Increasingly constrained land and a lack of certainty around what areas can be developed has lead to the ever increasing cost of housing in WA.  The environmental approvals system is often complex and the different layers of government requirements can be contradictory and lack clarity.

UDIA Recommends: 

  1. The state government commit to establishing a Strategic Assessment of Perth and Peel Region (SAPPR) in the next 12 months
  2. The State ensure the review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act delivers a streamlined, single assessment process
  3. Integrate and align land use planning & environmental approvals

The development industry can play a pivotal role in future proofing our communities and adapting to climate change, however the current system is too complex and time consuming leading to missed opportunities in the innovation space including more efficient use of water resources and other innovative responses to our changing climate.

Many in private industry are leading the way with innovative responses but navigating the path to delivering viable projects can be fraught with complexity, cost and time frame blowouts.

UDIA Recommends: 

  1. Develop a clear and consistent State climate change policy
  2. Revise the bushfire planning framework to deliver practical outcomes that fully balance all relevant environmental considerations together with community safety
  3. Establish a clear, consistent, evidence-based approach to the management of coastal and other natural hazards

Industry and government have made great strides in relation to conserving our precious water resources, however we need to do more.  We need to commit to delivering truly innovative projects that protect water resources and future proof our communities.

UDIA Recommends: 

  1. Championing alternative water schemes for the irrigation of the public realm and public open space, including recycled wastewater, water from surface and sub-soil drainage and stormwater harvesting
  2. Complete the Review of the IPWEA Local Government Guidelines for Subdivisional Development to ensure that they deliver consistent and positive development outcomes
  3. Fully fund the implementation of actions in the State Water Action Plan

UDIA Recommends: 

  1. Adopt a policy framework that incentivises the use of recycled material for construction purposes
Image credit: Dion Robeson