In this week’s government wrap, the Western Australian Government’s clean energy move has been reported heavily in the past month, as the Warradarge Wind Farm undergoes a $400 million construction plan to boost its output capacity to 283 megawatts.
The wind farm will add an additional 30 wind turbines on top of its original 51 turbines that have been in operation since 2020, allocating Warradarge as the biggest wind farm and largest by energy generated in the state upon completion.
Warradarge will have an anticipated output of powering around 164,000 households through the South West Interconnected System, expected to be completed in 2027.
All turbines amass a height of 152m with blades spanning 67m in length.
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson says the expansion represents a broader contribution to the state’s renewable power generation.
“Our state has abundant wind resources, particularly in the Mid West region,” Sanderson says.
“Our state has abundant wind resources, particularly in the Mid West region”
“This project along with other grid-scale wind and solar farms and big batteries will enable us to exit coal by 2030 – faster than any other state.
“Warradarge Stage 2 is not just about building a bigger wind farm – it’s about building a better future for generations to come.”
This comes in time for the state’s newly appointed industry reference group, which intends to enhance informed decision making towards the advancement of the Western Trade Coast and its infrastructure, around 260km north of Perth.
Chaired by Minister for State Development David Scaife and his position as parliament secretary for the Western Trade Coast, other members involved in the group also operate within groups such as the Kwinana Industries Council and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy Western Australia.
Scaife says the Western Trade Coast plays a “critical” role in the resources, agricultural, and defence sectors as Perth’s “premier” industrial area.
“We have a once in a generation opportunity to build on that capability by diversifying the Western Trade Coast into additional downstream processing and manufacturing industries as part of the Cook Government’s Made in WA plan,” Scaife says.
Located along Perth’s south metropolitan coast, the Western Trade Coast has played a role in the state’s industrial activities for more than 60 years, generating around $15 billion towards the economy annually in direct and indirect streams.
Regions lead training awards
Outside of Western Australia’s capital city, the state has nine recognised regional areas, all filled with mining operations and boosting the local and country-wide economy.
Ahead of the WA Training Awards next month, the government has shared that from 32 students, trainees, apprentices, and lecturers recognised, 21 are based in regional areas.
There are 13 awards up for grabs at the ceremony, including 11 organisations to compete against the employer awards.
Regional finalists completed training across Central Regional TAFE, North Regional TAFE, and South Regional TAFE institutions, in areas including building and construction, the defence industry, electrical, and engineering.
WA Trainee of the Year nominees include Sienna Oud, who attained a Certificate II in Mechanical Engineering from North Regional TAFE.
Oud is now employed by Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) as a lubrication technician, engaging with tools, machinery, and welding equipment for a long pathway across the mining and engineering sectors.
South Regional TAFE apprentice Lara Rognetta is one nominated for the WA Apprentice of the Year award, currently working as a fitter for South32 (ASX:S32) with a Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical (Fitting).
Nominees for WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year include Kyen Graham, who attained a Certificate III in Engineering as a fixed and mobile plant mechanic from North Metropolitan TAFE. Graham currently works as a heavy diesel fitter apprentice under BHP’s (ASX:BHP) Future Fit Academy.
Other award categories include: WA Trainer of the Year, WA International Student of the Year, WA Cultural Diversity Training Award, WA Vocational Student of the Year, and WA School-based Apprentice of the Year.
Awards for employers include: WA Small Employer of the Year, WA Large Employer of the Year, WA Small Training Provider of the Year, WA Large Training Provider of the Year, and the WA Industry Collaboration Award.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: WA Government & WOMEESA
