The Western Australian government has launched a sweeping long-term blueprint for regional Western Australia, identifying seven key cities as the engines of the state’s future as a renewable energy powerhouse.
The Seven Cities vision targets Bunbury, Kalgoorlie, Port Hedland, Karratha, Broome, Geraldton, and Albany. The plan aims to move beyond traditional reliance on mining and agriculture by transforming these centres into industrial hubs capable of making more things in WA.
Central to the vision is a massive AU$692 million investment in regional housing initiatives included in the 2026-27 State Budget.
Recognising that housing availability is the primary barrier to economic growth, the government has partnered with the resources sector to deliver more than 500 homes for regional frontline workers.
The build is being partially funded through a landmark AU$170 million contribution from industry giants. Rio Tinto will contribute AU$100m, BHP AU$50m, and Hancock Prospecting AU$20m. Rio Tinto’s contribution will also deliver further housing in Wickham, Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Roebourne.
This represents the largest-ever build for Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH), ensuring that teachers, police, and healthcare workers can live in the communities they serve.
“My Seven Cities vision starts with housing,” Premier Roger Cook said.
“To seize the big job-creating projects in front of us in regional WA, we need the Seven Cities to have the economic infrastructure they need and to be able to provide quality services to the towns and remote communities within their regions.”
The 2026-27 State Budget allocates significant funding for critical infrastructure across the seven hubs to support industrial expansion and liveability:
- Water & Energy: Significant investments in the Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant, the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme, and water supply studies for the Kemerton and Boodarie Strategic Industrial Areas.
- Transport: AU$45 million to boost the Australind train service between Perth and Bunbury, and AU$3.8 million to support Nexus Airlines’ Inter-Regional Flight Network.
- Health: AU$60 million for a new 32-bed modular ward at Albany Health Campus, alongside ongoing redevelopments in Geraldton and Bunbury.
- Maritime: AU$89.1 million for upgrades to Bunbury’s Casuarina Boat Harbour.
Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson emphasised that these cities will act as regional hubs, providing essential services and jobs that flow through to surrounding remote communities.
“The Seven Cities vision is about growing our key regional centres in a planned and sustainable way, this includes ensuring there is enough quality housing to meet demand as new projects and industries come online,” Dawson said.
By expanding free and low-fee TAFE and prioritising land assembly, the government aims to secure a skilled local workforce to meet demand through to 2030.
