Premier Mark McGowan has released the comprehensive WA Recovery Plan - the next important step in WA's COVID-19 journey that will help drive economic and social recovery across the State, and create a pipeline of jobs for Western Australians.
The plan has been developed 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.
It was developed with State Recovery Controller Sharyn O'Neill, who oversaw an extensive consultation process providing high-level and strategic advice on the impacts of COVID-19.
It is an overarching plan, focused on getting Western Australians back to work and will deliver long-term economic and social outcomes in the suburbs and regions.
The unprecedented $5.5 billion investment will create thousands of local jobs in important sectors such as construction, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, renewable energy, education and training, agriculture, mining and conservation.
As part of the plan, the McGowan Government will invest more than $60 million for 'shovel-ready' maintenance upgrades to vital State Government facilities. This includes 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.
The police maintenance and refurbishment program includes works at stations including Belmont, Collie, Mandurah and Williams.
The maintenance work is expected to get underway within weeks and will create an immediate boost to workers such as electricians, painters, plumbers, builders and carpenters.
The McGowan Government today also announced, as part of the WA Recovery Plan, a $66.3 million renewable energy technology package to create jobs, reduce costs and improve WA's renewable energy footprint.
The WA Recovery Plan includes $2.77 billion in relief and stimulus measures already approved during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Full details on each element of the comprehensive WA Recovery Plan will be released in coming days and will be available at https://inthistogether.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"We thank all Western Australians for their efforts during this extremely difficult time.
"While COVID-19 is not over, as a result of our success here in WA, we have been able to commence our recovery and that started with the WA roadmap of easing restrictions.
"WA has led the way, and now is the time to take the next step in our journey.
"The WA Recovery Plan will help drive the economic and social recovery across the State, to ensure we can recover, stronger than ever.
"This comprehensive plan is unlike anything we've ever seen before in WA. 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.
"This is all about getting Western Australians back to work and our State back on track.
"Western Australians managed the COVID-19 pandemic together as a community. Together, we will recover."
As stated by Treasurer Ben Wyatt:
"Our disciplined financial management since coming to government has put us in a strong position to cope with the massive economic shock created by COVID-19.
"It enabled us to immediately rollout $2.8 billion in relief and stimulus measures to help individuals and businesses to manage the immediate impacts of the pandemic.
"The WA Recovery Plan is a comprehensive plan to help guide Western Australia out of the COVID-19 crisis, continue to get Western Australians back to work in a wide range of industries and further strengthen our economy."
