UDIA in Action
It has been another busy week for UDIA WA which started last Saturday with the first episode in our new media partnership with Home in WA officially hitting the Channel 7 airways. For anyone who missed this episode, click here to watch our first segment.
On Tuesday UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck attended the launch event for the latest release of the Urbis Perth Apartment Essentials data, which included an update on the residential market and an analysis of the SDAU process so far, the opportunities, limitations and lessons learnt to date.
Also on Tuesday, UDIA WA Director Policy and Research Chris Green attended a Water Sensitive Cities Transition Network meeting on Tuesday which discussed possible national actions and areas of research to help expand and mainstream the uptake of water sensitive urban and building design.
The latest round of UDIA committee meetings kicked off this week featuring a range of presentations from relevant guest speakers providing our members with the most up to date information in relation to the environment, infrastructure, urban water and built form portfolios.
The Environment Committee had a presentation by Ruth Harvey (DBCA) on the specifics and implementation of the Biodiversity and Conservation Act before the committee touched on a number of key topics including the Swan Coastal Plain Cumulative Impacts and ongoing Kangaroo Management advocacy between UDIA WA, WALGA and LGAs.
This morning the Infrastructure Committee heard from Bassam Abu Shamleh (Main Roads WA) on Signs and Lines processes, pedestrian thresholds, traffic management, and updates on COVID-19 impacts before the committee received updates from Western Power, including HV Pool Committee work, and the Water Corporation.
This afternoon the Built Form Advisory Group met and were provided with an update from Urbis on its latest Apartment Essential Q1 2021 update with discussions focusing on investor incentives for the purchase of completed apartment stock; ongoing stamp duty reform and build-to-rent incentives.
The Urban Water Committee will meet tomorrow and will hear from Yvonne Thomson from DWER around the Managed Aquifer Recharge policy.
Reconciliation Week commences today
Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week for 2021 with the theme this year being More than a Word. Reconciliation Takes Action.
In line with this theme UDIA WA are delighted to share with members that we are in the process of developing our first Reconciliation Action Plan.
Committing to a Reflect RAP enables us to scope and develop relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders to assist in deciding on our vision for reconciliation and exploring our sphere of influence.
As part of our RAP journey we have set up a working group that meet to discuss and guide the progress so far and we are in the process of organizing cultural awareness training for our staff and State Council members.
We will provide further updates on our RAP journey and look forward to sharing our Reflect RAP later this year.
UDIA features on Channel 7
Did you catch the first episode in UDIA WA’s new Media Partnership with Channel 7’s Home in WA on Saturday? If not, follow this link to watch our first segment discussing the importance of quality medium density development to Perth’s growth.
During the segment, UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck and Edge Visionary Living’s David Hillam discuss what quality projects such as UDIA award winning development Botanical Apartments and the new Eden Floreat bring to local neighbourhoods.
Our industry plays a fundamental role in the way our cities, towns, suburbs and regions are created and how they evolve and adapt over time.
This new partnership provides the ideal opportunity to talk about the great contributions of this industry to a broader audience through Home in WA on the Seven Network. You can view the full episode of Home in WA here.
We are looking forward to continuing the conversation throughout the series.
As part of the media partnership Ron (DINGO) Reddingius is pleased to offer all UDIA WA members a very special discount rate for video content on the 2021 TV series.
If you would like to showcase your company, business, project or estate on the CH7 & GWN7 TV series, state-wide, give ‘Dingo’ a call on 0417279103 or email him on dingoistalent@bigpond.com
Draft Medium Density Housing Code Update
This week UDIA WA received an update on the draft Medium Density Housing Code from Gail McGowan following the closure of submissions, detailing the next steps from here.
Ms McGowan said the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is now considering the submissions to help inform the final code.
“We expect there will be further refinements in response to feedback before the final is released. An extended transitional period will also be incorporated to assist with implementation prior to any final code becoming operational,” the update read.
“In practice, this means any proposed amendments to Planning Policy 7.3: Residential Design Codes Volume 1 (R-Codes Vol.1) currently remain in draft. Proponents and decision-makers should continue to apply the current gazetted version of the R-Codes Vol.1 and, where the exercise of discretion is required, to carefully consider any level of regard that might be given to the proposed amendments advertised in the draft when providing policy advice or making a planning decision.”
In short the DPLH are keen to make it known that all Local Government Authority’s should be referring to the currently gazetted policy, rather than applying provisions from the new code as there will be further ongoing consultation.
Vivente upgrades EnviroDevelopment certification
Vivente Hammond Park by Richard Noble & Company recently successfully upgraded its EnviroDevelopment certification to add the Energy leaf to its previous certifications for Ecosystems, Water and Community.
As part of receiving the new leaf Vivente residents will benefit from the favourable solar orientation of over 90% of lots. Vivente’s design provides lots with cooling summer breezes and good shading against the afternoon sun.
All new dwellings are required to achieve 6-star NatHERS rating to achieve excellent energy efficiency and the developer has also implemented comprehensive community education tools to ensure new residents understand the benefits of energy efficient living.
Richard Noble have been a fantastic supporter of EnviroDevelopment since its inception in WA with their Cygnia Cove development achieving the very first certification under the ED program in WA.
EnviroDevelopment is a scientifically-based assessment scheme that independently reviews development projects and awards certification to those that achieve outstanding performance across four or more of the provided elements – Ecosystems, Waste, Energy, Materials, Water and Community.
EnviroDevelopment serves to make it easier for purchasers to recognise and, thereby, select more environmentally sustainable developments and lifestyles.
For more information, click here or email policy@udiawa.com.au.
WA leads in construction activity
This week the Australian Bureau of Statistics released preliminary data that shows construction work rose 2.4% to $51.98 billion in the March quarter. The rise was driven by building construction, which rose 2.5% in the March quarter, but is 1.8% lower than at the same time last year. Engineering work done rose 2.2%, but is 0.3% lower than at the same time last year.
Within this increase Western Australia saw the greatest quarterly increases, up 9.8% for the quarter, and 13.3% year on year.
The positive increases for construction work completed highlights the continued resurgence in the WA market following the HomeBuilder and Building Bonus stimulus measures introduced last year.
Government introduces subcontractor payment bill
Earlier this week the State Government introduced the Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Bill 2021 into State Parliament.
This Bill improves security of payment across the Western Australian building and construction industry, complementing measures already delivered through the expanded use of Project Bank Accounts on government projects.
The Bill introduces a mandatory retention trust scheme to protect subcontractors’ retention money from being misappropriated or lost altogether in insolvency at each level of the contracting chain.
In addition to the retention trust scheme, the Bill provides an effective, rapid dispute resolution process to speed up the receipt of outstanding payments, including provisions for minimum monthly progress payments.
Outlook Alumni Drinks
Next Thursday will see the first Outlook Alumni Drinks taking place at Refuge Bar from 5-6.30pm.
Meet & mingle with previous winners of the Young Development Professional Award including Fenualla O’Brien, Daniel Panickar, Mark Mackenzie, Ali (Wheeler) Simmons, Louise Nazareth & Jeremy Cordina, ahead of submissions closing for this year’s awards on 30 June 2021. More information here.
This is an invaluable networking opportunity for any young professional looking to enter into this year’s awards.
See here for more information.
Australian Urban Design Research Centre workshops
The Australian Urban Design Research Centre (AUDRC) recently announced it will be delivering a program of CPD workshops for professional in related fields. These workshops focus on sustainability, scenario planning, multifunctional street design, and 3D visualisation skills – amongst others.
For more information on any of these courses, click here.
Become a key player in sustainable development
Register to be part of the upcoming EnviroDevelopment Professional Training to enhance your company’s skillset and become a key player in sustainable development.
The next intake of the course takes place on June 17 as a 3-hour webinar that is a direct steppingstone to becoming a certified EnviroDevelopment Professional (EDP).
The course offers the opportunity to gain knowledge of the EnviroDevelopment program and stay in touch with latest trends and technologies in green communities across Australia.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to become an EDP. For more information, click here.