WA State Recap – Summer 20/21

We shook off our COVID-19 restrictions early enough to have some wonderful events as 2020 wound up. Spring had definitely sprung at the Spring drinks in a trendy Northbridge garden and with many important conversations had, ideas aplenty flowed for the industry.

Over 300 people attended the CHU Transform 2020 Conference with its punchier format, trade interviews and perspective altering keynote speaker. It was pleasing to hear many sponsors, attendees and speakers mention they got value from the content and liked the new format.

The end of year Sundowner was a hoot we certainly like a laugh!

Much fun was had at the Masquerade Award Gala evening. Congratulations once again to all the award winners. The judges told me they had a tough time deciding on the winners, and were impressed with all the entrants. It was my honour to present not one, but two President Awards this year. For recipients Leonie Milonas and Paul Keet, the award is a fitting acknowledgement of the work, time and effort they both contribute to SCA (WA). Each of our guests, Ray Haeren from Urbis,  Pepita  Adams from Landgate and John Carey from MLA all mentioned to me they were impressed by the onstage gathering of all of the contributing volunteers – truly an imposing sight.

The end of year Sundowner was a hoot – we certainly like a laugh! A last minute venue change to the grassy banks of the Debarl Yerrigan saw some shoes off and a keen crowd stay on for hours. A lovely way to acknowledge the year gone by.

In some respects, we ended 2020 as we started 2020 ensuring our members are represented as legislation is being finalised. Now it’s Community Titles regulations, then it was Strata Titles regulations. This saw us hold feedback sessions with Landgate and make a formal submission on Community Titles. We also made submissions for Metronet East Redevelopment, Licencing Requirements for Building Engineers, and various planning scheme submissions – just to make sure they don’t forget about strata! 

The Insurance inquiry is keeping SCA engaged, with a full schedule of national advocacy meetings set for 2021. A hugely important topic and critical SCA (WA) is involved as getting insurance above the 26th parallel is extremely challenging for our members.   

The Perth City Deal announcement puts strata squarely in the centre of a 90,000 population target by 2050 for the City of Perth. More than three times the current population and they won’t be in houses! This is on top of a state government push for infill throughout greater Perth and transport centred development. In addition, a growing student accommodation need and growing aged care sector provides even more opportunity. Only growth ahead for the residential strata sector in Western Australia. The commercial strata sector is less buoyant, and all levels of government are in the first stages of understanding this issue post COVID-19. Policy and Advocacy departments are on the alert and will make sure SCA (WA) has input as soon as possible to help shape all of these important discussions and policy settings.  

The Minster has responded to SCA (WA)’s request for professional advice funding with an agreement to conduct a review.  We will keep you informed on this important area.

SCA (WA) is now on Instagram, and continue on Facebook and LinkedIn. Please follow us on your preferred social platform. We want to keep you informed, but don’t want to add to your mountain of emails – watch out for us trialling some videos, fun facts and interesting articles.

2021 holds much promise.