News Articles for Rita Saffioti

International hotel group Hilton has chosen Albany to open its first Hilton Garden Inn in Australia, with construction starting on a five-storey, 108-room waterfront hotel this week.

The inaugural State Design Review Panel has been appointed to oversee the design quality of major new development proposals in Western Australia.

The state government says it will fix a planning loophole that enabled small housing subdivisions in WA to be built without connection to telecommunications infrastructure.

A handful of big, integrated, high-rise projects with a combined value of $2.2 billion will reshape the waterfront site.

Balcatta based R.J. Vincent and Co has been picked by the state government to demolish the grandstands at Subiaco Oval, with the playing surface to remain for community use.

The state government is assessing the construction of an extra rail link over the Swan River, as part of a new Fremantle traffic bridge, after committing to the $230 million project.

The state government has launched a $1.52 billion major roads package as part of the 2019-20 state budget, and announced a $415 million funding boost for Metronet.

Planning Minister Rita Saffioti has approved new guidelines allowing for higher-density development in Nedlands, despite continued opposition from local government.

The state government has attracted just two bidders, both headed by Spanish-owned companies, for its signature Metronet rail projects, despite altering its contracting strategy to boost market interest.

Recent policy disputes have shone a light on political and business influence in WA.

Albany and Bunbury Ring Roads, Fremantle Traffic Bridge, and an extension of Tonkin Highway were among the list of local road projects to receive $1.6 billion of funding from Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Perth today.

The state government has awarded a $549 million contract to Volvo to continue supplying Transperth buses with local manufacturer Volgren to fit-out the vehicles.

Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei will continue to work on a digital radio system for Perth's rail network after the Western Australian government was assured the company could deliver the contract.

The state government has softened its policy on ride-sharing services at Optus Stadium, with sports fans now able to catch a ride to the East Perth side of Matagarup Bridge after bus services were transferred from that location.

New rules will soon apply to high-density developments across the Perth metropolitan area, including minimum apartment sizes, guidelines around tree retention and natural light, and how projects integrate with the wider neighbourhood.

Infrastructure Australia has identified 16 priority projects for Western Australia, highlighting several major differences with the state government's priorities, including the Morley-Ellenbrook line.

There are doubts Chinese government-owned telecommunications giant Huawei will be able to deliver a $136 million contract for Perth's rail network, after the United States brought criminal charges against the company.

Finbar Group's new $330 million Civic Heart in South Perth will comprise two towers at 39 and 22 storeys, with the state government giving its tick to planning guideline changes for the site.

The state government has announced a delay of up to 12 months at the Forrestfield-Airport Link due to tunneling issues, but says the rail project's $1.9 billion budget will not be impacted.

SPECIAL REPORT: Mathias Cormann has been deeply entwined in the federal government's fortunes this year, while a win on GST distribution has boosted standing for Mark McGowan and Ben Wyatt.

Premier Mark McGowan has reallocated six portfolios within his cabinet, including the energy portfolio being transferred from Treasurer Ben Wyatt to Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston.

The state government has been forced to allocate an extra $8 million to a dredging program at Broome Port, while an independent report has ruled out the use of a below deck gangway for cruise ships at the port.

Saracen Properties will reassess plans for a redevelopment of the historic Royal George Hotel in East Fremantle, after Planning Minister Rita Saffioti backed a proposal to limit building height on the site to seven storeys.

The state government has approved the use of recycled construction and demolition (C&D) waste as road base for the Kwinana Freeway widening project, seven years after the Barnett government's attempt to do the same thing foundered.

BHP Billiton's rail operations in the Pilbara are expected to be out of action for a week after a runaway train laden with iron ore travelled 92 kilometres with no-one on board before it was deliberately derailed.

Property industry bodies have congratulated the McGowan government on passing the Strata Titles Amendment Bill 2018 through Parliament, which it says will bring a range of benefits for strata living arrangements through better regulation of strata managers and improved dispute resolution processes.

A pool of more than $30 million will be spent across the state to build new truck rest stops and upgrade existing roads to improve safety for heavy vehicles.

The state government has backed an inquiry into short-stay accommodation providers, just days after the Australian Hotels Association called for a tightening of regulation of the sector.

Chevron Australia has given the green light to a purpose-built tower at Elizabeth Quay, lodging a development application for a 30-level building for lot seven of the precinct.

An engineering alliance comprising BMD Constructions, CIMIC Group's Ventia and Arup has secured a $47 million contract for the ‘smart freeways' project on the Kwinana Freeway.

West Perth-based Advanteering - Civil Engineers has been awarded a $2.5 million contract as part of the state government's upgrade of the Jetty Road causeway in Bunbury.

The state government will leverage its Metronet program to drive development of urban density in Perth.

The Property Council of Australia has welcomed proposed laws governing apartment projects in entertainment precincts, but has expressed caution about where the policy applies and its impact on planning approvals.

Property developer Carmel Group and Aegis Aged Care Group have been chosen to build a $100 million multigenerational development at the former Joondalup Basketball Stadium.

The state government has failed to attract a hotel developer at Albany's Middleton Beach, with a recent expression of interest process bringing no suitable submissions.

The state government is negotiating with the Liberal and National parties to facilitate the upper house passing its proposed strata reform legislation.

Early works for the Yanchep rail extension and Thornlie to Cockburn link will be contracted separately, as the state government attempts to give opportunities for smaller players after combining the main portions of the two projects into one package.

The state government has shortlisted three consortiums to build and maintain 246 new railcars during the next decade, while choosing Bellevue as the preferred site for the associated manufacturing facility.

The state government today confirmed a program of demolition and land preparation works worth $33 million for the decommissioned Subiaco Oval.

Planning Minister Saffioti has approved Far East Consortium's plans for a two-tower development adjacent to the Perth Arena, with one tower to house the Dorsett Hotel.