WA getting back on track with $5.5 billion Recovery Plan

Aug 18, 2020, 10:32 AM

The State Government released the $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan in late July, which included huge investments in infrastructure, schools, TAFE and community facilities.

The plan was developed by the State Government in consultation with the State Recovery Advisory Group, which includes representatives from business, industry, not-for-profit organisations, UnionsWA, the public sector, local government and the community.

State Recovery Controller Sharyn O’Neill oversaw an extensive consultation process providing high-level and strategic advice on the impacts of COVID-19. The plan will create a pipeline of local jobs to help drive WA's COVID-19 economic and social recovery.

Actions outlined in the WA Recovery Plan include:

  • Plan to drive WA's economic and social recovery, creating a pipeline of local jobs
  • Support for tourism, local manufacturing, construction and renewable technologies
  • Major 'shovel-ready' maintenance blitz to get local tradies to work
  • $66 million boost for renewable energy technologies, to reduce costs and create jobs
  • $5.5 billion Plan includes $2.77 billion of the immediate response already announced
  • $130 million package to upgrade sport facilities, including grassroots clubs and high performance facilities
  • $170 million to upgrade local community facilities across the State
  • The plan focuses on getting Western Australians back to work and will deliver long-term economic and social outcomes in the suburbs and regions.

A massive $78 million recovery package will be available to support culture and the arts in WA, including $30 million redevelopment of Western Australia's iconic Perth Concert Hall and $15 million upgrade to His Majesty's Theatre and $6 million towards a Jewish Community Centre in Yokine. Read more here.

The sport and recreation initiatives from the WA Recovery Plan will provide funding for sporting and community facilities across the State.

The WA Recovery Plan includes $2.77 billion in relief and stimulus measures already approved during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The State Government had previously announced new lending facilities to support local governments impacted by reduced revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a freeze on waste levies in 2020-21 and a 70 basis point reduction in overall cost of borrowing through Western Australian Treasury Corporation, with the loan guarantee waived for the facility, saving $700,000 in the sector.

Full details on each element of the comprehensive WA Recovery Plan are available online.