Kalkine: WA Focuses on Energy and Workforce Growth to Boost Economic Strength

Highlights:

• Western Australia strengthens collaboration with industry groups to support energy policy and infrastructure

• Skilled workforce development identified as a priority across renewable and resource projects

• Streamlined project approvals to support economic diversification and industrial expansion

Western Australia, a key contributor to the Australian economy through its vast resource exports, is enhancing its economic and energy resilience through stronger collaboration with business leaders. Following the conclusion of the Trade and Economic Resilience roundtable, the state government outlined its commitment to working closely with key industry bodies such as the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia (CCIWA).

The focus areas discussed included critical infrastructure, energy and resource security, sovereign capability, supply chain efficiency, and streamlined state policy. These priorities are closely tied to the performance of companies listed on the ASX 200, including major resource operators such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX:BHP), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO), and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX:WDS), which play a pivotal role in the national economy.

Energy Infrastructure and Gas Security a Central Pillar

The Western Australian Government has reaffirmed its intent to enhance energy affordability and reliability by developing a modern, low-cost gas-supported energy framework. This initiative aims to support the state’s industrial expansion and long-term energy security.

Energy-intensive sectors, including mining and manufacturing, are expected to benefit from these efforts, as the government moves to establish supportive infrastructure across designated industrial zones. These zones will play a key role in the ongoing development of transformative projects, particularly those aligned with decarbonisation and renewable integration.

Skilled Labour Supply to Underpin Project Delivery

Workforce development has emerged as a central theme for the state’s growth ambitions. The government has committed to prioritising the availability of skilled labour, with a strong emphasis on industries tied to the energy transition and natural resources.

This strategic focus aligns with the goals of expanding operational capacity and maintaining Western Australia’s global competitiveness in resource production. Companies such as Fortescue Ltd (ASX:FMG) and South32 Ltd (ASX:S32) stand to gain from improved workforce planning and vocational pathways supporting project execution in both traditional and emerging sectors.

Approvals Reform to Streamline Industry Expansion

The state government also signalled its intention to reduce regulatory friction by accelerating approvals for critical business projects. By refining administrative procedures and maintaining common-use infrastructure, the plan is expected to facilitate more efficient deployment of industrial and energy developments.

As outlined by the CME, reducing bottlenecks and reinforcing policy clarity are essential to ensuring Western Australia remains a top-tier jurisdiction in global mining and resource investment rankings. The stability of the operating environment, combined with the region’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) profile, positions the state as a leader in responsible resource production.

Economic Performance Highlights Resource Sector Importance

Recent data reflecting Western Australia’s domestic economic growth further underscores the significance of the resource sector. The state’s continued economic momentum is attributed to its export strength, especially in minerals and energy. With over one hundred ongoing projects spanning multiple commodities, Western Australia plays a vital role in supporting national prosperity and industrial output.

This robust performance reinforces the contributions of key ASX-listed resource entities and highlights the interconnected nature of infrastructure, policy, and workforce initiatives in sustaining long-term economic resilience.