Fast-tracked power connection measures for land developers

• New initiatives to allow land developers to bring housing to market faster
• Different pathways to provide flexibility to developers
• Reforms the result of collaboration between Western Power, and the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) WA

The Cook Government has slashed even more red tape in a bid to increase Western Australia's housing supply with a raft of initiatives to accelerate the installation of new power connections for residential subdivisions.

These initiatives, which Western Power has formulated following extensive consultation with the land development industry, will include a refined pre-Design Conformance Review (DCR) clearance process, which will enable land developers to access certificates of title earlier, and accelerate project delivery.

A total of 80 projects with construction works complete, or due to be completed in the coming weeks, have already been identified to be cleared now.

Moving forward, developers will have the option of two pathways.

To be eligible for the pre-DCR clearance pathway, a developer must prove:

• Construction on site has commenced;
• Appropriate documentation is complete; and
• The project does not require network reinforcement.

If successful, developers can apply to Landgate for Certificates of Title, and bring their project to market earlier.

While the status of projects and their place in the development approval pipeline will be considered, the pre-DCR clearance process will not require a security bond for eligibility.

A second pathway for pre-DCR clearance will also be available for applicants that submit a completed design that has passed an independent audit.

These options will enable a multi-pathway process that allows developers the flexibility to select the best solution based on their project demands.

Comments attributed to Energy Minister Reece Whitby:

"The Cook Government will always do what's right by WA, including boosting housing supply.

"Through these newly announced measures, we're providing land developers with pathways to bring their projects to market in a timely manner.

"I'd like to thank Western Power, which, through its collaboration with UDIA WA to audit and overhaul its processes, is successfully dealing with a significant and consistent rise in new power connection applications throughout industry."

Comments attributed to Western Power Executive Manager Asset Operations Zane Christmas:

"Western Power is committed to working collaboratively with industry, and finding workable solutions to improve application approval times effectively.

"New measures include a technical queries support service, introduction of Design Information Package (DIP) self-service, independent design audits, increased staffing resources, review and update of the UDS (Underground Distribution Schemes) Manual, and quarterly technical engagement forums."

Comments attributed to Urban Development Institute of Australia WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck:

"In the midst of a housing shortage, any delays that impact the timely delivery of crucially needed homes must be addressed as a priority.

"We welcome the collaborative and proactive approach that has been taken by the State Government in resolving issues in relation to delays for securing clearances, and gaining energisation for projects that can deliver housing to the market - now.

"These measures are an example of what can be achieved when we work together toward a common goal, and that goal is making sure homes are delivered as efficiently, and affordably as possible for the people that need them."