The Western Australian Government has announced a new initiative to strengthen Western Australia’s manufacturing sector, launching an Expression of Interest (EOI) for locally made green steel to be used in major government projects.
According to the state government, the move is part of its Made in WA plan to diversify the economy and support job creation by encouraging the local manufacture of sustainable building materials.
In a news release, Premier Roger Cook said the initiative sends a strong message to industry about the government’s commitment to developing a local green steel sector.
“Locally made green steel is a key part of my vision to become a renewable energy powerhouse and make more things here,” Cook said.
“This announcement is a signal of intent to this new green steel industry – we want you here.”
Under the program, major infrastructure projects – including railways, roads, hospitals, and transmission lines – will consider using green steel produced in WA. The government will also apply a new “if not, why not” procurement approach, explicitly preferring locally manufactured green steel when available.
To support this transition, the State Government will publish a Western Australian Industry Participation Strategy (WAIPS) Addendum for steel, introducing stronger local sourcing expectations, recognising the role of recycled and low-emission steel, and requiring value-for-money assessments.
The initiative also includes plans to increase the supply of local steel to government projects across the health, transport, and clean energy sectors.
An open-market EOI will invite submissions from green steel producers, while directions will be issued to Western Power, Synergy, and Horizon Power under the Government Trading Enterprises Act 2023 to prioritise local content procurement.
Cook said these steps will help build confidence for producers to invest in green steel manufacturing within the state.
“It’ll mean that when we build government projects, we’re not just creating jobs in construction – we’re creating them in manufacturing,” he said.
“We’re creating good jobs, apprenticeships, and opportunities in local workshops and fabrication yards, which is what the Made in WA plan that I took to this year’s election is all about.”
Energy and Decarbonisation; Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals of supporting clean energy and industrial growth.
“We promised action on green steel, and we are delivering,” Sanderson said. “This is a clear signal to proponents and manufacturers that the Cook Labor Government is determined to set up a green steel industry.”
She added that developing a green steel supply chain will not only contribute to decarbonisation efforts but also reinforce Western Australia’s manufacturing capabilities.
“It will create jobs, diversify the economy, and provide the green steel products for projects that will shape Western Australia, from hospitals and transport to housing and energy infrastructure,” Sanderson said.
“Seizing this opportunity will show that decarbonisation and industrial strength go hand in hand. We do not need to choose between clean energy and jobs.”
