Major boost for NT developers and homebuyers

Territory development industry joins forces with national UDIA

Property developers and homebuyers in the Northern Territory have been bolstered with the local development industry officially joining forces with the national Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA).

At a special ceremony today at The Heights, Durack residential development, UDIA National President Julie Katz and UDIA Northern Territory President Kerry Osborne formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which for the first time gives NT property developers access to the latest policies, research and initiatives of the UDIA nationally.

Significantly, membership of the UDIA’s Canberra-based national body will assist Territory developers seek advice and guidance on policy issues that are most appropriately pursued at a Federal Government level, such as a national approach to modern infrastructure to support a rising population, better delivery of affordable housing, a fairer tax system to encourage more jobs and a reduction in red tape to reduce development bottlenecks in planning systems.

UDIA (NT) President Kerry Osborne says formal membership of the national federation is a major milestone for the property development industry in the Territory.

“The UDIA in the Territory has played a key role in representing the interests of local property developers, and in turn the home buying public since our formation four years ago. However until now we have operated independently from the UDIA national body and other states of Australia,” said Mr Osborne.

“To finally bring the Territory division of the UDIA into line with the rest of the nation is a fantastic step forward that will provide local developers with much greater access to critical advice and guidance on national policy issues, as well as news and information on new initiatives regarding urban design excellence that will ultimately help Territorians plan, build and move into better homes.

“Membership of the UDIA federation will also give us an opportunity to participate in national meetings and ensure Northern Territory perspectives and issues are included in discussions to develop policy.”

UDIA National President Julie Katz says the Memorandum of Understanding with the Northern Territory division should be embraced by local developers.

“If you work in the property development industry in the Northern Territory, this is terrific news,” she said.

“Not only will Territory property developers benefit from superior access to national news, information and crucial policy developments, but supporting industry sectors will also benefit such as engineers, planners, architects, surveyors, lawyers and consultants.

“Of course you need to be a member of the UDIA first, so now is the time to sign up in the Territory and take advantage of the organisation’s new membership with the national federation.”

The UDIA is Australia’s peak representative body for all segments of the urban development industry and seeks to create awareness that national prosperity is dependent on Australia’s ability to house communities and develop cities for future generations.

In the Northern Territory, the UDIA has operated as a separate entity from the national body since its establishment in 2009, however will now enjoy access to national programs and strategies in the interests of local land and built form property developers.

The UDIA (NT) will also continue to work with the Territory and local governments, the general community and others in the property industry to advance the development of desirable, sustainable, economic and liveable NT communities that reflect the region’s unique cultural and natural environment.

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