Industry Issues
UDIA WA responds to Select Committee
On 13 August 2025, the Select Committee into Land Development and Planning in Western Australia was established.
It is a 12-month inquiry into matters relating to land planning, transactions and development in Western Australia, with the Terms of Reference being:
That the Select Committee inquire into and report on matters relating to land use planning, land transactions, and development in Western Australia, with particular regard to the optimality, efficiency, integrity, and probity of decisions made by the State and state agencies, including:
(a) in relation to land use planning decisions, the extent to which such decisions align with established local planning schemes, strategies, policies, and frameworks, particularly where made by the Western Australian Planning Commission or Development Assessment Panels, including but not limited to decisions made under the so-called Significant Development Pathway;
(b) how decisions are aligned with elements of key strategic planning documents such as Perth and Peel@3.5 Million, including meeting infill targets;
(c) in relation to land transaction decisions, the extent to which such decisions adhere to principles of probity and transparency, particularly where made by agencies such as Development WA, the Housing Authority, the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, or the Western Australian Planning Commission; and
(d) high-profile development decisions to which the Government has committed or which are currently under consideration, including but not limited to the proposed Burswood Motorsports Facility development, the Smith’s Beach development proposal, and the Westport Project (including associated land use planning matters for related to transport, industry and infrastructure).
UDIA WA was invited to make a submission and did so on 14 November. Our submission has now been published on the Inquiry webpage (here) along with those of other interested parties.
Our submission was made in the context of WA’s unprecedented housing supply and affordability crisis, which requires further urgent, solutions-focused action.
It focuses on the Inquiry principles of ‘optimality’ and ‘efficiency’ as they relate to the land use planning and development system and progress towards the strategic planning directions in the Perth and Peel@3.5 Million framework. In doing so, it provides support for welcomed reforms to date and highlights key opportunities moving forward aligned with our broader advocacy priorities.
Importantly, it calls on the Committee to ensure the Inquiry is forward looking, genuinely seeking to improve the planning system for all stakeholders, prioritising outcomes over politics and working collaboratively with industry to deliver the homes we need, faster.
The Committee will seek to invite selected parties to hearings as the Inquiry progresses.
Read UDIA WA’s submission to the Select Committee.
Transitional R-Codes arrangements to conclude in April
We wish to make members aware of the upcoming expiry of special transitional arrangements under the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) Volume 1 and a targeted administrative amendment that comes into effect on 10 April 2026.
As you may recall, as part of the 2024 R-Codes Volume 1 amendment, a special 24-month transitional period was introduced to allow local governments sufficient time to align their local planning frameworks with the updated R-Codes. It was also intended to provide industry time to progress contracted designs, and where applicable, to obtain development approval or a development-approval-exempt building permit, under the previous planning frameworks. This special transitional period is scheduled to cease on 10 April 2026.
UDIA WA has continued engagement with the Department of Planning, Lands, and Heritage, including through representation on the R-Codes Stakeholder Advisory Group (R-Codes SAG). Feedback was shared through this forum regarding the most problematic design element to comply with for narrow lots – Solar Orientation. Specifically, narrow lot products at the upper end of the medium density scale (R60) that are typically built boundary to boundary cannot achieve the solar requirements prior to the expiry of the transitional arrangements. Positively, the arrangements as set out below now address this issue and subject to compliance with the other relevant parts of the R-Codes, projects could proceed direct to building permit without the need to first obtain a DA.
The WAPC has provided the below advice for communication to our members.
We understand all local governments across WA are also being provided with the below information. We are aware some local government authorities have already sought to get ahead of this, issuing advice on their positions on how they will process R60 coded lots following the expiry of the transitional arrangement after 10 April 2026. This will require ongoing engagement with industry to minimise any potential adverse impacts.
Information regarding these changes will be published on the Department’s website by 30 January 2026.
Special Transitional Arrangements
DPLH, as part of the current review of the R-Codes, assessed the readiness of local governments and industry for these arrangements to conclude. This included consultation with the R-Codes SAG, local governments and peak industry bodies and it was concluded that most stakeholders are generally prepared for the transitional arrangements to cease, as scheduled.
On this basis, the Minister for Planning and Lands has agreed on recommendation of the WAPC that special transitional arrangements within R-Codes Volume 1 will cease as planned on 10 April 2026, other than Clause C2.2.4 as outlined below:
- The transitional provisions will cease from 10 April 2026, and single-house developments in areas coded R50 and above, subject to a Structure Plan or Local Development Plan, must be assessed against Part C of the R-Codes Volume 1.
- Exception: Clause C2.2.4 Solar Orientation will remain exempt until 10 April 2030 for single houses in areas coded R50 and above, within a Structure Plan or Local Development Plan approved before 10 April 2024 (see below).
- Single house and grouped dwelling developments subject to Part C will no longer be assessed against special transitional deemed-to-comply provisions in Part C, Section 5, in accordance with Table 4.1b, and must be assessed against Design Element 3.1 – Site Cover.
- Local planning frameworks that modify provisions within Volume 1 of the R-Codes 2024 need to be reviewed, amended and obtain the necessary approvals by 10 April 2026. If they are not updated, the provisions within R-Codes Volume 1 will prevail.
Administrative Amendment
During consultation with the R-Codes SAG (which includes representatives from nine peak industry bodies), a specific issue was identified that affects single houses on lots coded R50 and above within Structure Plans and Local Development Plans approved before 10 April 2024.
The feedback highlighted that while the initial 24-month transitional period was expected to be sufficient for subdivision and titling processes, delays in servicing and approvals mean some lots will be unable to meet the deemed-to-comply solar orientation requirement in Clause 2.2.4 (Part C) once the transitional arrangements expire. This is because lot orientation was fixed for these sites through earlier approvals, and the deemed-to-comply provisions cannot be met despite developments being otherwise ready to proceed.
Without an amendment, proponents would be required to obtain development approval to vary solar orientation, resulting in additional costs and delays for landowners and creating avoidable assessment pressures for local governments. There are approximately 500 to 600 lots across Western Australia that may be affected.
In response to this direct feedback from the R-Codes SAG, and to avoid unnecessary administrative burden while supporting the delivery of housing, the Minister for Planning and Lands approved the WAPC endorsed targeted administrative amendment that:
- comes into effect from 10 April 2026 until 10 April 2030.
- only applies to single houses in areas coded R50 and above, in Structure Plans or Local Development Plans approved before 10 April 2024.
- exempts those dwellings from the deemed-to-comply solar orientation requirement in Clause 2.2.4 (Part C).
The amendment only applies to lots planned and approved before 2024, enabling these sites to obtain building permits without the need for development approval, as originally intended under the transitional provisions. This primarily impacts greenfield areas, supports timely housing delivery, particularly entry-level housing, while reducing the need for avoidable development applications and administrative imposts for local government.
Right-sizing in style at Piara Waters
We are pleased to release the third instalment of our Housing Choice video series showcasing the diversity of housing options that our members are delivering in new and existing communities across Perth.
For our latest video, we visited Piara Waters Resort by Providence Lifestyle Group to take a look at one Western Australia’s latest in a growing number of Land Lease Communities. The award-winning project offers residents a home to not only retire to, but a community to thrive in, with access to a range of communal amenities within the walkable masterplanned estate.
Our Executive Manager Communication & Engagement Gemma Osiejak had the pleasure of speaking to residents about why they chose to make Piara Waters home.
Affordability, community, amenity and design all featured in their choice.
View the video below and contact Gemma to discuss opportunities to showcase your project in our housing choice series. We are keen to explore all the options from high rise apartments, town homes, greenfield developments and everything in between.
View the latest video in our Housing Choice series.
You can also view our Community page to find other videos in our series – including a feature on Elysian Subiaco by Celsius Property and Sienna Wood by Stockland.
Perth and Peel Urban Greening Strategy released
The State Government released the Urban Greening Strategy for Perth and Peel on 16 January 2026.
The Urban Greening Strategy is a whole-of-government approach that sets a clear, long-term direction for boosting tree canopy, vegetation and green spaces across public and private land in the Perth and Peel regions.
It outlines a range of measures to promote sustainable development, combat urban heat, strengthen climate resilience, improve community health and wellbeing, and enhance biodiversity and access to nature.
There are three action areas, and in an urban development industry context strategic actions include:
- Growing More – Ensure relevant State Government policies and operational documents are aligned to this strategy.
- Growing Together – Collaborate with the development and building industry to identify new urban greening opportunities in infill and greenfield developments; and Engage with landscape architects, horticulturalists, arborists and nurseries to understand industry needs and inform future collaboration and action.
- Growing Stronger – Collaborate with the development industry to maximise retention of tree canopy and vegetation in new developments.
We understand it will be supported by a Let’s Grow Action Plan, which is soon to be released and will outline urban greening opportunities and initiatives aligned with the Strategy and the State Government’s commitments to:
- increase Perth’s tree canopy cover to 30 per cent by 2040;
- plant one million trees by 2035; and
- deliver a $10 million Let’s Grow Grants program and a $6.9 million Treebate incentive scheme.
A more coordinated approach to increasing urban tree canopy is welcomed. While a helpful high-level directional framework, there is not yet the detail around the target and what the strategic actions will mean in policy or practice. We will unpack the detail which will be in the Action Plan to understand the implications and potential opportunities in an urban development context and look forward to further relevant engagement on this and the reform of Liveable Neighbourhoods / Neighbourhood Design.
Read the Urban Greening Strategy.
Join PEF for the 2026 Regatta!
The Property Education Foundation (PEF) is back in 2026, with its legendary Regatta, offering an unmatched environment for team building, client entertainment, and community connection.
The celebration kicks off in the afternoon and continues into the evening with drinks and nibbles as the sun goes down – perfect for sparking new conversations and strengthening professional ties.
What’s new?
- Networking only tickets – connect and mingle, no boat needed
- A revamped onshore experience with social spaces, lawn games, and a dessert truck
- Sponsorship opportunities to boost your brand presence
Whether you’re racing, networking, or soaking up the atmosphere, the 2026 Regatta brings people together while supporting PEF and the future of our industry.
Spots are limited, book today!
Applications are open for the 2026 Women in Trades Scholarship
Applications are open for the 2026 Women in Trades Scholarship Program. Offering 100 places across five TAFEs, the scholarship is available for women enrolled in eligible apprenticeships, traineeships or qualifications.
The program is designed to encourage more women into roles with low female participation across building and construction, science, technology, engineering and maths. Recipients can use the funding to cover expenses such as course fees, learning resources, tools, workwear and personal protective equipment, work tickets and licences, transport, accommodation, and childcare.
Scholarship recipients also receive tailored mentoring and support services to assist them in completing their qualifications and successfully transitioning into employment.