Infrastructure WA Draft State Infrastructure Strategy ‘Foundations for a Stronger Tomorrow'

This submission has been prepared by the Committee and reviewed by members of its Reshaping Working Group to respond to the draft Infrastructure WA strategy Foundations for a Stronger Tomorrow. The submission draws on a substantial body of research including Committee for Perth FACTBase bulletins and major projects including the Future of Work, Hashtag Perth, Bigger and Better Beyond the Boom and Get a Move On!.

The Committee for Perth would like to congratulate Infrastructure WA (IWA) for the preparation of a quality, comprehensive and future-focused strategy. We believe that the implementation of the recommendations in the strategy will substantially strengthen the infrastructure foundations of the State for the future and provide the basis for a stronger more resilient economy, community, and environment.

The Committee supports the recommendations of the strategy however, our primary issue of concern is the timing of implementation. A large proportion of recommendations in the strategy seek to fill gaps in forward planning for infrastructure that have accumulated over decades, are required to respond to immediate state, regional and global challenges such as climate change, or are important to assist the State to diversify its economy for the future. These are not actions that can be delayed without risking the reputation, wellbeing, economic competitiveness, and sustainability of the State in the short to medium term.

It is therefore our strong belief that the State government should commit to fulfilling and funding the recommendations of the strategy as a priority.

For more information, please download the submission document.