EPA’s new Statement of Expectations

UDIA WA has welcomed the first ‘Statement of Expectations’ issued by Minister Whitby to the EPA, which prioritises housing supply.

The Minister has stated the EPA should align prioritisation of assessments with Government policies and priorities; have due regard for efficiency and timeliness of environmental assessments; reduce duplication; and engage with proponents.

in welcoming the announcement, UDIA WA recognised the environmental approval system is complex and integral to protecting our natural environment. Likewise, our industry strives to achieve a high standard of environmental outcomes.

But, as highlighted by UDIA’s National Housing Pipeline®, significant proportions of urban zoned land and potential future urban land – land that has been earmarked by the Government to support its growth aspirations for Perth and Peel – has environmental constraints restricting much-needed housing supply.

UDIA WA has consistently called for a more strategic and planning-led approach and greater certainty for all around what areas can be developed, and what and how other areas should be protected and rehabilitated. We support the reforms progressed by the State Government following the Vogel-McFerran Review and will continue our advocacy in this regard.

The Minister has specified that the EPA is to report on how it has had regard to the Statement of Expectation as part of its Annual Report process.

You can read the statement here

Welcome to our new office!

The UDIA WA team were very excited this week to move into our freshly renovated headquarters.  The existing Wexford Street office premises have undergone a makeover in the last few weeks, in order to ensure the space can accommodate our growing team and act as a welcoming environment for our members an stakeholders.

The fresh new office space includes a refreshed Boardroom and small meeting room, along with a new open plan office area and break out spaces. 

We can’t wait to welcome members to our new and improved UDIA WA headquarters next time we have a meeting, or feel free to pop in and say hello to the team!

UDIA National Housing Pipeline Pilot Report

UDIA is pleased to present the 2024 National Housing Pipeline® (NHP) Report. The report provides a comprehensive overview of housing across Australia at both the National and State Levels.

The rich industry and marketing intelligence generated by the NHP include:

  • Summary of Key Findings: National
  • Summary of Key Findings: State by State
  • Aggregated Land Snapshot data
  • NHP & Annual Housing Targets
  • Recommendations

The NHP is designed to complement existing State and Federal government housing and forecasting programs, such as the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage’s Urban Growth Monitor and the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council’s State of the Housing System annual reporting. Key insights for the Greater Perth area include:

  • 9,166 hectares of undeveloped zoned land for residential development
  • 16,220 hectares of unconstrained potential future zoned land for residential development
  • 29% of zoned and potential future zoned land identified as ‘constrained’ and unable to deliver full (theoretical yields) of new dwelling supply
  •  6.1 years of supply left in undeveloped MRS urban zoned land (@20 dwellings/gross ha) at annual Housing Accord delivery required rate.

Read the Technical Report and Executive Summary.

Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale advocates for infrastructure funding

UDIA WA Acting CEO Sarah Macaulay and Executive Manager Communications & Engagement Gemma Osiejak had the opportunity to head down to the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale last week to meet with President Rob Coales, CEO and Director of Development Services Andrew Trosic.  The Shire is the recent inaugural winner of the UDIA WA Local Government of the Year Award for Excellence, and have a strong reputation for collaborative and proactive approach to planning and development in the local area.

UDIA WA’s recent Growth Areas Infrastructure Requirements Report identified Mundijong & East Wellard as key growth areas in Perth that have the capacity to boost housing supply, if enabling infrastructure is planned, funded and delivered.

The report specifically aligned with the Shire’s State and Federal election funding requests for upgrading key roads within the Shire, and for delivering urgent community infrastructure. 

As part of its 2025 election priorities and requests, the Shire is advocating for $44.2 million for upgrades to nine priority roads and $43.77 million for the expansion of the SJ Community Recreation Centre. 

The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale is one of Australia’s fastest-growing local government areas, with a 5.6% population increase in 2022-23, reaching 36,739 residents—a staggering 225% growth since 2001. 

It will double again in the next 15 years, reaching more than 70,000 people by 2035. Reaching this target is possible provided infrastructure is coordinated for delivery in the short term. 

Environment & Climate Action Committee Update

On Friday morning, the Environment & Climate Action Committee convened for the final committee meeting of 2024. The Committee received a presentation from Stephanie Poly and Joe Heffernan of Carbon Positive Australia in relation to their work on Miyawaki forests across Australia with some highlights on projects in Perth. In addition, there was also discussion relating to the recent Environmental Protection Act amendments and UDIA’s ongoing work in relation to offset needs for the development industry in Western Australia.

Thank you to all our hard-working committee members for a great 2024, we look forward to continuing to work and collaborate with you into 2025.

UDIA WA Launches Sustainability and ESG Lunchtime Webinar Series

UDIA WA’s professional development team has launched an exciting new initiative—the Webinar Learning Series; designed to support our members and the property industry in advancing their knowledge by providing convenient and cost-effective professional development opportunities. The first offering in the Webinar Learning Series is the Sustainability and ESG Lunchtime Webinar Series, which consists of four informative, hour-long sessions.

This series is part of UDIA WA’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainability practices within the industry.

To kick things off, Webinar 1 – Sustainability and The Organisation, was held on 19th November, followed by Webinar 2 – Sustainability and the Community, on 20th November. Both sessions were delivered by Colin Davies and Anthony Fisk from ReGen Strategic. These webinars were attended by property developers, sustainability and environmental consultants, project managers, and industry professionals wanting to gain critical insights into integrating sustainability into property development practices and achieving positive sustainability outcomes through their projects.

Both webinars reinforced that sustainability is not merely a passing trend, but a vital and strategic element for the future of the built environment. Key topics covered included materiality assessments, stakeholder engagement, and relevant case studies that showcased the impact of sustainability initiatives on both projects and communities.

The webinars were attended by 27 participants, including Cossill and Webley organising a boardroom learning session for their team as a group learning session, which we think is a great idea!

UDIA WA is proud to offer these engaging and informative webinars, providing our members with the tools and knowledge to lead the way towards a more sustainable future in property development. Webinar 3 – Sustainability and Projects – Lifecycle Assessment is scheduled to run on 27 November delivered by Rob Campbell from Cerclos and Webinar 4 – Sustainability and Projects – EnviroDevelopment Certification is on 28 November delivered by David Beyer from ActiveSustainability Consulting.

Look out for more in our Webinar Learning Series to be released over the coming months that will explore a diversity of topics.

Proposed changes to NCC in spotlight

On Tuesday, UDIA WA attended a sundowner hosted by Structerre Consulting that focused on the proposed changes in NCC 2022 and how this will impact the building and construction industry.

Structerre Consulting Manager Shane Just led the presentation and guided participants through some of the key changes that are due to come into effect from May 2025, including: Wind Assessments in accordance with AS4055, Steel beam corrosion requirements, engineering solutions for gutter placement/orientation as well as look towards increase energy efficiency to meet 7 start requirements.

The big discussion during the event was around Dual Occupancy buildings and the difference between a dual key vs dual occupancy dwelling and the compliance standards under the NCC for each of these dwelling types. The big takeaway from this discussion that it is important for everybody involved with the process, is to be asking the question of what the building is going to be used for to ensure you are fully aware of whether you are building to a dual key dwelling standard or for a dual occupancy dwelling standard.

UDIA WA thanks Structerre for inviting us along to the presentation and we look forward to attending more events hosted by them in the future.

Carbon Innovation Grants now available

Applications for Round 2 of the Carbon Innovation Grants Program (CIGP) are now open.

The Carbon Innovation Grants Program is part of the State Government’s Climate Action Fund. The purpose of the program is to build the capacity of heavy industry sectors to transition to net zero emissions by 2050, in line with government targets.

CIGP has two funding streams to support various stages of technology development that may require government support, these include: 

  • Feasibility studies – technologies and methods to progress from concept to real-world trials. 
  • Pilot projects and capital works – real-world testing of innovative technologies and methods from pilot stage through to full-scale deployment. 

Find information on how to apply for the grant and supporting documents, including Applicant Guidelines.

Grant applications will be managed via the Department’s SmartyGrants Portal. And applications for the grant will close at 5 pm on Friday 28 February 2025. If you have queries regarding the Carbon Innovation Grant Program, please contact 08 6364 6970 or email carbongrants@dwer.wa.gov.au.