From the CEO

As we reach the end of the year it’s an important time for us here at IWA to reflect on our achievements, and to look ahead to the next chapter of our work. It’s only as we sit down to take stock of what we have achieved, that we see how quickly the milestones add up. 

Our team welcomed in 2022 with commencement of the statutory function under the Infrastructure Western Australia Act 2019 to assess major infrastructure proposals (MIPA). Following consultation carried out at the end of 2021 it was great to start the year working with colleagues across government to see how our role could best integrate with related processes and optimise benefits of the function.

The time spent collaborating resulted in the delivery of the Interim MIPA Guidelines, which underpinned our first major assessment of the Geraldton Port Maximisation Project in February. Early next year, we’ll again work with agencies to reflect on this first year of operation and consider any necessary refinement of the guidelines. We have also commenced consultation to incorporate selected programs valued at $100 million or more within the function, which will also come into effect during 2023. ​​​​​

Also in the new year, we expect to receive the WA Government’s response to Foundations for a Stronger Tomorrow. This will mark a major achievement for IWA and for all who have had input into the landmark State Infrastructure Strategy (Strategy). The inaugural Strategy was tabled in Parliament in August, and the WA Government response to follow will confirm which recommendations are supported – many of which will start to be implemented by state government agencies and government trading enterprises in 2023. 

To prepare for this, we’ve been working on developing a monitoring and reporting framework for the Strategy, to support its implementation, which will be finalised in 2023.

Work has also been ongoing to inform the development of the first 10-year State Infrastructure Program (SIP). This program, prepared by the WA Government with input and advice from IWA, will summarise WA’s proposed infrastructure investments for the years covered by the forward estimates, and further out, the key envisaged needs and challenges across the state over the coming decade. The SIP is expected to be released within 3 months following the 2023–24 State Budget.

IWA’s advisory role to the Premier and liaison with Infrastructure Australia (IA) has continued, as we work to ensure WA remains well positioned on the national Infrastructure Priority List. This year IWA also provided input to the review of IA, which the Australian Government announced in July, to consider IA’s role as an independent adviser on nationally significant infrastructure priorities.

At an operational level, from our new office this year, we were pleased to mark several other milestones, including completing our inaugural Multicultural Plan and starting work on our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Our team is passionate about progressing our journey towards reconciliation in 2023. 

Improving outcomes for Aboriginal people is crucial and it will take significant engagement, effort and time to bring about real change. Through the development of the Strategy, our recommendations have called for better genuine and culturally appropriate engagement with Aboriginal people on the future of infrastructure planning and delivery in this state. I look forward to continuing this journey next year and working closely with stakeholders to see these recommendations come to fruition. ​​​​​​​​​​

As outlined in the Strategy, climate change is a pressing and complex challenge. Our state’s economy is emissions intensive and ongoing decarbonisation is needed to align our activities and commodities to a net zero emissions future. Achieving decarbonisation will require a collaborative approach from industry stakeholders across the supply chain. IWA will continue to work with Infrastructure Australia and state government agencies and government trading enterprises to consider the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in infrastructure decision making and investment.

More broadly, our work involves collaboration and consultation with many valued stakeholders. It’s central to everything we do at IWA and is an approach we’ve taken to all of our work this year. We have been out and about – in boardrooms and at events across the state – talking to industry, government, community and more about our work, especially the Strategy. Through the many engagements I’ve personally participated in over the year I’ve met many people who are passionate about the future of infrastructure in this state. I thank all of you who have taken the time to talk, listen, read and offer us your valuable feedback, which has helped to enrich IWA’s work.​​​​​

A pressing issue we have consulted on recently is the demand and supply of construction skills, labour and materials in WA, which is impacting the infrastructure agenda. This investigation into construction market capacity involved a recently concluded series of workshops and targeted working group sessions to explore viable solutions. We will now finalise this work and present our findings to the WA Government early in 2023 for consideration. 

Commitment to collaboration and information-sharing is an ethos that extends from the top here at IWA and, to that end, I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the leadership of our Chairperson, Nicole Lockwood, and our dedicated Board members who have been working tirelessly for IWA and WA’s infrastructure agenda this year. 

I’d also like to thank outgoing Board members Wayne Zekulich and Andrea Sutton, who have been with IWA since its establishment, and have provided significant contributions during their time with us.

The enthusiasm and passion of the team here at IWA is admirable, and I recognise that their dedication has resulted in remarkable achievements in 2022. For that, I thank the entire IWA team and all of you who continue to work with us. 

Moving into 2023, we expect another productive year and I look forward to working with many of you to help shape WA’s infrastructure agenda.

​​​​Phil Helberg
Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure WA

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