From the CEO
Whether you are a republican or a monarchist, one cannot dismiss the impact that Queen Elizabeth II had throughout her record-breaking reign. As we welcome King Charles III as our new head of the Commonwealth, we are welcoming a leader with an intense interest in sustainability and the built environment.
In an essay the then Prince Charles wrote in 2014, HRH outlined ten key principles for sustainable urban growth which whilst not completely rejecting the modernist approach to architecture and planning – do make a lot of sense and align neatly with the ‘walkable urbanism’ approach to creating our future communities.
“We have to be mindful of the long-term consequences of what we construct in the public realm and, in its design, reclaim our humanity and our connection with Nature, both of which, because of the corporate rather than human way in which our urban spaces have been designed, have come under increasing threat,” HRH wrote.
Whilst we are a way from creating the likes of Kensington and Chelsea here in Australia, there is merit in expertly combining the best of the old and the best of the new and creating thoughtful density that places the human being & nature at the centre of the planning & design process.
This Saturday night, UDIA WA will be recognising the best projects in 2022 and in doing so – acknowledge the need for constant innovation whilst not forgetting the many positive aspects of more traditionalist approaches in creating and regenerating our urban environment. I look forward to celebrating with our valued members the positive contribution our industry continues to make to Western Australia.
WA dwelling commencements anticipated to dip in 2022-23
The Housing Industry Forecasting Group (HIFG), of which UDIA WA is a member, has reviewed and updated its most recent forecasts of dwelling commencements in Western Australia.
The previous forecasts were reported in December 2021. The Group revised its 2021-22 dwelling commencement forecast to approximately 19,000, down from 25,000 reported in December 2021 and a decrease of 18.6% when compared to actuals for 2020-21.
The revision downwards was driven by prolonged build times, continued shortages of skilled labour and building materials, extended border controls impacting population growth and recent major global upheaval.
It is anticipated dwelling commencements will remain below the long-term average throughout 2022-23 (at 17,000-18,000), before a modest improvement in 2023-24 to 17,000-19,000.
“The Western Australian economy has demonstrated its strength, continuing to perform strongly in the face of a turbulent global environment and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic” Cath Hart, Chair – Housing Industry Forecasting Group said.
“Building activity in the first half of 2022 has been constrained by persistent challenges as skill shortages, construction costs, and limited building material supply have all impacted on the industry, leading to protracted build times and a surge in dwellings under construction.
“The Housing Industry Forecasting Group expects escalations in costs will be a key challenge in WA throughout 2022-23, particularly as rising interest rates and inflation portend to curtail activity in the medium term.”
For more information, click here.
Unemployment rate rises but continues to fall in WA
The latest statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed the National unemployment rate rose marginally to sit at 3.5% in August but WA saw a -0.1% drop to sit at 3.1%.
WA’s unemployment rate is the lowest of all States and only second to the Australia Capital Territory, which recorded an unemployment rate of 2.7%.
WA also recorded the highest participation rate of States at 69.3% despite a small drop of -0.1% in August, however the underemployment rate, the capacity for workers to undertake additional work, rose 0.5% to sit at 5.9% in WA.
For more information, see the media release from the ABS here.
Opportunity to address homelessness
UDIA WA was pleased to meet with representatives from Homes for Homes this week to discuss how we can further support the initiative here in WA.
Homes for Homes is a simple promise that when a home sells, whenever that is, 0.1% of the sale price will be donated —creating social and affordable housing for those in need.
On a $750,000 home that is a donation of $750 to Homes for Homes to help create social and affordable housing for the most vulnerable people in our communities.
If developers would like to find out more about Homes for Homes and how they can get involved, you can contact Adrian Talbot: atalbot@homesforhomes.org.au . UDIA WA looks forward to sharing more about Homes for Homes moving forward.
UDIA WA CEO presents at RAC Property Finance Seminar
Yesterday UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck presented at the RAC Property Finance Seminar.
Tanya’s presentation utilised the latest statistics from the Urban Development Index and provided an update on the Perth house and land market.
The presentation and the seminar was warmly received and we pass our thanks on to RAC Property Finance for hosting the event and inviting Tanya to provide insights based on UDIA data.
Land Report opportunities open
October sees the return of the highly popular Land Report, published in partnership with The West Australian, which provides an up-to-date overview of UDIA WA’s latest land sales figures and market commentary.
Using UDIA WA lot sales data each edition includes insights from UDIA and our members on updates in the land sector as well as providing an opportunity for our members to deliver key messages to consumers.
For your chance to be involved with the October edition of the Land Report, see here or reach out to Maddisen Booth at The West Australian for more information.
Energy Efficiency Preview and NCC 2022 transition arrangements
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released the Stage 2 Preview of the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC 2022), which includes the final Energy Efficiency and Condensation mitigation measures.
The ABCB has also announced that NCC 2022 will be adopted by states and territories on 1 May 2023 with certain transitional arrangements built into the NCC as indicated in the chart below.
NCC 2022 will be available from 1 October 2022 allowing industry to adjust to the new requirements and structure prior to it becoming mandatory.
The transitional arrangements will allow practitioners to continue using the relevant provisions of NCC 2019 Amendment 1 until the end of the relevant transition period.
More details of the ABCB announcement can be found on its website, here.
Over 500 guests set to celebrate excellence
UDIA WA are looking forward to celebrating the 2022 Awards for Excellence at our Gala Dinner on Saturday night with over 500 guests at what is always Industry’s night of nights.
We will share all details of the winners, finalists and images from the night on our socials both during the event on Saturday and in the days following so keep an eye on our socials to be the first to find out all the information if you’re unable to join us.
We will also release the highly coveted 2022 Awards for Excellence Winners Showcase magazine early next week to showcase and celebrate all of the winners and finalists this year.
There are still very limited opportunities to feature in this premium publication and if this is of interest, reach out to Communications Officer Chris Thurmott at cthurmott@udiawa.com.au for more information.
Home in WA postponed
Following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Home in WA episode scheduled for broadcast last week has been postponed with the proposed run date currently set for Sunday September 25 at 1.30pm.
When the episode does feature on Channel 7 & 7HD, we visit Murdoch Square by Hesperia, which is a great example of a mixed use development set to provide a range of services and amenities to the local community.
The episode provides an insight into how the project is creating a transit-based destination hub that provides a range of complementary activities.
Part of the wider Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct (MHKP), Murdoch Square will bring together aged care, specialist medical suites, hotel and medi-hotel, commercial offices and a hospital. Murdoch Square will be embedded with retail, and a food and beverage precinct; tying together the buildings and showcasing a landscaped plaza at the heart.
UDIA WA is a proud partner of Home in WA. Tune into Channel 7 or 7HD this Saturday from 12pm to watch this episode and for more information about Home in WA or to feature your company in an episode, click here.
Building Code Variations and Transition for Western Australia
Western Australian building legislation adopts Volume One and Volume Two of the NCC as the Building Code in relation to applicable building standards for buildings and incidental structures.
NCC 2022, which is available from 1 October 2022, will include new Western Australia variations for structural design in wind Regions B and D.
NCC 2022 will be adopted on 1 May 2023. The transitional provisions currently in Western Australia’s Building Regulations 2012 allow the use of the Building Code that was in effect 12 months before the time the application for a building permit is made. This means the use of NCC 2022 will be voluntary until 1 May 2024.
From 1 May 2023 to 30 April 2024 a building permit applicant can choose to comply with either NCC 2019 Amendment 1 or NCC 2022.
The Western Australian Government may decide to extend the current legislated 12 month transition. At this stage, the implementation timeframe for Western Australia is still under consideration.
More information will be communicated in due course.
Local governments rewarded for using recycled construction and demolition waste
Local governments will receive a financial incentive to use recycled construction and demolition waste in civil projects such as road construction, as part of a new $350,000 scheme.
The Roads to Reuse: Local Government Incentives Program provides a payment of $5 per tonne of product used by local governments and sourced from accredited suppliers.
Payments are capped at $35,000 per local government, equating to 7,000 tonnes of product, and issued on a ‘first come first served’ basis.
Construction and demolition waste is a priority in the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030, which sets a target of increasing material recovery to 80% by 2030.
The program will help close the recycling loop, support local jobs and investment, and move Western Australia towards a more circular economy.
Public Survey – Provision of Public Art
The City of Swan is currently reviewing its Local Planning Policy 1.10, Provision of Public Art. As part of this review, they are conducting a survey to get the insights from developers who have been required to provide a public art contribution within the City of Swan, under the existing program.
Like many local governments in WA, the City of Swan currently has a “Percent for Art” scheme in place. This requires developers of large projects within the City to make a public art contribution equivalent to 1 % of the construction cost of the development (excluding GST). This contribution may be provided in one of two ways:
- Through provision of artworks on the development site (but visible from the public realm);
- Through a financial contribution to the City’s public art program. These funds are then used by the City to provide public art on public land, within the locality of the development.
The City of Swan are particularly interested in feedback regarding:
- How difficult / smooth is the process of having a public art proposal approved?
- Why did you opt for cash in lieu, or artworks on site?
- How public art contributions should be calculated (different cost structures); and
- Whether public art should be required to be provided in all areas of the City.
This survey will be open until 11.59pm on Mon 26 September and can be accessed here.
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.