Infrastructure WA

Work is continuing apace to prepare IWA’s first draft 20-year State Infrastructure Strategy ready for release mid-year.

The baseline assessment of agency plans is now complete and, as the program of external discussions and consultation are finalised, work has intensified to put the many proposals, ideas and recommendations through a strategic evaluation process.

IWA Chief Executive Officer Phil Helberg noted the challenges of developing the State’s first infrastructure strategy, and expects its release will form the foundation from which future strategies will evolve.

“What is clear is that the challenge 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, maximising the benefits of innovative technology,” Mr Helberg said.

Mr Helberg also noted emerging themes that will be reflected in the Strategy’s recommendations, which include:

• managing 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.

Following the release of the draft Strategy mid-year, there will be another round of consultation, inviting feedback to progress to a final Strategy by the end of 2021.

The final Strategy will then be submitted to Government for consideration and a response expected in 2022.