The WA Government has revealed its plans to introduce a new independent board to provide expert advice on the state’s infrastructure needs.
Infrastructure WA (IWA) will be focused on ensuring investment is made in the right products, at the right time, and to maximise the amount of value from major proposals.
Its main roles will be to develop a 20-year strategy for industry and infrastructure investment, evaluate plans, business cases and decision-making, provide advice on alternative financing options, and improve collaboration between the government, the community and industry.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said that investment in infrastructure is critical to grow the economy, generate jobs and support communities.
“Infrastructure WA will provide expert, independent advice to government on the State’s needs and priorities, ensuring taxpayers’ money is invested wisely,” he said.
“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.
“We need to get this right in order to plan for the State that we would like to leave our children and grandchildren. I encourage the public to consider the proposal and provide feedback during the consultation period.”
The IWA will be made up of both government and non-government representatives and will report directly to the Premier.
The public will be able to weigh in on the matter for six weeks and have their say.