The appointments to the inaugural Infrastructure WA (IWA) Board have now been finalised – a significant milestone toward driving change and reform in how Western Australia plans and delivers infrastructure.
The establishment of IWA was a key election commitment as part of the McGowan Labor Government’s ‘Plan for Jobs’.
Infrastructure WA’s purpose is to provide advice and assist the Government on infrastructure-related matters.
The primary focus of IWA will be the development of a 20-year strategy, which will identify infrastructure needs and priorities to support the State’s growing population.
The Western Australian Government detailed that the recent expression of interest process for Board members received an extremely strong response, with more than 150 nominations received from highly experienced candidates across the country.
IWA Chair-designate, John Langoulant AO, will continue his leadership and oversight of IWA, through his appointment as Chairperson.
Mr Langoulant is a highly respected member of the Western Australian community and holds significant expertise in the public and private sectors.
Nicole Lockwood has been appointed as Deputy Chairperson and is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge from her experience on regional and national level boards and committees focussed on infrastructure.
Other board members appointed include Mr Terry Agnew, Ms Kerryl Bradshaw, Ms Andrea Sutton, Mr Wayne Zekulich and four board members appointed to represent the Government – the Director-General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, the Under Treasurer, the Director-General of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and the Director-General for Transport.
The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA WA) welcomed the final appointments to the Board, stating that it is another step toward more strategic planning for Perth’s future growth.
UDIA WA President, Nick Allingame, said that IWA will be an integral aspect of effective forward planning to ensure that there is adequate infrastructure to support Perth’s growth to a population of 3.5 million in the next 20 – 30 years.
“With the state government leading the charge for greater infill development in existing areas along with the infrastructure requirements of new communities, it is imperative that existing and new infrastructure is rolled out to accommodate and support urban development so we can effectively and affordably provide the homes, amenities and services that people need.”
“Timely delivery of infrastructure is essential to successful, affordable urban development and growth in our cities and regions,” Mr Allingame said.
“We hope to see the 20-year infrastructure strategy that IWA will be charged with producing, released in a timely manner now that the wheels are in motion.”