Around 150 local businesses met with national and international railcar manufacturers to better understand the opportunities for future work.

METRONET will significantly increase demand for new railcars, and will need about 102 new railcars (17 six-car sets) added to the existing Transperth fleet.

With a target of 50 per cent local content to manufacture these railcars, WA businesses were invited to the joint Public Transport Authority and Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation briefing to learn more about how they can get involved in the State Government's program.

During the day of presentations and networking opportunities industry and local suppliers discussed what skills, products and services currently exist within WA, which may be available to support the manufacture and maintenance of a new design of railcars.

At the session closing, the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation also shared details on the Local Capability Fund's METRONET round, which will provide eligible businesses with up to $20,000 in dollar-for-dollar funding to assist them to prepare for work on the project.

Copies of the presentations can be found on the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation website.