- WA Planning Minister announces interim measures for public open space contributions
- Interim measures will ensure WAPC is the decision maker on applications of public open space contribution
- UDIA WA praises the move by the WA Government
UDIA WA has welcomed the announcement by Planning Minister John Carey that interim measures for public open space contributions will be implemented for infill development, while broader Public Open Space policy review is undertaken.
While consultation continues, amendments to local government delegations will be enacted shortly, to ensure the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) is the decision maker on any applications of public space open contributions for built strata applications in the Perth Metropolitan area and South West.
The Western Australian government says this will ensure a fair and consistent approach to public open space contributions across all local governments and also limit the capacity for councils to apply unforeseen project costs, which may hinder sorely needed apartment developments in the current housing market.
Moreover, the Minister also confirmed the government will not support any changes to the Public Open Space policy that add regulatory burden and cost to the delivery of infill projects.
“I want to be clear – our Government will not accept any new changes to the policy that will negatively impact the current delivery of housing projects or lifts delivery costs for projects, given the current heated construction market and the need for new housing projects to be completed,” Carey said.
According to the WA government, there have been two main issues with how public open space contributions are considered in the context of built strata applications.
- Inconsistent application of public open space contribution requirements across various local governments.
- The imposition of a public open space contribution condition at the end of the process, after development approval and the building permit has been issued, which is resulting in uncertainty and adding cost to the buyers of these dwellings.
UDIA WA CEO responds
UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck says following UDIA WA’s advocacy on this policy issue, they strongly welcome the announcement from Minister Carey.
“Amidst the housing crisis that is impacting Western Australia, it is more crucial than ever for such policies to be closely examined through a housing affordability lens and for the acceleration of supply to be prioritised,” she said.
“We have been clear that the draft policy, and the way some local governments are interpreting the existing policy in imposing cash-in-lieu requirements on built strata subdivision, is a major threat to the viability of infill projects and longer-term housing affordability.
“We thank the minister for listening to and acting quickly on the concerns of industry as we continue to work collaboratively towards greater housing supply, choice and affordability.”
The Draft Operational Policy 2.3 – Planning for Public Open Space was released on 9 June 2023 and as it stands, it seeks to apply 10% Public Open Space requirement across all urban areas, with cash-in-lieu to apply if land cannot be ceded.
