The Western Australian Government is delivering Australia’s largest vanadium battery energy storage system (VBESS) in Kalgoorlie with interest in stage one of the expression of interest.
VBESS is a landmark project, in which the state government will provide $150 million to install a 50 megawatt/500 megawatt per hour vanadium flow battery.
Stage two of the expression of interest will seek detailed business cases with the aim of selecting a preferred proponent in mid-2026 to deliver the VBESS.
Recently, the Western Australian Government applied a 2.5% royalty rate of vanadium products in a move to incentivise production of the critical mineral in Western Australia.
The Western Australian Government has also launched a $1.75 million Spaceport Establishment Support grant to help commercial companies establish space launch facilities in the state.
A Feasibility Study will be undertaken to identify the best locations to establish spaceports in the state. The study will support spaceport operators to make commercial decisions on site selection and investment requirements.
These measures are part of the Western Australian Government’s $2 million Made in WA 2025 election commitment with the aim of accelerating the development of local space industry capability.
A spaceport is a site equipped for launching, receiving, testing or maintaining spacecraft and rockets.
With the global space launch services market exceeding US$15 billion and projected to grow 15% per year, Western Australia has an opportunity to position itself as a leader in the international space sector.
The grant is a competitive co-investment fund managed by the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification. It opened on 16 February 2026 and will close on 15 May 2026. Funding may be awarded to one applicant or split across multiple applicants.
Queensland
The Queensland Government is delivering priority housing, water and local infrastructure projects to communities along the CopperString route.
As part of the state government’s commitment to the biggest energy project in North Queensland’s history, $50 million in legacy projects will be delivered to communities in the state’s north and northwest area.
As part of the fund, $4.285 million is set aside for critical local infrastructure projects supporting the $225 million Flinders Substation and Hughenden Hub, as well as an initial $1 million to support detailed design and cost analysis for critical water and sewerage infrastructure.
During a regional tour, Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki will visit the Flinders Substation where on-the-ground work is underway.
Queensland Investment Corporation is currently positioning work on CopperString;s Eastern Link from Hughenden to Townsville, while it carries out a full analysis of options to deliver the best economic value for the Western Link.
The state government has also established the North West Energy Fund to support communities west of Hughenden until the Western Link is built.
The $200 million fund will help improve energy affordability and reliability for local communities in and around Mt Isa, Cloncurry, Julia Creek and Richmond.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
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