Western Australian Government invests in solar recycling and regional food access

The Western Australian Government announced a $17.8 million investment in its 2026–27 State Budget to build capacity for recycling end‑of‑life solar panels and embedded batteries. Under the “Remade in WA” initiative, $13 million will fund collection, transport and processing pathways for solar panels, while $3 million supports battery collection at local facilities and $1.8 million covers program delivery. Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said the funding aims to protect the environment and reduce landfill, and Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber‑Jade Sanderson said it will help WA become a global clean‑energy powerhouse.

In a separate pilot, the government is providing $538,318 to improve healthy, affordable food access in the Great Southern and Southern Wheatbelt regions. Working with Amity Health and Healthway, the project will establish community‑led Food Action Groups in towns such as Narrogin, Katanning and Gnowangerup to develop local food action plans, deliver nutrition and gardening programs, and build local capacity. Preventive Health Minister Sabine Winton highlighted the importance of equitable access to nutritious food for physical and mental well‑being.