From the CEO
As anticipation builds towards the Albanese Government’s Jobs and Skills Summit next week, the debate has shifted from who did and didn’t get a golden ticket to the two day summit to the confronting reality of just how likely it is that the brains trust will come up with the panacea to fix our skill shortage woes. The McGowan Government has done their bit with the announcement last week of a range of initiatives to make WA the destination of choice.
In today’s AFR, the Grattan Institute gives us a reality slap by claiming that simply increasing Australia’s immigration intake will not fix our labour shortage and in fact will exacerbate housing supply shortages. Grattan are asking for a Federal Government commitment to further boosting housing supply and offering an immediate 40% increase in rental assistance estimating that the permanent intake to 200,000 places would raise rents by a further 5 per cent over a decade.
And so those super wicked problems I referred to a couple of weeks ago continue to perplex even the brightest policy minds across the country. If you would like a night time read to get you off to sleep, you can read the Issues Paper that will guide the Summit discussion. Whatever the outcome, it will then form part of a ‘white paper’ on employment claiming to map Australia’s ‘blueprint’ for our future labour market. A white paper will satisfy the policy wonk appetite however what we need yesterday is massive, targeted action to be competitive in this global war for talent.
Because time is ticking and as we see another major Australian builder go to the wall today, the pain is getting more acute. Let’s hope there’s a few magic pills offered up at Parliament House in a week’s time.
Light at the end of the tunnel
For the first time in three years Research4 Director and property market researcher Colin Keane returned to Perth to provide his thoughts on the future of the WA property market. A sense of optimism was a key takeaway from Mr Keane’s presentation at UDIA WA’s industry luncheon last Friday, along with fellow industry experts Cath Hart, CEO at REIWA and Urbis Director David Cresp.
Mr Keane pointed out that although new land sales dropped in the June 22 quarter, the first notable drop in the last two years, sales are still above pre-stimulus levels and the Perth land market is markedly more affordable when compared to other major cities in Australia.
Mr Keane’s analysis shows that the median price of greenfield land in Perth is $225,000, which compares with $382,267 in Melbourne and a median price for new land of $650,000 in Sydney.
To read the piece in full, click here.
Latest stats released
On Monday, UDIA WA released the latest edition of our monthly Urban Intelligence report which provides a round up of the key stats and figures impacting the development industry.
This month’s edition includes a feature article from UDIA WA Executive Manager – Research Toby Adams into the future of the WA property market following the insights provided at our Industry Luncheon last Friday.
Among the insights presented by this month’s edition is a reduction in the Investor/Owner Occupier loan value ratio was down to 37.8%, its lowest level since August 2015 while the Perth Rental listings dropped to 2,488, the lowest level since March 2012.
The volume of vacant land settlements across Greater Perth and Peel totalled 7,171 for the 12 months to April 2022, which reflected a halving (-54%) in total vacant land settlements recorded in the previous 12 months.
For more insights and to read the Urban Intelligence in full, click here.
Common Understanding Workshop
UDIA WA Director Policy and Research Chris Green joined several other representatives from across UDIA WA’s Committees in attending the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage’s Common Understanding workshop on Tuesday.
The workshop included Ministerial addresses from the Minister for Housing; Lands; Homelessness; Local Government, the Hon. John Carey MLA and Minister for Finance; Aboriginal Affairs; Racing and Gaming; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests the Hon. Tony Buti MLA, along with several presentations from DPLH staff.
A wide range of topics were examined during the workshop including, but not limited to, referral processes, social housing, quality of decisions, timeliness, managing change, future scope and shared learnings.
Whilst there was limited time allocated to workshop these themes, UDIA appreciates the opportunity to be involved in these discussions with the Department and we will continue to update members on further progress and collaboration with the State Government on these and other issues.
DWER Climate Adaptation Strategy Consultation workshop
This morning, along with other industry bodies, UDIA took part in a Climate Adaptation Strategy workshop led by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
The workshop discussed climate adaptation priorities to increase our preparedness and capacity to adapt to climate change impacts only.
UDIA looks forward to further collaboration with DWER on this important issue and to working together as the strategy and sectorial plans progress.
This afternoon, UDIA WA’s Climate Action Standing Advisory Group is meeting to progress and further develop work around UDIA’s Climate Action Position Statement. We will provide further updates on the progress of this and other critical climate action priorities in due course.
Fundamentals of Community & Economic Development
UDIA WA are pleased to be providing a one day course designed for those who are looking to gain a greater understanding of the ideas and practices that foster sustainable community & economic development.
Whether you are working in a redevelopment area or greenfield location– a strategic approach to community and economic development is critical to the long term success of any urban development project. Get in early and do it right!
Taking place on Wednesday 7 September this exclusive, brand new one day course will enable those working in or with the development industry to understand, plan and deliver on community and economic development outcomes that will set up local communities for success.
Book your place on the course, here.
New settings to make WA the most attractive State for skilled migrants
Over the weekend the State Government made a number of temporary changes to its migration program in a bid to make WA the State of choice for skilled workers migrating to Australia.
Among the changes announced by the Government include:
- waiving the $200 application fee;
- halving the requirement to have an employment contract from 12 months to six months;
- reducing requirements for applicants to demonstrate sufficient funds;
- removing additional English requirements for professional and manager occupations, and;
- reducing work experience requirements for the 2022-23 program year to attract more skilled workers to WA.
The temporary changes to WA’s skilled migration pathway are expected to be implemented over the course of the next month, and have been introduced following feedback directly to the Premier during his recent mission to Europe, the United Kingdom and Qatar.
These measures also coincide with WA securing an increased allocation of places in the Commonwealth Government’s State Nominated Migration Program.
WA received 8,140 places for 2022–23, 4,950 more places than the previous year and the third largest allocation overall, after New South Wales and Victoria.
In addition to the above changes, the State Government has increased occupations eligible for skilled migration in WA by around 60%. The additions include 46 health occupations and bring the total list to 276 occupations.
Regional skill needs are being supported with 33 of the new occupations aligning with four current Designated Area Migration Agreements in place in WA regions to respond to unique regional economic and labour market conditions. This will provide a permanent migration pathway for skilled migrants already working in regional WA.
Over 80% of tickets sold out to the Gala Dinner
With just three weeks left before the finalists and winners are announced at the 2022 UDIA WA Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner now is the time to make sure you’re there to celebrate with us as we are already over 80% sold out.
Book your spot here.
If you worked on a project that has been nominated, we encourage you to show your support for your clients and the nominated projects by joining us at what is set to be the WA development industry’s night-of-nights, attracting over 500 key players in the industry.
Check out the full list of Nominated projects here.
There are also still opportunities to celebrate your success in the upcoming publication of the Awards for Excellence Winners Showcase magazine. This premium glossy publication celebrates the best and brightest in the WA development industry at the moment (Check out last year’s edition here).
With only a limited number of spaces left in the publication, now is book your spot. Get in touch with Communications Officer Chris Thurmott at cthurmott@udiawa.com.au for more information.
Join our team
UDIA WA are on the search for two new members to join our team in the heart of Subiaco.
The roles we are currently advertising for are an Executive Director – Strategy & Policy (more info here) and an Industry Education Officer (more info here).
In addition to the perks of working in the heart of Subiaco in an incredible team environment, UDIA offers flexible working options, regular team social events and an opportunity to get to know our awesome office pup Gracie who is a joy to be around.
For more information, click on the above links or reach out to udia@udiawa.com.au with any questions.
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.
Expressions of interest for mentor program with first year Curtin Property students.
The Property Education Foundation are seeking expressions of interest for mentors who would like to be involved in a program that will be embedded into the assessment structure of the Introduction to Property Markets unit.
The commitment from mentors would include:
- A one-hour session where they will be introduced to the Introduction to Property Markets unit, the role of a mentor and to sign a consent form
- Liaising with students via email to arrange a suitable time and place to meet
- Meet for one hour with 3 and 4 students (simultaneously) in a public space, eg a café
- Following the meeting, provide brief feedback to the Unit Coordinator on student interactions.
- This is likely to take place in August/September 2022.
For more information or to submit an Expression of Interest, reach out to Tanya Steinbeck at tsteinbeck@udiawa.com.au.