Western Australia’s (WA) Western Trade Coast has a 65-year history of supporting the state’s industrial activity. The Western Australian Government’s vision is to position the Western Trade Coast as a global advanced industries hub for sustainable trade, advanced manufacturing and innovation. To realise this vision, the government required an infrastructure strategy with priorities and actions to propel economic development in the region.
The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) engaged our firm to develop the Western Trade Coast Infrastructure Strategy on behalf of the Western Australian Government. Drawing on our expertise in advisory services, transport planning, energy, water and maritime we led a collaborative assessment of the region’s infrastructure and policy frameworks. This work culminated in a strategy report outlining the key constraints, priorities, and actions necessary for industrial development in the Western Trade Coast.
The strategy outlines priority actions for the region and will guide the government’s investment decisions, helping to accelerate future programmes and projects. Its goal is to ensure the region remains an attractive destination for business investment, generates quality jobs for local communities, and delivers positive economic, social, and environmental outcomes for all Western Australians.
Bringing government and industry together to create shared infrastructure outcomes
To develop an infrastructure strategy for the Western Trade Coast, it was crucial to ensure it was informed and endorsed by local governments and the State Government. Previous projects had demonstrated that collaboration among these key stakeholders was vital for successful outcomes.
We adopted a collaborative, listening approach, engaging with key stakeholders through a series of activities, including workshops, pre-work, and sessions led by our advisory consultants. This process allowed us to gather valuable input and feedback on the region’s development constraints, such as road congestion, increasing port capacity and resilience and renewable energy availability.
By incorporating this feedback into the strategy, we fostered a sense of shared ownership over the outcome. When we presented the strategy to stakeholders, minimal additional feedback was required, and they expressed positive sentiments, acknowledging that their needs were well represented.
Shaping the Western Trade Coast’s future transport, energy, maritime and water infrastructure
Navigating the complexities of infrastructure development in the Western Trade Coast demands a deep understanding of how various constraints and considerations interact. To achieve this, our advisory team collaborated closely with transport planning, energy, water, and maritime consultants, each bringing their expertise in specific infrastructure sectors.
For example, our energy consultants provided insights into electricity supply and transmission capacity constraints, with information about energy infrastructure. Similarly, our maritime consultants played an essential role in addressing marine-related constraints such as access and shipping channels, providing information on infrastructure like jetty sizes for imports and exports.
This collaborative approach allowed our advisory team to align each constraint with targeted projects, outlining steps for implementation that support the broader goals of the Western Trade Coast.
Led the collaborative assessment of the infrastructure and policy mechanisms required to address existing and future constraints and actions for industrial development in the Western Trade Coast
Through deep engagement with local governments, State Government and industry we ensured the strategy, and its priorities and actions reflected stakeholder perspectives
Provided multidisciplinary expertise across advisory, transport planning, energy, water and maritime consulting to provide strategic insights into a diverse range of infrastructure
If you'd like to speak to one of our maritime experts about any of the issues raised on this page or a potential collaboration then please get in touch by completing the form.
