Infrastructure WA

As part of Infrastructure WA’s consultation on the draft State Infrastructure Strategy Foundations for a Stronger Tomorrow we recently held a series of engagement activities aimed gaining an understanding of what young people see as the infrastructure priorities for the State.

The IWA team travelled to Beverley to hold a workshop with the Wheatbelt Student Leadership Forum, a collective of future leaders ranging from class years 6-10. 

Deputy Chairperson Nicole Lockwood noted that hearing about the infrastructure priorities that are important to young people is essential to the long-term focus of the State Infrastructure Strategy. 

“We are learning that having input from young people is enabling organisations to gain a more holistic perspective on challenging topics, so we wanted to adopt this method of thinking with consultation on the draft Strategy,” Ms Lockwood said.

“The students already have an awareness on important issues such as the effects of climate change, and the need to consider how we can reduce emissions through clean energy alternatives, energy efficiency and supporting the uptake of low and zero emissions vehicles.

“Involving them in these conversations at an early stage will help their understanding and allow them to proactively influence these topics that will impact their communities.”

This was followed by an online session specifically for students and young professionals under the age of 25, to test our recommendations from the draft Strategy.

Recommendations from education, climate change, and arts, culture sport and recreation sectors were canvassed with the group, and participants were asked whether or not they supported the recommendations, and the reasoning for their choices.

Chief Executive Officer Phil Helberg mentioned engagement with youth and young professionals was an important part of IWA’s activities.

“It’s important to inform young people, not only to help them understand the draft Strategy, but also to hear from our next generation of leaders who will be the future users of infrastructure and benefit from the decisions we make today,” Mr Helberg said.

“Over the past 12 months during critical stages of our consultation, we have also consulted with Young Engineers Australia and Ministerial Youth Advisory Committee.

“These young people come from all corners of our community, and also represent many cultural and diverse backgrounds.”

Youth groups are encouraged to visit IWA’s consultation page and have their say before submissions close on 15 September.