A blueprint for the establishment of Infrastructure WA (IWA) has been released to set out a new approach to long-term infrastructure planning in Western Australia.
WA Premier, Mark McGowan, invited industry groups and the public to provide feedback on the proposed model.
IWA will be an independent board tasked with providing government expert advice on the state’s infrastructure needs and priorities, maximising the value to Western Australia from every dollar spent on major proposals developed by government agencies.
Infrastructure WA’s other main roles will include:
- Developing a 20-year strategy for infrastructure and industry investment
- Applying more rigour and transparency in evaluating infrastructure plans, business cases and decision-making
- Providing advice on alternative funding and financing options
- Improving collaboration with government, community and industry on infrastructure planning and delivery
The model, which recommends that IWA be enshrined in legislation to provide certainty and help foster a bipartisan approach, proposes the board is made up of government and non-government representatives reporting directly to the Premier.
Mr McGowan said, “Investment in infrastructure is critical in growing the economy, generating jobs and supporting sustainable and vibrant communities.
“By developing a 20-year strategy, IWA will identify the infrastructure needed to keep growing the economy and create jobs, providing certainty to industry and encouraging private sector investment.”
The six-week public consultation period closes on 20 March 20 2018.
