Primary industries
Agriculture is Western Australia’s second major export industry. Wheat, wool, beef and lamb are its main products. A diverse and efficient agriculture sector provides the raw material for a rapidly growing range of processed exports. These include wine, ice cream, barley malt, noodles and fine leather.
The Western Australia Fisheries are key world suppliers of Prawns, Pearls and Lobsters.
A well-managed forestry industry produces hardwood and softwood timbers and woodchips from natural forests and plantations.
Mineral and energy resources
Extensive natural gas reserves ensure Western Australia will be an important source of energy. WA supplies liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Japan and developing new markets in Taiwan and Korea.
With more than 270 operating mines, Western Australia is a leading supplier of many commodities including alumina, diamonds, iron ore and mineral sands.
The State also produces 70% of Australia’s gold and significant exports of salt, nickel, tantalum and numerous other metals.
Manufacturing
Processed mineral and agricultural products are the State’s major manufacturing exports.
Western Australia’s shipbuilding industry has built more than 60 per cent of the nation’s civil craft. It has also supplied 10 per cent of the world’s lightweight passenger ferries. Local firms have adopted new designs, materials and technology to capture an important share of a growing market.
Transport
A major east-west rail line carries freight and passengers between Western Australia and other Australian States.
Perth’s international airport handles flights servicing Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.
Universities in WA
Colleges and TAFEs in WA