The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA WA) has welcomed the appointment of the Hon. John Carey MLA to the Planning portfolio.
“UDIA WA is looking forward to continuing our positive working relationship with Minister Carey now that he has taken on extra responsibilities under the Planning portfolio,” UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck said.
“The Planning portfolio is a natural fit with his existing areas of responsibility including housing, lands and homelessness,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“The Institute is committed to working collaboratively with all levels of government to address the current dire issues related to housing supply and affordability,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“We have built a sound working relationship with Minister Carey during his time in the housing and local government portfolios and we will continue to work with the Minister’s office in relation to the ongoing planning reform agenda,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“While Minister Carey has had a strong focus on social housing under the Housing portfolio, we hope that expanding his remit to planning will ensure a strong focus from State Government across the housing continuum from crisis accommodation right through to affordable home ownership,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“There is a lot of work to do to ensure that Western Australia’s housing supply pipeline is sustainable in the long term and that we can adequately deliver the land and housing that our growing population desperately needs,” Ms Steinbeck said.
In welcoming Minister Carey, UDIA WA also offered thanks and congratulations to outgoing Planning Minister and new Deputy Premier and Treasurer the Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA.
“Minister Saffioti has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the planning reform space and in the roll out of METRONET in order to deliver on Perth’s vision as a more connected and compact City,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“It is great to see Minister Saffioti has retained the Transport portfolio in order to continue her work on the METRONET vision,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“Minister Saffioti and the McGowan Government more broadly were willing to listen to industry and act to address the significant challenges our industry has faced over the last several years,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“The road is long, and we must continue to implement the changes needed to ensure Perth remains an affordable and attractive place for people to live, work and prosper,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“We look forward to working with our new Minister and the State Government under the Hon. Roger Cook’s leadership to further much needed reform and keep looking to the bigger picture and strategic solutions in the housing and planning space for the benefit of all West Australians.”
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Contact:
Gemma Osiejak
Executive Manager Communications & Engagement
P: 0421 506 819
E: gosiejak@udiawa.com.au