❓ Mr. Zempilas questions the State Development Minister regarding a $1M+ consultancy by Arup on the Western Trade Coast Infrastructure Strategy. The Minister provides details on the selection process, deliverables, consultation, and impact on government policy.
AnsweredQoN 1623Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
The Report on Consultants Engaged by Government for the six months ending 31 December 2023 and 30 June 2024 confirm over $1m paid to Arup for a Western Trade Coast Infrastructure Strategy under State and Industry Development. Can the Minister advise: (a) The process by which Arup were selected to undertake this work; (b) What milestones and deliverables were agreed prior to commencement and what was actually delivered and when; (c) Was a consultation process used by Arup as part of the work undertaken: (i) If so, who was consulted and when; and (ii) If not, why not; (d) Has Arup provided the Government with a draft and or final report on the work they undertook: (i) If so, when; (ii) If not, why not; and (iii) What were the outcomes; (e) How has the Government used the work by Arup to shape policy and priorities for the Western Trade Coast; (f) Has the work undertaken by Arup changed the Government’s approach and planning for the Western Trade Coast: (i) If so, in what ways; and (ii) If not, what has this consultancy added to the Government’s process; (g) Are further consultancies on the Western Trade Coast planned by the Government: (i) If so, when and for what expected cost; and (h) Are further consultations regarding the Western Trade Coast planned by Government: (i) If so, when and with who; and (ii) If not, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 February 2026
Responded by
Minister for State Development
Response time
1 days
(a) Arup was engaged to deliver the Western Trade Coast Infrastructure Strategy (WTCIS) following an open-source tender process.
(b) Delivery of the contract was agreed to be staged over five phases with the WTCIS being the final deliverable. An early, indicative timeframe for contract completion was April 2024, and Arup delivered WTCIS in May 2024 to the agreed scope.
(c) Yes.
(i) There was continuous engagement with both industry and government agencies throughout the development of the WTCIS.
(ii) Not applicable.
(d) Yes, Arup delivered the WTCIS to the then Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation in May 2024.
The WTCIS outlines options for infrastructure development to support the growth of existing and future industries in the WTC.
(e -f) The Government has committed to several key investments for the WTC in alignment with the recommendations of the WTCIS. These include:
(g) There are no specific plans for consultancies as part of the broader part of the broader program and in alignment to the Strategic Industrial Lands Activation Plan.
(h) The Government continues to consult with industry and the community on the further development of the Western Trade Coast.
(b) Delivery of the contract was agreed to be staged over five phases with the WTCIS being the final deliverable. An early, indicative timeframe for contract completion was April 2024, and Arup delivered WTCIS in May 2024 to the agreed scope.
(c) Yes.
(i) There was continuous engagement with both industry and government agencies throughout the development of the WTCIS.
(ii) Not applicable.
(d) Yes, Arup delivered the WTCIS to the then Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation in May 2024.
The WTCIS outlines options for infrastructure development to support the growth of existing and future industries in the WTC.
(e -f) The Government has committed to several key investments for the WTC in alignment with the recommendations of the WTCIS. These include:
(g) There are no specific plans for consultancies as part of the broader part of the broader program and in alignment to the Strategic Industrial Lands Activation Plan.
(h) The Government continues to consult with industry and the community on the further development of the Western Trade Coast.
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