Industry bodies unite for action on strata reform

Leading WA industry bodies have come together to call on the State Government to take immediate action to follow through on promises of much needed strata title reform in Western Australia.

The Property Council, Strata Community Australia and the Urban Development Institute of Australia have come together in calling on the State Government to introduce the draft Bill into Parliament to pass changes to the Strata Titles Act by the end of 2016.

The three groups are in agreement that the promised reforms will greatly assist the development industry to grow the economy and significantly improve the lives of thousands of West Australians living in strata properties.

Property Council WA Executive Director Lino Iacomella said “The introduction of community strata titles would reduce the cost and complexity of many large mixed-use property developments that are proposed in Perth and major regional centres in WA.”

UDIA WA CEO, Allison Hailes said “Much of the hard work to figure out the reforms has been done and industry is supportive of the changes.  It’s now critical that drafting of the new legislation is expedited and the Bill is introduced into Parliament as a priority, to ensure West Australians are able to benefit from the proposed changes as soon as possible.”

Strata Communities WA President Rachel Cosentino said “Strata law reform was needed as a key driver of housing affordability, sustainability and liveability for WA’s growing population.  In particular, the proposed reforms will help improve the governance and diversity of strata communities.”

Strata reform is vital to meet the needs of a population that is growing and changing across WA and to prevent project delays and a lack of development options for increased affordable housing and community living. It is critical these reforms take effect this year to ensure the continued progression of current major projects in Perth.