From the CEO
The raw emotion and significant stress was palpable yesterday as builders involved at any scale in the delivery of housing came together with other industry bodies and the State Government to work through the real and present danger facing the ongoing viability of our construction sector and the provision of housing supply.
Credit to the Premier, Treasurer and Ministers for Housing, Commerce, Training and Water for all committing and fully engaging in the two-hour session which highlighted the serious issues that must be addressed if we have any hope of delivering the ambitious housing targets set under the Housing Accord.
From increasing union activity, proposed Federal IR legislation, ongoing skills shortages and stubborn if not still increasing material costs among many other issues raised – the Premier reiterated that he is leading a government that listens. And that they did.
What happens next is both critical and urgent. A number of solutions were presented yesterday which must be responded to and actioned at the speed in which we responded to COVID. We know we can move fast and move together when the rubber hits the road and livelihoods are at stake – as they are now as either a builder or a member of our community needing a roof over their head.
WA used to have the advantage of a counter-cyclical market in comparison to the Eastern States. When we were booming they weren’t and vice versa. That advantage is gone. We are in fierce competition with our Federation friends for skilled labour and our fair share of Federal funding with a finite pool to draw from. We need to be fast and furiously focused in our approach.
Western Power Advocacy
Since mid-last year, UDIA WA has been proactively working with Western Power and our members to resolve issues faced in securing clearances, gaining energisation, and delivering timely and much-needed housing supply.
Click here to view a timeline of events regarding UDIA WA’s advocacy with Western Power.
We have welcomed the collaborative approach taken by Western Power to engage with UDIA WA and our Infrastructure Standing Advisory Group to identify and implement immediate measures to help release the pressure valve such as:
- the re-establishment of the land development team;
- allocation of temporary and permanent additional resourcing – Increase in specialist engineering resources from 30 to 62 and design outsourcing with a 50% increase in project output in the past 12 months;
- workflow management improvements like prioritisation based on practical completion (PC) date;
- pre-DCR clearances.
We have also worked collaboratively on the development and implementation of a holistic land development process review to overcome systemic and ongoing challenges. This has resulted in the design and commencement of a three-month trial (currently underway) of a new DCR process to address this critical pain point and facilitate projects to move to clearances and titles quicker.
UDIA facilitated a roundtable on Monday 16 October with the CEO and senior representatives of Western Power for a range of our developer members and their electrical consultants, as well as representatives from Minister Johnston and the Premier’s office.
The discussion focused on the urgency of the situation and potential short- and longer-term actions to tackle the challenges being faced by industry in both a land development and in an infill context. This roundtable was an important next step for a shared understanding of the current state of play and to collaboratively identify further actions for urgent prioritisation.
To view the actions from the meeting, click here. Please note that the timeframes in the table may be subject to change as there may be external or unforeseen factors that have an impact them. However, all parties are committed to working collaboratively and ensuring best efforts are made to address / close out action items within the milestone periods indicated.
We will continue to work with Western Power to progress the agreed priority actions to ensure that the development industry can continue to deliver housing supply across the continuum at a time that it is critically needed.
Please feel welcome to reach out to CEO Tanya Steinbeck or Executive Director of Strategy & Policy Sarah Macaulay with any queries.
Click here to download the UDIA WA Briefing Note.
Policy Team in Action
Following the recently announced planning reform, the Policy Team attended a reference group meeting on Tuesday for the permanent Significant Development Pathway (replacing part 17 applications) to discuss the draft Regulations and applicant guide.
With commencement anticipated in early 2024, development applications in the Perth and Peel regions of greater than $20m, in the regions of greater than $5m or as authorised by the Premier on the recommendation of the Minister if of ‘state or regional importance’ (still to be defined) to be assessed by WAPC as the final decision maker.
There will be a mandatory requirement for pre-lodgement consultation with WAPC, however there are three pathway options at the discretion of the applicant. Timelines will be prescribed in the Regulations to provide certainty to an applicant around the approvals process and requests for further information (and stop the clock provisions) will be by agreement of the applicant, if not agreed the application is determined as submitted.
The Applicant Guide is currently open for consultation until 17 November 2023. If you have any comments, please email them to policy@udiawa.com.au.
The UDIA team will also continue to work with our Committees to ensure that Government is aware of the experience of members in using this process once it is implemented.
On Thursday, the UDIA WA CEO and Executive Director, Strategy & Policy attended a Housing Roundtable hosted by HIA with the Premier, Deputy Premier, Minister Carey, Minister Ellery, Minister McGurk, other industry body representatives and industry members.
It was a great forum to continue the dialogue around the issues facing our industry, particularly around constraints in supply such as the labour and skills shortages, as well as discussing potential solutions.
UDIA WA tabled several recommendations around reducing friction points in the supply pipeline, a moratorium on any further taxes or charges impacting feasibility and affordability, addressing issues preventing non-government sectors delivering social and affordable housing supply, shifting from a ‘just in time’ to ‘at the right time’ approach to infrastructure delivery and rethinking regional housing supply. There was a clear message that the Cook Government is willing to listen and act on solutions. UDIA WA will continue the engagement with government around these.
Registrations closing today: density debate
We are pleased to announce that former Mayor of Subiaco Penny Taylor is joining the panel line up for our final luncheon for 2023. We will explore the rise of the YIMBY movement and the road to densification, quality design and a sustainable future for Perth next Friday 3 November.
As Perth works toward becoming a more compact and connected City, how can government, industry and the community work together to achieve much needed housing diversity, including ‘density done well’ in a range of areas, including infill locations?
Keynote Presenter Dr Max Holleran is the author of Yes to the City Millennials and the Fight for Affordable Housing – an in-depth look at the “Yes in My Backyard” (YIMBY) movement. Dr Holleran is based at the University of Melbourne and focuses on urban development, particularly how cities manage housing and densification.
Dr Holleran joins Minister for Planning, Lands, Housing & Homelessness the Hon. John Carey and City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin to unpack the issues from a local and state government perspective including the latest on planning reforms and policy. Penny Taylor will also join the panel for an interactive Q&A.
Attendees will have the opportunity to join this important and lively discussion during the panel session, followed by networking drinks at Crown’s Hi-Line Rooftop Bar.
Registrations close today Friday 27 October, click here to book your spot.
Big thanks to Energy and Innovation Partner Western Power, Event Sponsors Wormall Civil, Mirvac, CLE Town Planning + Design and our Networking Partner Openlot.com.au for their support.
Inflation continuing to decline
Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) this week revealed Perth recorded the lowest quarterly change in inflation of all capital cities in the September quarter.
At just 0.4% the quarterly change in Perth was almost half that of all other capital cities with Brisbane’s 0.7% rise the next lowest.
Annually Perth’s CPI rose 4.8% (excluding the electricity sub‑index), compared to 5.2% nationally.
It marks the third quarter in a row inflation has declined in Western Australia and nationally, after peaking in the December quarter 2022.
The continued moderation reflects improvements in global supply chains, with increases to new dwelling prices slowing markedly, and prices for vegetables and beef, childcare, and major household appliances decreasing over the past year.
Join us in visiting some of WA’s best projects
This week UDIA WA were pleased to launch a new event offering the opportunity to visit four Award Winning projects in an exclusive site tour.
The tour will visit four of the 2023 Awards for Excellence Winners, including Exchange at Curtin University by Curtin University, Montario Quarter by DevelopmentWA, Victoria House by Hesperia, and ONE Subiaco by Blackburne Property Group.
The tour includes:
- Exclusive tour of 4 different projects in Perth
- Bus transfers between projects and back to Curtin if required for parking purposes
- Opportunity to talk face-to-face with the project directors and gain a better understanding of what makes these projects stand out.
For more information and to book, click here but be quick as tickets are extremely limited.
Advertise in The Urbanist
The upcoming December edition of UDIA WA’s The Urbanist magazine will focus on ‘New Trends’ and explore the new innovations, technologies and ideas set to shape the future of the development industry and in turn community creation.
There are advertising opportunities available in this edition and if you book before November 17, you can take advantage of our special book 2 full pages and receive a third page free offer.
For more information and to book, please email Chris Thurmott on cthurmott@udiawa.com.au or click here to view all of our current advertising opportunities and packages.
Win $1,000 to spend at Crown
UDIA WA are happy to share an opportunity for our members to go into the draw to win a $1,000 voucher for Crown Perth.
Simply complete our Member Survey here by COB on Tuesday October 31 to go into the draw for a chance to win the voucher.
Job Opportunity with DWER
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation have notified UDIA WA of two new job opportunities that will kickstart the Regional Planning program in DWER, under the WA Government’s Native Vegetation Policy.
The jobs are for a L8 Senior Manager Regional Planning and L7 Principal Policy Officer.
For the roles DWER are looking for forward-thinking leaders in modern, sustainable place-based planning to support Western Australia’s unique biodiversity – to join our dynamic, supportive team. The Senior Manager role will oversee regional planning in two areas, and the WA Veg Extent mapping pilot.
For more information and to apply for the Senior Manager role, click here. For more information and to apply for the Principal Policy Officer role, click here.
Both job opportunities close on Monday 30 October.
Oliver Hume Welcome Reception
The 2024 UDIA National Congress Welcome Reception is the perfect way to kick start your Congress experience with a networking opportunity prior to the commencement of the official Congress program.
The Monday evening event will be held at an Iconic Melbourne venue and like in previous years will be a great night to network with your peers while enjoying a generous food and beverage offering. Plus, plenty of entertainment.
You don’t want to miss the Oliver Hume Welcome Reception. Secure your Congress tickets today to get access to this fabulous event!
To book your tickets, click here.
Sponsorship opportunities are also still available by contacting Nichola Byrne at nbyrne@udia.com.au.
Big thanks to the 2024 UDIA National Congress Presenting Partner nbn for their support.
Net Zero Transit Symposium
The City of Stirling is hosting a Net Zero Transit Symposium that will enable you to hear from industry experts and find out how innovations in transport technology are enabling the transition to net zero emissions.
The Symposium will explore how these advancements will create the opportunity to drive economic development while enhancing connectivity and revitalising communities.
A key part of the Symposium will be the arrival of a Trackless Tram, allowing all attendees to experience this new technology firsthand.
For more information, click here.