Infrastructure WA aims to boost jobs and growth
A blueprint for the establishment of Infrastructure WA (IWA) has been released, setting out a new approach to long-term infrastructure planning in Western Australia to create jobs.
Focused on ensuring investment is made in the right projects, at the right time, and generating a pipeline of jobs in WA, Premier Mark McGowan invited industry groups and the public to provide feedback on the proposed model.
IWA will be an independent board tasked with providing government expert advice on the State’s infrastructure needs and priorities, maximising the value to Western Australia from every dollar spent on major proposals developed by government agencies.
Infrastructure WA’s other main roles will include developing a 20-year strategy for infrastructure and industry investment and applying more rigour and transparency in evaluating infrastructure plans, business cases and decision-making.
It will also provide advice on alternative funding and financing options and improve collaboration with government, community and industry on infrastructure planning and delivery.
The model, which recommends that IWA be enshrined in legislation to provide certainty and help foster a bipartisan approach, proposes the board is made up of government and non-government representatives reporting directly to the Premier.
The development of the Strategy will inform decision making in the medium term providing greater certainty for the pipeline of infrastructure projects. This should provide greater stability for the private sector to make investment decisions, maximising the state’s capacity to grow the economy and create jobs.
The six-week public consultation period closes on March 20, 2018 and Industry stakeholders are also invited to register for an information forum.
Premier Mark McGowan stressed his government’s commitment to Western Australians involves creating a strong, diverse and resilient economy and offering a pipeline for secure, long-term jobs.
“Investment in infrastructure is critical in growing the economy, generating jobs and supporting sustainable and vibrant communities.
“For too long, the State has suffered from a short-term focus on infrastructure planning. There is a strong need for a co-ordinated, long-term vision to build the infrastructure we need in the right place and at the right time.
“Infrastructure WA will provide expert, independent advice to government on the State’s needs and priorities, ensuring taxpayers’ money is invested wisely.
“By developing a 20-year strategy, IWA will identify the infrastructure needed to keep growing the economy and create jobs, providing certainty to industry and encouraging private sector investment.
“We need to get this right in order to plan for the State that we would like to leave our children and grandchildren. I encourage the public to consider the proposal and provide feedback during the consultation period.”
