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With production costs on the rise, land losing value and supermarket wars driving down the price of milk, Victorian dairy farmers are doing it tough. 
Farm gate milk prices have fallen 15% in 12 months to 35¢ per litre, according to recent ABC television program The Business. 
It now costs far more to produce a litre of milk than the farmer will recoup by selling it.
“Some farmers are earning as little as 28¢ a litre,” according to Kerry Callow, United Dairy Farmers of Victoria president.
“Most farmers are facing a loss this year … as the cost of feed and electricity has risen up to 50%,” says accountant and dairy specialist Gary Smith from Coffey Hunt Accountants. 
“On an average client, we are looking at a cashflow effect of $250,000.”
The rising costs are clear to Dick McAlpine, a dairy farmer from Woodside North. 
McAlpine told Stock &amp; Land the costs have rapidly increased for his 160-hectare property, from $6,000-$7,000 per month to approximately $11,000 per month.  
Not only are production costs rising, but farm prices in Victoria are to have gone from around $7,000 per acre to $4,000-$5,000 per acre, according to one report.
“Its common in today’s market for all farms, including dairy farms, to be on the market for many months,” according to Greg Tucket, a stock and station agent with Elders for 32 years.
There has been “scant enquiry”, and “I’m not seeing any sales in Gippsland of any significance” he told Stock &amp; Land.
Farmers have no choice but to wait for prices to pick up for both their properties and their products.
Land capital assets have been significantly devalued, according to Ron Paynter, deputy president of the United Dairy farmers of Victoria.
“Those with cash resources behind them have been able to purchase poorer-quality property at maybe three-quarters of the prices that were being asked four years ago,” Tucket said.
Farmers are trying to hold onto their values, with many farms on the market for over 12 months unable to find buyers.
Paul Bourke from Gippsland Real Estate says: “There are plenty of farms that could be bought at the right money… It is very tough at the moment, I haven’t seen it tougher.” 
Victoria is responsible for the majority of Australia's milk production producing over 65% of the total output.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/camperdown.jpg" width="470" height="306" alt="camperdown">
Property Observer compiled a list of three current offerings, including a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.farmbuy.com/Listing_Display.aspx?ListingID=99510">180-hectare holding at Camperdown Victoria</a> (pictured above), 194 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. The farm is described by First National Real Estate agents as an "outstanding, high-productive, well-balanced dairy farm situated in prime tightly held area".  The property is for sale at $2,447,500, representing $5,500 per acre or $13,597 per hectare.
A 186-hectare irrigation dairy farm (pictured below) in Yarram District is rated a 300-cow farm. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.farmbuy.com/Listing_Display.aspx?ListingID=102490">It's for sale at $3,600 per acre, or a total of $1,652,400</a>.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/farm2.jpg" width="470" height="290" alt="farm2">
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.farmbuy.com/Listing_Display.aspx?ListingID=93556">A 134 hectare Leongatha property </a>(pictured below) is listed at a rate of $6,250 per acre, or a total of $2,062,500.  
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/farm3.jpg" width="470" height="353" alt="farm3">
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Sour news for Victorian dairy farmers as milk and property lose value

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A four-bedroom house in Somerton Park, South Australia, was the top sale in the country last week.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/wilkinsonave.jpg" width="470" height="353" alt="wilkinsonave">
 The house at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/12_wilkinson_avenue_somerton_park_sa_5044/10530717">12 Wilkinson Avenue, </a><a href="/news">Somerton Park</a> (pictured above), was sold for $3 million last week by Lew Toop from Toop &amp; Toop Real Estate.
Built in 2010 and within walking distance of the beach, the house has three bathrooms and in-ground swimming pool, along with a four-car garage plus workshop and further off-street parking. 
On the market for 17 days, the 495-square-metre house sits on 925 square metres of land. 
The property was last sold for $1.21 million in July 2008, for $805,000 in August 2005 and $450,000 in June 2000, according to RP Data.
Somerton Park is located 12 kilometres south-west of Adelaide in sits within the local government area of Holdfast Bay.
 
In the last 12 months in Somerton Park:
<ul>
<li>53 houses sold</li>
<li>$580,000 median sale price</li>
<li>95 average days on market 
</li>
</ul>
The top 10 sales in Australia last week were (RP Data):
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/12_wilkinson_avenue_somerton_park_sa_5044/10530717">12 Wilkinson Avenue, Somerton Park, SA, 5044</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on January 31 by Toop &amp; Toop Goodwood for $3 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/945_barrenjoey_road_palm_beach_nsw_2108/5301020" target="_blank">945 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach, NSW, 2108</a>, five-bedroom house, sold on February 2 by Barrenjoey Properties Avalon for $2.159 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/49_brighton_avenue_toronto_nsw_2283/6910335" target="_blank">49 Brighton Avenue, Toronto, NSW, 2283</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on January 31 by L J Hooker Toronto for $1.9 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/601/168_queenscliff_road_queenscliff_nsw_2096/16163917" target="_blank">601/168 Queenscliff Road, Queenscliff, NSW, 2096</a>, three-bedroom unit, sold on January 30 by McGrath Estate Agents for $1.6 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/3/4_young_street_paddington_nsw_2021/16161758" target="_blank">3/4 Young Street, Paddington, NSW, 2021</a>, three-bedroom unit, sold on January 31 by BresicWhitney Estate Agents Darlinghurst for $1.575 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/47_griffiths_street_fairlight_nsw_2094/2306239" target="_blank">47 Griffiths Street, Fairlight, NSW, 2094</a>, four-bedroom house, sold on January 30 by Cunninghams Property Balgowlah for $1.4 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/46_greenlaw_street_indooroopilly_qld_4068/5160112" target="_blank">46 Greenlaw Street, Indooroopilly, QLD, 4068</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on February 2 by Karen Mortland Inner West Specialist for $1.39 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/46_greenlaw_street_indooroopilly_qld_4068/5160112" target="_blank">16 Hillview Street, Sans Souci, NSW, 2219</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on February 2 by PRD Nationwide Woodward for $1.378 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/2_frederick_street_malvern_vic_3144/11577137" target="_blank">2 Frederick Street, Malvern, VIC, 3144</a>, three-bedroom house, sold on January 31 by Bennison Mackinnon Armadale for $1.36 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/58_curry_street_merewether_nsw_2291/4208613" target="_blank">58 Curry Street, Merewether, NSW, 2291</a>, four-bedroom house, sold on January 31 by PRD Nationwide Newcastle for $1.35 million
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Four-bedroom South Australian house tops week's sales: RP Data

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New home sales increased by 6.2% seasonally adjusted nationally in December 2012.
The year ended strongly as December sales increased for the third consecutive month, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
The HIA has released its new home sales report surveying Australia's largest builders. The December quarter showed an uptick of 3.3% in new home sales, although the figure  was down 12.7% on the same quarter 2011.
“The promising headline rise last December was driven by both detached house and multi-unit sales,” says HIA economist Geordan Murray.
“Furthermore, if we look at the under-performing market for 2012 – detached houses – the December improvement was broad-based as sales increased in all but one of the surveyed states.
“However, the overall result for 2012 leaves plenty of room for improvement.
"Detached house sales were weak throughout the year and compared with 2011 were down by 22.7%,” says Murray.
“On the other hand, multi-units sales were the star performer of 2012."
Multi-unit sales recovered from the record lows endured in 2011 and increased by 24.1% over 2012.”
“It is hoped that further signs of an impending new home building recovery emerge in coming months. However, it remains the case that lower interest rates alone will not deliver a recovery of the magnitude required by Australia’s economy and population,” says Murray.
Detached house sales in December and the December quarter:
 
New South Wales:         (Dec) +7.1%     (Dec Qtr) +14.4%
Victoria:                           (Dec) +6.0%      (Dec Qtr) -8.4%
Queensland:                    (Dec) +3.8%      (Dec Qtr) -5.5%
Western Australia:       (Dec) +12.2%    (Dec Qtr) +2.5%
South Australia:           (Dec) -1.8%       (Dec Qtr) +9.3%
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New home sales on the rise: HIA

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First-home buyers looking for a four-bedroom family home will have a hard time finding anywhere within 30 kilometres of the Melbourne CBD. 
Located 35 kilometres west of the city, Melton South is the closest suburb where first-home buyers can purchase a four-bedroom home and pay equal to or less than the average estimated first-home buyer mortgage repayment in Victoria of $414 per week.  
Aside from Melton South, first-home buyers looking for a four-bedroom home can find a residence in Frankston North, 37 kilometres south of Melbourne. 
There are a number of opportunities in rural Victoria for first-home buyers to find a four-bedroom home.  The Real Estate Institute of Victoria has listed such towns as Ararat, Ballarat (Wendouree), Bendigo (Eaglehawk), Colac, Corio, Kyabram, Longwarry, Mildura, Newcomb and Shepparton.
In order to find a four-bedroom home closer to the city, opportunities arise in the $430-$540 per week mortgage repayment range and are found in the outer suburbs of Melbourne.
The suburbs can be found in an interactive heat map showing weekly mortgage repayment price bands across Melbourne suburbs compiled by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) as part of its new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/First-Home-Buyer-Guide">first-home buyer guide. </a>
The REIV has used a cut-off value of $430 per week, which is above the $414 per week median mortgage repayment. As a result of this, the heat map will show suburbs just above the first-home buyers' threshold as affordable.<a style="font-size: 0.8em;" target="_blank" href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/First-Home-Buyer-Guide"> </a>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reiv.com.au/en/Property-Research/First-Home-Buyer-Guide/4-bedroom-houses"><img alt="reivjan22" height="629" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/01/reivjan22.jpg"></a>
 
The $414 per week median mortgage repayment is based on the average first-home buyer loan size of approximately $286,600, a standard variable interest rate of 6.4%, receipt of the $7,000 first-home owners' grant, a loan term of 30 years, a 10% deposit, and benchmark lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) and conveyance fees.
<img alt="vicmap" height="618" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/01/vicmap.jpg">
 
The full list starting with the cheapest is:
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Ararat</a>, $291 per week, median price of $220,000 <a target="_blank" href="/news">Kyabram</a>, $315 per week, median price of $237,500 <a target="_blank" href="/news">Frankston North</a>, $331 per week, median price of $249,000 <a target="_blank" href="/news">Corio</a>, $344 per week, median price of $258,750 <a target="_blank" href="/news">Morwell</a>, $356 per week, median price of $267,000 <a target="_blank" href="/news">Melton South</a>, $368 per week, median price of $276,250 <a target="_blank" href="/news">Bendigo </a>(<a target="_blank" href="/news">Eaglehawk</a>), $373 per week, median price of $280,000 <a target="_blank" href="/news">Mildura</a>, $375 per week, median price of $281,056 <a target="_blank" href="/news">Sebastopol</a>, $382 per week, median price of $286,000 <a href="/news">Horsham</a>, $384 per week, median price of $287,500 <a href="/news">Newcomb</a>, $384 per week, median price of $287,500 <a href="/news">Longwarry</a>, $390 per week, median price of 292,500 <a href="/news">Ballarat </a>(<a target="_blank" href="/news">Wendouree</a>), $394 per week, median price of $295,000 <a href="/news">Colac</a>, $401 per week, median price of $300,000 <a href="/news">Shepparton</a>, $401 per week, median price of $300,000
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Affordable four-bedroom houses in Victoria a long way from Melbourne: REIV

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Byron Bay's total property values have dropped 6.7% in the past three years, according to the NSW Valuer-General, with land owners in the Byron Bay local government area (LGA) recently issued with the fresh valuations.
These valuations are used for ratings purposes and reflect the land value based on market conditions as at July 1, 2012.
Byron Bay's 2012 valuation program consisted of a total of 13,036 properties, up from 12,800 in January 2010.
Property values in the Byron Bay municipality have generally decreased in the three-year period since the last valuation program was conducted.
“The total land value of the Byron Bay LGA as at 1 July 2012 was approximately $6.04 billion. This is an overall decrease from the total land value of $6.44 billion determined as at 1 July 2009,” says Valuer-General Phillip Western.
Residential land values have decreased slightly in the period, with the stronger falls in top-end suburbs such as Wategos Beach, Suffolk Park and New Brighton.
In contrast to the general decrease in value, residential land in parts of Mullumbimby and Sunrise Beach showed slight increases in value.
Commercial land values have followed a similar trend, generally showing a slight decrease, with the exception of a number of properties in Ocean Shores, which have shown a slight increase in value.
Industrial land has bucked the trend and generally recorded slight to moderate increase in value over the past three years.  This is can be demonstrated by values of similar properties in Bonanza Drive, Billinudgel, valued in both 2009 and 2012 and rising from $253 per square metre to 270 per square metre  This represents a 7% increase in value over the three-year period.
Rural properties and hobby farm land followed the general pattern and shown a slight decrease in value with the exception of Mullumbimby, showing slight to moderate increases in value.
Typical residential land values as at 1 July 2012 were:
<ul>
<li>616 square metres at Bottlebrush Crescent, Suffolk Park valued at $300,000</li>
<li>633 square metres at Cooper Street, Byron Bay valued at $370,000</li>
<li>718 square metres at Grevillea Avenue, Mullumbimby valued at $225,000</li>
<li>641 square metres at Ivory Curl Place, Bangalow valued at $265,000</li>
<li>613 square metres at Mullumbimbi Street, Brunswick Heads valued at $450,000</li>
<li>1,195 square metres at Tindara Avenue, Ocean Shores valued at $220,000</li>
<li>650 square metres at Mia Court, Ocean Shores valued at $315,000.</li>
</ul>
Typical commercial land values as at 1 July 2012 were:
<ul>
<li>607 square metres at Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby valued at $470,000</li>
<li>658 square metres at Fletcher Street, Byron Bay valued at $1,540,000.</li>
</ul>
Typical industrial land values as at 1 July 2012 were:
<ul>
<li>1,000 square metres at Bonanza Drive, Billinudgel valued at $270,000</li>
<li>1,494 square metres at Smith Street, Mullumbimby valued at $310,000</li>
<li>1,177 square metres at Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay valued at $500,000.</li>
</ul>
Typical rural land values as at 1 July 2012 were:
<ul>
<li>59 hectares at Kennedys Lane, Ewingsdale valued at $1,070,000</li>
<li>77 hectares at Vallances Road, Mullumbimby valued at $725,000.</li>
</ul>
Typical rural residential land values as at 1 July 2012 were:
<ul>
<li>7,625 square metres at Brushbox Drive, Mullumbimby Creek valued at $364,000</li>
<li>4,047 square metres at Figtree Court, Ewingsdale valued at $450,000</li>
<li>4.9 hectares at Friday Hut Road, Possum Creek valued at $550,000</li>
<li>2.5 hectares at Lagoon Drive, Myocum valued at $400,000.</li>
</ul>
Typical hobby farm land values as at 1 July 2012 were:
<ul>
<li>18 hectares at Kirklands Lane, Nashua valued at $510,000</li>
<li>22 hectares at Myocum Road, Myocum valued at $600,000</li>
<li>21 hectares at Middle Pocket Road, Middle Pocket valued at $540,000</li>
</ul>
These valuations have been compiled during the 2012 valuation program from the analysis of 322 residential, 34 commercial, 12 industrial and 192 rural sales.
Byron Bay picture courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a>.
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Byron Bay land values down almost 7% in past three years

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The Western Australian economy continues to outperform the rest of the nation, according to CommSec. 
The state has come out on top on four of the eight criteria – retail trade, equipment investment, construction work done and population growth – and also held onto second place in retail trade and housing finance, according to the latest quareterly “State of the States” report  compiled by CommSec chief economist Craig James.
The report places the Northern Territory in second place overall, close behind Western Australia, and the ACT in third.   
The Northern Territory continues to lead the ranking on economic activity at 48% above its decade-average output, and the ACT is supported by strong dwelling starts and population growth.  Although unemployment in the ACT is low compared with the rest of the nation, it is above the historical average at 3.5%.
There is little separating the three major states: Victoria, Queensland and NSW, according to the authoritative CommSec report, which looks at key economic trends.
NSW is benefiting from historically low unemployment together with rising population growth.  Home building has improved with the help of state government grants.  CommSec believes the factors will result in housing activity lifting in 2013.
Victoria has been supported by its housing sector, which is now slowing. 
All states and territories are showing levels of construction work higher than their decade averages.  
Victoria is in second-last place, with construction work 17% higher than the decade average for the state. In contrast to this, Victoria has the highest number of housing finance commitments, at 1.7% below the decade average and up 4.5% on November last year.
Queensland is restricted by its historically high unemployment but is supported by construction work and equipment investment.  The state is ranked third in retail spending, at 15.1% above decade-averages.
"The Victorian economy is certainly still being helped by relative strength in home building. And the Queensland economy is being propelled by equipment, commercial and engineering investment," says CommSec.
South Australia is sitting well below the rest of the country yet has encouraging signs, as population growth has improved and is at two-year highs at 22% above long-term averages.  CommSec believes this has the potential to lift the state via retail and housing-related activity.
Although equipment investment is above decade averages, the Tasmanian economy is still struggling due to 7% trend unemployment, which is well above the decade average of 6%.
"State of the States" is a quarterly report produced by Commsec, edited by chief economist Craig James, analysing eight key indicators: economic growth; retail spending; equipment investment; unemployment; construction work done; population growth; housing finance and dwelling commencements.
 
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Strong economic outlook augers well for WA, NT and NSW housing markets: CommSec

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Edward Quinn

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