On 3 February 2023 the Western Australian Government endorsed the investigation of a Digital First Smart Infrastructure Policy as part of its response to the State Infrastructure Strategy and appointed Infrastructure WA as the lead agency.
The policy was intended to set out the State Government’s approach to embedding digital information and technologies throughout the infrastructure lifecycle. Before drafting or implementing the policy Infrastructure WA was tasked with preparing a Policy Scoping Document. This document was required to identify potential policy options, assess their benefits and costs and recommend an implementation pathway.
The challenge was to produce a comprehensive document that provided the State Government with an evidence-based foundation for decision-making. To achieve this Infrastructure WA required external support with expertise in digital policy, research and engagement across government, industry and academia.
Trestle Digital designed and delivered a multi-stage process to prepare the Policy Scoping Document. The first step was framework development to establish a clear methodology for the scoping process. This was followed by desktop research to review national and international best practice in smart infrastructure policy. Stakeholder engagement was a major component of the work, with interviews and workshops held with government agencies across Australia as well as industry leaders and academic experts.
Building on this foundation, Trestle developed and assessed multiple policy options. Each option was examined for feasibility along with the benefits and costs it could deliver. Strong engagement ensured perspectives from across government, industry and academia were incorporated into the analysis.
The structured approach allowed InfrastructureWA to receive clear evidence and practical options that reflected both local and international experience while addressing stakeholder needs.
The project produced a whole-of-government Policy Scoping Document that outlined a pathway for embedding digital across large and small infrastructure projects. The document identified priorities for the policy’s scope and focus.
Key findings highlighted that government interest in digital is increasing, driven by IT and IoT needs in major infrastructure and construction projects. Realising these benefits requires capability building, including cultural change, skills development and targeted upskilling. The scoping process confirmed that a clear digital strategy is essential to guide investment and capture value, while technology procurement without such a strategy is unlikely to deliver long-term benefits.
The engagement provided Infrastructure WA with a clear evidence base and recommendations to progress the Digital First Smart Infrastructure Policy. The immediate beneficiary was Infrastructure WA and the broader benefit will be realised through all WA Government agencies and the residents of Western Australia once the policy is implemented.
