Regional Western Australia is entering a bold new era of industrial growth and economic diversification. For towns like Collie, the transition from traditional energy sources to cutting-edge manufacturing is well underway, bringing high-value employment, infrastructure investment, and renewed long-term confidence to the local community. 

A major milestone was reached recently with the announcement that pre-construction work has officially kicked off on the landmark $850 million Collie Steel Mill—Australia’s first new steel mill in over 35 years. 

For local businesses, families, and property buyers, this milestone marks a massive leap forward for the South West region. Let’s dive into what this project entails and why local leaders view it as a massive boost for our regional property market. 

The Project at a Glance: Innovation Meets Heritage 

Developed by Generation Steel, the Collie Steel Mill is designed to be a state-of-the-art facility operating on 100% renewable energy and recycling local Australian scrap steel. 

The project recently locked in two major international and domestic heavyweights to drive its pre-construction phase: 

• Clough: The iconic Perth-founded engineering and construction firm (part of the Webuild Group) has been appointed to design, plan, and price construction. 

• Danieli: A global leader in metals industry technology, providing the advanced electric arc furnace, caster, and rolling mill equipment. 

With plans to produce 450,000 tonnes of low-emissions steel annually, the project is expected to inject hundreds of jobs into the region—creating roughly 500 construction roles and 250 ongoing operational positions.

Expert Insights: What This Means for South West Real Estate 

Major industrial investments of this scale don't just transform local economies; they have a profound ripple effect on local real estate. Richard Morgan Managing Director at Harcourts APG , views the project as a defining catalyst for long-term property stability across the region:

"When you see a $850 million commitment backed by major international firms like Clough and Danieli, it sends a clear signal to investors and homeowners alike: the South West's economic future is exceptionally bright. Projects of this caliber create long-term, high-skilled jobs that directly translate into sustained housing demand." 

Richard Morgan Managing Director 

Key Drivers Boosting the Housing Sector 

1. Surging Rental and Buyer Demand 

With hundreds of workers coming to the region during construction and a quarter of a thousand permanent operational roles to follow, pressure on the local rental market and established housing stock will naturally intensify. 

Richard added "We anticipate a distinct surge in rental inquiries and buyer activity, not just in Collie, but across neighboring hubs like Bunbury and Eaton," notes . "Workers relocating for these long-term operational roles will be looking for family homes, driving low vacancy rates and underpinning capital growth for local property owners." 

2. Heightened Investor Confidence 

Industrial transitions backed by government support (such as the Collie Industrial Transition Fund) reassure investors that the regional economy is resilient and moving forward.
Richard also went on to say "Property investors are always looking for regions supported by strong infrastructure pipelines," says . "The Collie Steel Mill provides exactly the kind of foundational certainty that gives investors confidence to buy in the South West." 

3. Local Infrastructure and Small Business Expansion 

Economic growth isn't isolated to the plant floor. Increased payrolls mean more spending in local cafes, retail stores, trades, and community services. As regional towns thrive commercially, residential suburbs become even more attractive lifestyle destinations for families escaping metropolitan congestion. 

Looking Ahead 

As pre-construction progresses toward final investment decisions and site groundwork, the South West property market is well-positioned for sustained momentum. 

For Collie and the broader South West, this landmark green steel initiative demonstrates how industrial tradition can evolve into a clean, high-tech future. 

Are you looking to buy, sell, or invest in the South West market? Get in touch with and the experienced team at today to discuss how these major regional projects impact your property goals.