Major Projects Conference and Local Government Elections Headline Perth Political Agenda

Infrastructure and Governance Take Center Stage in Perth

Government activity in Perth today is highlighted by high-stakes infrastructure discussions and the commencement of local government proceedings. From the state’s major planning summits to regional council sessions, Thursday, 26 March 2026, marks a significant day for Western Australian policy and administration.

WA Major Projects Conference Opens at PCEC

The annual WA Major Projects Conference 2026 officially begins today at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC). The two-day event serves as a critical forum for government agencies, material suppliers, and senior construction professionals to discuss the infrastructure projects shaping the state’s future. Agenda items for today’s sessions include:

• Strategic investments in the state’s defense industry capability under the AUKUS partnership.
• Developments in renewable energy and the "Made in WA" plan for local manufacturing.
• Updates on major transport and social infrastructure projects across the Perth metropolitan area.

State government officials and industry leaders are expected to use the platform to outline procurement opportunities and timeline adjustments for multi-billion-dollar projects currently in the pipeline.

Extraordinary Local Government Elections Underway

The Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) is conducting Extraordinary Local Government Elections today, Thursday, 26 March 2026. These elections are held to fill vacancies in several local government districts that have arisen since the 2025 general elections. The commission has noted that these sessions are vital for ensuring full representation for residents in affected wards, with polling and ballot processing taking place throughout the day.

Ministerial Forums and Council Sessions

In the legislative and executive sphere, the Hon. Jessica Stojkovski MLA, Minister for Child Protection and Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, is scheduled to lead a session at the Executive Women’s Leadership Forum in Perth today. The Minister is expected to discuss the intersection of town planning and public service, reflecting on the Cook Government’s current social and transport portfolios.

Additionally, the Shire of Murray, located within the Perth-Peel corridor, is holding its Ordinary Council Meeting today at 5:30 PM. The session is preceded by an Audit and Risk Committee Meeting at 4:30 PM. These meetings are open to the public and will address local planning approvals and the 2026 regional budget framework.

Looking Ahead

While the City of Perth’s next Ordinary Council Meeting is not scheduled until next week, the decisions made today at the Major Projects Conference and during the extraordinary elections will have immediate impacts on the state’s political landscape. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to monitor official government channels for results from today’s ballots and project announcements.