Civil Contractors Federation WA Andy Graham concerned two year hole in construction roadmap puts jobs in limbo

WA’s civil construction industry has sounded the alarm over a looming two-year gap in State Government road projects, calling for some to be brought forward to hang on to critical workers. Civil Contractors Federation WA Andy Graham has raised concerns that the pipeline of government works running dry until 2028 could force companies to let workers go. State Budget forecasts show Main Roads will spend about a billion dollars a year from 2027 — a drop in real terms from prior spending. “We can’t expect to retain workforce capability if WA is pushing the pause button on new projects while other states are pushing ahead,” Mr Graham said. Among the projects not slated to get underway until 2027 and 2028 include the $700m widening of the Kwinana Freeway, $450m for the Reid Highway and Erindale Road grade separation, the Canning Bridge Bus Interchange and the Great Northern Highway Bindoon bypass. Those works will herald the commencement of other major projects, including Westport, Perth Airport and AUKUS upgrades at Henderson and Garden Island, and spark a new battle for workers. Mr Graham said fast-tracking some of the road projects would ensure the workforce was properly maintained, until then. “We’re optimistic about the long-term infrastructure pipeline but the next couple of years are a concern,” Mr Graham said. “With the METRONET program wrapping up, more and more civil contractors and subcontractors are geared up and ready for work, but they can see very few new tendering opportunities in the next 18-24 months. “It makes sense to bring some road projects forward. Otherwise, we’ll pay the price in skills shortages a few years from now. Civil engineers, supervisors and others will go east where the work is.” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti was confident other projects would be ready to fill the void. “Several other major projects are currently progressing through procurement,” she said. “There are a number of significant projects already in delivery, including the Mandurah Estuary Bridge duplication, the Stephenson Avenue Extension and Swan River Crossings, while works will soon commence on the Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road upgrades.” But Mr Graham is urging the Federal Government to put up more money, so the State Government can pick up the pace. “Federal funding support will be essential,” he said. “And with WA currently set to receive only 5 per cent of all Federal infrastructure funding from 2027 to 2029, there is undoubtedly plenty of scope for the Federal Government to step up with a fairer deal.”