Landmark infrastructure WA legislation to deliver investment certainty
19 June 2019
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Parliament passes Bill to establish Infrastructure WA
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Infrastructure WA to deliver 20-year infrastructure strategy to give business certainty
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Infrastructure WA to provide independent expert advice to Government, drive investment and create jobs
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Delivers on a key election commitment of the McGowan Labor Government
Western Australia is on the verge of a new era of
infrastructure planning after legislation establishing
Infrastructure WA
passed both houses of Parliament.
Infrastructure WA, which was a key election commitment of the McGowan
Labor Government and part of its 'Plan for Jobs', will prepare the
State's first long-term
infrastructure plan.
The passing of the Infrastructure WA Bill 2019 clears the way for the
statutory body to be established and start the important work on
preparing its 20-year strategy, which will outline what infrastructure
is needed for our growing State.
Infrastructure WA will be run by an independent board comprising of up
to 10 members, combining the expertise of both the public and private
sectors.
Its focus will be to provide independent expert advice on the State's
infrastructure needs and priorities, maximise value for money on major
proposals and create a pipeline of investment in WA in order to secure
jobs.
As well as preparing a 20-year strategy, Infrastructure WA will also be
responsible for:
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Assessing and reporting on major government infrastructure proposals prior to investment decisions being made;
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Providing advice on infrastructure priorities and funding and financing options; and
Co-ordinating the State's submissions to Infrastructure Australia. -
The model, which will now be enshrined in legislation, will provide certainty to industry and business and help foster a bipartisan approach.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"For too long Governments have been short-sighted when it comes to
long-term planning for our State.
"My Government's focus is on planning for future infrastructure and
ensuring investment is made in the right projects at the right time -
boosting our economy and creating long-term jobs.
"WA has long needed this level of planning to get the State back on
track - provide certainty to industry and encourage private sector
investment, which all helps grow our economy and create jobs.
"The rigour and governance applied as part of the Infrastructure WA
model will ensure the community's interests are a priority and
taxpayer's money is invested wisely."
--ENDS--
Source: Western Australia Government - www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au
Contact: Premier's office - 6552 5000
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