Other Industry Sectors

The engineering construction sector is Western Australia’s (WA) fourth largest industrial sector.

A significant proportion of the State’s infrastructure construction involves the development of WA's abundant mineral and petroleum resources.  This requires a sophisticated engineering services sector and local fabrication capability, as well as the project management and construction skills base necessary for working in remote, challenging environments.

Efficient construction processes and the use of local building materials have contributed to residential housing affordability in WA and the maintenance of Perth’s enviable urban lifestyle.

Isolation, distance, changing topography and varying climates have fostered local knowledge in the manufacture and judicious use of a range of construction materials.  WA excels, for example, in steel fabrication technologies – and this in turn has provided cost-effective building products for the State.

Quality commercial and public buildings throughout southern and northern Asia have been designed by West Australian engineering and architectural practices, which are also increasing their presence in the Middle East.

This local expertise includes the design of major tourism resorts and sporting facilities, aquariums, abattoirs, security-related facilities, hospitals and educational institutions.

Local engineering and project management companies such as Multiplex, Worley and Clough have recognised world class capability. 

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An abundant supply of wholesome food products - cultivated in clear-sky sunshine, clear waters and an unspoilt environment - makes Western Australia (WA) the food industry's "Land of Plenty".

WA boasts one of the most advanced agricultural regions in the world. Local farmers are growing new varieties and species of grains, fruits and vegetables suited to European and Asian tastes, both for export and for consumption across Australia.

These products range from the staples of life to the most exotic of delicacies and gourmet products that are making their mark in many export markets, particularly in Britain and Europe. An emerging industry is the production of processed ingredients for the food-service and retail markets, mainly in Asia.

WA's small but dynamic wine industry is responsible for a high-quality premium product which is establishing a growing presence in international markets. United Kingdom, USA, Switzerland, Japan and Singapore are among the major buyers of WA wine.

The Western Australian Government is also focusing on new opportunities for products such as nutraceuticals and functional foods, in response to world market demand and trends.

The main contact for the Western Australian Food and Beverage industry is the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Food and Beverages Investment Video Presentation

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 English [mpg 59.7MB]
 Mandarin [mpg 59.7MB]
 Korean [mpg 59.7MB]
 German [mpg 59.7MB]
 Italian [mpg 61.5MB]
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 Indonesian [mpg 59.7MB]
 Arabic [mpg 59.7MB]

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The beauty and diversification of Western Australia's (WA) native hardwoods result in a range of high quality products and particularly fine furniture.

As hardwood supply throughout the world continues to tighten the prospects for value adding, milling and dressing of Western Australian hardwoods becomes more attractive.

WA offers great opportunities for the manufacture of fine furniture. The State already has native timber furniture makers who have successfully established overseas markets (view the Creative Industries Investment Video above for further information).

WA’s mature softwood plantations support value adding industries such as structural timber products, laminated veneer lumber, particle board and medium density fibre board. Hardwoods are currently grown as a short rotation crop in the South West of the State, for export to the paper industry.

WA is continuing to develop its plantation resources of both softwood and hardwood. The State’s hardwood plantations are still maturing and have not yet reached a stage to support high value added products, like furniture.

There is also potential for the production of oil from supplies of sandalwood trees grown in the State's mid to low rainfall areas, from the Kimberley to the Great Southern region. Another prospective forest product is the commercial production of tea tree oil for therapeutic goods.

The forest industry should be viewed as a long term investment.

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Mineral production in Western Australia (WA) is very diverse and includes some fifty different minerals in commercial production.

It is against this background that the Western Australian mining equipment and services sector has developed and established its capabilities and reputations in servicing not only the domestic market, but now increasingly have also "gone global" and are exporting equipment and services to the major mining centres of the world.

Western Australian mining services companies are winning business in priority markets such as China, East and Southern Africa, Latin America and the Pacific Islands.

The Department of Industry and Resources under contract with the Australian Trade Commission is now delivering the "TradeStart" program of export facilitation to Western Australian companies in the mining equipment, technology and services sector. Further information is available in Programs, Awards and Grants.

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Western Australia (WA) is the country's premier petroleum producer.

As home to the North West Shelf joint venture, location for the giant Gorgon project and downstream gas processing projects on the Burrup Peninsula and significant gas pipeline infrastructure, WA, on the back of a world scale hydrocarbons resources endowment has developed a highly capable services and support industry sector which is earning a reputation as a reliable and cost effective supplier of equipment and services into, initially the local Australian market, and increasingly international oil and gas markets.

WA's key strengths are in:

• Front end engineering and design 
• Geophysics
• Fabrication and construction
• Training
• Electrical engineering
• Process engineering and control
• World class research and development (CSIRO Petroleum now relocated to WA's Technology Park)
• Asset management and development
• Subsea technology

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Western Australia is set to become a world leader in growing, delivery and processing of forest products and the preferred place to do business in the Asia/pacific region. About five million tonnes of plantation timber annually will be available between 2005 - 2010 as feedstock in the southern regions of Western Australia.

As about two thirds of this wood is not yet committed for processing and opportunities exist to service growing Asia Pacific markets, particularly in China, Korea and India.

The Department of Industry and Resources has significant experience and skills in assisting with the development of large wood processing projects. Through the Department, the Western Australia State Government offers assistance with understanding and working through the Government approval process; increased security for the investor through a project specific agreement ratified by Parliament; zoned industrial land or assistance to identify and secure land; assistance with infrastructure planning and provision; and assistance with community consultation.

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The Business and Industry section provides information on:

• Programs, awards and grants
• Starting and growing your business
• Location options
• Exporting

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