NAIF shows commitment to growing WA’s north
The diverse range of potential infrastructure in Western Australia’s north has been highlighted in a speech by NAIF CEO Laurie Walker at an event in Perth, which was also attended by the NAIF Chair Ms Sharon Warburton and Peter Ross, NAIF’s Executive Director Origination with responsibility for Western Australia relationships.
Clayton Utz sponsored the function, which focused on growing WA’s north.
“There are a number of exciting opportunities that NAIF is already looking at in Western Australia,” Ms Walker said.
“Four out of our 13 projects that are in due diligence, are based in WA, which shows how much potential exists there.
“Around 30% of our active enquiries are also from the state.”
Ms Walker’s presentation focused on how NAIF can help accelerate infrastructure development in the region.
“Our first Investment Decision came out of Western Australia and that is a perfect example of using NAIF finance to bring forward a project that will create jobs and grow the economy,” she said.
“The Onslow Marine Supply Base could have been delayed for up to three years without NAIF.
“This Investment Decision also shows that NAIF is willing to look at projects that have a smaller NAIF contribution.
“With finance of just $16.8 million, the project is expected to generate $100 million of economic benefit.”
Ms Walker said NAIF had accomplished a lot in the 18 months since it began.
“Anyone who knows infrastructure knows that it takes time,” she said.
“It can take two to three years or longer from when a project is first conceived, to when it reaches financial close.
“We expect to start seeing more projects move through the pipeline soon.
“Events like this will help us continue to grow our pipeline and bring forward even more projects.
Ms Walker acknowledged her co presenter The Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLC, Minister for Regional Development; Agriculture and Food; Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development, Jobs and Trade, as well as other representatives of the West Australian government who attended the event.
“The WA Government is a key NAIF stakeholder and we are looking forward to doing more together in collaboration,” she said.
“We have a really good relationship with the state government and its commitment to building the state through infrastructure projects is clear.”
