From the CEO
As the sun rises tomorrow morning and the sound of the bugle is heard throughout our suburbs, we remember the sacrifice and legacy left by those who defended our freedom.
My grandfather fought in World War II, my grandmother a member of the Rats of the Tobruk before they migrated to Australia with my four year old father in 1958 where they called a State Housing Commission property in Nedlands home.
They then bought what would be their forever home in Butler Street, Willagee for $36,000. Their great Australian dream was a small fibro house on 800sqm with a huge workshop in the backyard where we would tinker with old cars as kids. The large flame tree that took centre stage in the front yard remains standing and my memories of swinging on their branches are still vivid today.
No internet. No mobile phones. No social media. Not a care in the world.
That same property in Willagee is now surrounded by triplex and quadruplex development. The suburb now has a median house price of $751,000. No workshops. No flame trees in the front yards. My father kicks himself for selling his parents dream home for just $115,000 when they passed. My son now goes to the same high school his grandfather did.
So we debate what the great Australian dream needs to look like today, in a social, economic and environmentally different world that is light years away from where we were back then. Perhaps it is less about the bricks and mortar, and more about the loss of connection & engagement with our environment and each other.
As an industry we play such a significant role in curating the conditions for which we connect & engage on this level. Whilst everyone needs a place to call home, it is only a shell unless we fill it with feeling.
It’s not the flame tree or the workshop out the back that I miss. It’s the time with my grandparents that I will never get back.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.
Lest we forget.
Breakfast highlights need for collaboration
On Tuesday we were delighted to host our first Industry Breakfast for 2024 as we focused on the crucial role lead infrastructure has on the housing supply pipeline.
The event started with a presentation from Infrastructure WA CEO Phil Helberg looking at the advantages and challenges of creating cross sectorial standardisation and how this can be applied to the provision and installation of lead infrastructure.
His presentation was followed by Craig Shepherd who provided insights around what can be done to improve timeframes and remove blockages that halt much needed housing supply. One of the key takeaways from Craig’s presentation was the need for greater collaboration and an ‘open-book’ approach to dealing with issues.
Craig’s presentation was followed by a panel discussion with Western Power CEO Sam Barbaro, ATCO CEO and Country Chair John Ivulich and Water Corporation General Manager Assets Planning & Delivery Evan Hambleton joining Craig in a session facilitated by UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck.
The discussion provided some insight into the future of infrastructure delivery in WA and what can be done to increase the speed and efficiency to enhance housing supply.
A big thank you to all our speakers and attendees for making it an interactive and productive discussion and also a big thank you to our Energy & Innovation Partner Western Power and Industry Partner ATCO for supporting this event.
To view images from the event, click here.
Housing Industry Forecasting Group
On Tuesday UDIA WA participated in the biannual Housing Industry Forecasting Group (HIFG) to review and update the most recent forecasts of dwelling commencements in Western Australia.
The HIFG is a joint industry and government body that provides independent commentary on the housing sector in WA and produces twice yearly updates on the consensus position of forward dwelling commencement forecasts over the coming three years.
UDIA WA contributed a presentation in the HIFG meeting on the recent performance of the WA greenfield residential land market drawing from the latest results from the UDIA WA Urban Development Index (UDI) survey program. It was noted in the meeting’s discussion that the ongoing strength of the greenfield market is underpinning the current delivery of the bulk of new homes across WA, while the multi-unit/apartment sector continues to flounder and weigh down overall completion numbers. It is not expected that the multi-unit sector completions will dramatically increase for at least the next year or so and the forward supply outlook remains muted.
The next HIFG report with the official dwelling commencements forecasts to FY26 will be published by DPLH sometime over the coming months.
Call for nominations: Diversity & Inclusion working group
UDIA WA is establishing a Diversity and Inclusion Working Group that will report directly to the UDIA WA Education, Connection & Excellence Strategic Committee and provide advice and oversight of the Institute’s performance in relation to diversity and inclusion. The Group will be appointed for a 20-month term, commencing in May 2024 and ending in December 2025.
Overall, the group will provide a forum for discussion of diversity and inclusion related issues within the organisation and more broadly in the urban development industry, as well as provide advice in relation to UDIA WA policy, performance and activities in relation to diversity and inclusion.
If you are interested in nominating for this group, please follow the link here to the nomination form and more detailed Terms of Reference. Any questions about the group can be directed to UDIA WA Executive Manager Communications & Engagement Gemma Osiejak: gosiejak@udiawa.com.au
Aboriginal Heritage Course in action
Earlier today we were pleased to host our first Aboriginal Heritage Course which has been designed to guide participants through everything they need to know in relation to WA’s Aboriginal Heritage Legislation.
The course included detailed sessions from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH), Thomson Heritage Owner and Principal Consultant Jo Thomson, Clayton Utz Partner Lucy Shea, Emerge Associates Principal Environmental Consultant, Managing Director Environment Jason Hick, Indigenous Economic Solutions Principal Karen Jacobs and Urbis Director Marc Beattie.
The course has been designed to increase participants 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.
Our thanks go to the presenters and attendees for a productive and insightful course.
Last chance to feature in Sustainability Showcase magazine
There is just one week left to align your brand with UDIA WA’s new Sustainability & ESG Showcase magazine that will highlight the incredible work our members are doing in this space.
Since announcing the launch of our new Sustainability & ESG magazine, we have been thrilled by the response from our members keen to showcase their sustainability and we needed to increase the size of the magazine to accommodate everything.
If you would like to also be included in this special edition of our magazine, click here to view the prices for advertising in the edition or reach out to Chris Thurmott at cthurmott@udiawa.com.au to secure your spot.
Become a key player in sustainable development
Are you a developer or consultant with an appetite for sustainable development?
Join the EnviroDevelopment team online on Tuesday, 14 May and take the first step towards becoming a certified EnviroDevelopment Professional.
The course offers the opportunity to gain knowledge of the EnviroDevelopment program and stay in touch with the latest trends and technologies in green communities across Australia.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to become an EnviroDevelopment Professional and learn what it takes to certify your next project.
For more information and to register, click here.
Exciting new opportunity to join UDIA WA
There are only a couple of days left to apply for our Digital Media and Communications Officer role.
This new role has been established following an internal transition that will see current Communications Officer Chris Thurmott move into the newly created role of Business Development Officer.
The Digital Media and Communications Officer will be responsible for the day to day coordination and content creation of UDIA WA digital media platforms and delivery of communication and marketing strategies across a range of external channels.
Perks of working with UDIA WA include our great team environment (including office dog Gracie providing daily entertainment), the fact we are Great Place To Work certified and enjoy office space in vibrant Subiaco among other incredible benefits.
For more information on the new role and the benefits of working with UDIA WA, click here or reach out to udia@udiawa.com.au for a full role description.
Join us for the CEO Sleepout
UDIA WA are pleased to share we will once again be forming a team, including our CEO Tanya Steinbeck, to participate in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout. We’re calling for our members to support and join our cause on the night!
The event, which aims to raise vital funds and awareness to assist homelessness initiatives, takes place each year with CEOs from various organisations across WA sleeping out at Optus Stadium for a night.
UDIA WA has been involved with the event for the past few years taking a committed team of members helping to raise thousands of dollars each year and we’re looking to do the same this year.
If you would like to join the UDIA WA CEO Sleepout team, find more information here and click on ‘Join Us’ if you wish to be part of the team. Otherwise you can also donate to the cause via the same link.
Last chance to feature in The Land Report
The new edition of the Land Report will soon be published in The West Australian, however there is still time to feature an advert in the new publication, but time is running out.
UDIA WA is proud to partner with The West Australian on this long running lift out that features data from our quarterly Urban Development Index as well as a range of editorial that is designed to inform and educate readers on the latest trends in infill and greenfield development, creating a connected and vibrant city plus ways to improve housing supply and affordability.
Click here for more information or reach out to Carla Wray at carla.wray@wanews.com.au