The Institute welcomes the 2023 Western Australian Budget. The budget includes an unwavering commitment to public transport, including a further $1.7 billion for delivering the METRONET program of works. This is a crucial move to delivering sustainable urban development.
The budget also allows for $25 million to continue implementing the Government’s Action Plan for Planning Reform will help pave the way for easier and faster residential development, including much-needed medium-density housing. It includes $122.5 million across different initiatives to upgrade Perth’s water infrastructure, funds to boost housing and land supply in regional WA. Architects are central to delivering the most significant public and private projects and often lead to adopting new technology and standards. The Western Australia Chapter notes the timely announcement of $48 million in training, subsidy, and red tape reduction initiatives to expand the residential construction workforce and capacity to deliver new housing supply.
The Institute welcomes the announcement of a $450 million increase in funding to the Social Housing Investment Fund that will increase the total number of social houses to be added to 4,000. Our more in-depth analysis shows the scale of need and how important affordable housing will be alongside social housing investment.
https://www.architecture.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023-WA-Budget-Analysis_Full.pdf
Of specific and immediate interest to members is the pipeline of major government projects being funded in the budget, including $544 million to commence construction of the $1.8 Billion Women and Babies Hospital. A list of new funding for these selected capital projects is included in the link below.
https://www.architecture.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023-WA-Budget-Analysis_Other-Capital.pdf
