Infrastructure WA

From the CEO

The last couple of months have been a busy time for us at IWA. Our team have been working through the nearly 800 responses received from our state-wide Discussion Paper engagement program which has culminated in the release of our Consultation Outcomes Report. 

However, much more has been happening behind the scenes. The team have substantially progressed scenario planning work, a review of existing plans and strategies and the development of an evaluation framework that will help to ensure decisions on infrastructure reflect the challenges and opportunities the WA public see necessary to address. 

As we move forward, we will being the next phase of shaping the draft strategy by assessing proposals received through the framework. We will also continue our ongoing engagement with stakeholders to keep them informed as we progress. 

It has been a challenging year. I'd like to thank our staff and the Board for their dedication and also our government partners and industry representatives who have been working closely with us to lay the foundations for the first State Infrastructure Strategy. 

Have a safe and enjoyable festive season, we look forward to continuing our work with you in 2021. 

Phil Helberg
Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure WA

We heard you

Our team have been busily analysing the feedback received from our state-wide Discussion Paper consultation for the State Infrastructure Strategy (Strategy) which finished in late August. 

We are now pleased to be able to share with you our Discussion Paper: Consultation Outcomes Report which provides a summary of feedback received across industry, government and the community. 

Common themes of feedback included opportunities for infrastructure to grow and diversify WA's economy, improve health services, address climate change and enhance digital connectivity to our regions. 

You can download the report here. 

Peak bodies pivotal to delivering a balanced and informed Strategy

In late October we held our first External Stakeholder Reference Group meeting, which comprises of leaders across a wide range of peak bodies and industry. 

Attendees heard from our Chairman John Langoulant, CEO Phil Helberg and A/Deputy CEO Lance Glare who provided an update on our ongoing work. 

Discussions circulated around improving digital connectivity in our regions, social and affordable housing, non-build infrastructure topics such as policy, procurement and pricing mechanisms, renewable energy and climate change. 

Thank you to everyone who attended, we look forward to engaging with you again in early 2021. 

State agency collaboration moves up a gear

Work with our partner government agencies reached an important milestone with establishment of our State Agencies Working Group and next round of agency one-on-one meetings.

Our ongoing engagement with this group is essential to inform infrastructure needs for the State and to help in identifying and prioritising potential infrastructure responses. 

Insight from bright young minds to help shape our infrastructure future

We recently met with the Ministerial Youth Advisory Council to gain valuable insight from the next generation who will benefit from the infrastructure decisions that are made today. 

Our Deputy Chairperson Nicole Lockwood led the discussion, where we asked for the group's feedback on what they see as some of the essential infrastructure considerations towards a 20-year vision for the State. 

They saw improving liveability and the role that infrastructure can play in improved social well-being of most importance. Cultural hubs, good public transportation, retaining heritage and supporting sustainable infrastructure were all topics discussed by the group. 

Thank you to the Department of Communities who we partnered with to deliver the session, and to the members of the Ministerial Youth Advisory Council.

Continuing the conversation essential for leveraging Aboriginal cultural heritage and enterprise

Last week, we met again with the Aboriginal Advisory Council of WA to continue our conversation and better understand the infrastructure issues and opportunities in Aboriginal communities.

A meaningful discussion was had with the Council, which centred around topics of social and affordable housing, infrastructure asset management and the value of cultural heritage. 

We will continue to work with the Council over the coming months to inform development of the Strategy's vision, scenarios, challenges, opportunities and potential responses.