• WA small and medium businesses invited to apply for funding through new Local Capability Fund
• Up to $20,000 available for eligible businesses seeking to be involved in METRONET rolling stock project
• More than 150 attendees at railcar industry briefing yesterday
  
  

The McGowan Labor Government will provide eligible businesses with up to $20,000 in dollar-for-dollar funding to assist them to prepare for work on the METRONET project.

The Local Capability Fund's METRONET round will focus on future engagement opportunities between prospective railcar manufacturers and Western Australian small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

This funding can be used for equipment, improvements to internal business infrastructure and systems, and expert consultancy fees. 

The Local Capability Fund was announced at yesterday's METRONET industry briefing, jointly hosted by the Public Transport Authority and the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

The rolling stock element of the METRONET project will also feature future fleet maintenance and repair of the new electric rolling stock.

At the event, a number of major manufacturing and rail companies who are likely to tender for METRONET rolling stock procurement, presented to WA SMEs about how they can get involved in the local supply chain.

For more information, visit http://www.jtsi.wa.gov.au/local-capability-fund

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

"The METRONET Local Capability Fund round will assist highly skilled businesses across the State to be prepared for involvement in the historic METRONET project.

"This funding will assist local businesses to pre-qualify for inclusion in the supply chains of rolling stock manufacturers and improve their competitiveness in this sector and beyond." 

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"METRONET is a transformational project for Perth, and will have a far-reaching impact on the Western Australian economy.

"The Government is determined to ensure that local content on this project is maximised and I am pleased to see many local companies taking advantage of events like yesterday's to find out more."