Budget boost for construction

THE building and construction industry received a major shot in the arm from the state budget, with more than $8.6 billion allocated for the construction of major infrastructure in Western Australia.

The state government committed $7.6 billion for the construction of general infrastructure projects, with over $1 billion allocated to construction works at schools.

In total, $170 million of the state’s infrastructure spending will be allocated to landmark projects in the metropolitan area.

The Perth Waterfront redevelopment was allocated $21.5 million over four years for detailed planning and design, with construction of the mixed-use portion of the development due to commence in 2012.

The government allocated $40.6 million in the 2010-11 budget for land development, detailed design work and preliminary rail infrastructure works for the Northbridge Link.

The estimated total project cost of the link is $656.3 million, with $236 million invested by the Commonwealth.

Premier Colin Barnett said in parliament last week the development of a rectangular stadium was a priority for the government, and $82.5 million was allocated to upgrade ME Bank Stadium to 25,000 seats.

The government also allocated $26.1 million for the development of a new state netball centre.

In other infrastructure commitments, $339 million was committed to fund port infrastructure for the Oakajee Port and Rail project and $110.7 million allocated over five years for the Browse LNG precinct.

Spending on schools in the budget totalled a record $1 billion.

The figure includes: $106.4 million for construction of 24 new or replacement primary school facilities; $142.6 million for additions and improvements to 20 high schools; $65.5 million for new high schools; and $20.5 million from Royalties for Regions for regional schools.