State government spending on capital works projects is projected to increase to a record $7.6 billion in 2011-12 but the government has disappointed sports fans hoping for tangible progress on development of a major new stadium.
Treasurer Christian Porter said the Liberal-National government's asset investment program would average $6.7 billion per year, well above the former Labor government's average of $3.5 billion.
The government expects to spend $270 million over the next 10 years on the Swan River foreshore development and $57 million over four years for the City Square project, which is to be developed in Northbridge after the railway and Wellington Street bus station have been sunk.
The government has budgeted to spend $13 million on planning studies for a major sporting stadium, which will commence after it has selected a preferred site. Mr Porter said the government has not yet budgeted for any further spending for construction of the project.
Similarly it has budgeted to spend $5 million on planning for a new museum.
The big ticket areas in the capital works program are health ($1.6 billion), energy ($1.3 billion), water supply ($861 million) and education ($850 million).
A major savings decision was the deferral of the Karratha desalination plant, saving about $500 million.
Mr Porter said a boost to natural water supplies in the areas had given the government some breathing space, allowing it to review its options.
That is likely to include private development of the desal plant.
