Our V8 economy slow off the mark

While Western Australia’s so called “V8 economy” was driven by major resources projects more than any other state, its intra-government coordination to facilitate developments was the worst in Australia.

The State Government project approvals process was unacceptably complex, was often too lengthy and threatened investment.

These are two of the conclusions from a just-released report on factors inhibiting industry development and investment in the North West, prepared for the Burrup Industries Forum of the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The ACIL Tasman report said good co-ordination within the government was fundamental to effective project facilitation.

Project proponents in the North West had complained that co-ordination between state govern-ment agencies was often poor.

“The paradox is stark. The health of the WA economy is driven by the resources sector and major projects more than any other state, yet its intra-government co-ordination to facilitate development was arguably the worst in the nation,” the report said.

The project approvals processes, while improved in the past two years, remained unacceptably complex.

“They are often too lengthy, extending beyond investment decision timelines and therefore threatening investment,” the report said.

In an attempt to streamline the processes, the state government created the Office of Development Approvals Co-ordination late last year within the Department of Premier and Cabinet, and reporting directly to the Premier.

“Further substantial improvements are required to the approvals processes in WA if investment in the North West is to be encouraged and facilitated,” the report said.

“This lack of coherence between approaches at least is confusing to potential investors and in some cases, results in them finding disputes between governments quite off-putting,” the report said.

The North West region generates over $16 billion in mineral and energy products a year.