UDIA Lodges submission on the EPBC Act Review
UDIA National has lodged an extensive submission on behalf of members in response to the Commonwealth Government’s Independent Review of the Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
The review – chaired by Professor Graeme Samuel – represents a landmark opportunity to overhaul the EPBC Act’s legislative, regulatory and administrative framework.
As well as meeting Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley and Professor Samuels, UDIA National has engaged extensively with members over the past six months to prepare our submission.
To read about our submission and key points, click here.
UDIA attends second industry meeting with Planning Minister
UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck is attending a second meeting with Planning Minister Rita Saffioti late this afternoon to further discuss ways in which the government and industry can work together to address the economic impacts of COVID-19.
UDIA WA, in conjunction with other peak bodies, is providing regular, clear and concise information on measures the government can implement that we believe will be critical to ensuring the development industry can continue to maintain jobs and land supply now and into the recovery phase.
We look forward to providing an update to members on the outcome of this afternoons meeting as soon as possible.
GAPP Councils considering infrastructure projects
UDIA WA met with GAPP (Growth Area Perth and Peel) Councils, WALGA and DPLH representatives this morning to work through our current mission to identify infrastructure projects funded by existing Development Contribution Plans (DCPs) that could be brought forward to boost economic activity and support jobs.
While each local government area has their own set of circumstances with regard to the viability of bringing some projects forward, UDIA is confident that working collaboratively together we will be able to initiate several projects that will benefit our broader aim to support economic recovery.
We will keep our members informed of progress.
Display Villages allowed to reopen following cautious easing of restrictions
UDIA WA welcomed the announcement on Sunday from Premier Mark McGowan about the cautious easing of COVID-19 related restrictions including the reopening of display villages.
The key announcement from the Premier was an increase in the number of people permitted at indoor and outdoor gatherings from 2 to 10 people.
Of particular significance to our industry, home opens can recommence, and display villages may reopen, with appropriate record keeping and hygiene practices in place, and in compliance with the 10-person rule.
UDIA WA has thanked Hon. Peter Tinley, Minister for Housing and the McGowan Government for listening and acting in response to what industry is advocating for to keep jobs and support the economy.
UDIA WA will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of industry in order to support our capacity to maintain jobs and play a significant role in economic recovery.
At the time of the announcement Minister Tinley provided a personal message to our members, which can be viewed here.
UDIA National virtual awards set to crown best of the best
UDIA WA is excited to announce the UDIA WINGATE National Awards for Excellence winner announcements are only two weeks away! This will be the first ever virtual awards announcement by our National body.
Scheduled to take place on Wednesday 13 May from 4pm (AEST), the awards will celebrate the best of the best from across the country including a number of finalists from Western Australia. We would like to wish all finalists, especially those representing WA the best of luck in the awards
The WA finalists are as follows:
Tiffany Allen, Department of Communities – Frasers Property Women in Leadership Award
Daniel Panickar, Eco Logical Australia – Young Leaders Award
Stockland – Diversity in Development
Botanical Apartments by Edge Visionary Living – Medium Density Development
Bushmead by Cedar Woods – Residential Development
Armadale Fitness & Aquatic Centre by City of Armadale – Social and Community Infrastructure
The Amble Estate by Yolk Property Group & Department of Communities – Environmental Excellence
Claremont (Rent to Buy Campaign) by Mirvac – Marketing Excellence
Chinatown Revitalisation by Shire of Broome – Urban Renewal
Nicheliving Willetton by Nicheliving – Affordable Development
Australis at Rossmoyne by Hames Sharley & Adventist Care – Seniors’ Living
Dalyellup Beach Estate by Satterley Property Group & Department of Communities – Masterplanned Development
Cirque Mount Pleasant by Stirling Capital – High Density Development
As the event will be streamed live across the country, it is the perfect opportunity to organise a virtual watch party to find out who will be crowned the National Winner in each Category and which Finalist will receive the President’s Award.
The event is free for UDIA members, but numbers are limited so register now to secure your place. For more information, click here.
Major projects fast-tracked to support jobs during COVID-19
Earlier today the State Government announced a raft of infrastructure projects would be fast-tracked to assist with the COVID-19 economic recovery effort.
New measures approved by the Government allow for the process of awarding contracts for transport construction projects to be streamlined in a bid to create more opportunities for local businesses and protect local jobs.
The new State-wide Construction Panel Contract will include buying rules, designed to minimise the costs of tendering for companies, and maximise the spread of work among small and medium sized contractors.
Expediting the delivery of road and maritime projects through the new Construction Panel will assist contractors to plan and program works, save time and costs, whilst helping give local businesses certainty and retain local workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
UDIA WA welcomes the news regarding the streamlined approach to bring forward infrastructure projects as this was one of the key actions suggested by economist Jonathan Pain just a couple of weeks ago in terms of how to get the economy moving.
Mr Pain specifically spoke to UDIA WA about the need for governments to enhance and progress infrastructure projects as a way of promoting hope and prosperity for the future. To read the full article with Mr Pain click here.
Last chance to register for first UDIA WA webinar
Time is running out for those interested in registering for our valuations masterclass webinar with Michael Veletta.
Registrations close tomorrow, Friday 1 May, at midday for the first in our webinar series which will look at Valuation Challenges in the COVID-19 Environment and will ensure you are armed with all of the critical information you need to make informed business decision in the months ahead.
Michael has vast experience in the Residential Valuation industry in his capacity as a Property Valuer, together with undertaking a broad range of other tasks including commercial, industrial, compensation and acquisition, and residential valuations.
During this webinar, Michael will brief you on the key challenges with valuing a new property as well as what can be done to ensure off-the-plan prices match final valuations.
For more information and to register, click here.
Housing Industry Forecasting Group
UDIA took part in the Housing Industry Forecasting Groups’ mid-year review this week.
Given the unprecedented challenges facing industry at this current time, the Group agreed to meet again in three months’ time to further discuss property market conditions and dwelling commencement expectations.
The HIFG will release its revised dwelling commencement forecast for 2019-20 in the coming weeks.
COVID-19 property market dashboard shows decline in performance
A COVID-19 Australian Property Market Dashboard has been created by researchers at the City Analytics Lab in the City Futures Research Centre at UNSW Built Environment to provide a snapshot of how the property market is performing before and during COVID-19.
Consisting of an interactive map of Australia, it identifies the COVID-19 hotspots based on data from state departments of health as well as revealing the relevant property data for the capital cities.
The COVID-19 Property Market Dashboard provides graphs and charts which report on a number of key property market metrics, including:
- total sales value
- median property prices
- auction clearance rates
- the house value index
- performance of the ASX 200 real estate sector
- the volume of property sales
- market sentiment
- city mobility
Among the key stats to be revealed so far the dashboard indicates the total volume of sales across Australia is down $237 million compared to the same time last year and total sales have also dropped by at least 30% in all capital cities since COVID-19 cases started increasing in March 2020.
The data is being created and presented alongside the COVID-19 cases reported for each state to assist government, industry and communities understand the current impacts COVID-19 is having on the Australian Property Market.
To view the dashboard, click here.
Opposition release plan of attack
On Monday WA Liberal Leader Liza Harvey released a plan for how the opposition would look to boost struggling households, businesses and the economy if it was in power.
Among the $1.2 billion economic plan Ms Harvey called for a 75% discount on stamp duty up to $50,000 on house and land packages for the next 6 months, a move UDIA WA supports as it aligns with our request for Land Tax to be waived for the 2020-2021 financial tax year.
As part of our request for Land Tax to be waived we called on the government to use funds generated from the Metropolitan Region Improvement Tax in a bid to ensure projects are able to progress amid the current economic uncertainty.
Other proposals within the Liberals economic plan include:
- Cash payments of $1000 to the 100,000 households that are eligible for the Hardship Utility Grant Scheme
- Bring forward maintenance and infrastructure projects by underwriting council reserves
- Cut fixed electricity and water costs for 20,000 regional and small businesses that receive up to $10,000 from JobKeeper
- Start construction of Roe 8 and 9
For more information, click here.
Funding round opens for NRM projects across WA
Community groups dedicated to caring for Western Australia’s precious environment can apply for grants as part of the latest State Natural Resource Management (NRM) funding round.
The 2020 grants funding round is now open for projects that help conserve natural areas, protect WA’s biodiversity and improve the capability of NRM community groups across the State.
The two grant categories are small grants between $1,000 and $35,000, and large grants between $35,001 and $450,000.
Applications for the 2020-21 Community Stewardship Grants close on June 15, 2020.
For more information, click here.
Fund to help develop clean energy projects in Western Australia
Applications for the first round of funding as part of its Clean Energy Future Fund officially opened earlier today.
The Fund, administered by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation with support from Energy Policy WA, has been established to support the development of innovative clean energy projects.
Clean energy projects will be eligible for funding of between $250,000 and $2 million per project, with the State Government funding up to 25 per cent of eligible project costs.
Projects will be evaluated on their capacity to reduce emissions reductions, potential for wider adoption, project innovation and financial viability.
Funding for eligible clean energy projects at significant facilities required to report under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme, and located in regional and remote areas will be given priority in the first round.
Applications will be assessed by an executive group, with recommendations made to the Environment Minister and Energy Minister for their joint decision.
Applications close July 13, 7am AWST. To apply or for more information go here.
Consumer Price Index
Based on the latest ABS stats the consumer price index increased 0.4% QOQ, 2.1% YOY for all groups Perth, while the national figures increase 0.3% QOQ and 0.3% YOY.
As part of this the CPI Perth Housing figures increased 0.4% QOQ & 1.3% YOY, while the national figures increased 0.3% QOQ and 0.6% YOY.
In Perth, the largest increases were seen in food & non-alcoholic beverages (2% QOQ, 2.9% YOY), alcohol and tobacco (1.5% QOQ, 7.2% YOY), and health (1.4% QOQ, 3.1% YOY).
In Perth, the largest decreases were seen in transport (-1.8% QOQ, although 2.1% increase YOY), and recreation (-1.4% QOQ, although 1.8% increase YOY).
We value your feedback!
UDIA is currently working on several submissions on behalf of members. We encourage you to forward any feedback on these items to policy@udiawa.com.au
- Waste Reform consultation papers (here). Submissions close 15 July 2020:
- Closing the loop: Waste reforms for a circular economy
- Review of the waste levy
Need Fill? Surplus sand available
In the process of constructing the Roe Highway/Kalamunda Road grade separation project, Georgiou have obtained a large amount of surplus fill material, which would be ideal for consultants, planners, developers and other stakeholders that may have a use for this material for their projects.
The fill material can be obtained by getting in touch with Georgiou direct who can provide more information about the specific details. Depending on yours and the project’s requirements (timing, quality and the amount required), the fill may be free of charge or a fee may apply.
For further information or to make an enquiry about the fill material, contact Jason Fletcher on jason.fletcher@georgiou.com.au.
Site Security Update
On Sunday 26 April a hot water unit was stolen from a Perceptions site in Riverton, however activation of the GPS unit within the system allowed investigators to track the item to the offender’s address in Shelley.
Following this PACT investigators liaised with Police and the hot water unit was located at the offender’s premises. To check the full details on this case, click here.
There has been an increase in reports of illegal rubbish dumping, which is likely due to more people being at home as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. PACT investigators have initiated several investigations with local councils where evidence has identified possible offenders.
Liaison with local councils has also resulted in the removal of several incidents of unidentified illegal rubbish from land development areas.
For more information about PACT Site Security see here.