Industry Issues
Consultation: Draft Local Development Plan Chapter of the WA Planning Manual
The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH), on behalf of the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC), has released the draft Local Development Plans (LDP) Chapter of the WA Planning Manual for public consultation, marking the next stage in the State Government’s broader planning reform program.
It is intended to provide clearer and more consistent guidance on how LDPs are prepared, assessed, implemented, and reviewed across WA. In particular, the reforms aim to clarify when LDPs are appropriate, standardise preparation and assessment processes, provide direction on amendment and revocation and improve overall consistency and certainty for decision-makers and industry.
UDIA WA was invited to review and provide feedback on an early draft of the Chapter in February 2026, where we made a series of recommendations for consideration in finalising the draft to go to WAPC for approval to advertise. These recommendations aligned with our overarching position on LDPs, being that they are an important and valid instrument for orderly and properly planning (particularly in a precinct context) and that we have concerns around the proposed expansion of the circumstances under which they may be revoked.
Next steps
The public consultation period is now open until 28 July 2026.
Our team and working group will be reviewing the draft released for consultation against our original feedback, to help inform a formal submission. From an initial review, some concerns remain.
We welcome and invite feedback from members to policy@udiawa.com.au.
You can also make a direct submission via the DPLH consultation portal: Have Your Say – Draft LDP Chapter.
DPLH will be holding information sessions to provide an overview of the draft LDPs chapter and its content.
Industry Information Session:
- Date: Tuesday 23 June 2026
- Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm (AWST)
- Format: Online via Teams
Local Governments Information Session (hosted by WALGA):
- Date: Thursday 11 June 2026
- Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm (AWST)
- Format: Online via Teams
You can register via the registration form
Collaboration in Action
UDIA WA was pleased to host the Keystart team on Monday with a number of members to work through the opportunities that the Keystart Pre-Sale Guarantee and First Home Buyer Commercial Financing Facility offers developers in bringing greater housing choice to the market, faster.
The potential cumulative impact of these initiatives, together with the Infrastructure Development Fund and stamp duty concessions could assist projects that are otherwise unfeasible be brought to fruition. Every bit helps as industry faces increasing construction costs, supply chain disruptions and labour market volatility.
We look forward to continuing our collaborative relationship with Keystart in the months ahead.
National Reconciliation Week 2026
Yesterday was the last day of National Reconciliation Week and UDIA WA has supported this year’s theme ALL IN – a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.
As an organisation, UDIA WA supports reconciliation through our endorsed Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) led by our RAP Working Group chaired by Jane Bennett and including Gemma Osiejak, Les Oakley, Anthony Fisk, Robert Brittain, Craig Wallace, and Angelina Wubanaitch.
We strongly believe in providing leadership to the broader urban development industry in respect to reconciliation and more meaningful engagement with the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we and our members operate.
Our RAP actions are focused on building a strong foundation to progress our reconciliation journey in a meaningful way.
UDIA WA is also a proud member of Reconciliation WA and UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck and Executive Manager Communications & Engagement Gemma Osiejak were pleased to attend the fantastic Reconciliation Week Boorloo Breakfast last Wednesday along with a huge crowd to hear keynote speaker Narelda Jacobs and other inspirational speakers who generously shared their knowledge and truth.
A key message from the morning is that reconciliation is not just about one breakfast, or one week, it is about showing up and taking real action whenever and wherever we can.
If you are interested in learning more about UDIA WA’s RAP, or would like to get involved, contact Gemma Osiejak: gosiejak@udiawa.com.au
You can read our RAP here.
Latest property market data now available
UDIA WA’s economic and residential property market update, Urban Intelligence, for May 2026 was sent to members earlier this week, featuring an analysis of Perth’s booming population and spread of new dwelling supply by UDIA National & WA’s Head of Research Toby Adams.
Key insights from this edition also include:
- Residential dwelling approvals data
- Residential investor activity
- Population growth data
The May issue of the Urban Intelligence marks the final iteration of the report in its current format. Moving forward, the UDIA WA Research team are transitioning to a ‘digital-first’ approach to releasing data and insights through our newly launched UDIA WA Research & Insights Portal. Many charts, tables and statistics which are featured in the Urban Intelligence report are already available ‘live’ via the Research & Insights Portal, and over the coming quarters the Portal will be further enriched with a range of additional dashboards, charts, resources and curated market insights.
Read the latest Urban Intelligence Report here.
Access the new insights portal here.
Local Government Design Review User Guide and eLearning Course
The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) have released the Local Government Design Review User Guide (User Guide)and Design Review eLearning course (eLearning), which have been designed to complement the Local Government Design Review Manual (Manual) released last year. DPLH have provided the following overview of the User Guide and eLearning.
The Manual provides clear and practical guidance on the establishment, operation and governance of local government design review panels and has been widely recognised as a key reference for planning officers, panel members, proponents and decision-makers.
The User Guide and eLearning represent an important next stage in strengthening the consistent and effective implementation of the Manual across the sector. Together, these resources provide accessible, practical and user-focused tools to support capacity building within local governments. The eLearning is designed to foster a shared understanding of the purpose, principles and value of design review, while the User Guide offers practical ‘how–to’ guidance to support the day-to-day application of the Manual.
These complementary resources are particularly valuable for local governments of varying size, resourcing and experience, supporting a proportionate and consistent approach to design review. By reinforcing the intent of the Manual and translating policy guidance into practical learning and operational tools, the User Guide and eLearning help promote confidence, clarity and consistency in local government design review processes.
The eLearning is hosted by the Western Australian Local Government Association, as part of a shared commitment to sustainable and well-designed planning outcomes for all Western Australians.
Further information and access to the eLearning courses and User Guide are available on the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage’s website.
Support Team UDIA WA at the 2026 CEO Sleepout
On June 18 UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck will be joined by Richard Pappas (Celsius Property) and Brenton Downing (Celsius Land) to take part in the 2026 Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
For one night Team UDIA WA, alongside 1500 business, government and community leaders, will be given a glimpse into the reality that 122,000 people across Australia experience every day – a long, cold night without shelter.
In the face of rising homelessness in Australia, Vinnies will use the money raised to provide immediate relief such as food and crisis accommodation for people experiencing homelessness while working to secure long-term solutions to secure permanent safe housing. Funds will also support access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for those facing homelessness.
Donate to support Tanya, and Team UDIA WA, to help support those in need.
Nominate for the 2026 UDIA WA Awards for Excellence
There are just over two weeks left to nominate a project, leader or team for the 2026 UDIA WA Awards for Excellence program! Providing the ultimate opportunity to showcase the incredible efforts of the development industry in Western Australia there are 13 project categories, and five individual and team categories to choose from.
Project categories include:
- Affordable Housing
- Residential Subdivision
- Medium Density
- Masterplanned Communities
- Seniors Living
- Apartments (mid-rise)
- Apartments (high rise)
- Sustainability
- Urban Renewal
- Social & Community Infrastructure
- Marketing Excellence
- Design Excellence
- Boutique Development
Team and individual categories include:
- UDIA WA & Stockland Young Leader’s Award
- UDIA WA Women in Leadership Award
- Local Government Authority of the Year
- Team of the Year
- Diversity in Development
View more information about the 2026 Awards for Excellence.
Make sure you book your tickets for the UDIA WA Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner on 12 September!
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors for their support of the UDIA WA Awards for Excellence program; Platinum Sponsor Western Australian Planning Commission; Gold Sponsors Lavan and Stantec; Category Sponsors ATCO, CTF, Densford Civil, Fibrenet, Longreach Recruitment, Origin Energy, Purple, SLICK, Stockland, Structerre Consulting, TBB Planning and Wormall Civil Pty Ltd; Photobooth Sponsor Skyfields by Perth Airport; and Event Partner Lux Events.
Total dwellings approved down over April
The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that dwelling approvals have reduced by 3.4% across Australia to 16,710 in April driven by a 3.6% decline in dwellings excluding houses.
Across each state, total dwellings fell by 9.5% (4,030) in New South Wales, 7.4% (1,983) in Western Australia and 3.9% (4,911) in Victoria while approvals grew by 42.2% (283) in Tasmania, 4.3% (1,317) in South Australia and 0.3% (3,946) in Queensland.
Daniel Rossi (ABS head of construction statistics) said, ‘Private sector house approvals fell 1.0 per cent, but remain at elevated levels. This is the third consecutive month with over 10,000 private sector houses approved. The last time this occurred was during the final three months of 2021’.
While down from March the 16,710 total dwellings approved in April are 10.2% higher in year-on-year terms.
Construction Training Fund levy threshold to increase
Beginning 1 July 2026, the threshold for projects that attract the Construction Training Fund (CTF) levy will be lifted from $20,000 to $100,000.
By lifting the levy threshold, the state government aims to ease administrative burdens and cut red tape for small businesses.
Skills and Training Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said, “we want to see more tradies on the tools and more small businesses in the construction and building sector thriving.”
Funds collected through the 0.2% levy are invested back into training and development programs for workers in the building and construction industry.
Remade in WA for a net zero future
The State Government have announced a $17.8 million investment to build Western Australia’s capacity to recycle solar panels and batteries.
Designed to reduce landfill and help recover material, $13 million will be used to establish collection, transport and processing pathways for residential and commercial end-of-life solar panels through the Remade in WA initiative. The initiative also aims to support a new local recycling industry in WA – bolstering the value of clean energy infrastructure.
Providing a safe and accessible disposal pathway for the community, $3 million will be used to support the rollout of embedded battery collection at local governments facilities.
National Update
Productivity Commission Inquiry into Housing Supply Regulation
UDIA is preparing a National submission into the Productivity Commission inquiry into rules and regulations that affect new housing supply. The terms of reference ask the PC to recommend reforms that would increase housing supply, with a focus on 3 specific areas of regulation:
- Approval processes (for example, development, building and post-approvals, including any barriers to the uptake of more productive methods of construction).
- Availability and use of land for housing (for example, land release, land-use controls).
- Processes and frameworks to deliver new and utilise existing housing infrastructure (for example, growth infrastructure planning, developer contributions model).
The government has also asked the PC to identify examples of regulations that most affect housing supply, housing affordability and construction productivity.
If you would like to provide input into WA’s component of this submission, please e-mail the policy team by 9 June.