The $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan includes $2.77 billion in relief and stimulus measures already approved during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The plan also includes a $66.3 million renewable energy technology package aimed at creating jobs, reducing costs and improving WA’s renewable energy footprint.
In addition, the WA government said it will invest more than $60 million for maintenance upgrades to state government facilities, including improvements to disability access at train stations, refurbishments of WA Police stations and upgrades to Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and Career Fire and Rescue Service stations.
Maintenance work is expected to get underway within weeks, with the WA government aiming to create an immediate boost to workers such as electricians, painters, plumbers, builders and carpenters.
The WA government also said the investment will create thousands of local jobs in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, renewable energy, education and training, agriculture, mining and conservation.
The plan has been developed in consultation with the State Recovery Advisory Group, which includes representatives from businesses, industry, not-for-profit organisations, UnionsWA, the public sector, local government and the community.
“The WA Recovery Plan will help drive the economic and social recovery across the state, to ensure we can recover, stronger than ever,” WA Premier Mark McGowan said.
“It will deliver a pipeline of short and long-term jobs for Western Australians, supporting and strengthening our existing industries as well as laying the foundation for jobs of the future.”
WA Treasurer Ben Wyatt pointed to the government’s financial management in being able to cope with the economic effects of COVID-19 on the state.
“It enabled us to immediately roll out $2.8 billion in relief and stimulus measures to help individuals and businesses to manage the immediate impacts of the pandemic,” Mr Wyatt said.
