The proposed South West Advanced Manufacturing Technology Hub for Bunbury, Western Australia will enter the next phase of planning with Deloitte brought in to prepare a feasibility study and business case.
The multinational consultanting firm was awarded the $1.2 million contract at the end of August. The work includes a detailed project plan, economic benefit analysis, financial viability plan as well as a market demand, feasibility, and engineering design studies.
Deloitte is also preparing the ServiceWA Future State Business Case on behalf of the state government at a cost of $440,000.
The next stage of planning for the South West Advanced Manufacturing Technology Hub (SW AMTECH) builds on a two-year preliminary assessment report completed in February 2022 by local commercial and financial advisory firm Paxon Group at a cost of $465,000.
The preliminary report recommended that the state government create specific objectives for the inclusion of some of the six potential manufacturing focus areas: wind power, solar photovoltaic, hydrogen electrolysers, batteries, lithium, and mining equipment, technology, and services.
It also recommended a detailed feasibility study be undertaken to confirm the sectors of focus and undertake common user infrastructure scoping through preparation of a business case.
On Tuesday, the state government said it expected a common-user facility would “lift industry competitiveness through providing local businesses with access to cutting-edge infrastructure, industry 4.0 technology, research, education, and training”.
The creation of the hub is being led by the South West Development Commission and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development with funding from the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
At the time of the publication of the preliminary assessment, the state had earmarked just under $2.5 million for a feasibility study.
Regional Development minister Don Punch said he was pleased to be moving ahead with the vision for SW AMTECH, describing regional Western Australia as the “powerhouse of the state’s economy” which is deserving of improved access to infrastructure, technology, and training.
“This is another great example of industry and government working together with the aim of producing economic outcomes that will transform industry prospects and unlock business and quality job opportunities in the future,” Mr Punch said.
SW AMTECH steering group chair Clive Brown said the announcement was an “exciting step towards delivering an advanced manufacturing and technology hub for Bunbury and the wider region”.
“The state government has identified technology and advanced manufacturing as a priority to further help diversify WA’s economy and create jobs.
“I look forward to working closely with government, industry and the local community to unlock the potential of the South-West’s manufacturing sector through the AMTECH project.”
Earlier this year, the WA government committed $43 million through its Investment Attraction Fund to advanced manufacturing projects across a set of industries including MedTech, batteries, and stand-alone power systems.
The state government has also committed to transforming its ‘Western Trade Coast’, from Rockingham to Fremantle, into a Global Advanced Industries Hub focused on renewable hydrogen, critical minerals processing, and ship building and sustainment.
Do you know more? Contact James Riley via Email.