Legislation to establish Infrastructure WA (IWA) is expected to be introduced in State Parliament this week, which will approve IWA as a statutory authority that advises the Premier and Government on infrastructure needs and priorities in Western Australia.
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.
Once established, 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.
The strategy is anticipated to focus on infrastructure projects that enhance the economic, social and environmental fabric of the state and will consider the needs of all sectors including transport, health, digital, cultural, housing and safety throughout WA.
IWA’s other roles include assessing and reporting on major government infrastructure proposals before investment decisions are made, providing advice on infrastructure priorities and coordinating the state’s submissions to Infrastructure Australia.
John Langoulant AO, a respected member of the WA community with experience in both the public and private sectors, has been appointed as the IWA chair-designate to assist with the establishment and early operation of Infrastructure WA.
Premier Mark McGowan said establishing Infrastructure WA is an important part of the ‘Plan for Jobs’ as it will help develop a pipeline of investment, provide business certainty and create long-term, secure jobs.
“IWA will change how we plan and deliver infrastructure and will set our state up for the long term,” he said.
Urban Development Institute of Australia WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck said the Institute has been calling for a more strategic approach to infrastructure planning and provision across WA for several years.
“For too long, WA has fallen short in terms of securing a fair share of federal infrastructure funding compared with other states,” she said, “this is partly due to the lack of forward planning and coordination in our dealings with Infrastructure Australia.”
“As Perth grows toward a city of 3.5 million people, it is critical that we work together to plan and accommodate for the increased pressure this will put on our transport and other essential infrastructure services,” commented Ms Steinbeck.
An expression of interest is expected to be released in the coming months to select other IWA board members.