The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA WA) has welcomed the passage of planning reform legislation today that will pave the way for a more efficient planning system that will facilitate jobs and boost economic growth during what are critical times for the state.
“First and foremost, I would like to congratulate the Minister for Planning Rita Saffioti and the Premier Mark McGowan for their acute understanding and acknowledgement of the importance of the property development sector to the broader economic recovery and the need to take fast and effective measures to support significant projects coming to fruition,” UDIA WA CEO Steinbeck said.
“This legislation will be a catalyst for some fantastic investment in WA projects that will not only create jobs but benefit the community,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“We know that immediate investment in infrastructure and construction to stimulate economic activity will ensure that the unavoidable economic downturn we are facing will be as short as possible,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“The property and construction sectors employ thousands of people across WA and we contribute on average 10% to Gross State Product each year,” Ms Steinbeck said. “That is critical for future growth.”
“UDIA WA has been working closely with government and key stakeholders for several years regarding the raft of planning reform amendments that have been included in the Planning and Development Amendment Bill 2020,” Ms Steinbeck said. “It is pleasing to see that work come to fruition and make a real difference to our planning system.”
“While the most significant aspect of the legislation is the new pathway for ‘significant projects’ it is the overall reduction in red tape and streamlining of the system that this raft of amendments will put in motion that are also widely welcomed by industry across the board,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“A more streamlined planning approvals system equates to a more efficient development process that results in more affordable housing for end consumers,” Ms Steinbeck said. “At the end of the day efficient equals affordable.”
In terms of the new ‘significant development’ pathway, the development industry recognised the government’s willingness to listen to industry feedback and reduce the value threshold for eligible projects from $30 million to $20 million.
“The value threshold of $20 million for metro projects and $5 million for regional projects will ensure that we see a range of quality development proposals able to be considered over the next 18 months,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“Overall, the swift passage of this legislation through both houses of Parliament was a fantastic display of bipartisanship and we are pleased that all sides of politics were able to come together and recognise the importance of jointly supporting the development industry, in turn supporting the broader economic recovery,” Ms Steinbeck said.
Ends.
Contact:
Gemma Osiejak
Executive Manager Communications & Marketing
P: 0421 506 819
E: gosiejak@udiawa.com.au