From the CEO
Infrastructure planning and delivery has been a hot topic this week as I returned last night from meeting with my UDIA National counterparts in Canberra. We met with the newly minted Federal Minister for Infrastructure; Transport; Regional Development and Local Government the Hon Catherine King MP. Given Anthony Albanese was the first ever federal Infrastructure Minister I would expect his government to have a renewed focus on the activities of Infrastructure Australia and the strategic delivery of projects that will assist with the roll out of affordable, diverse communities and housing to meet the needs of all Australians. We look forward to working closely with the Minister moving forward.
At a state level, Infrastructure WA released their highly anticipated State Infrastructure Strategy yesterday. After two years of consultation and drafting, the strategy lays out 93 recommendations to government across 9 specific infrastructure sectors. It is pleasing to see that sustained social and affordable housing investment to meet future demand as well as exploring initiatives in relation to mid-tier public transport are high on the agenda.
The reference to light rail and rapid bus transit in the strategy is particularly promising given the development of a Mid-Tier Public Transport Strategy for Perth that is being led by the City of Canning and a consortium of 15 local governments. UDIA WA is supporting the work of the consortium and we will be sharing more on this exciting project in the very near future.
State Infrastructure Strategy released
Yesterday WA’s first State Infrastructure Strategy, Foundations for a stronger tomorrow, was tabled in Parliament, marking a major milestone for Infrastructure WA (IWA) and the beginning of a new chapter for infrastructure planning and delivery in WA.
The Strategy contains 93 recommendations covering 9 specific infrastructure sectors and 7 cross-cutting themes – all divided into short, medium and longer-term timeframes that reach out to 2042.
While the Strategy is not a long wish-list of build solutions, it does include significant scale projects or programs recommended for further investigation, planning, business case development and investment.
These include a digital connectivity program, essential infrastructure in remote Aboriginal communities, sustained social and affordable housing investment to meet demand, health and mental health infrastructure, and exploring initiatives such as bus rapid transit to support urban growth and consolidation.
It also places an emphasis on non-build solutions, focussing on improving fundamental elements of the infrastructure system, such as governance settings, policies and regulatory reforms.
IWA Chairperson, Nicole Lockwood, said the Strategy was a first for Western Australia – and that it would underpin government infrastructure investment over the next 20 years.
Focus now turns to the WA Government’s formal response to the Strategy’s recommendations where it is required to indicate which it supports and, if applicable, the reasons for not supporting any recommendations in part or full.
The response is due within 6-months of the Strategy’s tabling.
UDIA WA has worked closely with the team at Infrastructure WA throughout the development of the strategy and we look forward to the State Government’s response to the recommendations.
Visit here for further information.
UDIA joins calls for Mid-Tier Public Transport Strategy
UDIA WA have been working closely with a consortium of local governments calling on the State Government to implement and fund a Mid-Tier Public Transport strategy that would better connect METRONET train stations with activity centres, employment hubs and other core amenities.
The consortium is working towards identifying potential future transit corridors in the Perth metropolitan area, conducive to mid-tier public transport. By identifying the corridors earlier, local governments can forward plan and tailor their Local Planning Schemes to ensure key mid-tier transport routes – and land allocation – are factored into urban design and land use planning.
The intent is for the consortium’s work to be integrated into a State Government-led Mid-Tier Public Transport Strategy for Perth that will identify Mid-Tier Public Transport corridors for Perth. This will be supported by concept planning that will lead to more detailed design and business case planning.
The Consortium is seeking the following from the State Government:
- Announcement from the State Government that it will prepare a Mid-Tier Public Transport Strategy for Perth
- Funding over two financial years (that is, 2023/24 and 2024/25) to develop the Mid-Tier Public Transport Strategy for the Perth and Peel region.
- Complete the Strategy in the 2024/25 financial year.
The consortium is keen to partner with the State Government to prepare this important plan.
For more information about the work the consortium is undertaking, click here.
Partnership opportunity with UDIA WA
UDIA WA have put together a range of new partnership packages to enable you to share the incredible work you do with the UDIA WA membership and wider development industry.
The below packages provide you with a presence in UDIA WA’s quarterly thought-leadership publication The Urbanist and the upcoming edition of the UDIA WA 2022 Awards for Excellence Winners Showcase magazine which highlight the best and brightest people and projects in the urban development industry at the moment (Click here to view last year’s Winners magazine).
Both publications are distributed in hard copy on high-quality glossy paper to every UDIA WA member company with a fully hyper-linkable digital version emailed directly to over 4,000 individual members on the UDIA WA mailing list and distributed across the UDIA WA social media channels with an audience of over 14,000 followers.
As an added extra the packages include banner adverts within our Urban Express newsletter. This weekly communique is the industry’s go-to for the latest information and is emailed directly to our entire member mailing list providing you with an excellent opportunity to extend your campaign across our advertising platforms.
With only a limited number of packages available, now is the time to partner with UDIA WA. Get in touch with Communications Officer Chris Thurmott at cthurmott@udiawa.com.au for more information on the packages and to secure your spot.
UDIA meets with Federal Infrastructure Minister
This week CEOs from each of the UDIA State Offices, including UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck convened in Canberra to meet the Hon. Catherine King MP, the newly elected Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
UDIA WA were grateful for the opportunity to meet the new minister and were impressed by the speed and enthusiasm Minister King is bringing to her portfolio, including having already announced an Independent Review into Infrastructure Australia.
We look forward to working closely with the new Minister and the new Federal Government.
RBA raises rates again
As expected, the Reserve Bank of Australia once again raised the official cash rate target this week by 50 basis to sit at 1.85%, the highest level in six years.
In announcing the decision, RBA Governor Philip Lowe said the Board places a high priority on the return of inflation to the 2–3% range over time, while keeping the economy on an even keel.
“The path to achieve this balance is a narrow one and clouded in uncertainty, not least because of global developments,” Dr Lowe said.
Dr Lowe predicted that inflation will peak later this year at 7.75% before dropping to just over 4% in 2023 and 3% in 2024.
“The Australian economy is expected to continue to grow strongly this year, with the pace of growth then slowing. Employment is growing strongly, consumer spending has been resilient and an upswing in business investment is underway,” Dr Lowe said.
“National income is also being boosted by a rise in the terms of trade, which are at a record high. The Bank’s central forecast is for GDP growth of 3¼% over 2022 and 1¾% in each of the following two years.”
Dr Lowe said the decision to increase interest rates is a further step in the normalisation of monetary conditions in Australia.
“The increase in interest rates over recent months has been required to bring inflation back to target and to create a more sustainable balance of demand and supply in the Australian economy,” he said.
“The Board expects to take further steps in the process of normalising monetary conditions over the months ahead, but it is not on a pre-set path. The size and timing of future interest rate increases will be guided by the incoming data and the Board’s assessment of the outlook for inflation and the labour market.
“The Board is committed to doing what is necessary to ensure that inflation in Australia returns to target over time.”
UDIA Online Access Code
UDIA WA are pleased to share a new Corporate Accommodation Rate Code for our members to receive 15% off accommodation with Crown Perth.
To access the discounted rates simply book via the Crown Hotels website and quote our Corporate Access code urband3357 in the promotional code field to receive your negotiated corporate rate.
Full instructions can be found here and for more information and T&Cs, click here.
New Western Power Chair
This week Energy Minister Bill Johnston announced the appointment of Denise Goldsworthy AO as Chair of the Western Power Board.
Ms Goldsworthy has served as a Non-Executive Director on the Western Power Board since January 2018 and has extensive experience in the manufacturing, infrastructure, mining, and technology and innovation sectors.
Ms Goldsworthy is the Managing Director and Owner of Alternate Futures – established to work at the interface between Australia’s research organisations, tech start‐ups and industry. Ms Goldsworthy was named Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year in 2010, is a member of Chief Executive Women, and was inducted into the Western Australian Women’s Hall of Fame in 2011.
An appointment to replace Ms Goldsworthy as Non-Executive Director is currently underway.
Other serving board directors are Greg Martin, Kathryn Barrie, Elisa Fear, Monish Paul and Eva Skira AM.
Still time to register – UDIA’s exclusive online Project Management course
This week saw the start of UDIA’s online BSB40920 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice, Specialising in Property Development Professional Development program.
BSB40920 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice, Specialising in Property Development is the only nationally-recognised qualification of its kind that teaches the project management competencies unique to the property development industry.
The course has been written by UDIA NSW in partnership with members and vocational education experts. The course teaches the critical skills of project management such as identifying project scope, managing time, cost and quality, contract negotiation, team engagement and stakeholder communication.
This course is delivered by our partnering Registered Training Organisation – McMillan (RTO No: 88187). Upon successful completion, graduates will attain a BSB40920 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice, Specialising in Property Development issued by McMillan. Students with any not-yet-competent results remaining upon course completion, will receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment.
The BSB40920 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice is endorsed by the AIPM (Australia Institute of Project Management). As part of our partnership with AIPM, this course includes a complimentary 12 month student membership to the AIPM, the industry peak body for project management professionals in Australia. Upon graduation you can choose to upgrade your membership and then apply to become a Certified Practicing Project Practitioner (CPPP).
Although the course started this week, late enrolments are available with the 18 week course flexible and able to be completed in your own time. For more information and to book your spot on the course, click here.
Last chance to register for Outlook Quiz
Join us for a night of fun, frivolity and some healthy competition; with some great prizes (and bragging rights) for the top gong at our annual Outlook Quiz night.
Get your colleagues, clients, and friends together and book in teams of 8 or teams of 4 (to be placed with another team of 4) or fly solo and be allocated to a networking team.
Registration includes the quiz, a 4 hour beverage package & delicious bites throughout.
This event will be sure to sell out so don’t miss out on this exciting event and exceptional networking opportunity for WA’s Young Industry Professionals!
Registrations close tomorrow Friday 5 August, click here to book.
Smiths Beach Project – open for consultation
This week public consultation for the Smith’s Beach Project in WA’s Southwest officially opened following the release of the full proposal.
The coastal village was featured in our Developing Destination WA One-Day Summit, wherein Anneke Brown highlighted that the project is landscape led with a site responsive design that delivers a high quality, low intensity and environmentally sensitive tourism and community destination for the region.
At the heart of the village will be the Cape to Cape Welcome Centre, focused on providing new experiences for walkers on the iconic track and visitors to the South West. The Centre will provide unique and curated experiences that inform, conserve, and create a deep appreciation of the track, including immersive Aboriginal cultural experiences.
Important new community facilities in the village will include the Smiths Beach Surf Life Saving Club, a general store, café, bakery and reception hall. Tourism accommodation will include a quality hotel experience, with restaurant and wellness offerings, as well as an environmentally friendly campground and a range of holiday homes.
For more information about the project, click here and to provide feedback on the proposal, click here.
Security of payment laws reinforce subcontractor protections
On Monday 1 August the Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Act 2021 officially came into effect, marking the first stage of reforms to ensure subcontractors and suppliers receive timely payments for their work.
The new Act applies to construction contracts entered into from 1 August. The Construction Contracts (Former Provisions) Act 2004 will continue to apply to existing contracts.
The first stage of the new Act expands contractors’ rights to claim regular payments to avoid large outstanding invoices. It also delivers more structure and transparency to payments and an effective dispute resolution pathway to recover money owed. This aligns WA’s security of payment laws with related legislation elsewhere in Australia.
Education initiatives are underway to help the industry adjust to the new legislation, including a suite of resources at the Building and Energy website (dmirs.wa.gov.au/securityofpayment) and forthcoming information sessions and regional roadshows.
Further security of payment reforms will commence from February 2023 and February 2024. These stages will include a mandatory retention trust scheme, fairer contracting practices and expanded powers against unscrupulous registered builders.
Release of residential and commercial lots to meet demand in Broome – including EOI for new childcare centre
This week Housing and Lands Minister John Carey and Community Services Minister Simone McGurk announced the release of a range of commercial and residential lots in Broome and called for Expressions of Interest for a future childcare site at the popular Waranyjarri Estate.
As part of Stage 11, the State Government is seeking experienced proponents for the development of a new childcare centre at the estate.
The new childcare centre will be constructed on the corner of Yako Mall and Shingoro Street, on the commercial site adjacent to the existing Broome North Primary School.
A national Request for Proposal process has been launched for the development of the childcare site, and can be viewed here.
The stage 11 release comprises 33 homesites, along with the 2,253sqm childcare development site.
The majority of the lifestyle lots range from 630 to 784sqm, with a selection of smaller lots from 480sqm, and a corner lot sized at 1,053sqm. Lots are priced from $183,000 and are located in close proximity to Broome North Primary School, landscaped parks, and amenities in nearby Blue Haze.
Titles are expected to be issued by mid-2023, to allow time for buyers to complete finance and settlement periods, select a builder, and design their new homes.
Eligible buyers in Stage 11 will also benefit from up to $12,000 in incentives, including grants and savings on whitegoods and landscaping.
The release of Stage 11 comes as final works commence on Tanami Drive, the main road through the centre of Waranyjarri Estate. The works will complete this major distributor road, improving vehicle and pedestrian access to the estate.
Waranyjarri Estate is WA’s only EnviroDevelopment and Waterwise accredited regional development – with a focus on clever, climate-responsive design, to support sustainable community living.
It is expected to provide homes for around 1,400 new residents.
Waranyjarri is the first neighbourhood to be developed and delivered as part of the wider Broome North development, which is planned to include 4,800 new homes for up to 13,000 new residents.
Applications open for grants to protect our State heritage sites
More than $1 million is available to owners of State Registered Heritage Places to undertake vital conservation works.
The annual Heritage Grants program – which is now open for application – makes funds available for urgent conservation works at a State Registered Heritage Place, or to develop heritage conservation plans, cultural landscape plans or feasibility studies.
Funding for these State Heritage Grants ranges from up to $40,000 for works projects when supported by matched funding, and up to 80% of the cost for documentation projects – to a maximum of $16,000.
Owners can also apply for up to $100,000 in matched funding through the Major Conservation Project category, to complete large scale projects that deliver strong heritage outcomes with wider benefits.
This includes projects that aim to enliven heritage places – encouraging people to rediscover and enjoy the history, along with projects that proactively respond to natural disasters, support economic recovery, and create jobs at a local or State level.
A dedicated grant stream is available for innovative community engagement activities or interpretation projects which promote or celebrate a State Registered Heritage Place – or a place on the Heritage Council’s assessment program.
Eligible not-for-profit organisations, businesses and local governments are encouraged to apply for the Community Heritage Grants, which offer up to $20,000 in matched funding through financial or in-kind contributions.
To apply for the Heritage Grants Program 2022-23, visit here. Applications close Friday September 30, 2022.
Retirement village law reforms flagged
A revamp of laws regulating retirement villages in Western Australia is planned.
Major amendments to the Retirement Villages Act 1992 being proposed aim to address issues that have arisen between operators and future, current and past residents and their families.
Changes will include that, from the start of the retirement villa advertising and sales process, operators will be required to clearly and accurately describe the product, including detailing the amenities, services and type of tenure.
Key details of village contracts will be provided earlier so prospective residents can make accurate comparisons and understand the commitments they are making. Supporting this will be the establishment of a publicly available database managed by Consumer Protection that will provide basic information about retirement villages in WA.
For more information, click here.
Expressions of interest for mentor program with first year Curtin Property students.
The Property Education Foundation are seeking expressions of interest for mentors who would like to be involved in a program that will be embedded into the assessment structure of the Introduction to Property Markets unit.
The commitment from mentors would include:
- A one-hour session where they will be introduced to the Introduction to Property Markets unit, the role of a mentor and to sign a consent form
- Liaising with students via email to arrange a suitable time and place to meet
- Meet for one hour with 3 and 4 students (simultaneously) in a public space, eg a café
- Following the meeting, provide brief feedback to the Unit Coordinator on student interactions.
- This is likely to take place in August/September 2022.
For more information or to submit an Expression of Interest, reach out to Tanya Steinbeck at tsteinbeck@udiawa.com.au.