The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA WA) has welcomed the launch of a blueprint for Infrastructure WA (IWA) by the state government as a step toward a more coordinated approach to infrastructure provision in our growing state.
“UDIA has been advocating for many years on the need for an independant body like Infrastructure WA to be established in order to ensure long term planning for infrastructure is undertaken to ensure proper funding for much needed projects,” UDIA WA CEO Allison Hailes said.
“It might not be a sexy topic, but infrastructure provision is critical to the success of our communities and the efficiency of our city to meet the needs of residents and visitors to WA,” Ms Hailes said.
“Despite the importance of forward planning, the funding and the coordinated delivery of infrastructure to enhance social, economic and environmental goals has become increasingly challenging over the years,” Ms Hailes said.
“The current lack of a government infrastructure investment plan together with poor planning and coordination between government agencies has resulted in underinvestment in infrastructure and a too frequent requirement for the pre-funding of infrastructure by the development industry,” Ms Hailes said.
“Infrastructure costs have been inequitably being borne by the new home buyer to the detriment of housing affordability and this has to stop,” Ms Hailes said.
“This new body needs to ensure that decision making on infrastructure is made in the context of long term planning rather than political cycles,” Ms Hailes said.
“We look forward to participating in the public consultation so that IWA meets our expectations,” Ms Hailes said.
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For more information:
Gemma Osiejak
UDIA WA Executive Manager Communications & Marketing
E: gosiejak@udiawa.com.au
M: 0421 506 819