Strong industry interest in a proposed Western Australian defence and advanced manufacturing hub has prompted the State Government to begin assessing 179 Expressions of Interest (EOIs), with the project expected to support local manufacturing capability, defence supply chains and future industry development.
According to the WA Government, the proposed Western Defence Forge (WDF) received submissions from businesses across nine countries, including 28 international companies, 13 international defence primes, 20 Australian companies and 118 Western Australian small and medium-sized enterprises.
The proposed hub is intended to support defence and advanced manufacturing activities while helping WA businesses participate in major defence projects and expand into export markets and global supply chains.
Submissions covered a range of capability areas including guided weapons and munitions manufacturing, autonomous and uncrewed systems, space systems and satellite manufacturing, advanced manufacturing and additive manufacturing, defence electronics, maritime sustainment, critical minerals, advanced materials, logistics, testing and workforce development.
The State Government said the EOIs will help inform future infrastructure planning, industry opportunities and employment associated with the project, as well as assist in determining the most suitable location for the hub. While Collie is under consideration, other locations with industrial land, energy infrastructure and skilled workforces are also being assessed.
Premier Roger Cook said the level of interest reflected opportunities for Western Australia’s manufacturing sector.
“The strong response to the Western Defence Forge demonstrates the scale of opportunity available to Western Australia as we look to deliver on our plan to make more things in WA,” Cook said.
He said the project had the potential to generate skilled employment, attract long-term private investment and strengthen the state’s advanced manufacturing sector.
“By bringing together industry, researchers, and technology developers, the Western Defence Forge can help local businesses access major projects, strengthen sovereign industrial capability, and create lasting economic opportunities for Western Australians, particularly in regional communities such as Collie,” Cook said.
Minister Assisting the Defence Industries Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said manufacturing remained central to the state’s economic and industrial ambitions.
“Manufacturing is the foundation of a strong economy and a secure nation,” Sanderson said.
“Western Australia has the skills, resources and the industrial capability to build more here.
“We want to see Western Australian workers and local businesses seize these opportunities to help grow our local manufacturing industry and strengthen our sovereign capability.”
The WA Government said the Western Defence Forge is intended to strengthen the state’s ability to manufacture, maintain and support complex defence technologies while creating opportunities across engineering, manufacturing, technology and skilled trades.
