UDIA in Action
UDIA WA has hit the ground running this year, already involved with several external working groups tackling some of the big issues impacting on our industry from DAP reform to Environmental Protection reform.
That is on top of contending with the uncertainty surrounding the February 5 border reopening, skills shortages and other ongoing COVID related challenges impacting our industry.
UDIA is determined to ensure that the property industry is well represented and the significant contribution we make to the state and federal economies is well understood in the context of policy decision making.
To that end, our Policy team is currently working on our 2022 Policy Priorities document that will be further informed in the coming weeks by our new Strategic Committees and Advisory Groups. This annual document provides the linchpin for UDIA’s advocacy work over the year ahead and outlines a clear picture for all stakeholders regarding our key areas of focus and recommended actions for both industry and government.
Turning to this week’s action ‘on the ground’, UDIA have attended meetings with key agencies DWER and DPLH discussing changes to the EP Act and planning scheme EPA referral processes and amendments and also amendments to the Development Assessment Panel Regulations.
Tomorrow we will be releasing the next edition of our monthly Urban Intelligence report and we are also working hard to produce the next edition of our thought-leadership publication The Urbanist in addition to a new showcase magazine based around the advantages of UDIA’s EnviroDevelopment certification scheme.
We look forward to sharing these publications with our members soon.
New figures highlight worker shortage
Highlighting just how critical the skilled labour shortage impacting on a range of industries in WA really is, the labor figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) earlier today have found Western Australia has once again recorded the lowest unemployment rate in the country, dropping to just 3.4% in December.
The fall means there are just 50,000 Western Australians actively looking for work and the new rate is at its lowest point since before the Global Financial Crisis in 2008.
In 2021, an additional 67,314 Western Australians gained employment, the largest calendar year gain on record. This included an additional 55,328 full-time jobs.
Full time employment reached a record 977,197 people by the end of 2021, with a further 6,499 people gaining full-time employment in December.
Full-time employment for women grew by 32,728 in 2021, while the female unemployment rate fell to 3.2%.
The National unemployment rate also dropped in December to sit at 4.2% but this was recorded prior to the onset of the omicron waves in Victoria and New South Wales so this figure may jump up when subsequent labor figures are released.
Across the country the underemployment rate also fell to 6.6% with WA’s unemployment rate falling to 6.4% in December.
Cost Recovery for Part IV Environmental Protection Act, 1986
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) have notified UDIA that from 1 January 2022 new fees and charges will be payable by proponents for proposals considered under Part IV, Divisions 1 and 2 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
The pricing model is designed to enable Government to better meet the expectations of industry and the community in protecting the environment.
DWER undertook consultation through draft cost recovery regulations and a discussion paper from September to October 2021. The consultation included detailed briefings to peak organisations.
Following the consideration of submissions, the State Government has now finalised the Environmental Protection (Cost Recovery) Regulations 2021. The regulations are supported by an Implementation Policy setting out the methodologies for cost recovery and detail on the waiving and delay of fee payment.
A detailed consultation summary report setting out the issues raised through the consultation and Dwyer’s response to these matters is also available on the Department’s website.
Economic reality check
A new report released by Deloitte Access Economics has found that by investing in and adapting now, Australia could avoid $380 billion in worsening economic costs from climate change.
The new report, Economic reality check, Adapting Australia for climate-resilient growth, revealed that failure to act on climate change will increase costs nationally with more extreme weather events and damages in the next 10 years totalling a $150 billion loss to the economy.
This cost gets worse overtime with each year of inaction. Growing to a staggering $1 trillion over the next 30 years to 2050 (present value terms). In its worst year in 2050, Australia loses 3.6% of its GDP and 137,000 jobs due to inaction on climate, according to the report.
Of the $1 trillion economic cost of climate change over the next 30 years to 2050, the report states $380 billion is avoidable through climate action that can be taken today. $380 billion is the economic dividend from proactive action by industry, businesses, and governments to pursue climate resilience. To put this in context, $380 billion is greater than today’s gross value added of the agriculture, mining and manufacturing industries. Actively pursuing climate adaptation strategies could save around 73,000 jobs in 2050.
For more information and to view the report in full, click here.
Be prepared – act now to protect our past
On 19-20 May 2022, the Heritage Council of Western Australia and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage will present the 2022 Regional Heritage Conference.
This two-day regional conference provides an opportunity to explore strategies to help make heritage places more resilient in the face of disaster. A more resilient structure not only results in less damage, it also helps to speed up the recovery process.
Key areas to be explored include:
- Coastal hazard mapping and coastal planning
- Cyclone impacts, recovery and resilience
- Earthquake mitigation for heritage buildings
- Reducing bushfire risk through traditional burning practices
The conference will be hosted by the Shire of York. This is a free event and will be of interest for local government, State agencies, institutional and private owners, planners, heritage professionals and those with a general interest.
Further information on the conference can be found here. Registrations will open in March 2022, and updates will be posted on the Heritage Council social media account which can be found here.
Get noticed by decision makers
UDIA are in full swing producing the next edition of our thought-leadership publication The Urbanist which will focus on the theme ‘Invest West’, highlighting the many incredible aspects that make WA the best place to live, work and invest.
This new edition will be launched at our State Conference and will feature insights from Tattarang CEO Andrew Hagger, WA Premier Mark McGowan, WA Chief Scientist Peter Klinken, newly appointed Agent General John Langoulant, Minister for Regional Development the Hon Alannah MacTiernan, among a variety of industry experts from around Australia and the world.
UDIA are also in the process of producing a special edition EnviroDevelopment magazine that will showcase many of the projects certified to date along with the numerous advantages of getting a project certified under the EnviroDevelopment scheme.
For more information on either project or to enquire about how to get involved, contact cthurmott@udiawa.com.au to discuss the current opportunities available.
To read the recently released Transport edition of The Urbanist, click here.
Town of Mosman Park consultation
The Town of Mosman Park is inviting comments on a new draft Local Planning Policy that creates a statutory framework for the provision of bicycle parking and end of trip facilities for non-residential development within the Town.
A copy of the draft Local Planning Policy No. 23 – Bicycle Parking and Related Infrastructure can be accessed here along with a link to submit feedback on policy.
Consultation closes on Monday 31 January.
City of Kalamunda seeking feedback
The City of Kalamunda is inviting comments on two new consultation documents, the first being the City of Kalamunda’s Draft Local Planning Policy 34 – Wetlands and Waterways and the second being the Development Contribution Plan (DCP) which is currently under review.
The preparation of LPP 34 has been identified as a key initiative throughout the City’s strategic environmental framework, including the Kalamunda Clean and Green: Local Environment Strategy 2019 – 2029 and the Environmental Land Use Planning Strategy. The draft LPP 34 has been developed to provide protection and enhancement of the City’s wetlands and waterways including their hydrological, ecological, and social values.
The purpose of LPP34 is to establish appropriate setbacks (foreshores and buffers) to wetlands and waterways, through the planning and development process. LPP34 also seeks to enhance the environmental values of the City’s wetlands and waterways through the implementation of environmental management, including rehabilitation provisions.
Regarding the DCP review the City of Kalamunda Council, at its Ordinary Council meeting on 21 December 2021, resolved to adopt the Forrestfield / High Wycombe Industrial Area Development Contribution Plan Report (DCP Report), and a Cost Contribution Rate of $21.66/m2, for the purposes of public advertising, and for immediate application under Clause 6.5 and Schedule 12 of Local Planning Scheme No. 3.
In preparation of the current DCP Report, the City has thoroughly reviewed and analysed the DCP having regard to compliance with relevant provisions, and the requirements established through State Planning Policy 3.6 – Infrastructure Contributions, and a recent SAT decision.
For more information about both documents and their respective consultations click here.
Have your say on East Wanneroo
On 7 December 2021, the City of Wanneroo Council adopted proposed changes to its Local Planning Policy 5.3: East Wanneroo for the purposes of public consultation.
The proposed changes set out the City’s approach and process for dealing with applications for local structure plans, scheme amendments, subdivision and development for land within the East Wanneroo District Structure Plan area.
The revised policy proposes the following key changes:
- Policy provisions updated to reflect the processes outlined in the final East Wanneroo District Structure Plan (EWDSP);
- Inclusion of matters to be considered in the assessment of any applications in the EWDSP area;
- Process for the informal assessment of local structure plan proposals by the City ahead prior to formal applications being able to be received;
- Requirement for a Sense of Place Statement to be submitted with a local structure plan;
- List of information to be submitted with applications in the EWDSP area.
The draft revised Policy and other relevant information is available for viewing under the ‘Your Say’ link on the City’s website or by clicking here.
Submissions on the draft revised Policy may be lodged via the online submission form which is linked to the ‘Your Say’ item on the City’s website on or before 3 March 2022.
Should you have any queries in relation to the proposed changes to the policy or wish to discuss the EWDSP more broadly, please contact Cathrine Temple on 9405 5885 or cathrine.temple@wanneroo.wa.gov.au.
New Director appointed to DevelopmentWA Board
Just before Christmas last year Lands Minister John Carey announced the appointment of experienced strategic advisor Jo Gaines to the DevelopmentWA Board.
As Executive Director of Gaines Advisory and former Deputy Chief of Staff to the Premier of Western Australia, Ms Gaines has a strong track record in strategy, governance and leading successful organisations.
Ms Gaines has worked across all levels of government and the private sector, with experience in job creation, economic diversification, energy, training, procurement and climate change.
In joining the DevelopmentWA Board, Ms Gaines will also become a Director of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority Board.
The Minister also extended his appreciation to retiring board member Alan Carpenter for his service to DevelopmentWA over his time on the board.
Mr Carpenter has actively contributed to the success of DevelopmentWA through oversight of some of WA’s most significant developments.
Ms Gaines’ appointment takes effect from March 1, 2022 for three years, following Mr Carpenter’s retirement in early 2022.
The terms of existing board members Simon Reed, Jane Bennett and Deputy Chairperson Rebecca Field have also been extended.
Access to UDIA WA website changed
Access to the UDIA WA website recently changed as part of our aim to provide exceptional member services.
UDIA WA has invested in new technology that will integrate our member database with our website and online event registration capabilities with our new UDIA WA online Community Portal providing our members with seamless, integrated services and up to date information at the click of a button.
As part of the change all login details for the website were removed and each member organisation’s Key Representative was granted access initially and the Key Representative can now provide access to a further 2 representatives for their organisation.
All the necessary information was emailed to Key Representatives last week and can be accessed here for more information.
Once active the UDIA WA Community Portal includes exclusive member only access to:
- Urban Express weekly news
- The Urbanist quarterly magazine
- The Urban Development Index quarterly market update
- The Urban Intelligence economic data report
- UDIA WA Members Directory listing details of all UDIA WA members
- UDIA WA Diversity Toolkit
- Relevant governance documents including the UDIA WA Annual Reports and Constitution
- Ability to update you and your organisations details
For more information or any queries, email membership@udiawa.com.au