Billions committed to keep WA economy leading the nation

The Cook Labor Government will invest billions of dollars in job-creating projects and economic development initiatives as part of the 2026-27 State Budget, reinforcing Western Australia's position as the nation's strongest-performing economy.

The Budget delivers major funding across renewable energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, housing and tourism, while continuing efforts to diversify the State's economy and support long-term growth.

Since 2017, Western Australia's economy has grown by 27.2 per cent - well ahead of the national rate of 20.9 per cent - with more than 380,000 jobs created during that period, representing the highest employment growth in the country.

A key focus of the Budget is accelerating the State's energy transition and strengthening its industrial capacity.

The Government will establish a $1.4 billion Clean Energy Future Fund to support major renewable energy projects, including the Clean Energy Link - East transmission project, which will connect renewable energy generated in Collie to the State's main electricity grid.

An additional $973 million will be invested in Western Power's network to expand electricity capacity for residential and industrial developments, particularly across the South West.

The Budget also commits a further $647 million to the Westport project, including $529 million for upgrades to Anketell Road, marking the first major works associated with the long-term port development.

To attract investment and unlock industrial growth, $91.7 million from the Strategic Industries Fund will be directed towards the Western Trade Coast, Kemerton and Boodarie Strategic Industrial Areas. The funding aims to increase the supply of development-ready industrial land and support future job-creating projects.

Western Australia's lithium industry will receive ongoing support through a $30 million extension of the Lithium Industry Support Program, which provides government fee and charge waivers for Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia and Covalent Lithium until the end of 2027.

The Government's Made in WA agenda will also be expanded through a new $153.3 million Energy Affordability Investment Program, helping manufacturers improve energy efficiency and invest in advanced manufacturing technology.

A further $48 million will support the development of advanced manufacturing facilities in Kwinana and Neerabup to increase the supply of medium and high-density housing.

Additional infrastructure funding includes $50 million for the Port of Port Hedland's Zone 5 Bypass Channel project to improve port efficiency and vessel safety, alongside $4.8 million for a business case into expanded capacity at the Port of Bunbury.

The Budget also includes targeted measures to support the construction sector and address workforce shortages, including:

• $19.6 million for an additional 330 places under the Group Training Organisation Wage Subsidy Program;
• $11 million to extend the Construction Visa Subsidy Program and Build a Life in WA incentive; and
• $2.1 million to continue operations of the Construction Migration Office.

Creative industries, tourism and major events are also set to benefit from significant investment.

A new $500 million Major Projects Fund will support developments including Scitech and the Aboriginal Cultural Centre in partnership with the Commonwealth and industry.

Other allocations include:

• $24.6 million to prepare for the 2028 Kimberley Total Solar Eclipse;
• $24.9 million for upgrades at Perth Zoo, including expansion of the African Savannah precinct;
• $18 million to support Aboriginal tourism initiatives under the Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2026-2030;
• $10 million to attract business events to WA;
• $40 million for arts organisations, festivals and the State's games and interactive technology sector; and
• $18 million for science, innovation and digital industry initiatives, including support for Scitech, the State's emerging space sector and health and medical life sciences.

Premier Roger Cook said the Budget was designed to maintain Western Australia's economic momentum while positioning the State as a renewable energy leader.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Rita Saffioti said the Government remained focused on creating local jobs, diversifying the economy and investing in infrastructure that would support growth for generations.

Energy and Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the investments would accelerate the renewable energy transition while creating thousands of local jobs and strengthening local manufacturing capability.

Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk said the funding would support a stronger creative economy and deliver projects of cultural significance for the State.

Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said the tourism investments would help drive regional development, attract visitors and support local employment opportunities.