Wind With Purpose: Warradarge Expansion a Milestone for WA’s Clean Energy Workforce and Supply Chain

By David Moody, Head of Strategic Relationships, MGA Group (Australian Renewables Academy)

Construction is underway on the 30-turbine expansion of the Warradarge Wind Farm — a move that will see the Western Australian project become the state’s largest wind farm by capacity. It’s a decisive moment for the sector, but more importantly, it’s a clear demonstration of what well-planned, community-anchored clean energy infrastructure can deliver: local jobs, long-term regional economic benefit, and capability growth across the supply chain.

The $400 million expansion, supported by the WA Government’s Clean Energy Future Fund, is more than a headline. At its peak, the project will employ over 120 workers on site, providing real-world, hands-on roles that build the experience and technical knowledge we urgently need across the clean energy workforce.

From the perspective of the Australian Renewables Academy the Warradarge expansion is a strong example of how large-scale energy investments can — and must — be designed with workforce and industry development at their core. We’re seeing evidence of that here: contracts awarded to experienced firms like Vestas and Decmil; regional communities engaged early and meaningfully; and a clear, staged pipeline from construction through to ongoing operations and maintenance roles.

Projects like this also play a critical role in stabilising the Australian renewables pipeline. In a year where new wind developments have slowed nationally, Warradarge offers both momentum and a model, showing what’s possible when governments, investors, and delivery partners commit to projects with a broader view of impact.

At ARA, we’re focused on building the workforce and supply chain needed to power Australia’s clean energy future. That future depends on more than megawatts — it depends on the people, partnerships, and places behind them. And in that respect, Warradarge sends a strong signal.