Infrastructure WA Bill enters state Parliament

Legislation to establish Infrastructure WA (IWA) will be introduced to the Western Australian Parliament this week, with the organisation’s chair-designate now also appointed.

The legislation will establish IWA as a statutory authority that will advise the state government on the region’s infrastructure needs and priorities.

It will also ensure the state’s long-term infrastructure priorities are informed by independent advice and foster a bipartisan approach and greater collaboration between the government, community and industry.

John Langoulant AO has been appointed as the IWA chair-designate to assist with the establishment and early operation of Infrastructure WA.

Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan welcomed the next step for IWA and Mr. Langoulant’s appointment.

“IWA will change how we plan and deliver infrastructure and will set our state up for the long term,” he said.

“The State Infrastructure Strategy will build on our existing infrastructure plans for the State, including the first stages of METRONET, and outline a vision over a 20-year horizon.

“I welcome John Langoulant to the position of Infrastructure WA chair-designate and have confidence he will provide the necessary leadership to get IWA up and running.”

IWA’s immediate task will be to develop a 20-year State Infrastructure Strategy that will identify WA’s long-term infrastructure requirements and recommend significant projects and programs to meet those needs.

The organisation’s other roles include: Assessing and reporting on major government infrastructure proposals before investment decisions are made; providing advice on infrastructure priorities, and funding and financing options; and co-ordinating the state’s submissions to Infrastructure Australia.

An expression of interest will be released in coming months to select other board members.