WA government announces feasibility study for Bunbury manufacturing hub

The Western Australian government has announced $485,000 in funding to support a feasibility study around establishing an advanced manufacturing hub in Bunbury.

Regional development minister Alannah MacTiernan made the announcement late last week, saying the study would be conducted over the next 12 to 18 months and formed part of a plan to expand a sector which had largely grown out of the mining industry.

“We think there is enormous potential for us to really take this one step further…we want this to become an industry that provides a much larger range of goods and services,” said MacTiernan.

Bunbury MLA Don Punch said the region had access to port, rail, and road supply chain infrastructure, available industrial land, highly trained workers, and local supplies of key minerals and other resources.

“I am a big believer in the capabilities of our local businesses, including in advanced manufacturing – and I believe there is room to expand this sector,” he added. 

Picture: Alannah MacTiernan and staff at a Bunbury factory (ABC South West/Ellie Honeybone)

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