The Civil Contractors Federation WA says the new road projects announced by the State and Federal Governments today will provide a much-needed boost for Western Australian businesses and help address the State’s infrastructure deficit.

CCF WA CEO Andy Graham said projects such as the widening of Mitchell Freeway southbound from Hodges Drive to Hepburn Avenue, the Apple Street-Great Northern Highway and Wanneroo Road-Morley Drive intersection upgrades, and three regional corridor upgrades would provide opportunities for many Western Australian contractors and suppliers.

“We’ve been calling for more contracting opportunities in the $10 million to $100 million range to put some balance into the mix, and these projects fit the bill,” he said.

Mr Graham also welcomed the Federal Government confirming its support for bringing forward the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, Albany Ring Road, Karratha to Tom Price Corridor and Tonkin Gap projects.

“The State Government has been working hard fast-tracking the planning and procurement of these important projects to get them all up and running within the next year, and it's great to know the Federal Government is on board to support the accelerated timelines,” he said.

Mr Graham said that today’s announcements would give confidence to the local industry and boost job prospects for Western Australians.

“There’s a lot more to do, though,” he said. “Australia has consistently under-invested in productive infrastructure over past decades. Our infrastructure deficit is massive and growing.

“With interest rates at historical lows, we must seize the opportunity to tackle that deficit through debt funding of productive infrastructure.

“We agree that ‘cash splash’ stimulus is not the way to go – the best economic bang for the buck will come from investment in infrastructure that will boost productivity and improve the quality of life for this and future generations.”