From the CEO
It’s raining DIPs. Hallelujah, it’s raining DIPs.
For those who don’t know the acronym, it stands for Design Information Package (a key component of the Western Power approvals process) and they have been rarer than rainfall in Perth over the last 18 months. Until now.
The 18 months of blood, sweat and tears put into process improvement to clear the backlog of projects waiting for clearances has resulted in a dramatic improvement in the issue of DIPs and DCRs that were holding back settlements for many members. It may seem like there has been a sudden shift, however this outcome has been a long time in the making. It is a result of sitting down with the team at Western Power, our electrical consultants and developers and nutting out process changes that would result in sustainable change that would benefit industry for years to come.
Is it perfect? No. Will there still be some issues? Yes. What is clear is the commitment from Western Power to be a facilitator not a blocker of desperately needed housing supply. Their commitment has been demonstrated in their willingness to reconsider business as usual and make substantial changes to the way they operate in the context of land development. UDIA WA will continue to work collaboratively with the WP team as the changes are embedded and invite member feedback on progress.
Yesterday, UDIA WA Council met for the first time in 2024 to focus on setting the policy & strategic agenda for the year ahead. The quick wins, the long burns and everything in between was debated as we firm up a concise, impactful list of priorities that align with and support our purpose. Great places + housing choice = better lives. Our new look Committees commence meeting next week with a fantastic group of member volunteers that will no doubt shape our progress and success over the next two years.
We may be navigating a perfect storm on many fronts, but there will be clear sky ahead if we keep our eyes on the horizon.
UDIA WA launches new website
UDIA WA are delighted to announce we have launched our brand-new website that is easy to navigate, full of useful information for our stakeholders and looks great!
The new site aligns closely with our core strategic themes of Advocate, Educate and Connect and provides easy access to our advocacy platforms, upcoming events, professional development opportunities as well as our member-exclusive content including the Members Directory, The Urbanist, Urban Development Index, Urban Intelligence and much more.
The site has been configured so all previous login details remain the same, however if you have forgotten your details or need any assistance, please reach out to udia@udiawa.com.au and we will assist you as needed.
Head over to our new site, here and please feel free to let us know your thoughts by emailing udia@udiawa.com.au.
Perth lot sales reach new heights
On Tuesday UDIA WA launched the latest edition of our Urban Development Index (UDI) report exclusively to members. The report revealed 2,440 lots were sold in the Perth Metropolitan Region in the December 2023 quarter, the highest level since September 2020 at the height of the building stimulus rush.
The increase in lot sales, accompanied by supply struggling to keep up has seen the median lot price increase 3.4% on the previous quarter and 12% on the same quarter in 2022 to sit at $266,195, its highest level since March 2008.
The latest edition of the UDI also reveals there are 4,223 lots set to be constructed over the next 12 months which is 28% higher than the five year average.
This edition also includes a feature article from Urbis Director David Cresp that analyses the latest results.
For more information and to read the full results from this edition, log in to the new UDIA WA website here.
Member Briefing with Western Power
On Monday afternoon UDIA WA co-hosted a free member briefing with Western Power. This was a great opportunity to discuss the positive progress to date resulting from over 18 months of UDIA WA, Western Power and the Premier’s and Minister’s Offices working collaboratively on key initiatives to resolve challenges in securing timely clearances and energisation for crucially needed housing supply.
The co-designed initiatives that have and will collectively continue to make a real difference include:
- Increased resourcing, dedicated to land development
- Re-introduction of quarterly designer forums and Speak to an Expert
- UDS Manual review to improve clarity and consistency in interpretation
- My WP Portal
- QA approach to Simple and Medium MP Projects
- Look Ahead Reporting
- DIP Self Service
- New clearance pathways, which includes independent audits
- Pre-clearance offers for eligible projects
Thank you to Sam Barbaro, Zane Christmas, Anthony Whittaker, Tim Cox, Mitchell Dirksz, and the rest of the Western Power team for their collaborative approach and ongoing efforts, as well as to our Infrastructure Committee (particularly Ryan Hunter) for helping to identify workable solutions.
UDIA WA will continue to work closely with Western Power as the new processes and further measures are implemented and performance monitored.
To view the presentation slides, click here for Western Power’s presentation and click here for Ryan Hunter’s presentation on behalf of UDIA WA.
Government collaborate on Build to Rent
A new partnership between the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments will deliver more than 200 new homes in Perth, giving key workers and Western Australians in need, including older women at risk of homelessness, a safe and affordable place to call home.
A new apartment building, to be constructed on Pier St, Perth, will provide 219 new apartments, of which 30 per cent will be new social rental homes (66 apartments) and 20 per cent will be affordable rental homes (44 apartments).
The Albanese Labor Government’s Housing Australia will contribute funding of $88.6 million from the National Housing Infrastructure Facility (NHIF) to help build these new homes for Western Australians, while the Cook Labor Government will contribute more than $40.6 million.
The Federal Government unlocked up to $575 million in the NHIF for social and affordable housing in 2022, making this funding possible.
The Commonwealth funding represents the largest contribution to date from Housing Australia in Western Australia.
Project design is being led by International design company Hassell and development approval is anticipated in late March 2024, with construction set to commence by mid-2024.
It is expected the project will create a sustainable and replicable model for future social and affordable housing, support around 200 jobs during construction, and deliver significant financial stimulus to the State economy through its flow-on effects to other industries.
For further information visit here.
Koomba Birdal Indigenous training programs
UDIA WA have been notified of an opportunity for our members to assist with the Koomba Birdal Indigenous training program.
On 27 February, students will be starting a five week Job Ready program – Digital Workplace. Students will complete 2 units toward the Certificate III Business Administration.
During this program students will be required to complete 5 days work experience (13 & 14 March 19-21 March). At the completion of the Job Ready Program, the aim is to secure paid traineeships for the students to complete the full Certificate III Business Administration.
The course organisers are looking for expressions of interest If anybody is able to either:
- Host students for work experience
and/or
- Offer a 12 month paid, full time traineeship.
Please contact Sandi Walker from North Metropolitan TAFE at Sandi.Walker@nmtafe.wa.edu.au if you or your business are in a position to help.
For more information on the Certificate III Business Administration course, click here.
Last chance to receive 15% discount
There is just one week left for anybody looking to receive a 15% discount off our six day Foundations of Property Development course.
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 but make sure to do so before 29 February to receive the 15% discount.
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.
Time is running out to attend National Congress
UDIA National Congress is less then a month away, and with limited tickets remaining for Congress and the 2024 National Gala Awards For Excellence, the time to act, is now.
The 2024 UDIA National Congresswill feature high-profile speakers focusing on the urban development industry in Australia, international case studies, and what’s next in terms of innovation and market demand.
To view the program, click here.
Book your tickets here to avoid disappointment.
There are also limited, but great Exhibition spaces and Awards Category Sponsorship still available. To find out more, get in touch with UDIA National Congress Manager Nichola Byrne, 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
Kwinana City Centre Precinct Structure Plan
The City of Kwinana is seeking feedback on its draft vision for the city centre to be ‘A vibrant, sustainable and inclusive urban hub that fosters a strong sense of community and celebrates the unique qualities of Kwinana.’
The design concept provides several objectives and includes suggestions for public space enhancements, improvements to the movement network and suggestions for different types of activities and buildings that could be appropriate throughout the city centre.
For more information and to provide feedback, click here.