From the CEO
Have you heard the news? It seems future Netflix series’ may be produced at METRONET Malaga. With economic diversification a key policy priority of the McGowan Government, investing in Western Australia’s creative industries is one way to focus the national and international spotlight on our capital city as a place to live, work, play and invest.
Whilst local Freo creatives are disappointed that the site at Victoria Quay didn’t stack, the proposed site off Marshall Road and south of Whiteman Park has the scale and transport access that ticks at least a few of the boxes for the proponent, Home Fire to make a significant investment in testing the viability of METRONET precincts.
What has already been tested through this process is the Market Led Proposals policy. With over 70 proposals submitted since the MLP policy was established in April 2019, only two have progressed to the point of being implemented. To the Minister for Planning’s credit, again she has responded to industry feedback and made changes to the policy to reduce duplication, give ‘fast fail’ feedback to avoid wasting developers time and money and committed to targeted timeframes for both stages of the MLP process.
This type of investment into creating employment hubs will be critical to the future success of METRONET precincts, particularly in areas that lack density and underlying land values that make medium to high density residential development in these areas a typically unfeasible proposition. It’s encouraging to see the private sector driving these proposals and the State Government remaining agile in how it responds to them.
I look forward to the premiere screening of the first film made in Malaga and hope that this MLP has a happy ending.
NEW – quick poll!
We want to know more about our members’ opinion on hot button topics. We are introducing a new monthly ‘quick poll’. Click on read more to take part in our first one – in the lead up to lunch with economist Jonathan Pain tomorrow, what are your thoughts on interest rates…this is just a one question poll!
Draft Structure Plan Guidelines
On Monday 7 November, UDIA made a submission to DPLH on the Draft Guidelines. The submission highlighted that with the current arrangements for the preparation of Structure Plans are working well and only in need of minor review, it would be undesirable for the revised guidelines to compromise its strengths (e.g., in terms of the flexibility it offers for application to different contexts and in responding to risks accordingly) through introducing or inferring the introduction of overly prescriptive requirements.
Based on the Draft Guidelines, there is a risk the overly perspective optional pathways like the preparation of engagement strategies may be mistakenly applied as mandatory, and that this and the proposed establishment of a formal pre-lodgement process could result in extensive delays and have significant cost implications which would adversely impact the timely delivery of crucial housing supply and also affordability.
Such implications must be given further consideration in finalising the Guidelines to ensure the intended positive outcomes can be realised.
Meeting with the Shadow Minister for Housing
On Friday 4 November, UDIA WA met with the Hon. Steve Martin MLC to discuss current industry challenges and UDIA WA’s views on key opportunities. This included discussion around collaboration with State Government stakeholders, the inconsistencies in approaches taken by local governments in planning for and enabling infill development and the potential implications for securing environmental approvals associated with the Federal Government’s agenda (including the establishment of a Federal EPA and the absence of a strategic framework to guide decision making).
There was also discussion around UDIA WA’s regional role and opportunities to address land supply constraints in these areas.
Home in WA set to air this weekend
This Sunday, Home in WA will feature UDIA WA’s latest segment featuring the award-winning Golden Bay by PEET Ltd and DevelopmentWA.
Golden Bay recently won two awards at the UDIA WA Awards for Excellence, in the category of “Excellence in Social and Community Infrastructure” and the top overall award – the “Russel Perry Award for Urban Development Excellence” making it among the best residential developments in the state.
Golden Bay is a stunning masterplanned community which is considered a wonderful community asset with world class social and community infrastructure – sealing the project’s win at the UDIA WA awards.
Tune in to Channel 7 and 7HD on Sunday at 4.30pm to watch this episode. You can view the episode by clicking here and to view all UDIA WA’s Home in WA segments and more, head to our YouTube channel here.
WIN – one year subscription to MNG Access Premium Package
MNG are giving one lucky attendee to the UDIA WA Industry End of Year Sundowner a FREE one-year subscription to MNG Access Premium Package, valued at $4,150!
Trusted by developers, MNG Access allows Users to quickly and efficiently visualise accurate information to make informed decisions across planning, environmental and engineering throughout the life of a project.
With a user-friendly interface and full training and support, MNG Access is your one-stop assistive tool and digital partner in land.
Keen to discover more? Contact MNG Sales Manager, Dave Bullen or head to MNG Access here.
To go into the draw to win all you need to do is register for the UDIA End of Year Sundowner here before registrations close on Monday 21 November.
*Terms and conditions for use of MNG Access apply. Prize is non transferrable and not redeemable for cash.
Big thanks to our End of Year Sundowner Sponsors MNG., Douglas Partners, Effective Property Solutions and Underground Power Development.
Government announces changes to Market-led Proposal policy
The McGowan Government has today announced changes to its Market-led Proposals (MLP) policy that are aimed at improving the process, including better efficiency and transparency.
The MLP policy has been in operation since April 2019 and has received more than 70 proposals to date, with two progressing to the point of being implemented while one Problem and Opportunity statement has also been implemented.
The MLP policy was set up as a pathway for the private sector to bring forward ideas and work with government to create jobs and stimulate the economy.
MLPs allow the State Government to harness good ideas, private sector investment and entrepreneurship to develop projects that benefit Western Australians.
The review of the MLP policy by the State Government investigated potential solutions to improve the timeframes, accountability and expectations of the policy and each lead agency.
The changes to be implemented include:
- reducing duplication so the MLP process includes only two stages rather than the current three;
- utilising a ‘fast fail’ mechanism that allows the Government to quickly decline proposals that are not aligned with Government priorities, or are unsuitable for the MLP process;
- introduction of target timeframes for both stages of the MLP process (under the previous policy, timeframes were only set for the first stage);
- improved transparency – with more detailed summaries to be released during and after an MLP process (while ensuring probity and commercial-in-confidence); and
- improvements to the current webpage, and content on current and past MLPs, to make it easier for the public to navigate and access information.
A new provision has also been finalised that requires proponents to formally commit to the State Government’s specific MLP Probity Framework. This will reaffirm the probity requirements that form part of the terms and conditions of the MLP policy.
Current MLPs will be managed on a case-by-case basis to ensure no proponent is disadvantaged by the transition to the new policy settings.
National Congress – get involved!
UDIA National Congress returns to Perth in 2023 and there are opportunities for UDIA members to get involved with the national celebrations.
Set to be held from March 27-29 at Crown Perth, it is the key networking event of the year as delegates from all over the country come together to learn, engage and interact with the compelling content on offer.
There are a variety of sponsorship opportunities available, including sponsoring one of the categories at the UDIA National Awards for Excellence where the WA winners announced at the 2022 Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner will be flying the flag for WA.
To view all of the opportunities available, read the National Congress Partnership Prospectus here and reach out to National Sponsorship Manager Anthony Nicolaou at anicolaou@udiansw.com.au with any questions.
UDIA Online Access Code
UDIA WA are pleased to share the 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.