Legislation to establish Infrastructure WA will be introduced into State Parliament this week, delivering on another election commitment by the McGowan Government.
IWA will help build a strong economy by improving infrastructure co-ordination and planning, encouraging investment and supporting job creation.
The legislation will establish IWA as a statutory authority that will advise Government on the State’s infrastructure needs and priorities, and ensure maximum value from every dollar spent by government agencies on major proposals.
The legislation will ensure the State’s long-term infrastructure priorities are informed by robust independent advice, and will foster a bipartisan approach and greater collaboration between the Government, community and industry.
IWA’s immediate task will be to develop a 20-year State Infrastructure Strategy that will identify WA’s long-term infrastructure requirements and recommend significant projects and programs to meet those needs.
IWA’s other roles include:
- Assessing and reporting on major government infrastructure proposals before investment decisions are made;
- Providing advice on infrastructure priorities, and funding and financing options; and
- Co-ordinating the State’s submissions to Infrastructure Australia.
John Langoulant AO has been appointed as the IWA chair-designate to assist with the establishment and early operation of Infrastructure WA.
Mr Langoulant is a respected member of the Western Australian community with significant experience in both the public and private sectors.
An expression of interest will be released in coming months to select other board members. IWA received overwhelming public support during the consultation period. The consultation summary can be viewed at https://www.dpc.wa.gov.au/infrastructurewa
As noted by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Establishing Infrastructure WA is an important part of our Plan for Jobs.
“It will help develop a pipeline of investment, provide business certainty and create long-term, secure jobs.
“In the past, governments have been too short-sighted and only focused on the election cycle.
“This lack of co-ordinated strategic planning has at times led to poor decision making and resulted in costly project delays or cancellations.
“IWA will change how we plan and deliver infrastructure and will set our State up for the long term.
“For years, business and industry have been calling for a long-term infrastructure strategy, that’s why the immediate priority for IWA will be to develop a 20-year plan.
“The State Infrastructure Strategy will build on our existing infrastructure plans for the State, including the first stages of METRONET, and outline a vision over a 20-year horizon.
“As a statutory authority, it will provide expert, independent advice to Government on the State’s needs and priorities, and ensure every dollar of taxpayers’ money is invested wisely.
“Infrastructure WA will work collaboratively with Government, the community and industry to adopt a bipartisan approach to forward planning to achieve long-term benefits for WA.
“I welcome John Langoulant to the position of Infrastructure WA chair-designate and have confidence he will provide the necessary leadership to get IWA up and running.”
