- Cook Government delivers on major economic diversification commitment
- $148.4 million allocated to 40 ground-breaking projects through the Investment Attraction Fund
- Projects to drive jobs in green energy, mining services, primary industries, health sciences and other priority sectors across regional and metropolitan WA
- Successful projects build on WA's existing strengths and future opportunities
The Cook Government is charging ahead with its plan to diversify Western Australia's economy, with a massive $148 million funding injection to 40 innovative, job-creating projects across the State through its signature Investment Attraction Fund.
The Investment Attraction Fund was a key 2021 election commitment as part of the WA Jobs Plan, providing funding for projects in priority sectors that create local jobs, build on WA's economic strengths and embrace future opportunities.
The 40 successful recipients will receive $148.4 million in grant funding, with projects spanning eight priority sectors: defence industries; energy; health and medical life sciences; international education; mining and mining equipment, technology and services; primary industries; space industries; and tourism, events and creative industries.
The funding injection supports a whole array of projects across the State, including:
- A pilot plant to produce high purity alumina for high-tech battery cells;
- Establishing a renewable diesel biorefinery in Narrogin;
- Advanced manufacturing of medical biosensors to prevent complications during childbirth;
- A high-performance computing campus in Geraldton;
- Establishing a brewery, restaurant, bar and family-friendly venue at Cable Beach;
- An expansion of Stanley College's capacity to take on international students; and
- Establishing a value-adding dairy facility and tourism offering in the Swan Valley.
Premier Roger Cook made the announcement today at Pacific Energy's facility in Perth with Pacific Energy to receive more than $2.4 million to expand their capacity to manufacture renewable energy Stand-alone Power Systems.
The expansion will support the company to double the number of Stand-alone Power Systems it manufactures each month, creating more than 40 local jobs and helping to transition regional and remote communities to a cleaner, reliable and affordable energy future.
More than half of the 40 successful projects are located in regional WA or have State-wide operations, while the remaining 19 are located in Perth.
More than 200 applications were made for funding support through a rigorous two-stage application and assessment process for the Investment Attraction Fund.
More information and a full list of recipients is available at: https://www.investandtrade.wa.gov.au/opportunities/investment-attraction-fund
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"My Government is committed to securing the State's economic prosperity now, and for generations of Western Australians to come.
"Through the Investment Attraction Fund, we're driving a strong and diversified economy that delivers secure, quality jobs for the future.
"We're building on WA's economic strengths, and embracing new and innovative industries positioning our State at the forefront of the global energy transition.
"We're backing local companies to manufacture here in WA, to value-add, and to take on the world in developing high-tech products for the future.
"I'm proud to lead a Government focused on the future and making sure jobs and the economy remain strong."
