UDIA (VIC)

Executive Director of the UDIA (VIC) Tony De Domenico said, "The two day conference The Business of Change Thursday 11 and Friday 12 October 2012 will be held at Four Points Sheraton, Geelong and will include a major tour of Armstrong Creek which is under construction".

"Armstrong Creek is one of the fastest growing regional developments in Victoria providing housing for between 55,000 to 65,000 people, approximately 22,000 residential homes and an estimated 22,000 jobs and reflects the vision and capability of UDIA members."

Mr De Domenico said currently we have building starts, according to the HIA at a 16 year low, and need to urgently build back confidence in the housing and development industry Certainty in Planning must be a major focus of all levels of Government.

"The reality is Victoria and the community cannot afford the current planning system which in many circumstances has no certainty and can see millions of dollars and years wasted on processes that impacts on housing affordability and is a major disincentive to investment, a waste of local government and government resources".

"Ultimately the costs of an inefficient planning system and delays of projects for years gets paid for by the end user, whether it be the first home buyer or business setting up a new facility for manufacturing, retail or tourism in Victoria".

"For this reason Victoria, including the Geelong region, cannot afford to miss the window of opportunity of planning reform being undertaken by the Victorian Government if the State is to retain and strengthen its economic base employment opportunities and build sustainable communities in the future."

Mr De Domenico said, "The UDIA last year recognised Geelong as fast becoming the hub of one of the most influential development fronts in Victoria by creating a regional Geelong Chapter of the UDIA".

"The economic activity in the Victorian development industry is responsible for 12 per cent of the Victorian economy and employs some 310,000 Victorians."

Speakers at the conference will include: * Cr John Mitchell, Mayor of Geelong * Cameron Ling, Developer and ex Geelong Football Captain and Player * Hans Kunnen, Chief Economist, St. George Banking Group * Professor Hisham Elkadi, Deakin University and * Sam Sangster CEO, Places Victoria.

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, UDIA (VIC) - Mobile: 0417 329 201