A Stronger Tomorrow State Infrastructure Strategy Discussion Paper June 2020 Contents Foreword 4 Your invitation 6 What does the COVID-19 pandemic mean for development of the Strategy? 8 Section 1: Introduction 10 Section 2: Guiding principles 16 Section 3: Imagining the future 18 Section 4: The role of the regions 48 Section 5: Focus on infrastructure sectors 58 Section 6: Methodology 80 Section 7: Ongoing engagement 86 Section 8: How to get involved 90 List of consultation questions 92 Trouble reading this document? If you have trouble reading this document and would like us to share the information with you in another way, please call Infrastructure WA on 08 6552 5229. Acknowledgment of Country Infrastructure WA acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures – and to Elders both past and present. Within Western Australia, the term Aboriginal is used in preference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, in recognition that Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants of Western Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander may be referred to in the national context. A Stronger Tomorrow – State Infrastructure Strategy Discussion Paper 3 Foreword Infrastructure is critical to growing our economy and preparing for the future needs of our State. The release of this Discussion Paper marks a line in the sand – the commencement of the critical phase in developing Western Australia’s first state‑wide infrastructure strategy, and our formal engagement with you. The State Infrastructure Strategy is An effective long-term Strategy will, in some fundamental to Infrastructure WA’s instances, need to challenge business-as-usual work. It will provide the foundation for thinking. Disruption, the impacts of the Infrastructure WA’s advice to the State COVID-19 pandemic, changing technologies, Government, and will inform future planning climate change, and demographic trends undertaken by State Government agencies such as an ageing and growing population, (including government trading enterprises). will influence the way we plan and deliver our infrastructure in the future. There is much There is an obvious link between sound value in being better prepared. infrastructure investment, a prosperous economy, and a strong and successful I recognise that this Discussion Paper is society. However, our infrastructure being released at a time of significant global planning and decision-making has not uncertainty. The COVID-19 pandemic has always been done as well as it could have already had profound impacts. It has claimed been. There have been multiple instances many lives, forced people out of work and of opportunities lost. In the words of the changed the way we interact. Infrastructure Premier, “quality infrastructure planning and investment is a key means through which decision-making based on sound analysis governments can stimulate economic activity, should not be left solely to politics”.1 support private sector investment and help the economy to recover, whilst building The Strategy will focus at a strategic level, a platform for long-term development and will provide an understanding of and growth. This makes the provision of the infrastructure needed for Western long-term advice on infrastructure needs Australia to reach its full potential. and priorities of vital importance. This will involve an objective and holistic analysis of the State’s infrastructure The publication of a comprehensive needs and priorities, including economic, infrastructure strategy, which addresses a social and environmental considerations. broad range of infrastructure sectors across The outcome of this analysis will asset life cycles, has not been done before inform a comprehensive framework for in Western Australia. It is a significant infrastructure planning, prioritisation and task, and one which we do not take decision-making over the short, medium lightly. In formulating the Strategy, we will and long-term. draw together expertise from within and outside government. 4 Infrastructure WA I congratulate the State Government in establishing Infrastructure WA, an initiative that has been strongly supported by government and industry alike. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to deliver a long-term Strategy that supports and informs Western Australia’s infrastructure decision-making into the future. There is an obvious link between sound infrastructure I encourage a productive, open and robust discussion about the issues canvassed in this investment, a prosperous Discussion Paper. This is your opportunity economy, and a strong and to be a part of the process. The feedback successful society. received will directly inform the next 20 years of infrastructure in Western Australia. Join the conversation now! John Langoulant AO A Stronger Tomorrow – State Infrastructure Strategy Discussion Paper 5 Your invitation Infrastructure WA (IWA) was established on 24 July 2019 to provide advice and assistance to the State Government on the needs and priorities for infrastructure over the short, medium and long‑term. In a fast-moving world where our In developing the Strategy, IWA is keen to community’s needs and expectations are tap into the rich knowledge and experience also changing over time, making sure IWA’s within industry, the community and all work is relevant and robust – and assists levels of government. in achieving the very best value from the You’re invited to share your knowledge billions of dollars invested in infrastructure and experience. Details about how you in Western Australia – is critical. can provide input is outlined in Section 8: IWA’s inaugural State Infrastructure Strategy How to get involved. (Strategy) will cover a 20-year horizon. It will This Discussion Paper provides a foundation reflect where we have been and where for the development of the Strategy and useful we are today – and address future needs, material for anyone intending to contribute. priorities and emerging trends. IWA is particularly keen to receive feedback To help make it easier to think about the on strategic focus areas including: future, the Strategy’s 20-year timeframe has been broken into three timeframes (short, • the guiding principles and objectives that medium and long-term), as illustrated below. will help define the Strategy parameters; While IWA will consider the immediate and • the methodology and governance for short-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic developing the Strategy; and and pathway for the State that may result, • the priority opportunities and challenges IWA’s focus for the Strategy, as a strategic the Strategy should address, particularly planning tool, remains mostly on the medium over the medium to long-term. and long-term. 0 to 4 years 5 to 10 years 11 to 20 years • Short-term outlook • Medium-term outlook • Long-term outlook • Focus on non-build options, • Predominantly bottom-up • Predominantly top-down including policy, regulation, approach approach, with consideration technology, pricing, • Identifying priority of scenarios governance and procurement infrastructure projects and • Potential to identify some where appropriate programs priority infrastructure projects • Generally not focussed • Focus also on non-build and programs where sufficient on projects and programs options, including policy, planning work exists, including beyond the existing State regulation, technology, strategic corridors and areas Budget forward estimates, pricing, governance and • Focus also on non-build unless by exception procurement where options, including policy, appropriate regulation, technology, pricing, governance and procurement where appropriate 6 Infrastructure WA We encourage your feedback on these important elements. As you read and consider this Discussion Paper, you will note that it does not attempt to identify specific projects or programs, list infrastructure needs or pre-empt Consultation feedback recommendations IWA may ultimately make to the State Government through the We welcome your feedback on this Strategy. These and other matters will take Discussion Paper and encourage shape as the Strategy is developed. you to submit feedback through There will be additional opportunities to www.infrastructure.wa.gov.au/ comment during the Strategy development discussionpaper. period, particularly when a draft Strategy is completed around mid-2021. Further For further information on making information and supporting documents will be released to assist if you wish to provide a submission, please refer to additional feedback when further invitations Section 8: How to get involved. are issued. Note submissions close on In the meantime, we urge you to read Friday 21 August 2020. this Discussion Paper and contribute your knowledge, insights and observations now to assist IWA in drafting its inaugural Strategy. A Stronger Tomorrow – State Infrastructure Strategy Discussion Paper 7 What does the COVID-19 pandemic mean for development of the Strategy? The State Government has established the structures to support the State’s recovery from the COVID‑19 pandemic. The State Recovery Plan, as outlined below, includes five recovery areas: health; the economy and infrastructure; social; industry; and the regions. It is intended that action plans be developed for each recovery area. The economy and infrastructure area will include consideration of short‑term infrastructure