The state government has cracked down on councils obstructing the around-the-clock delivery of goods to supermarkets, as concerns mount about supply chain disruptions.
Our weekly appointments wrap includes Stuart Crockett, Matthew Bronickis, Libbi McLean, Sophia Kailis, Elizabeth Keen, Nick Malone, Ben Killigrew and Peter De Leo.
The resources sector has enthusiastically embraced a new government-backed app designed to facilitate travel across Western Australia but the freight sector has been lukewarm in its response, despite being touted as a major beneficiary.
Health Minister Roger Cook said testing criteria for COVID-19 would expand as of tomorrow, 28 new cases in WA overnight; Premier Mark McGowan aired his grievances with the Artania cruise ship, and Andrew Forrest pledged $160 million towards procuring medical supplies and increasing testing in WA.
A more efficient freight network is a key priority for the state government, but upgrading the status quo requires a big spend and some complex solutions.
SPECIAL REPORT: A move to secure federal cash for road upgrades ahead of a new outer harbour port development is one possible funding fix for a state government battling budget issues.
The state government has appointed Infrastructure Australia board member Nicole Lockwood to chair a new taskforce to plan a Kwinana outer harbour development, as Transport Minister Rita Saffioti indicated she would stare down internal party dissent about the project.
Special report: A subsidiary of global banking giant Goldman Sachs is backing a local private equity player to develop a freight hub near Bullsbrook, in anticipation of increased freight movements connected with the state government's Northlink WA project.
