Infrastructure WA gets CEO

The state government has appointed Philip Helberg, an experienced engineer with a mix of private and public sector experience, to lead Infrastructure WA for five years, beginning in August.

Mr Helberg will assume the role from acting chief executive Lance Glare, who has served in the role since August 2019.

Mr Helberg was the Deputy DG for the Department of Finance, where he led building and management works since 2014 as well as drove sector-wide reforms and managed annual infrastructure projects in excess of $1 billion.

Prior to that, Mr Helberg served in construction management roles at Nedlands-based Northerly Group Australia for more than six years.

As Infrastructure WA chief executive, he will be responsible for providing advice to the state government on the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects.

Premier Mark McGowan said Mr Helberg’s experience in both the public and private sectors would help achieve improved economic, social and environmental outcomes for WA.

“Infrastructure WA will provide the state government with advice for private sector investment to continue to grow the economy and create a pipeline of jobs for Western Australians,” Mr McGowan said.

The appointment comes ahead of the State Infrastructure Strategy Discussion Paper, to be released this month.