The State’s first 20-year Infrastructure Strategy has been tabled in Parliament.
Titled Foundations for a Stronger Tomorrow, the inaugural Strategy is the result of two years’ extensive consultation by Infrastructure WA.
The infrastructure body provides an advisory and assistance role to the Government on infrastructure-related matters to help drive the State’s economy and create jobs.
According to Infrastructure WA the Strategy provides the first outlook on Western Australia’s infrastructure needs 20 years into the future and makes 93 recommendations regarding infrastructure planning and investment.
Infrastructure WA said it focused on a range of current challenges, including climate change and the transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, digital connectivity and improving Aboriginal empowerment and wellbeing.
Premier Mark McGowan said the Government would now develop its formal response to the Strategy’s recommendations, which was due within six months of its tabling in Parliament.
“The Strategy will help guide decisions on where Government’s limited funds should be invested in order to maximise economic, social and environmental benefits for Western Australians over the long term,” Mr McGowan said.
Chair of Infrastructure WA, Nicole Lockwood said Foundations for a Stronger Tomorrow provided a critical pathway forward for better infrastructure planning co-ordination and delivery.
“In these complex times it has never been more important to have a long-term infrastructure outlook for the State,” Ms Lockwood (pictured) said.
‘We need to act quickly to capture the opportunity and prosper,” she said.
“Collectively, the Strategy’s recommendations will build a stronger, more diverse and resilient community, economy and environment for all Western Australians.”
She said Infrastructure WA would continue to advise and assist the Government through the response and look to add value to activities being undertaken by key Agencies throughout the Strategy’s implementation process.
The 374-page Infrastructure Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
