General News
22 July, 2026
$170m opportunity opens for regional firms
A $170 million local procurement commitment could put Western Renewables Link work within reach of regional businesses providing the same kinds of services used by farms, councils and local construction projects.
Fuel supply, truck and plant hire, quarry materials, fencing, security, traffic management and civil works are among the types of work expected to become available during 2026.
The range of work means opportunities may extend well beyond specialist electricity and transmission contractors, with businesses new to major infrastructure projects specifically being invited to explore what is available.
WRL director Kate O’Carroll said there was significant scope for local firms to become involved.
“With a commitment from WRL to spend $170 million on local procurement, there is significant opportunity for local businesses to get involved, including those who are new to major infrastructure projects,” she said.
For businesses across western Victoria, two opportunities to hear directly about the work will be held nearby next month.
The WRL project team and delivery partner Acciona Genus Joint Venture will host free Meet the Builder events in Stawell and Lexton, where businesses can hear about current and upcoming work packages and the process of becoming a project supplier.
WRL’s published procurement schedule gives an indication of the breadth of work potentially available.
Other packages listed in WRL’s procurement schedule include locating services, site testing, geotechnical investigations, roving security patrols and logistics.
At Lexton, operations for a proposed temporary workforce accommodation facility are also expected to become available during 2026.
The facility, proposed south-east of Lexton, would accommodate up to 350 construction personnel and operate for at least two years during the project’s construction phase.
Ms O’Carroll said the multi-year nature of the proposed project could also allow local businesses to build their capacity.
“With construction of the proposed transmission line spanning multiple years, local businesses will be supported to build capability and access opportunities throughout the project’s construction,” she said.
Regional suppliers, Traditional Owner and First Nations businesses and social enterprises are among those being encouraged to attend the events.
The supplier opportunities remain contingent on the proposed Western Renewables Link proceeding to construction.
The project would comprise about 190 kilometres of high-voltage transmission infrastructure between Bulgana and Melbourne’s north-west.
The Stawell Meet the Builder event will be held on Thursday, August 6, from 12pm to 2pm, followed by the Lexton event from 4pm to 6pm.
Attendance is free, but registration is required.
Businesses interested in attending can register through the Western Renewables Link website, www.westernrenewableslink.com.au, before the August 3 deadline.