The West Australian
Developers fear a draft policy — to charge Public Open Space contributions on infill projects like apartments — is akin to a new tax.
The Urban Development Institution of Australian (WA) claims the State Government’s newly released draft Public Open Space policy ignores market realities.
The draft policy applies the long-standing 10 per cent public open space fee across all urban areas, including infill, with cash in lieu to apply if land cannot be ceded — and charged at a tenth of land value.
If adopted, it would end the traditional interpretation of the policy, in which built strata is not subject to the fee. However, the policy was inconsistent and occasionally imposed on infill.
UDIA (WA) chief executive Tanya Steinbeck said that it would add yet another cost to housing, borne by buyers, “for no clear benefit to the ultimate residents”.
To read the story in full, including further comments from UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck, click here.