Review of the Strategic Assessment of the Perth and Peel Regions – UDIA meets independent Panel
On 20th September, UDIA’s SAPPR Review Sub-Committee met with the SAPPR Independent Review Panel to discuss the industry’s concerns about the SAPPR and potential solutions. UDIA reiterated its support for the original intent of the Strategic Assessment, highlighting the many benefits that could be provided to stakeholders including greater certainty, a streamlined approval process, improved environmental outcomes and improved housing affordability. UDIA advised that one of the key matters that must be resolved is the cost of implementing the SAPPR and ensuring that the SAPPR provides value for money.
The Review Panel noted that although its primary purpose is to provide Government with a recommendation as to whether the SAPPR should proceed or not, the Panel will also be providing further guidance on funding and implementation. To support this, UDIA will be hosting a workshop with a small group of developer members and the Review Panel to discuss in more detail potential funding arrangements to support the implementation of the SAPPR. Further details will be provided to members as these arrangements are finalised.
Precinct Design Policy Workshop
UDIA participated in a workshop hosted by the Department of Planning and Urbis this week to assist with the preparation of a ‘Precinct Deign Policy’ under Design WA. The Policy will sit alongside a ‘Neighbourhood Design Policy’ and is intended to facilitate improved outcomes within activity and other such centres. The workshop examined a number of issues including: what is a precinct, what makes successful places and sought to identify planning policy principles that could be used to deliver successful precincts. UDIA will keep members informed of the policy development process.
UDIA CEO meets with new PCA Executive Director
CEO, Allison Hailes this week met with the new Executive Director of the Property Council, Sandra Brewer to welcome her to the industry and discuss the various issues and members that the organisations have in common. Allison and Sandra discussed the benefits of working collaboratively on policy and advocacy matters of joint interest and ensuring that wherever possible a united message is given to government. It was also agreed that coordination of event calendars is desirable, to minimize conflicting events and enable members to have as much choice as possible. UDIA looks forward to working with Sandra going forward.
UDIA Professional Development Program: Module 1 Last Chance
Registrations for Module 1 of the Professional Development Program – Basic Skills and the Planning Framework, close on Monday, 1 October. Register now to learn about: the key concepts of effective communication and negotiation skills with Marie Mills from Mills Wilson; explore WA’s statutory and strategic planning framework with CLE Town Planning + Design’s Stephen Carter; and gain an understanding of planning law and its application in WA with Lavan’s Brian McMurdo and Alex McGlue. Places are strictly limited, click here now for more information and to register.
Future of water reform
The Water Resources Reform Reference Group, which includes UDIA, met last month to discuss the future of water reform in WA. The Minister for Water, Hon Dave Kelly MLA attended the meeting and announced that the Government has approved the drafting of the Water Resources Management Bill. The new legislation will help Western Australia to meet current and future challenges in managing water resources, reduce regulatory burden, protect our environment and provide additional certainty to water users.
The Water Resources Management Bill will consolidate, clarify and modernise six water Acts into one statute. It will include a range of new tools for managing water resources, including those being impacted by climate change and where demand for water is high.
New provisions include:
- Providing a simplified licensing and permitting assessment process with improvements to trading and transfers of licences.
- Supporting introduction of mechanisms that will allow volumes of water taken under licence to be varied according to seasonal conditions.
- Enabling introduction of statutory allocation limits and allocation plans.
- Supporting the recovery of over allocated resources.
- Assigning risk of making permanent cuts to water allocations between the government and the water user.
- Regulating injections into or through aquifers/underground water resources.
- Providing a capacity to regulate interception by plantations.
- Providing for competitive and market-based approaches to releasing unallocated water
The Bill will also recognise and consider Aboriginal people’s spiritual, social customary and economic needs when water management decisions are made. The Minister has thanked the members of the Reference Group for the work and effort they have contributed to the development of the policy positions which underpin the Bill.
Consultation on water fees
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has commenced consultation on water fees. A discussion paper is available from the Department’s website at www.dwer.wa.gov.au.
No decision has yet been made to introduce water licence and assessment fees to sectors other than mining and public water supply.
The Minister for Water has requested that members of the Water Resources Reform Reference Group and their industries keep discussions on the drafting of the Water Resources Management Bill separate from the expansion of water fees to other water users, as the two issues are not related.
Submissions can be made through the Department’s consultation webpage, by writing to the Department or by attending one of the four workshops scheduled across the State. The Department is seeking an open consultation and dialogue with stakeholders. Submissions close on 1 November 2018. UDIA invites members to provide feedback on the discussion paper to policy@udiawa.com.au.
Bushfire Mitigation Forum
The State Government has announced that a Bushfire Mitigation Forum is to be held on October 4 at the Kalamunda Performing Arts Complex, following the 2017 Bushfire Mitigation Summit. Attendees are to be invited from a selection of bushfire brigades, volunteer associations, government agencies and regional advocacy groups, to discuss how to deploy better WA bushfire management. UDIA was in attendance at the 2017 Bushfire Mitigation Summit and has sought an opportunity to again represent the industry at the 2018 Forum. The Institute will update members on outcomes following the event.
Bentley-Curtin Specialised Activity Centre Plan
The Bentley-Curtin Specialised Activity Centre Plan is now available to view on the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage’s website. Key elements of the Plan include: recognition of the centre’s potential for improved utilisation of land and a greater mix of land uses; and the potential for increased residential diversity and choice close to major locations of employment and education. For more information or to view the Plan, click here.
NDIS Market Readiness
The Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has released its final report on its inquiry on market readiness for provision of services under the NDIS. As a result of the inquiry, the committee has made 29 recommendations to ensure the implementation of appropriate strategies and responses. The full NDIS is expected to be transitioned to by 2020. More information is available here.
We want your feedback!
UDIA is currently working on several submissions on behalf of members. We encourage you to forward any feedback to these items to policy@udiawa.com.au
- The Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 – Biodiversity Conservation Regulations are out for comment with submissions due by 30 September, 2018. More information here.
- The discussion Paper on cost recovery for the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation is out for comment and submissions are due by Thursday 1 November, 2018. More information here.
- The DPLH and DWER joint discussion paper on Planning for Entertainment Noise in the Northbridge Area is out for comment. Submissions are due by 26 November, 2018. More information here.
- The next stage of the Local Government Act Review has been released for comment, with submissions closing 31 March, 2019. More information here.