Contract awarded for the construction of the Oakajee SIA access road

The transformation of Oakajee in Western Australia into a job-creating clean energy hub is moving forward with the contract to deliver a new access road leading to the precinct now awarded. 

Highway Construction Pty Ltd has secured the $20 million contract to build the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area (SIA) access road. This is a key step in the development of the precinct that will help position Western Australia as a global renewable energy powerhouse. 

“This is an important milestone in the Cook Labor Government’s plan to develop Oakajee into a clean energy hub for our region. 

“Unlocking Oakajee means thousands of jobs and a strong economy for Geraldton long into the future. 

“The steps we are taking now, and the investments our Government is making, will set Geraldton up for long-term success,” Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton said. 

Works will commence in the coming months, and the project will involve the construction of a new intersection at North West Coastal Highway alongside the delivery of the first stage of the access road and widening of about four kilometres of highway in the area, with new acceleration and deceleration lanes. 

This project, which is due to be completed next year, will support heavy freight movement in and out of the Oakajee SIA. 

“This is an important first step for our future Oakajee SIA, and importantly, will provide a safer road environment for the heavy freight vehicles that will operate in the area. 

“Oakajee is one of 13 SIAs attracting important investment into Western Australia to grow emerging industries. 

“Of course, these SIAs not only provide massive economic opportunity right across the State, but will also create more long-term jobs for Western Australians,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

The Oakajee SIA is located about 20 kilometres north of Geraldton and is recognised for its world-class wind and solar potential, making this greenfield site ideal to transform into a globally competitive clean energy industries precinct. 

The Western Australian Government is prioritising the development of the State’s Strategic Industrial Areas to boost jobs creation and help diversify the local economy. 

In the 2024-25 State Budget, the Cook Government announced a $500 million investment towards the Strategic Industries Fund that aims to deliver common-user and other enabling infrastructure at the State’s 13 SIAs. In addition, the State Government also committed a $160 million industrial lease incentive scheme to attract clean energy projects to the SIAs. 

“Under my Government, Oakajee is on the path to becoming one of the State’s major clean energy jobs precinct. 

“Through the new access road, the $500 million Strategic Industries Fund and our lease incentive scheme, we’re turning the Oakajee dream into a reality. 

“Developing Oakajee will create thousands of long-term jobs for Geraldton, diversify the Mid West economy and help WA to become a global renewable energy powerhouse,” Premier Roger Cook said. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; The Indian Sun