A serious crash in West Perth has led to the closure of the Hay Street off-ramp and a section of the road itself, causing significant disruption this morning. The incident, which occurred at approximately 6:40 am, involved a collision between a ute and a delivery van as they exited the freeway onto Hay Street. The vehicles subsequently crashed into the first floor of a nearby building, raising concerns about the structure’s integrity.
Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and paramedics, responded swiftly to the scene. A female driver in her 70s is in critical condition, while a male in his 30s also sustained serious injuries. The building, which houses a business, was evacuated earlier today as a precautionary measure.
Main Roads has advised motorists to avoid the area, with road closures and detours expected to remain in place for an extended period due to heavy traffic congestion. Major Crash investigators are currently reconstructing the incident to determine the cause of the crash.
WA’s Role in Critical Minerals Pact
Meanwhile, Western Australia (WA) is gaining attention on the international stage as a key player in a newly signed critical minerals pact between Australia and the United States. Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson highlighted the significance of a visit by a top Trump administration advisor, indicating that WA will be central to the $3.1 billion agreement aimed at advancing rare earth projects.
Joshua Kroon, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods, Materials, Critical Minerals & Metals at the US International Trade Association, is set to visit WA this week. His visit underscores the importance of WA’s mineral resources in reducing reliance on China for elements crucial to advanced manufacturing.
“I think it demonstrates that when we’re talking about critical minerals, we’re really talking about Western Australia,” said Sanderson. “This is an enormous opportunity for our diversified economy.”
The pact represents a collaborative funding effort between the US and Australian governments, designed to bolster the development of rare earth projects. This initiative is expected to enhance international partnerships and contribute significantly to global decarbonisation efforts.
Investment in Skills and Training
In a related development, the WA government has announced a $300,000 investment to expand TAFE facilities, specifically aimed at increasing the number of electricians in the workforce. This investment will double the Capstone testing capacity at North Metropolitan TAFE’s Balga campus, allowing up to 700 apprentices and skilled migrants to be tested annually.
Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson emphasized the critical role electricians will play in the state’s clean energy future. She also announced the addition of six more construction trades and pre-apprenticeships to the fee-free and low-fee TAFE plan starting January 2026.
“We are working hard to make sure as well that we’re seeing women access many of those trades,” Sanderson stated. “You are guaranteed a job if you do an electrical trade. They are well-paid jobs, and they’re secure jobs in Western Australia.”
Implications and Future Outlook
The crash on Hay Street serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly in busy urban areas. As investigations continue, authorities will be keen to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
On the economic front, WA’s pivotal role in the critical minerals pact positions the state as a leader in the global push for sustainable development. The strategic investments in skills and training further underscore WA’s commitment to fostering a robust and diversified economy.
As WA continues to strengthen its international partnerships and invest in its workforce, the state is poised to play a crucial role in both national and global economic landscapes. The developments in WA reflect broader trends towards sustainability and economic resilience, promising a dynamic future for the region.
