Western Australia’s first 20-year State Infrastructure Strategy, ‘Foundations for a stronger tomorrow’ has been tabled in Parliament today.
The inaugural Strategy underwent two years of extensive, State-wide consultation by Infrastructure WA, with wide-ranging input gathered across government, industry and the community.
The infrastructure body, which was a key election commitment of the McGowan Labor Government, provides an advisory and assistance role to the WA Government on infrastructure-related matters to help drive Western Australia’s economy and create jobs.
The Strategy provides the first ever outlook of Western Australia’s infrastructure needs over a 20-year horizon and makes 93 recommendations regarding infrastructure planning and investment.
It focuses on a range of current challenges including climate change and the transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, digital connectivity and improving Aboriginal empowerment and wellbeing.
Since the release of the draft Strategy in July 2021, the State Government has announced many investments and initiatives that deliver on some of the recommendations including:
- New desalination plant at Alkimos;
- Collie Transition Plan;
- Whole-of-Government 2030 emissions reduction target;
- Additional funding for the planning of Westport;
- Emergency Department Reform package;
- Housing and land supply reforms including build-to-rent;
- The $350 million Remote Communities Fund;
- Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements investment; and
- Lumsden Point port upgrades.
The majority of the recommendations relate to non-build initiatives with the Strategy highlighting the importance of managing the demand for infrastructure and getting the most out of the State’s infrastructure assets.
The State Government will now develop its formal response to the Strategy’s recommendations, which is due within six months of its tabling in Parliament.
The advice from Infrastructure WA is not binding and the Government’s response will outline the extent to which each recommendation is supported.
To find out more about the State Infrastructure Strategy, visit: https://www.infrastructure.wa.gov.au/state-infrastructure-strategy
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Western Australia’s first ever State Infrastructure Strategy will be critical to the way we plan, manage and deliver infrastructure over the next 20 years.
“The Strategy will help guide decisions on where Government’s limited funds should be invested in order to maximise economic, social and environmental benefits for Western Australians over the long term.
“We are already responding to many of the recommendations including cutting State Government emissions by 80 per cent by 2030, investing in a new desalination plant, planning for Westport and investment in the Emergency Department reform package.
“Importantly, the Strategy highlights just continuing to build infrastructure is unaffordable and unsustainable and there should be a focus on managing demand.
“While Infrastructure WA is tasked with providing expert advice to the WA Government on WA’s infrastructure needs, the advice is not binding.
“The Government will now consider the Strategy and provide a response to each of the recommendations within six months as required by the legislation.”
As stated by Infrastructure WA Chairperson Nicole Lockwood:
“I’m delighted to deliver Western Australia’s first State Infrastructure Strategy to the community.
“Foundations for a stronger tomorrow provides a critical pathway forward for better infrastructure planning co-ordination and delivery into the future.
“In these complex times it has never been more important to have a long term infrastructure outlook for the State – we need to act quickly to capture the opportunity and prosper.
“Collectively, its recommendations will build a stronger, more diverse and resilient community, economy and environment for all Western Australians.
“The input from public consultation was rich, insightful and informed the content of the final Strategy, and I would like to thank the community for their invaluable contribution and input throughout its development.
“Infrastructure WA will continue to advise and assist the WA Government through the response and look to add value to activities being undertaken by key agencies throughout the Strategy’s implementation process to achieve a successful outcome.”
