UDIA launches new website
UDIA has launched a brand new website! The new look site provides a ‘one stop shop’ for members and the broader community to find all the latest news and information relevant to the development industry in Western Australia. UDIA members can log in to the Members Portal to gain access to exclusive research, data and our Member’s Directory. If you have any queries about the new site or you wish to generate a log in, please contact UDIA: membership@udiawa.com.au
UDIA welcomes Emerge Associates as 2018 Communications Partner
UDIA is pleased to welcome Emerge Associates as our Communications Partner for 2018! After more than 7 years as Networking Drinks sponsor (securing the position back in 2011), Emerge Associates have made a significant contribution to fostering a connected industry, and are now keen to build on that by moving into a new space.
Peta-Maree Ashford (Director) says; “We’re looking forward to the year ahead, and sharing our knowledge & expertise with UDIA WA members! A new platform for engaging with industry is just what we were looking for, so we’re proud to continue our longstanding relationship with UDIA in a new way.”
UDIA thanks Emerge Associates for their support over the years, and their ongoing commitment to supporting the institute & industry. We look forward to working together to deliver exceptional member communications throughout 2018!
To learn more about Emerge Associates, see www.emergeassociates.com.au
For all sponsorship enquiries, please contact Erin Meikle (Director- Commercial & Member Services) at emeikle@udiawa.com.au or 9215 3409.
Latest Urban Intelligence released
UDIA released the December 2017 Urban Intelligence report to members this week outlining the most recent data on the WA economy, land, housing and construction market. Some of the headline figures include the resurgence of the Aussie dollar and improvement in retail turnover. Land and housing sales activity was moderate due to the festive season. Members can log in and view the latest report here
Consumer confidence at four year high
The latest Consumer Confidence survey by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI WA) has revealed that consumer confidence in WA is at a four year high. 74 per cent of WA consumers believe that the state’s economy will strengthen or remain the same over the next 12 months, up five per cent from the September quarter. Short-term confidence has also continued to grow, up five per cent from the previous quarter to 76 per cent. Cost of living does however continue to be the biggest influence on consumers, with costs such as groceries, utilities, and transport being cited by more than 70 per cent of respondents as a concern. Full report here
First home buyers on the rise across the country
According to the latest housing finance figures released by the ABS, the number of first home buyer commitments in Australia as a percentage of total owner occupied housing finance commitments rose to 18% in November 2017 from 17.6% in October 2017. Between October 2017 and November 2017, the average loan size for first home buyers rose $3,300 to $327,100. Full report here
UDIA Committee nominations close Monday
The UDIA committees are an important aspect of UDIA’s policy and advocacy work, providing advice and expertise on a range of development related issues. The committee system is also a great way to participate in the institute and get involved in our activities at a grass roots level. Nominations for the 2018 standing committees are open until Monday 22 January.
Our standing committees include:
- Environment
- Housing Diversity
- Industry Diversity
- Infrastructure
- Land Use Planning
- Outlook
- Urban Water
Find out more information and the nomination form here.
State conference gears up
If you are considering attending our State Conference in February then we suggest you get your registrations in soon to avoid disappointment! Bunker Bay accommodation is starting to fill up and we don’t want anyone missing out. We have a great line up of speakers including an opening address from the Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA, Minister for Planning; Lands and Heritage and keynote presenter Professor Ian Harper from Deloitte Access Economics as well as many more! Download the registration form with all the details here
Government launches online gateway for environmental and water approvals
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has developed a new online gateway for water and environmental assessments and approvals. Water Minister Dave Kelly says the new gateway will act as a ‘one stop shop’ for project applicants that will save time and improve response times. UDIA would welcome feedback from members who utilise the new system.
Better waste management in WA
The state government is hosting eight workshops to provide an opportunity for the community to engage in a discussion on the new waste strategy. The workshops will launch in Perth on February 1, 2018 with subsequent sessions in Albany, Bunbury, Kalgoorlie, Port Hedland and Geraldton. There will be three workshops in Perth. The consultation paper, which is open for public comment, looks at opportunities to improve Western Australia’s waste and recycling performance which is lagging behind that of other Australian States. More information and registrations for the workshops are available via the Waste Authority here
The State Government has also launched a funding program for projects that ‘champion better waste management practices and improve awareness of the need to reduce waste.’ $1 million is available to eligible projects. Find out more here
National housing finance and investment corp – have your say
UDIA National has been working with the federal government to ensure industry feedback is incorporated into the draft legislation on the National Housing and Investment Corporation. This exposure draft Bill gives effect to the Government’s 2017/18 Budget commitment to establish the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC). Public comment on the Bill is open until Monday 22 January, if you wish to find out more, visit https://treasury.gov.au/consultation/c2018-t252521/
Further calls for stamp duty reform
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has released a ‘Stamp Duty Watch’ report that reveals stamp duty bills have increased almost three times faster than house prices since the 1980s, with a typical stamp duty bill of $20,587 adding an average of 3.1 per cent to a dwelling price during December 2017. The dependence of Australian states on stamp duty revenue worsened significantly, accounting for 26.1 per cent of tax revenues during 2015-16 – the highest share since 2008-09. UDIA is an advocate for Stamp Duty reform in Western Australia, advocating for a broad based land tax system to be transitioned into operation over a number of years. More information on the HIA report can be found here
National Congress attracts global leaders
Don’t miss the opportunity to network with colleagues from around the country and hear from global leaders in innovation and development. ‘See the Now’ at the UDIA National Congress in Melbourne from March 20 – 22nd 2018. More details here
Feedback for UDIA submissions requested for:
- Local Government Act Review. More information here . Comments to UDIA by 1 February.
- EP Act Clean Fill. More information here. Comments to UDIA by 25 January.
- Westport: Port and Environs Strategy. More information here. Comments to UDIA by 29 January.
Raise your profile & build your brand in the WA Development Industry; 2018 Sponsorship Opportunities with UDIA WA
With a new President, a revised business plan and a refreshed team, UDIA WA has an exciting future and we are gearing up to deliver exceptional member value into 2018 and beyond!
We are proud to present here a refreshed sponsorship offering to our members. We’ve worked hard to ensure the sponsorship options cover a range of investment levels, presenting everyone with an opportunity to get involved.
Whether you seek an annual partnership that offers extensive engagement, simple brand awareness through a one off sponsorship, or advertising options to get your key messages out into the market; we’re confident you’ll find an option that will meet your needs. Terms can be negotiated to round out the 2017/2018 financial year, or to tie in with the new 2018 calendar year. Just let us know what works for you, and we can tailor a solution to deliver the outcomes required!
Should you have any questions or require additional information to assist with your considerations, or wish to discuss packaging options that meet your budget & will complement your marketing strategies, please contact Erin Meikle (Director Commercial & Member services) at UDIA – 08 9215 3409 or emeikle@udiawa.com.au
Download the 2018 Sponsorship prospectus here