From the CEO
Fall seven times, stand up eight.
This Japanese proverb springs to mind in a week that has reminded us that resilience is both an underrated and absolutely necessary character trait for us to bolster in 2025.
It’s not just because Donald has chosen a new bestie in Putin and had a falling out with most of the United States’ old mates. Or that Chinese war ships are circling Australia like a great white shark searching for dinner. We’ve even managed to survive through our second pole top fire-induced blackout because it drizzled twice in two months.
There are some beacons of resilience amongst us that bring perspective when we can’t see it ourselves. We will all be heading to the polls on Saturday if we haven’t already to choose our next government. In the context of our industry, commitments are clear and the choice is now yours to make. There is one observation that has been repeated to me by many that I have engaged with over the last few weeks. Love or hate politicians, most of them work incredibly hard despite the barrage of relentless personal and professional criticism they cop on a daily basis.
Despite the improbability of a Liberal Party victory in WA on the weekend, the stamina and resilience demonstrated by Libby Mettam has not gone unnoticed. Against the odds, she continues to persevere despite the faux pas of some of her candidates. The degree to which her efforts are rewarded on the weekend will be fascinating to see.
Yesterday, I participated in a stakeholder workshop with Infrastructure WA on the long-term infrastructure implications in a number of different global and national scenarios between now and 2050. There were a lot of words used to describe the vision for WA in this context, one that was missing in my mind was the most critical. Resilient.
Positioning WA as the global hub for the energy transition is a bold ambition, so is keeping the lights on and stabilising our existing energy grid that is precariously placed as we stand here today. Energy, food and water security are a given for many in WA, but not all. Housing is the same.
The resilience of our established and inadequate existing infrastructure to withstand both predictable and unpredictable events is a non-negotiable. The starting point. A baseline perhaps. Our finite financial and human resources must be prioritised here first, not distracted by bright shiny things.
I’m all about this AND that – but if it’s a trade off between one or the other, I know what I would choose.
Tanya Steinbeck
UDIA WA Chief Executive Officer
Peter Sherrie appointed National CEO of Urban Development Institute of Australia
The Urban Development Institute of Australia has appointed former UDIA President and experienced industry professional Peter Sherrie into the newly created role of National Chief Operating Officer.
Peter brings to the role 33 years of experience in large-scale residential and commercial development projects. He is a long term supporter of UDIA, achieving Life Member status in Queensland and at a national level.
In line with UDIA’s 2025 UDIA Election Platform, Peter’s focus will be on Housing Policy, Infrastructure Coordination, Funding for Housing and more coordinated and timely Environmental Approvals particularly across Federal and State bodies and Industry Capacity.
He will be working closely with the State CEOs to ensure all State membership priorities are considered and are promoted in their interactions with the Federal Government.
2025 Annual Development Conference
Many of our members will be aware that UDIA WA held our popular annual State Conference in Busselton last week, commencing with a welcome event on Wednesday, plenary sessions on Thursday that were outlined in last week’s newsletter.
Following plenary sessions and a walking tour of Busselton led by a team from the City of Busselton, Thursday night provided another a fantastic networking and social opportunity, with delegates descending on The Busselton Pavilion, a gastro pub in the centre of town run by former Vasse Felix Chef Brendan Pratt.
Then, Friday was the final day of plenary sessions at Hilton Garden Inn, commencing with an insightful presentation by new WAPC Chair Emma Cole on her vision for the newly reformed commission.
Ms Cole was followed by Auckland Council Chief Economist Gary Blick providing a comprehensive overview of how the City implemented their upzoning policy to enable greater infill and higher density development across the City.
Summit Homes Group‘s Brad Bairstow then challenged the room to think more innovatively about building materials and modular construction, due to greater efficiencies and affordability that can be achieved.
Delegates were then taken on a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities of significant population growth in the South West Region with South West Development Commission‘s Ashley Clements. Mr Clements presentation was complemented by a dynamic panel session with industry experts active in the region including Paulyn Robson Chew (Urbis); Tao Bourton (Yolk Property Group) and Jay Walter (JWH Group).
The day’s proceedings were rounded out by inspirational keynote Kendall Whyte OAM, who gave a very personal insight into how her experience has led to her leadership in growing awareness around mental health and the establishment of Blue Tree Project that is encouraging people across the world to ‘talk about the tough stuff’.
We rounded out a fantastic few days in magnificent Busselton with a long table lunch at the iconic The Goose restaurant.
A huge thank you to all our presenters, delegates and colleagues who made this year’s state conference an absolute success!
View photos from the State Conference!
Cirque Duet Site Tour
Yesterday, UDIA members and guests were treated to an exclusive tour of Erben’s beautiful Cirque Duet project in Mount Pleasant. Designed by MJA Studio and built by Icon, the apartment complex is located close to the Canning and Swan rivers, featuring 93 luxury apartments and three retail lots.
Attendees were taken through two apartments, and had the opportunity to view the extensive resident amenities, including the expansive podium deck that connects the two towers, providing 3000sqm of facilities such as heated pool, gym, private dining and cocktail bar.
Thank you to Winning Commercial for their support of this event.
View photos from the Site Tour!
Announcing two New ONLINE courses
UDIA WA are delighted to announce two new introductory online courses as part of our expansive UDIA WA Educate platform.
Running for three sessions each, Environmental Assessment & Approvals 101 and Residential Land Subdivision Planning & Design 101 are introductory courses aimed at providing a strong foundation for further learning and application in the industry.
Residential Land Subdivision Planning & Design 101 offers a comprehensive introduction to the end-to-end residential land subdivision process in Western Australia.
Covering key principles, activities, considerations, and stakeholders, it will equip participants with essential knowledge to effectively navigate the process through planning, design, and approvals. Whether you’re thinking about subdividing, working with those who do it or you’re in the field and want to refresh your knowledge, this course will provide you with a solid foundation for successful residential land subdivision.
Environmental Assessment & Approvals 101 offers a comprehensive introduction to Western Australia’s complex environmental approval process relevant to property development projects. Participants will be equipped with the essential knowledge to identify potential environmental issues, to engage effectively with regulators and consultants, and develop strategies to effectively navigate the approvals process.
By understanding both WA and Federal environmental requirements, participants can better anticipate challenges and develop more effective project plans to work towards better project and environmental outcomes.
Running over three lunchtime sessions, both courses blend the technical know-how with real-world case examples and interactive activities to maximise learning outcomes.
Register for the new courses!
Member briefing: Defect Liability – more than a warranty
Join us for a free UDIA WA member briefing with Daniel Morris, Lawyer and Director at Dan Morris Legal.
Following this session, attendees will have greater awareness of the different kinds of construction defect liability, how and when they can arise, and how to avoid, mitigate and manage liability for defective construction work.
Construction contractors often think that having written warranties and doing their job to the letter of their contracts are the perfect recipe for avoiding defect liability. That’s a good start, but it’s not the whole story. There’s still the matter of:
- Implied warranties under statute
- Warranties implied by the “unwritten law”
- Industry standards
- Strict liability under statute
- Fault-based liability in negligence
- Duties to check, test and warn about the work of other contractors
- Vicarious liability for employees’ workmanship
- Varying limitation periods
- Liability for latent defects
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to learn more about how to navigate safely through this minefield of defect liability. Reserve your spot now!
Spots are limited, and RSPVs essential, register your seat by Friday 28 March!
Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
The UDIA WA Annual Golf Classic continues to be the sporting highlight of the development industry’s event calendar. Year on year, the industry’s best competitive event attracts a fantastic crowd with 2025 set to be no exception.
Incredible sponsorship opportunities are available, including:
- Hole Sponsor
- Networking Sponsor
- Golf Cart Sponsor
- Major Prize Sponsor
- And much more
In addition to our Golf Classic UDIA WA has a range of other sponsorship and partnership opportunities. For more information or to enquire about any of the available positions reach out to Chris Thurmott.