Fast-tracking transport infrastructure projects in the next four years will provide a timely boost to the WA economy and jobs.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) welcomes the Federal and State Governments announcement today of $940 million to accelerate Western Australian road and rail infrastructure projects.
The decision is a significant step to ease transport congestion, improve productivity and support growth in the economy.
CCIWA has called for a long-term and consistent pipeline of infrastructure projects to ensure businesses can plan their investments, manage their workforce and retain critical specialised skills within our state. Ensuring that WA roads and rail are meeting the State’s increasing traffic demands doesn’t just benefit West Australians travelling to and from work, it is critical to business productivity, which supports economic growth.
These investments will help to reduce the high costs cited by WA businesses as a key barrier to growth and confidence. The latest package of works is projected to create 1,000 jobs in construction and local businesses in the supply chain. It includes eight accelerated projects and six new transport projects around our city and regions, bringing the total Federal Government commitment to WA infrastructure to $5.4 billion in the next four years.
The decision is a positive sign that both levels of government are focused on jobs and the WA economy. It builds upon federal income tax cuts, the repaired GST formula and relief from state payroll tax, to remove barriers to business growth and consumer confidence.
CCIWA urges the State Government to further accelerate appropriate projects that support economic growth and job creation.
The Federal Government has committed $1.2 billion in funding to the State Govt to build Roe 8, which would provide critical relief from road congestion and boost productivity. The State Government should ensure Infrastructure WA review this project as a priority.
The continuing review of public assets for privatisation or long-term lease could also unlock funds for future infrastructure investment, without increasing WA’s extraordinarily high public sector net debt. Asset recycling has been used across Australia to increase productivity and supercharge state economies – a model that WA should further adopt.
CCIWA will continue to work constructively with the State and Federal Government to support certainty for WA businesses around the State’s pipeline of infrastructure works.
