The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA WA) says that today’s launch of Western Australia’s first long term infrastructure strategy is a positive step toward a more coordinated and strategic roll out of major infrastructure across the state.
“UDIA WA has long advocated for a long-term plan for infrastructure to guide urban development in Perth and the regions,” UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck said.
“Infrastructure led planning and development ensures that we are able to deliver major projects in a more coordinated, timely and efficient manner,” Ms Steinbeck said. “That means better outcomes for local communities, housing affordability and the broader economy.”
“Strategic planning for major infrastructure also ensures the State Government can allocate funding in relevant state budgets in a more transparent and accurate way,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“We welcome the inclusion of social and affordable housing as critical infrastructure,” Ms Steinbeck said. “We need to ensure that there is adequate supply of housing across the housing continuum, from social housing through to home ownership.”
“The key will be better understanding the State Governments asset base, unlocking and leveraging land that is in the States hands whilst working with the private sector to do so,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“Historically, infrastructure funding and prioritization has often been caught up in political cycles, without a coordinated and future-focused approach based on solid population growth forecasts and alignment with land use planning frameworks,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“A forward-looking strategy such as this one, will hopefully remove some of the politics and ensure more certainty around infrastructure delivery so that we can plan more effectively for future housing supply and understand our changing populations needs over time with confidence,” Ms Steinbeck said.
Collaborating across government agencies to avoid a ‘siloed’ approach to urban and infrastructure planning that has previously caused strategic gaps in infrastructure planning is also welcomed.
“The roll out of major infrastructure goes hand in hand with urban growth in our cities and regions. Therefore, it is critical that we work together – industry, government and the broader community – to achieve the best possible outcomes for the future of our state.”
Ends.
Contact:
Gemma Osiejak
Executive Manager Communications & Marketing
P: 0421 506 819
E: gosiejak@udiawa.com.au