Infrastructure WA

From the CEO

As we move towards the release of our first draft 20-year State Infrastructure Strategy it seems as if time is speeding up!

Work has continued apace to complete the draft Strategy which we are anticipating will be ready for release mid-year. As our external discussions and consultations are finalised, the work has intensified to put the many proposals, ideas and recommendations through a strategic evaluation process. We expect the first Strategy to form the foundation from which future strategies will evolve. 

What is clear is that the challenge before us is not just about creating a 'wish list' of major infrastructure projects. It is about being smarter about how we use our existing asset base and, in particular, maximise the benefits of innovative technology. 

We can also tell you there are some key themes emerging that will be reflected in the recommendations. They include: 
 

• the need to manage demand on infrastructure through early intervention;
• improving infrastructure planning systems and processes;
• exploring alternative solutions to avoid more costly build options;
• optimising the existing asset base; and
• building new infrastructure as a last option.

Phil Helberg
Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure WA

IWA to hit the road

Following the release of the draft Strategy, there will be another round of consultation when we will, once again, be keen to hear what you think of specific elements of our proposed path forward for infrastructure development around the State. 

IWA will take a more targeted engagement approach for this next round of consultation, testing the recommendations in the draft Strategy with key stakeholders across WA. 

The eight-week consultation period will again include a state-wide roadshow where IWA will inform regional stakeholders in particular on the draft responses and recommendations, inviting feedback to finalise the Strategy by the end of 2021. 

The final Strategy will then be submitted to Government for consideration and a response expected in 2022. Once completed and adopted, the Strategy will be tabled in State Parliament, along with Government's response to the recommendations. 

IWA Phase 2

While we are preparing for the release of the draft Strategy, we are also thinking ahead and preparing the phased rollout of IWA's major projects functions. This will be followed by the development of Government's annual rolling 10-year infrastructure program. 

Other Phase 2 functions will include implementing, monitoring and reporting on progress of actioning the Strategy, and assisting agencies with agency-level infrastructure planning - in addition to our existing roles with coordinating the State's dealings with Infrastructure Australia at the Federal level. 

Once again, thank you to all the agencies, industry and other stakeholders who have contributed to our work and to the draft Strategy process to date. 

We look forward to being in touch with you again next month and to the release of what we hope will be a very important blueprint for WA, in mid-2021.