Western Australia’s 2025–26 State Budget has landed and once again, gold is at the heart of the story. 

While the headlines shout surplus, royalties, and record prices, the real story is about what those dollars are doing on the ground in schools, towns, and homes across regional WA. 

“Strong performance from the gold sector has delivered a record $739 million in gold royalties.”  — WA Treasury, 2025–26 State Budget 

Gold isn’t just balancing the books - it’s building futures.

Gold at the Heart of WA’s Economic Engine 

WA has recorded its seventh straight surplus, a remarkable feat in today’s volatile global economy. The 2024–25 year saw $739 million in gold royalties, with forecasts showing an upward climb to $918 million in 2025–26 and $952 million by 2026–27. 

This golden performance is happening alongside rising input costs, squeezed margins, and growing operational complexity. The price of gold may be strong, but the cost of producing it is higher than ever, and miners are working harder, smarter, and more collaboratively to keep delivering. 

Mining is no exception to global pressures. But gold continues to hold firm, not just in ounces produced, but in what it gives back. 

More Than Royalties: A Ripple Through Every Region 

It’s easy to quote billions. Harder to measure are the ripple effects, the student inspired in a school STEM session, the local business thriving through mine-site contracts, the town that feels more hopeful because it sees a future in gold. 

“Gold’s value goes far beyond the ounce – it builds schools, funds exploration, supports families and creates careers.”  Kristy Reilly  — Gold Industry Group CEO 

Investing in the Next Generation 

The WA Government is also investing in tomorrow’s discoveries, committing $8.9 million to the Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) - a much needed and bold move to spark new projects, jobs, and momentum. 

EIS Snapshot: 

  • $8.9 million budgeted for 2025–26 

  • Fuels early-stage greenfield exploration 

  • Unlocks regional job creation and industry diversity 

WA’s Future: Grounded in Community, Powered by Gold 

While iron ore royalties are expected to ease, gold is picking up the torch, delivering revenue, confidence, and opportunity across the state. Industry experts describe WA’s budget as ambitious yet grounded. But at its core, this story is about trusting the value of what lies beneath our feet - and the people who turn that value into something meaningful. 

The Gold Industry Group welcomes the Budget’s acknowledgment of gold’s impact. And as we continue investing in education, ESG leadership, outreach, and the future workforce, one thing is clear: WA’s economic foundations are golden, but it’s the communities we build that make the legacy shine.