Economy-shaping projects are set to move through approvals faster and more efficiently with the WA Government’s State Development Bill passing Parliament yesterday.
The Bill will allow the State Development Minister and a newly established Coordinator General to fast-track projects delivering significant economic or community benefit. New tools will cut duplication and speed up approvals while maintaining WA’s world-leading environmental and cultural heritage standards.
WA Premier Roger Cook said global leadership in investment attraction and regulation was key to WA maintaining its position as the nation’s strongest economy.
"These laws will give us the powers necessary to secure investment in major clean energy and defence manufacturing projects, which can transform the WA economy in the years ahead,” he said.
Business welcomes red tape reform
CCIWA has welcomed the new law, with Head of Policy Dr Anthea Wesley saying the reforms will slash red tape and attract more investment to WA.
“One of the biggest barriers to investment in major projects right across Australia is the length of time it takes to navigate red and green tape,” she said.
“These delays not only take time, they’re also costly.
“By focusing on streamlining those processes, we expect to see more global investment flowing into WA.”
It is expected the new state development powers will apply to a range of projects in key areas, including critical minerals, renewable energy and defence.
“While we want to see our mining sector go from strength to strength, it’s absolutely vital that WA works to diversify its economy and these reforms will help the State to achieve that,” Wesley said.
Important step for energy transition
Wesley said giving government the ability to expedite projects would be significant for energy transition.
“In a relatively short timeframe, WA will need an infrastructure revolution as part of the switch to cleaner energy – transmission lines, poles, solar and wind farms to name just a few,” she said.
“Currently, renewable energy projects can take five to six years to be approved due to the protracted and complex approvals process.
“Having an agile and adaptive set of regulations will make it easier for WA to reach its energy transition goals.”
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