From the CEO
ICYMI (In case you missed it), UDIA WA’s first lunch of the year last week attracted over 400 people eager to discuss the ongoing issue of high construction costs impacting project viability and delivery.
It was a great discussion framed around the data that shows there is no relief in sight in terms of construction costs reducing. Flattening slightly perhaps but certainly not stagnant. A big part of that picture is the fact that since 2015, WA’s share of the national construction workforce has dropped from 15.46% to 11.4% equating to a massive 52,000 person reduction in construction workers.
Add that to Infrastructure Australia’s prediction that Australia will be 229,000 infrastructure workers short with an anticipated infrastructure spend of $230 billion over the next five years and we are in trouble. Should we take a more considered view of the infrastructure pipeline and slow things down to take the pressure off the delivery of housing? Yes. Will we? Probably not. Unfortunately, with a State and Federal election looming in early 2025, taking the foot off the pedal is unlikely.
What we know for sure is that housing is front and centre in both the State and Federal debate and UDIA is in the thick of the discussion around potential solutions at all levels. Both the low and slightly higher hanging fruit are front of mind as we explore meaningful policy initiatives that will make a difference in the short, medium and longer term.
State Parliament resumed this week, fresh from the news that Sandra Brewer came out on top as the Liberal Party Candidate for Cottesloe in 2025. Hallelujah. With some star candidates now coming forward, the Opposition is looking stronger by the day. It’s shaping up to be quite the competition. We are keeping our eyes on the prize for industry, to make sure we maximise the opportunity amongst the housing crisis.
Policy Team in Action
On Tuesday afternoon, UDIA and our Infrastructure Committee Chair and Deputy Chair met with representatives from Infrastructure WA to discuss UDIA’s work on the National Housing Pipeline (NHP) Perth and Peel Pilot and to identify enabling infrastructure requirements to support growth areas.
UDIA WA’s pre-Budget Submission includes asks which are focussed on an ‘at the right time’ approach to infrastructure planning and delivery, including specific infrastructure packages and a formalised Coordinator General role and team within Government as a mechanism to improve strategic infrastructure coordination.
We thank Infrastructure WA for meeting with us about this important issue and look forward to working together, where we can, going forward.
Working with WA’s Aboriginal Heritage Legislation
UDIA WA are pleased to share details of a new one-day professional development course that will equip participants with the know how to comply with WA’s newly amended Aboriginal Heritage Legislation and more effectively engage with Aboriginal people for better outcomes. It has been specifically tailored to the requirements and needs of our industry.
Join us for this ‘must do’ course where developers, planners, engineers, and others involved in the planning and delivery of urban development projects will walk away with an increased understanding of:
- The changes to WA’s Aboriginal Heritage legislative and policy framework and the requirements and implications in an urban development context;
- Landowner obligations, how to comply and considerations for project feasibilities and timeframes;
- How to assess and minimise risk of harm to Aboriginal heritage; and
- How to undertake business and consultations in a sensitive, respectful, and appropriate manner, including how and when to best engage with Aboriginal people during the development process.
For more information and to register, click here.
Industry welcomes collaborative approach to urban greening strategy
At the end of last week UDIA WA welcomed the State Government announcement that they will develop a new ‘Urban Greening Strategy’ in collaboration with key stakeholders as a win for the environment and for communities across Perth and Peel.
A more coordinated approach to increasing our urban tree canopy in both existing and new areas is welcomed by industry who support a more consistent approach to planning and environmental requirements and outcomes.
Where possible, the retention of established trees and planting of new ones is an important aspect of streetscape design for liveable communities, providing a range of benefits to local communities, as well as the environment and climate.
UDIA WA hopes that the new State led strategy will assist in addressing some of the current challenges, through greater collaboration between all stakeholders and a more holistic response.
For more information, read our media release here.
UDIA National Congress 2024 – Sponsorship Opportunities still available
With over 500 people in the room, the UDIA National Congress brings together expertise from across the country making it the ideal opportunity to showcase your brand.
UDIA National Congress partnerships provide excellent exposure to key influencers and decision makers in the property development industry.
Your brand will also be profiled as an industry leader to our National database of over 20,000 members through the National Congress EDM campaign and website.
UDIA National Congress unites over 500 emerging and established leaders from across the country. It creates a unite platform to network with industry colleagues and meet new business prospects while enhancing your corporate image.
To make sure your brand is visible when leaders in Australia property development industry gather together in Melbourne over three days in March, contact Nichola Byrne, National Congress Manager at nbyrne@udia.com.au for a Partnership Prospectus with further information on the remaining packages.
For more information about Congress and to register, click here.
Perth Design Week Program now available
Following its inaugural festival last year Perth Design Week (PDW) returns for 2024 and this year’s program has just been launched.
PDW is a dedicated public festival showcasing good design, while celebrating and acknowledging local design leaders and the design community.
This year’s event runs from 14-21 March 2024 at venues across Perth.
Explore the program here.
Expressions of interest opens for Women and Babies Hospital
The Cook Government is calling for expressions of interest (EOI) for managing contractors to design and construct the landmark $1.8 billion Women and Babies Hospital, the expansion of services at Osborne Park Hospital and neonatal services at Perth Children’s Hospital.
The EOI is the first step in appointing the managing contractor that will work with the State Government to deliver this important project.
The project will relocate services from King Edward Memorial Hospital to a new hospital built within the Fiona Stanley Hospital precinct comprising of obstetrics, gynaecology and neonate services.
The project also includes an expansion of neonatal services with Perth Children’s Hospital and an expansion of obstetrics and gynaecology services, birthing suites and theatres at Osborne Park Hospital.
A new family birthing centre will also be built alongside the redeveloped Osborne Park Hospital.
The project is expected to create more than 1,400 local jobs during construction and provide opportunities for local suppliers and contractors.
The EOI is available on Tenders WA.
Register before 29 Feb to receive 15% discount
UDIA WA are pleased to share that anybody who registers for our six day Foundations of Property Development course by Feb 29 will receive a 15% discount.
The purpose of this six day course is to introduce participants to the various areas of knowledge required to operate effectively in Western Australia’s urban development industry. It is designed to give an end-to-end overview of the property development process, and is taught by reputable local experts in the industry who have a wealth of first hand knowledge and experience.
The program is delivered over six weeks twice a year (April and October) with participants able to enrol for single one day modules, or for the full program.
To register for this course and for more information, click here.
New resource showcasing WA’s major infrastructure projects
At the end of last week, the State Government launched a new online dashboard featuring $8.7 billion worth of public works to assist Western Australia’s construction industry plan and prepare to bid for Government tenders.
The Pipeline of Works interactive dashboard features current and planned non-residential building and other infrastructure projects, many of which are managed by the Department of Finance and form a key part of the State Government’s unprecedented $43.9 billion Asset Investment Program.
The dashboard, in conjunction with the State Infrastructure Plan and State Budget Papers, increases transparency around infrastructure spending and provides a trusted source of information with updated forecasts and data to attract new entrants to WA’s building market and encourage increased competition and innovation.
WA is thriving with a number of projects currently underway and many more planned, leading to additional job opportunities and making WA an attractive place for people interstate and overseas to work and live.
The dashboard provides information about many of these major projects including hospitals, schools, and other developments.
Programs of works, ICT-related projects and METRONET and other Transport-related projects continue to be available from other State Government agency websites and publications.
To access the dashboard visit here.
Refer a new member and save!
UDIA WA are providing an opportunity for our members to receive 25% off the cost of a table booking to an Industry Lunch or Breakfast.
The discount is available to members that refer a new company to become a member with UDIA WA, however the discount is only available if the referred company joins by 29 February 2024.
The 25% discount is applicable to a table booking for a UDIA WA Industry Lunch or Breakfast until 30 June 2024.
New members that join before 29 February 2024 will have the joining fee waived.
For more information, contact membership@udiawa.com.au