Latest news with #UDIAWA
West Australian
3 days ago
- General
- West Australian
Bridging now to next
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) commenced on May 27. It is an important time to learn more about our shared history, culture and achievements, as well as consider how we can all contribute to reconciliation in Australia. The theme for this year's NRW is 'Bridging Now to Next', which reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future, and calls on all Australians to step forward together. This is a timely theme and an opportunity to outwardly pay our respects to the incredible knowledge and experience which Aboriginal Elders, traditional owners and community members have in connection with their land. This deep connection to the land is directly relevant to the work the urban development industry does in the creation of new communities and enhancement of existing ones across the state. Meaningful community engagement is an integral part of forming successful places and spaces for people to live, work and play to ensure they are vibrant, inclusive and respectful. Creating a strong connection to place through listening, learning and engaging with Elders, traditional custodians and local community members is an important aspect of understanding and ensuring connection to the land is represented, understood and integrated into communities. This week, UDIA WA has been participating in opportunities to learn more about Aboriginal people's lived experience and the role we can all play in reconciliation, including attending Reconciliation WA's breakfast event in Fremantle on the morning of May 27, along with more than 1000 guests. UDIA WA also hosted its own event in partnership with DevelopmentWA on May 28, where we learnt more about authentic Aboriginal engagement practices and had the opportunity to participate on a study tour to the Subi East redevelopment site. Here, we followed the Six Season Bidi Trail, which features seasonal landscaping and artwork representing the six seasons of Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang. We also visited Yagan Square and explored how this development has created storytelling opportunities for Whadjuk Noongar female artists. On Tuesday June 3 – the final day of NRW – the UDIA WA team will participate in the Walk for Reconciliation at Galup (Lake Monger), where we will walk in solidarity with local Whadjuk Noongar people and community members. Galup, which translates to 'place of fire', holds significance for the Whadjuk Noongar people as a place where many families used to camp and nurture their communities in the area prior to colonisation. UDIA WA's commitment to reconciliation has been formalised in our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which was endorsed last year and outlines how our organisation is taking meaningful action to advance reconciliation based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities. You can read more about our RAP in the About section on the UDIA WA website.
West Australian
25-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Time to deliver on housing promises
The spotlight will be on the first budget of the newly re-elected Cook Government when it is handed down in late June. For many Western Australians, housing continues to be one of the most pressing issues which will receive funding initiatives in this budget. The squeeze of rising living costs, declining affordability and ongoing housing supply shortages are still being felt in many households across the state. To that end, UDIA WA welcomed WA Labor's housing commitments during the election campaign, many of which closely aligned with our own advocacy. Now, as we approach the first budget of the new term, we are expecting these promises to be backed with the funding needed to implement them. While the budget is likely to focus on those already-announced initiatives, there is also an opportunity to look at further initiatives to addressing the state's housing challenges. With smart, targeted investment, the State Government can partner with the private sector to deliver even more homes faster. Among the key commitments we expect to see funded is the $20.6 million to expand stamp duty exemptions for off-the-plan and under-construction homes by $100,000, including townhouses, villas and apartments. The State Government also promised $110.7 million to lift the First Home Owner Rate of duty threshold to $500,000, with discounts available for homes priced up to $700,000 in Perth and $750,000 in regional areas. We also anticipate $75 million for a Build to Rent Kickstart Fund and a $210 million boost to the Keystart shared equity scheme for up to 1000 new apartments and townhomes purchased off-the-plan or under construction, which will help deliver up to 1000 new homes for Western Australians. The $400 million Housing Enabling Infrastructure Fund is another significant initiative we fully support. Infrastructure investment is essential to unlocking housing supply and bringing new developments to life. But we can't stop there. UDIA WA is urging further funding to support the delivery of new homes and to help keep housing within reach for more people. This includes ensuring service agencies have the capital budgets they need to avoid delays to residential land development. We'd also like to see further funding allocated to build on the initial $400 million Housing Enabling Infrastructure Fund to catalyse residential development in key growth areas, as well as an extension and expansion of the existing Infrastructure Development Fund to boost the viability of apartment projects. UDIA WA has also recommended reforms to improve government efficiency and coordination in planning and approvals. Overall, this budget is an opportunity for the Cook Government to follow through and make a real difference to the future of housing in WA.
