• Local companies invited to METRONET railcar procurement briefing
• McGowan Government plan to boost local jobs and guarantee local supply
• Briefing for WA manufacturers and sub-supplier small and medium businesses 
• 2017-18 State Budget included $322 million over four years for new railcars 

The McGowan Government is delivering on its job-creating election commitment to form a rolling stock strategy that grows the State's capacity to build METRONET railcars locally.

METRONET will significantly increase demand for new rolling stock, and will require about 102 new railcars (17 six-car sets) to be added to the existing Transperth fleet.

The McGowan Government's METRONET railcar procurement project sets a target of 50 per cent local content work for the manufacturing of new railcars. 

Western Australian manufacturers are invited to attend a briefing to learn more about how they can get involved in the State Government's program. 

The initial briefing will help the State Government clarify where local work and training opportunities currently exist, and how ongoing jobs and apprenticeships can be created.

Construction briefings have already been held for local engineering and design consultancies in the construction industry, in relation to the new METRONET rail lines and stations. 

The October event will enable government and relevant manufacturers to understand what skills, products and services currently exist within WA, which may be available to support the manufacture and maintenance of a new design of railcars. 

It will also provide valuable networking opportunities for local small to medium-sized businesses looking to be involved in future supply chain work. 

The briefing will be held at Technology Park in Bentley on Thursday, October 26. Interested businesses must register online by Wednesday October 25.

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

"The ongoing delivery of METRONET will drive job growth throughout various local industries.

"METRONET will transform Western Australia's public transport network and provide opportunities for local businesses that have the capability to help plan, develop and implement these projects.

"This briefing will inform manufacturers about the tendering process for future railcars and help assist the State Government tap into local expertise to effectively deliver world-class public transport across Perth."

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"This Government is getting straight to work and building METRONET.

"The State Budget included $322 million over four years to build new METRONET railcars, maximising WA's manufacturing capability. 

"METRONET is a game-changing plan for Perth and I would encourage interested businesses to sign up and learn more about the pipeline of opportunities."