a once in a generation opportunity to accelerate the transformation of the Western Trade Coast and the Kwinana Industrial Area into a technically advanced and globally significant industrial hub. “All of this is on Perth’s doorstep, supported by a strong network of existing companies, infrastructure and Page 2 of 2expertise. It’s little wonder there are a large number of operators looking at Kwinana as an ideal place to invest.”