Density roundtable
UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck was pleased to attend a roundtable discussion today on future growth in Perth and reframing discussion around density. The luncheon was hosted by Linc Property and guests included high level media identities and other industry leaders discussing how we can ensure a more positive conversation around density and the benefits that quality development in this space can achieve. UDIA is always happy to engage in these important topics that impact on how we develop and build quality communities for the future.
Urban Intelligence released
The November edition of the UDIA WA Urban Intelligence Report was released to members on Tuesday outlining key statistics impacting on the industry. This month saw a 0.4% increase in the residential population in WA and a 6.5% lift in retail turnover. The Consumer Price Index and Wage Price Index also recorded slight increases.
For the full report, log in to our member portal on the website and view here.
Climate change on the agenda
UDIA WA has provided a response to the state government’s Climate Change in Western Australia Issues Paper which outlines the state government’s perspective on the key issues related to climate change. The feedback received on the issues paper will be used to inform the development of the State Climate Policy.
In our submission, UDIA WA offered broad support for the development of a clear, state based climate change policy that provides clarity for private and public sector investment. This will also help to ensure that the State can benefit from the emerging climate change opportunities and help to further diversify our economy.
While we are supportive of the development of a policy, we did have specific feedback and concerns around several aspects covered in the discussion paper, particularly related to energy generation, future mobility, waste reduction, water security, liveable towns and cities, resilient infrastructure and protecting biodiversity.
You can read our submission in full here.
Lending panel for Deposit Gap scheme formed
UDIA National has welcomed the formation of a lending panel to sustain the new national deposit gap scheme as a positive sign for homebuyers preparing for the scheme’s commencement in January.
The Commonwealth Government has announced the appointment of a panel of 25 non-major lenders, as well as the Commonwealth Bank, to offer guaranteed loans under the scheme.
The Commonwealth Government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme provides a guarantee to allow eligible buyers to purchase a home with a deposit as low as five percent – rather than 20 percent.
Read the full statement here.
Online course in project management now available
UDIA is pleased to partner with McMillan to offer members an online course in project management that specializes in property development.
The course commences on Tuesday 28 January and runs for 18 weeks. The Certificate IV in Project Management (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 qualification is delivered and issued by partnering Registered Training Organisation – McMillan (RTO No. 88187). The online course teaches the critical skills of project management such as identifying project scope, contract negotiation, team engagement, stakeholder communication and managing time, cost and quality.
More details here.
Construction industry training fund under review
A statutory review of the Building and Construction Industry Training Fund (BCITF) and Levy Collection Act 1990 (the Act) has been tabled in State Parliament.
The Construction Training Fund (CTF) administers the BCITF levy on construction projects to support the training of eligible people in the building and construction industry. The levy is 0.2 per cent of the value of construction and applies to all works that meet the definition of construction as prescribed in the Act.
The review was completed in October and included consideration of resource sector construction work following the removal of that sector’s exemption from the levy from October 1, 2018.
The review found that although BCITF effectively supports construction training, there were 22 recommendations made that are aimed to enhance the operation of both the Act and the CTF.
Read the review paper here.
ATO major system upgrade
Clients (purchasers and their representatives) will be unable to lodge Form 1 or Form 2 from 6:15pm 24 December 2019 until 6:00am 2 January 2020.
Action to take if a property settles over the break:
- Form 1 and Form 2 lodged before the break: make payment during the break to the ATO using the payment reference number (PRN) received from Form 1. You will receive email confirmation after 2 January, but there may be some delays.
- Form 1 lodged before the break: make the payment during the break to the ATO using the PRN received from Form 1. Lodge Form 2 as soon as feasible on or after 2 January. Once the payment and Form 2 are processed you will receive your email confirmation, but there may be some delays.
- No forms lodged: don’t make the payment during the break, lodge both forms as soon as feasible on or after 2 January and make the payment with the PRN received from Form 1.
Note – For clients that will have lodged Form 1 (up until 23 December) and have indicated that they expect their property to settle during the shutdown will receive an email directly from the project team on what to do.
We value your feedback!
UDIA is currently working on several submissions on behalf of members. We encourage you to forward any feedback on these items to policy@udiawa.com.au
- Draft Position Statement: Residential Aged Care (here). Submissions close January 19, 2020.
- Environmental Protection Act 1986 amendments consultation (here). Submissions close January 28, 2020.
Site security update
Police have charged an adult male from Huntingdale with receiving stolen goods after Investigators tracked stolen property to his address, read more here.
Illegal rubbish dumping has increased significantly leading into Xmas, if you witness any suspicious activity or have evidence that identifies offenders dumping rubbish report online @ https://app.pactsitesecurity.com.au/mopreport or call 1800 272 836.
National Congress visits Sydney
Held over three days, the UDIA 2020 National Congress gives you the opportunity to hear from high-profile speakers focusing on the urban development industry in Australia, international case studies and what’s next for the industry. Find out more here.
Draft greenhouse gas emissions guideline
Under a new draft guideline released by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on Monday, proponents of major greenhouse gas emitting projects will need to show how they can reasonably and practicably avoid, reduce, and offset emissions to contribute to the State’s aspiration of net zero emissions by 2050.
The draft of the revised greenhouse gas guideline has been provided to the EPA’s Stakeholder Reference Group for eight weeks for further feedback and the EPA continues to be open to new information. The final guidance will be released in March 2020. The EPA will also review its guideline after the State Government has released its State Climate Policy next year.
More here.