| Marine Rescue Kalbarri officially reopens headquarters | 84601 | Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Media Statements | | | | | | | html | 25/03/2023 7:18:16 AM | 2023-03-25T06:00:00Z | Marine Rescue Kalbarri officially returns home following rebuild of headquarters damaged by Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja Facility to house radio communications for the group's 31 volunteers Marine Rescue Kalbarri has officially reopened its operational headquarters in a milestone for the Mid-West community. The building was extensively damaged by Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja in 2021, with volunteers operating from a temporary facility, adjacent to the site, while the building was repaired and refitted. The Marine Rescue volunteer group is now fully operational in familiar surrounds following the rebuild. Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Peter Foster visited Kalbarri on Saturday to mark the occasion, alongside volunteers and Department of Fire and Emergency Services staff. Marine Rescue Kalbarri was established in the 1970s and its members are renowned for the integral role they play in community marine safety in the Mid-West region. Led by long-standing Commander Barry Kennewell, Marine Rescue Kalbarri's 31 volunteers have attended 11 incidents in the past year, contributing more than 78 operational hours. Comments attributed to Acting Emergency Services Minister Sue Ellery "Despite losing access to its headquarters, Marine Rescue Kalbarri continued to keep boaties in the Mid-West community safe operating out of a temporary base organised by DFES. "The group can be incredibly proud that it was able to maintain its high-quality service while the State Government returned its headquarters to its former glory." Comments attributed to Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Peter Foster "Completing this project is an important step forward in Kalbarri's recovery journey. "Marine Rescue Kalbarri provide a crucial service to the local community, and it's great to see them up and running in their rebuilt home." Minister's office - 6552 5870 | |
| ‘Trayning’ opportunities unlocked for volunteer firefighters | 84600 | Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Media Statements | | | | | | | html | 25/03/2023 7:06:25 AM | 2023-03-25T04:00:00Z | Trayning VFES officially opens its new station and training hub New facility allows all firefighting vehicles to be housed in the same location Trayning Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services (VFES) have a new fire station that will also serve as a modern training hub for firefighters in the Upper Wheatbelt. The $830,000 upgrades were funded by the Emergency Services Levy and an additional $50,000 was contributed from the Shire of Trayning. The facility is equipped with a new meeting and training room, kitchen and office services, and showers complete with Personal Protective Equipment washing amenities. Trayning VFES can now house its four appliances at one centralised location – previously, the tankers had to be kept at several different sites. The large appliance bay at the new station has the room to accommodate the brigade's Light Tanker, 3.4 Urban Tanker and two 2.4 Broadacre Tankers. Volunteers and Department of Fire and Emergency Services staff will be able to take advantage of the upgraded facilities by delivering training courses from the station. This will make Trayning VFES a key location for those in the Upper Wheatbelt who want to upskill or for new members learning the ropes of volunteer firefighting. Trayning VFES was established 20 years ago through the amalgamation of the Trayning State Emergency Service, the Trayning Bush Fire Brigade, Kununoppin BFB and Yelbeni BFB. With 18 active and three support members, the brigade provides support to the Upper Wheatbelt as well as the adjacent Goldfields. Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson "I am pleased to announce the opening of the state-of-the-art fire station for Trayning VFES. "The brigade has served the local community for 20 years and this upgrade will ensure it continues to do so well into the future. "It can now serve as a training hub for those in the Upper Wheatbelt, so this is a significant investment for the region. "These much-needed upgrades were made possible through funding from the Emergency Services Levy and an additional contribution from the Shire of Trayning." Comments attributed to Agricultural Region MLC Darren West "Our volunteer firies provide a vital service to regional communities, and I am proud that our Government continues to offer support with funding for suitable facilities. "Changes to the way the Emergency Services Levy is collected enable these investments in regional WA. "I thank the Minister for this important investment in the Trayning community." Minister's office - 6552 5800 | |
| The Aussies brings nation’s best surf lifesavers to Perth beaches | 84599 | Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Media Statements | | | | | | | html | 25/03/2023 6:46:05 AM | 2023-03-25T02:00:00Z | Australian Surf Life Saving Championships kick off on Scarborough and Trigg beaches Nine days of beach and ocean competitions from 25 March to 2 April More than 5,000 entrants to compete in more than 480 events Supported by the McGowan Government through Tourism WA Australia's best surf lifesavers have descended on Scarborough and Trigg beaches today for the start of the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, known as "The Aussies." Over the next nine days of intense and exhilarating competition, 314 national clubs will compete in more than 480 events at Scarborough and Trigg beaches, showcasing their skills across Youth, Masters and Open categories. Returning to Western Australia for the first time in five years, The Aussies was last held in WA in 2018 with more than 5,100 competitors from local and national clubs. The 2018 event attracted more than 8,500 visitors from outside of WA, generating more than $15 million in visitor spend. More than 5,000 competitors have registered to take part in this year's event, plus over 700 entrants for the Aussies Ocean Swim event, which is open to members of the public. The theme of this year's contest is 'Rescue Ready' - a nod to the origins of the annual competition, which was first held in 1915 to challenge the skills of the nation's surf lifesavers. Scarborough Beach will also host a festival zone for the duration of the competition, which will include a wide range of activities to add to the event experience including festival markets, live music and alfresco dining. The Aussies will be broadcast nationally in two two-hour packages on SBS in May that will incorporate iconic imagery of some of Western Australia's favourite tourism attractions in Perth and surrounds. It will also be live streamed on Surf Life Saving Australia's Facebook page. Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Roger Cook "The WA Government is delighted to welcome back 'The Aussies' to our State for the first time in five years, along with thousands of visitors from out-of-State who are here in Western Australia for the event. "The festival zone atmosphere at Scarborough Beach invites families and people of all ages to come and witness some of the incredible athleticism on display as part of The Aussies competition, as well as participate in some of the fun activities themselves. "Mass participation events like The Aussies form an important part of WA Government's events strategy to attract thousands of out-of-State visitors to our State." Comments attributed to Sports Minister David Templeman "We're delighted to once again host this fantastic national competition in Perth, which brings some of Australia's top athletes to our shores. "Events such as The Aussies raise the profile of ocean and beach sporting events and promote the important work of Australia's surf lifesavers. "Western Australia's Surf Life Saving Clubs have more than 24,000 members, and we appreciate the efforts of each and every one of them to keep our beaches safe for swimmers." Comments attributed to Scarborough MLA Stuart Aubrey "The Aussies is a fantastic opportunity for Scarborough to showcase to the nation why WA is the dream State." "Alongside the action of The Aussies, Scarborough is activating the area with nine days of markets, including food trucks, alfresco dining, live music and a festival atmosphere. "I encourage the Scarborough community to come down, get amongst the festival atmosphere and support our local clubs of Trigg Island and Scarboro Surf Life Saving clubs. Let's show WA and the nation why we are Perth's premier beachside destination!" Minister's Office – 6552 6018 | |
| New members sought for Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Council | 84597 | Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Media Statements | | | | 451 | | 0 | html | 24/03/2023 7:30:23 AM | 2023-03-24T07:30:00Z | Four additional Council members sought to oversee new Aboriginal cultural heritage laws Seeking new members with experience in engineering, land management and natural resource management Inaugural Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Council appointed September 2022 Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti has called for expressions of interest for new members to join the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Council. Up to four new members with knowledge or experience in Aboriginal cultural heritage and skilled in engineering, land management, natural resource management, anthropology or archaeology will be added to the seven-member Council. The new Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 will take effect from 1 July 2023 introducing a modern framework for the protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage. The inaugural Council was created in September 2022 and formed by a mixture of members experienced in Aboriginal cultural heritage, environment, planning, law and Government and led by male and female Aboriginal Co-Chairs, Irene Stainton and Dr Mark Bin Bakar. The other Council members are Merle Carter, Kevin Walley, Graham Castledine, Dr Debbie Fletcher, and Belinda Moharich. The Act allows for a total of 11 members on the Council, with majority Aboriginal membership. Since being appointed, the Council has overseen the third and final phase of the co-design process involving consultation required by the Act of key statutory guidelines, before submission to Government for final consideration. The functions of the Council under the new legislative framework are to promote the role of Aboriginal people as the right people to speak for their country and determine activities that may cause harm to their cultural heritage; provide advice to the State Government and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; designate local Aboriginal cultural heritage services (LACHS); set standards to identify, protect and manage Aboriginal cultural heritage; facilitate negotiations between proponents and Aboriginal parties when agreement cannot be reached; and promote public awareness, understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Western Australia. To be eligible for membership, nominees must have knowledge about Aboriginal cultural heritage or have experience in matters relating to Aboriginal cultural heritage. Consideration of knowledge, skills, experience or qualifications in a range of other disciplines/fields will also be taken into account. Nominations are open until 30 April 2023. For more information and application details, visit https//www.wa.gov.au/aboriginal-cultural-heritage-council Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti "We are well progressed with our plans to implement Western Australia's new Aboriginal cultural heritage laws and I am pleased to call for nominations to expand the membership, knowledge base and experience of the new Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Council. "The inaugural Council was appointed last year and additional members are now being sought to increase the collective level of expertise within the group. "We have a strong, experienced and passionate group of people committed to implementing the new laws and empowering Aboriginal people to be at the forefront of decision making about activities that impact on their cultural heritage. "The Council has an integral role to play as the new laws become operational. We want to maximise the provisions for Council membership to help administer the new system and ensure that the broad range of cultural considerations and land uses is reflected in the collective expertise of members." Minister's office - 6552 6400 | |
| Major milestone for reform of Local Government Act | 84596 | Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Media Statements | | | | 976 | | 0 | html | 24/03/2023 5:31:12 AM | 2023-03-24T05:30:00Z | Major local government reform Bill passed by the Legislative Assembly The Bill continues delivery of the most significant changes to local government sector in more than 25 years The Legislative Assembly has passed the Local Government Amendment Bill 2023, which will deliver a range of major reforms to the system of local government across Western Australia. Tranche one of the reforms is progressing to allow for key changes to be implemented for the October 2023 Ordinary Elections. The changes will deliver a range of major benefits for ratepayers, strengthen local democracy and provide greater transparency and accountability by introducing optional preferential voting, bringing local government elections more in line with State and Federal elections; requiring public election of a Mayor or President for all larger councils; abolishing the use of wards for smaller local governments; aligning the size of councils with the size of the population of each local government area; enabling reforms to the owners and occupiers roll to prevent the use of 'sham leases', addressing critical findings of the City of Perth Inquiry; setting State-wide caretaker periods during ordinary council elections; setting standardised council meeting procedures; mandating live streaming and recording of council meetings; establishing mandated communications agreements between council members and the local government administration; enabling reforms to require all local governments to publish information through online registers, including registers that disclose information about local government leases, grants, and goods and services contracts; and introducing new requirements for the publication of performance indicators and results for all local government Chief Executive Officers, with provision for limited exemptions for sensitive matters. Work on the second tranche of additional legislation to deliver further reforms is continuing in consultation with the local government sector. This includes the establishment of the new Local Government Inspector and the introduction of local government monitors for early intervention. The Local Government Amendment Bill 2023 will now be considered by the Legislative Council. Comments attributed to Local Government Minister John Carey "Our reform agenda is clear - we are strengthening the transparency, accountability and efficiency of local governments, and this set of electoral reforms will enable stronger local democracy and community engagement. "The passage of the Bill through the Legislative Assembly is the latest milestone in the continued delivery of the McGowan Government's significant local government reforms. "We have had an extensive history of inquiries, reports and reviews into the sector and the consultation has been extensive with more than 200 submissions received over the three-month consultation period. Now is the time for action and real change across local government. "Our Government is continuing to work with the sector to implement reforms, including election changes to be in effect for the upcoming October 2023 elections." Minister's office - 6552 5300 | |
| WA communities to receive more than $9 million in bike path grants | 84595 | Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Media Statements | | | | 670 | | 0 | html | 24/03/2023 4:37:24 AM | 2023-03-24T04:35:00Z | $9.6 million in WA Bicycle Network grants support 47 new active transport projects across the State More than 62 kilometres of paths for people walking and riding to be delivered over two years Inaugural Active Travel Officer category included to support local governments to deliver active travel initiatives Communities across 37 local government areas will benefit from $9.6 million in funding as part of the WA Bicycle Network (WABN) Grants Program. This investment initiative assists local governments with the planning, design and delivery of active transport infrastructure, supporting people of all ages and abilities to walk, wheel and ride as part of their everyday journeys and experiences. The latest round of funding will see 47 new projects delivered over the next two years, comprising of approximately 38 kilometres worth of paths and other infrastructure to improve the safety, connectivity and accessibility of active travel networks across the State. In the metropolitan area $5.2 million has been committed towards 13 new projects, while regional areas will receive a share in $4.4 million to deliver 34 projects. Combined with already committed projects and related initiatives, this brings the total WABN Grants Program commitment to $12.9 million, which includes the delivery of 62km of paths across 63 projects over 2023-24 and 2024-25. The McGowan Labor Government 2022-23 State Budget includes $347 million over the next four years for more cycling and walking infrastructure for Western Australians. The full list of projects to be funded through the latest round of the WABN grants program can be found on the Department of Transport website https//www.transport.wa.gov.au/activetransport/wa-bicycle-network-and-grants.asp Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti "Today as thousands of students ride, scoot and skate to school for National Ride2School Day, it's clear there continues to be strong demand for safe, connected and accessible paths that contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of Western Australians. "Whether people cycle, scoot, e-ride or walk, it's important that local precincts have accessible and welcoming infrastructure that connects people with where they need to go. "Our WA Bicycle Network Grants facilitate a great partnership between State and local governments and continue to be a major contribution to making active transport safer, convenient and a more attractive option for more people, more often." Minister's office - 6552 5500 Total Program allocation by region (2023-24 and 2024-25) Region # Projects Total Perth 17 $4,541,398 Gascoyne 1 $260,000 Goldfields-Esperance 2 $512,500 Great Southern 9 $1,868,624 Kimberley 2 $107,000 Mid West 4 $425,728 Peel 3 $1,450,000 Pilbara 4 $1,073,020 South West 12 $1,281,129 Wheatbelt 9 $658,406 Related initiatives* NA $766,375 Total 63 $12,944,180 | |
| Delivering better outcomes for young children in Armadale West | 84594 | Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Media Statements | | | | 358 | | 0 | html | 24/03/2023 4:31:25 AM | 2023-03-24T04:30:00Z | Early Years Community Plan launched to benefit children and families in Armadale West area Plan focused on improving outcomes in child development, family safety, maternal health and financial wellbeing Plan is part of the Early Years Partnership between the State Government and Minderoo Foundation An Early Years Community Plan (the Plan) has been released for children living in the Armadale West area, as part of the Early Years Partnership (EYP). The EYP is a 10-year agreement between the State Government and Minderoo Foundation to achieve better developmental outcomes and improve school readiness for children aged 0-4 years across four communities, including Armadale West where more than one in four children are considered developmentally vulnerable. The Plan was developed following extensive consultation with the local community and service providers, and identifies four key areas to support child wellbeing and school readiness, they are Child development; Family safety; Maternal health; and Financial wellbeing. The Armadale West community captures the school catchment zones for Challis Community Primary School, Neerigen Brook Primary School and Willandra Primary School, as well as families who use services through the Westfield Park Child and Parent Centre. A local working group which includes representatives from the Department of Communities, Health and Education, City of Armadale, three local primary schools and other local service providers will support the Plan's implementation. Work continues on the remaining three Community Plans for Derby, Central Great Southern (comprising the shires of Katanning, Kojonup, Gnowangerup and Broomehill-Tambellup) and Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community. For more information and to read the EYP Armadale West Community Plan, visit the WA Government website. Comments attributed to Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton "The first five years of a child's life are critical to their development and life outcomes. It's during this time they build the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and wellbeing. "The Early Years Partnership is a unique collaboration between the State Government and Minderoo Foundation that promotes new ways of working to achieve great results for children, families and the wider community. "By consulting widely with the community and taking on their feedback, we're ensuring priorities, resources and solutions are tailored for local families and better support them to achieve positive outcomes for their children." Comments attributed to Armadale MLA Tony Buti "The Early Years Partnership is about listening to local families. We know they are best placed to understand the needs of their children and the community. "It's great to see the Armadale community come together to provide valuable and localised input into this Plan, which will help to identify how services can be improved and how children and families can be better supported. "Importantly, the consultation process also listened to and took on the feedback of Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse families, as children from these backgrounds make up nearly 20 per cent of children in the area." Comments attributed to Minderoo Foundation's 'Thrive by Five' Director Jay Weatherill "We are incredibly proud to work alongside the Western Australian Government in this unique partnership between philanthropy and Government that is designed to do new things in new ways to support the development of children across WA. "Delivering services to children and families is different for every family no matter where they live and so it's crucial that we involve local communities in the design and delivery of those services which goes to the heart of the Early Years Partnership. "This 10-year commitment across four sites in WA showcases how a place-based, community-led and innovative model using the best available research and evidence can demonstrate better ways to support children and families and gives us knowledge to benefit all Western Australian families and communities." Minister's office - 6552 6100 | |
| New regulations extend transitional arrangements | 84598 | Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Media Statements | | | | 1086 | | 0 | html | 24/03/2023 9:38:57 AM | 2023-03-24T02:10:00Z | Changes to the Work Health and Safety Regulations will be gazetted today Some of the transitional arrangements in the regulations are being extended to allow industry more time to comply with the WHS laws WorkSafe will continue to take a supportive and educative approach to low-risk contraventions of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020A year after the introduction of harmonised laws, the State Government has decided to extend the transitional arrangements for specific regulations in the Work Health and Safety Act 2020. The McGowan Government has recognised that by introducing the new regulations some specific workplaces would need time to adjust to the new regime. At the end of this month, the transitional arrangements for some specific work requirements will be extended, with revised regulations for these extensions gazetted today. WorkSafe has been taking a supportive and educative approach to low-risk contraventions of the new laws while still taking enforcement action in cases of serious risk or harm. New requirements under regulations covering training of asbestos removal workers, asbestos clearance inspection and air monitoring for asbestos will be delayed until 31 March 2024. Transitional arrangement regulations covering requirements to reduce the risk of falls, along with those covering reach stackers will be extended until 30 March 2025. Similar arrangements covering material hoists and concrete placing booms will be extended until 30 March 2024. Comments attributed to Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston "We have always recognised that some workplaces would need time to adapt to the new regime, so WorkSafe has continued to take a supportive and educative approach in workplaces. "We also appreciate that some areas need even more time to adapt to the new requirements, so the regulation changes being gazetted today have provided industry with extra time to ensure they can provide safer workplaces for their workers. "Now that we have been working with the new laws for almost a year, we would expect the level of compliance to be high." Minister's office - 6552 6700 | |
| Community input develops vision for Beaconsfield TAFE site | 84591 | Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Media Statements | | | | 471 | | 0 | html | 24/03/2023 2:06:05 AM | 2023-03-24T02:05:00Z | Feedback from local community and key stakeholders has helped shape plans to redevelop Beaconsfield TAFE site Redevelopment will comprise an exciting medium density, climate-responsive residential development, incorporating landscaped public open space Detailed planning is under way to deliver up to 150 new homes at the former Beaconsfield TAFE site near Fremantle, with vital input from the local community helping shape the final vision. A community consultation process undertaken by DevelopmentWA resulted in more than 100 submissions over a three-week period. Consideration was also given to the City of Fremantle's 'The Heart of Beaconsfield' masterplan, which outlines a vision for the broader Beaconsfield area. Community aspirations for the 3.8ha site included a focus on sustainability, new public open space, retention of mature trees and improved security and safety in the area. It's expected the redevelopment will deliver a medium density precinct comprising a mix of climate-responsive dwelling types, including low and mid-rise apartments and townhouses. Social and affordable housing will be incorporated into the redevelopment, contributing to the State Government's target to deliver 3,300 social dwellings over a four-year period, as part of the McGowan Government's $2.4 billion investment in social housing and homeless measures. Public open spaces will focus on mature tree retention where possible, a playground, and a network of pathways featuring waterwise landscaping. A draft Concept Plan has been developed, informed by feedback from the community consultation, which will form the basis for the Local Structure Plan to be lodged with the City of Fremantle in May this year. For more information and to receive direct updates please visit http//yoursay.developmentwa.com.au/beaconsfield-redevelopment Comments attributed to Housing and Lands Minister John Carey "As Housing and Lands Minister I'm using every lever I can to boost social housing throughout Western Australia including through making land available and a number of innovative housing delivery reform programs. "The redevelopment of the former Beaconsfield TAFE site will transform and breathe new life into the local community, while bolstering the supply of social and affordable housing in the area. "We have listened to the local community and have taken on board their input and feedback as we develop the final vision for this important urban regeneration project. "The community's preference for green space and links, public open and play spaces, and the retention of trees has been included in the draft concept plan. "The State Government, through DevelopmentWA, will continue to update all stakeholders on the progress of the redevelopment, including timing of construction commencement and sales releases." Comments attributed to Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk "Our goal is to create a space that's not just functional but enhances the quality of life for those who live in the Beaconsfield area. "Beaconsfield TAFE was established in 1968 and ceased operating in 2017, with the redeveloped site to become one of the centrepieces of the Heart of Beaconsfield Masterplan. "We want the Beaconsfield TAFE site to become a true reflection of our community and its needs, which is why we took time to carefully consider and respond to local community feedback." Minister's office - 6552 5300 | |
| New investment and trade hub to be established in Texas | 84592 | Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Media Statements | | | | 1115 | | 0 | html | 24/03/2023 2:03:26 AM | 2023-03-24T02:00:00Z | Invest and Trade WA Hub in Austin, Texas funded in 2023-24 State Budget New office to support McGowan Government push to further diversify WA's economy, attract new industries and create jobs of the future Americas hub will be the sixth in the Invest and Trade WA global network, joining ASEAN, Greater China, India-Gulf, North East Asia and the United Kingdom/Europe Western Australia's trade and investment relationship with the Americas region will be boosted by the establishment of a new Invest and Trade WA office in Austin, Texas. The new office is part of the McGowan Government's economic diversification strategy to attract new industries to WA, create a pipeline of work across the State supporting local jobs and local businesses, and set up WA's long-term future. The 2023-24 State Budget will provide $10.1 million to establish the Americas hub in Austin, which is expected to be operational from early 2024. The new funding will be used for staffing, office accommodation, office setup and operating costs. An Investment and Trade Commissioner recruited from Western Australia will lead the hub, with support from five locally engaged staff. The Americas hub will enable the State Government, through Invest and Trade Western Australia, to better service investment and trade leads, facilitate more targeted engagement with industry and government, and respond to new and emerging market and industry opportunities in the region. The hub will reinforce the McGowan Government's WA Jobs Plan to create new jobs for the future by building a skilled workforce with the capacity for long-term growth. This involves attracting and maximising investment opportunities while positioning WA as the destination of choice for business investment, trade, international education and tourism. The United States is Australia's largest source of foreign direct investment, with $185 billion in 2021. Canada is the fourth largest source, contributing $58 billion in 2021. Austin, the capital of Texas, has been selected as the location for the Americas hub as it presents significant investment and trade opportunities for WA across a range of industry areas, including advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, health and medical life sciences, space industries, and creative and digital media technology. Western Australia and Texas have an existing relationship in the oil and gas industry, as well as similarities in the economic structure and economic development priorities between the two states. The Americas hub will be the sixth regional hub in the WA Government's global Invest and Trade WA network, joining ASEAN, Greater China, India-Gulf, North East Asia and the United Kingdom/Europe. For more information on Invest and Trade WA, visit https//www.investandtrade.wa.gov.au Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan "They say 'everything is bigger in Texas' and we are confident that establishing our Americas hub in Austin will lead to bigger and better investment and trade opportunities for Western Australia. "In 2022, the US was Western Australia's six largest trading partner, with total trade worth around $8.7 billion. "The new hub will tap into this significant potential to grow our relationship across a range of sectors, and explore opportunities in other markets across the region, outside of the US." Comments attributed to State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook "This is another leap forward in WA's diversification strategy to attract new investment while creating the jobs of the future. "The US is already a significant investor in Western Australia's resources sector, in particular, oil and gas projects. "Both in the US and other markets in the region, we know there are further opportunities for trade and investment, especially in our priority sectors to support economic diversification. "A prime example is critical minerals. In 2021, the US Government expanded its list of 'critical minerals' from 35 to 50 commodities. Western Australia has an abundance of these critical minerals, including 24 per cent of the world's lithium, 20 per cent of the world's nickel, and 13 per cent of the world's cobalt and vanadium. "Through the new Americas hub, the WA Government will be better placed to facilitate and support opportunities to increase production of these commodities. This will help to diversify the State's production and fiscal base, and provide an opening for further downstream processing and involvement in global supply chains." Premier's office -6552 5000 State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister's office - 6552 6500 | |
