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Infrastructure & Services

Connecting the South West

The South West region benefits from well-developed infrastructure that effectively connects communities, industries and markets.

The South West has one of Western Australia’s strongest regional infrastructure networks, supporting a diverse economy and connected communities.

Efficient road, rail, port and airport infrastructure enables the movement of people and goods throughout the region and provides direct links to Perth, national markets and international trade.

Reliable utilities, expanding digital connectivity and continued investment in infrastructure position the South West to support population growth, attract investment and maintain a high quality of life.

Key Infrastructure

Road and Rail

Road

The South West is connected by an extensive State Road network that links communities, industry and Perth.  

Major transport routes include:   

  • Forrest Highway  
  • Bussell Highway  
  • Wilman Wadandi Highway  

 

These high-capacity highways provide efficient freight movement and reliable travel throughout the region

Rail

An active narrow-gauge freight rail network supports key industries across the South West, connecting Bunbury with Collie, Harvey and Perth.

Passenger services are provided by the Australind train, improving accessibility between Bunbury and Perth.

Ports and Airports

Port

The Bunbury Port is one of Australia’s largest regional ports and is a critical trade gateway for Western Australia.

The Port supports exports across a range of industries including mining, agriculture, forestry and manufacturing, while providing significant opportunities for future economic growth.

Airports

Busselton Margaret River Airport provides direct services to Melbourne and Sydney, supporting tourism, business travel and FIFO operations.

Bunbury Domestic Airport supports emergency services, charter operations, aviation training and recreational flying.

Regional airports throughout the South West also provide important aviation services for local communities.

Digital Connectivity

Broadband and Mobile Connectivity

The South West is enhancing its digital capability through expanded fibre-optic broadband and growing 5G mobile coverage—supporting a more connected, competitive, and future-ready region.

NBN Business Fibre Zones are now available in:

  • Bunbury
  • Busselton
  • Collie
  • Margaret River

 

These zones provide access to faster, more reliable internet, enabling businesses to scale operations, adopt advanced technologies, and operate more efficiently.

Supporting Innovation and Growth

Strong digital connections make it easier for businesses to grow, try new ideas, and connect with customers locally and globally.

By investing in better technology and infrastructure, the South West is building more resilient communities and creating new opportunities for future growth.

 

Energy and Utilities

Power, Water and Gas

Power

The South West is connected to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), providing reliable electricity across the region.

Ongoing investment in transmission infrastructure supports population growth, industrial development and renewable energy integration.

Water

Water services are provided primarily by Water Corporation, with additional services delivered by Aqwest, Busselton Water and Harvey Water.

Water is sourced from surface water, groundwater and desalination, creating a resilient supply for communities, agriculture and industry.

Reliable Utility Services

Gas

Natural gas infrastructure services major regional centres and industrial precincts throughout the South West.

The network supports manufacturing, mineral processing and agribusiness while providing a dependable and competitively priced energy source.

Continued investment in utility infrastructure ensures businesses and communities are well positioned for future growth.

Energy Transition

Renewable Energy and Sustainability

Western Australia’s transition to renewable energy is creating new opportunities for investment, innovation and economic growth across the South West. The region plays an important role in delivering secure, reliable and sustainable energy while supporting the growth of new industries.

    • Western Australia is transitioning from coal-fired power generation to a more diverse energy mix, including renewable energy, battery storage and flexible generation.
    • As part of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), the South West is benefiting from investment in transmission infrastructure, large-scale battery storage and renewable energy projects that strengthen energy security and support decarbonisation.
    • The transition is creating opportunities across advanced manufacturing, clean energy technologies, energy-intensive processing and other emerging industries, supporting long-term regional growth and employment.
Collie Just Transition

Collie is at the centre of Western Australia’s energy transition as the State phases out coal-fired power generation by 2030. Significant investment is supporting the community, workforce and local economy to ensure a strong and sustainable future.

 

  • The Western Australian Government has committed almost $700 million to support Collie’s transition through investment in new industries, infrastructure, workforce retraining and regional development initiatives.
  • The transition aims to diversify Collie’s economy while maintaining its important role as a major energy and industrial centre.
  • Emerging opportunities include advanced manufacturing, downstream processing, renewable energy technologies, battery industries and other low-emissions industries that will help shape Collie’s future economy.

 

For more information, read the WA Government Energy Transformation Strategy.

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