Infrastructure Western Australia (IWA) has released its State Infrastructure Strategy Discussion Paper.
IWA provides expert advice and assistance to the Western Australian Government on a range of infrastructure matters, particularly regarding the State’s infrastructure needs and priorities, to support the following objectives:
- To assist in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of infrastructure planning and coordination; and
- To promote the adoption and use of policies, practices, information and analysis to support sound decision-making in relation to infrastructure.
Establishing IWA was a key McGowan Labor Government election commitment.
Its initial primary focus is the development of WA’s first 20-year State Infrastructure Strategy (the Strategy) to identify needs and priorities to support WA’s growing population and economy. It is hoped that this will provide the strategic direction to encourage private sector investment, facilitate economic growth and create jobs.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, IWA scaled back work on preparing the 20-year infrastructure plan given the current uncertainty.
Yet following the State Government’s success in handling COVID-19 in WA, IWA is now able to get back on track recommencing work on the Strategy – starting with the release of a discussion paper for public consultation.
The discussion paper sets out ten draft objectives. These are the areas that IWA proposes to focus on when developing the Strategy. These objectives reflect areas that will be of critical importance and influence to Western Australia’s society, economy and environment over the next 20 years.
The ten draft objectives are:
- Support a strong, resilient and diversified economy
- Maximise regional strengths to unlock strategic opportunities for Western Australia
- Enhance infrastructure delivery and develop skills for the future
- Support access to social services and improve Aboriginal wellbeing
- Enhance cross-government coordination and planning
- Address climate change and increase resilience
- Support population growth and change
- Maximise liveability and cultural strategic opportunities for our community
- Embrace technology, data and digital connectivity
- Get the most from our infrastructure and improve maintenance
The release of the discussion paper marks the start of an eight-week engagement period, in which IWA will conduct 14 workshops across the State and seek feedback through an online submission format.
Infrastructure Western Australia Chairperson John Langoulant said that the feedback IWA receives on this discussion paper will inform the development of the Strategy, and it is critical that they hear from those stakeholders who rely on the State’s infrastructure for their wellbeing and prosperity.
“I encourage a productive, open and robust discussion about the issues canvassed in this discussion paper,” Mr Langoulant said.
“This is an opportunity for stakeholders and the community to be a part of the process.”
The discussion paper and its supporting documents, a feedback submission form and information about State-wide workshops can be found at https://infrastructure.wa.gov.au/DiscussionPaper