The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA WA) has applauded the Cook Government for its proactive approach to addressing critical housing shortages across the state as the latest tranche of planning reforms were announced today.
“The State Government has shown that they are listening, and they understand the dire need to address the housing crisis in WA,” UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck said.
“Systemic changes to our planning system are needed and the planning reform agenda, that has been ongoing over the last few years, is strongly supported by the development industry,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“Time costs money and these changes today, on top of previously announced measures, are aimed at streamlining complex approvals processes and ensuring that affordable housing can be delivered to the market in a timely manner to meet strong demand for housing across the state,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“Buyers should not have to pay more for housing simply because of unnecessary delays in the planning system due to duplication and complexity,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“The establishment of a Housing Supply Unit yesterday and the latest round of planning reforms today are steps toward a more coordinated system for delivering homes to the market,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“Perth is the most affordable capital city in Australia, and we want to keep it that way. Supporting the housing supply pipeline and supporting industry to play its role is critical to keeping a lid on house prices,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“If WA wants to secure its fair share of funding from the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), these are the kinds of changes that need to be made to our system,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“UDIA WA has advocated for a range of measures in recent years to boost housing supply and support industry to deliver much needed homes to the market,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“The planning reforms announced today are in line with recommendations made in the Institute’s Policy Priorities 2023 publication and in ongoing discussions, meetings and submissions,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“Our overall aim is to support the development industry in delivering housing choice to the market to enhance people’s lifestyles and provide them with a secure home,” Ms Steinbeck said.
Today’s announced planning reforms include:
- changes to the number and make up of Development Assessment Panels (DAPs);
- making permanent the State Development Pathway;
- changes to the membership and voting rights on the West Australian Planning Commission; and
- approvals for single homes will no longer be able to be referred to Local Councilors for decision (only to be determined by the local government authority)
Media Contact:
Gemma Osiejak
Executive Manager Communications & Engagement
gosiejak@udiawa.com.au
M: 0421 506 819