West is best, WA Premier tells FIFO workers

The state government is working with the Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) to attract FIFO workers from eastern states to relocate their homes through a $20,000 building bonus grant.

This is available for workers who want to build a new home in Western Australia.

Prior to COVID-19’s travel restrictions, an estimated 5000–6000 FIFO workers from eastern states travelled to Western Australia to work at mining, oil and gas sites.

Western Australia’s strict border closure has caused many FIFO workers to stay in the state temporarily, with the state government hoping many will now permanently relocate.

Western Australia premier Mark McGowan said this would help expand the state’s economy.

“Western Australia is a great place to live and has a lot to offer those who already work here, but currently reside in homes in the eastern states,” he said.

“We expect by offering the building bonus to these workers, it will provide a strong incentive for them to make the move to WA, and build a new home.

“They are already working here on mining or oil and gas sites across the state. We want as many of these workers as possible to consider making a home in WA, and I’d particularly encourage them to learn about some of our fantastic communities in regional WA.

“By relocating to WA permanently, we can further support WA small businesses and continue to grow our economy as we continue the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The state government is also hoping that workers will build new homes in regional areas.

CME will assist FIFO workers with relocation costs and mortgage payment incentives to further encourage workers to completely shift to Western Australia.

“A number of our members are offering attractive incentives to encourage interstate FIFO workers to permanently relocate to WA to complement the federal and state Government’s home building stimulus packages,” CME chief executive officer Paul Everingham said.

“These incentives offered by companies include relocation financial assistance, mortgage payment support and assistance to travel to their state of origin once or twice a year.

“In addition, many companies will provide a regional living allowance to encourage workers to reside in the communities in which their company operates.

“The WA resources sector kept operating during COVID-19 and now our focus is to support WA’s economic recovery by creating new jobs and investing in the community.”

Western Australia’s Building bonus grant will be open until December 31.