Ground has broken on construction of the state government’s $55 million manufacturing precinct near Bunbury.
The South West Advanced Manufacturing Technology Hub near Picton has been touted as a new precinct focused on technology, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing industries.
Advanced manufacturing is the use of automation, AI and robotics in production lines, as opposed to traditional labour-intensive practices.
South West Minister Don Punch said the precinct would mark a step forward for the region.
“This hub will deliver lasting benefits for the South West by creating skilled local jobs, supporting businesses, and giving young people clear pathways into apprenticeships and long-term careers close to home,” he said.
The state government will put a request out to industry for an anchor tenant in July.
That tenant will be expected to work with the state government to manufacture parts needed to wean the state of coal-fired energy by 2030.
Picton is an area of underdeveloped industrial land sitting between Bunbury and Australind.
Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the state government wanted local workers employed in energy transition industries.
Electrotechnology electrician and engineering – mechanical trade enrolments at TAFE have increased by more than 50 per cent since Clean Energy and Advanced Manufacturing courses were introduced in 2020.
The state government in February allocated $75 million to establish Western Power manufacturing facilities at AMTECH and Forrestfield.
It has since been decided to put the tenancy out to tender to find a local business to take on the opportunity.
