$2 million in WA State Government funding will see the construction of a new commercial cannabis facility in the South West town of Collie.
"This project will help to put WA at the forefront of this rapidly growing industry and will drive new, long-term jobs in Collie," said WA Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan.
"WA's South-West has optimal conditions for this industry's agricultural requirements: coupled with the work of the McGowan Government to attract and develop industry in Collie, the region is perfectly placed for a facility of this scale."
The investment from the WA government's Collie Futures Industry Development Fund will support Stage 1 of the operation led by Cannaponics Limited.
Cannaponics has already purchased 65 hectares of cleared land near Collie for the development of the facility which will include a 1,000sqm greenhouse, laboratory and warehouse.
The facility will be capable of producing 1,000kg of dried cannabis and equivalent extracts per year, and will be Good Manufacturing Practice- (GMP) and Therapeutic Goods Administration- (TGA) certified to manufacture medical, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.
The first stage is expected to support 50 local trade jobs over 12 months of construction and create approximately 24 permanent ongoing jobs including professional, technical, production and administration roles.
The project is also expected to generate around $4 million in revenue, which the government said would deliver considerable flow-on effects for the Collie community.
