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GUEST OBSERVER
The Reserve Bank Board minutes make it clear that policymakers are waiting on more timely economic data to gauge how the economy is tracking.
However the minutes have also set the scene for next week’s inflation data and the subsequent August 2 Board meeting – highlighting potential triggers for an interest rate cut.
What makes the prospect of another rate cut a possibility in coming months is not just the modest slowdown in the economy over the past six months, but also the discussion on the Australian dollar. Board members noted that “at the time of the present meeting, the Australian dollar (in trade-weighted terms) was around the levels assumed in the forecasts at the time of the May Statement on Monetary Policy.”
Interestingly since that meeting the Australian dollar is around US1 cent higher. There was still the usual jawboning on the need for a lower Aussie dollar, with Board members noting that “an appreciation in the exchange rate could complicate the necessary economic adjustments”
A super-low inflation result would pave the way for the Reserve Bank to cut rates again. However the RBA would need to feel confident that a rate cut would have the desired impact in driving the Aussie dollar lower. Most central banks that have eased monetary policy in the past have seen their  currencies continue to strengthen. However it is easier to justify another rate cut in light of slower employment growth and softer retail activity over the first half of 2016 – although it could be election related.
<a href="/images/2016/07/19/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-20%20at%207.58.23%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/07/19/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-20%20at%207.58.23%20AM.png" alt="">
Consumer confidence has drifted low for the past four weeks, but it is nothing to be worried about. Rather a post- election hangover. In fact Aussie households have a lot of reasons to be more chipper about life. Not only are interest rates at generational lows, but petrol prices are falling, and job security is strong – all important in improving household budgets. In addition the Federal election is out of the way and share markets are now holding near 11 month highs – all ingredients that should hopefully result in consumers spending a little bit more freely in coming months. 
What do the figures show?
 The key quotes from the Board minute:  Economic growth: “Overall, the available data for the June quarter were consistent with a moderation in GDP growth following the stronger-than-expected outcome in the March quarter, mainly because there appeared to have been a smaller contribution to growth from net exports in the June quarter”.
  Australian dollar: “Low interest rates were continuing to support household spending and the lower exchange rate since 2013 had continued to assist the traded sector of the economy. Members noted that an appreciating exchange rate could complicate the necessary economic adjustments”.
  Inflation: “Inflation was still expected to remain quite low for some time given very subdued growth in labour costs and very low cost pressures elsewhere in the world.”
Consumer spending: “The value of retail sales had increased only slightly in April and May but liaison indicated that growth in retail sales had picked up in June, partly because cold weather had boosted clothing and apparel sales. However, liaison had also pointed to ongoing pressure to discount prices in response to increased competition in some retail markets.”
 Summary: “Taking account of the available information, the Board judged that holding monetary policy steady would be the most prudent course of action at this meeting. The Board noted that further information on inflationary pressures, the labour market and housing market activity would be available over the following month and that the staff would provide an update of their forecasts ahead of the August Statement on Monetary Policy. This information would allow the Board to refine its assessment of the outlook for growth and inflation and to make any adjustment to the stance of policy that may be appropriate.”  Consumer confidence
The ANZ/Roy Morgan consumer confidence rating fell by 0.3 percent to 114.9 in the week to July 17. Confidence is up 2.8 percent over the year and well above the average of 112.1 since 2014. Three of the five components of the index fell in the latest week:
The estimate of family finances compared with a year ago was unchanged at +7;
The estimate of family finances over the next year was down from +30 to +28;
Economic conditions over the next 12 months was up from -4 to -1;
Economic conditions over the next 5 years was down from +9 to +7;
The measure of whether it was a good time to buy a major household item was down from +34 points to +33 points.  What is the importance of the economic data?
  The ANZ/Roy Morgan weekly survey of consumer confidence closely tracks the monthly Westpac/Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index but the former measure is a timelier assessment of consumer attitudes and is now closely tracked by the Reserve Bank.
  The Reserve Bank releases minutes of its monthly Board meeting a fortnight after the event. The minutes give a guide to Reserve Bank thinking on interest rate settings.  What are the implications for interest rates and investors?
 Overall it is clear that the low inflation environment provides the central bank with scope to cut rates further if deemed necessary. The next round of inflation data is released next week and essentially means that the mostly likely scenario for another rate cut would be at the August Board meeting. 
Click to enlarge
<img src="/images/2016/07/19/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-20%20at%208.04.01%20AM.png" alt="">
Savanth Sebastian is an economist for <a href="https://www.commsec.com.au/" target="_blank">CommSec</a>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Inflation to decide on rate cut: CommSec's Savanth Sebastian

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GUEST OBSERVER
It doesn’t take much to comprehend how many residential apartments are being constructed across south-east Queensland. 
There are a huge number that will be crying out for buyers over the next couple of years and, despite the fact some of these buyers are sure to be investors from either interstate or offshore, the Palaszczuk Government has introduced a 3 percent stamp duty charge for foreign buyers looking to invest in the state.
New South Wales and Victoria have both introduced the same surcharge in recent months, which gave Queensland a fantastic opportunity to stand out in the crowded Australian property market.  Had Queensland bucked the trend, foreign investment in the Sunshine State would undoubtedly have increased.  
Attractiveness is key for Queensland. The number of residential apartments set to come online over the next 12 months means the state needs a point of difference. Currently, it still imposes duty on a number of things that other states do not, which, put simply, makes it a less desirable jurisdiction to set up business. 
Instead of imposing a foreign investor surcharge, Queensland could have presented itself as one of the few jurisdictions that does not impose a foreign investor surcharge and used that to attract foreign investment, leveraging its point of difference to other states.
New South Wales set a fantastic example in its June budget, proving there are ways to counteract the introduction of this surcharge. 
Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian announced a 4 percent foreign investor surcharge on purchases of residential properties; this is a greater charge than the Palaszczuk Government’s 3 percent. 
However, Ms Berejiklian also announced the duty on transfers of business assets will be abolished. The Palaszczuk Government chose not to abolish this duty.  
This decision makes the foreign investor surcharge in New South Wales far more palatable. Even if New South Wales does see a decline in foreign investment it will be countered by the new businesses setting up shop. 
Compare that with Queensland, which has kept both charges, and the state is becoming less attractive a jurisdiction for either business or foreign investment when pitted against a state like New South Wales. This demonstrates that for businesses and investors it is really about the overall tax mix, not just changes to individual taxes. Getting the mix right is crucial to ensuring ongoing investment to drive growth.
While ’foreign investment’ can be a scary term for some to digest, the reality is it’s a completely viable and logical way to handle any oversupply in the residential property market which, based on recent advice, appears to be a real possibility.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Queensland can take solace that regardless of any other duties or charges, it still has a lower charge for foreign investors than New South Wales’s 4 percent and Victoria’s 7 percent. This, coupled with Queensland’s more competitive house prices, should hopefully minimise the impact of the surcharge on foreign investment in Queensland.
<div>
Hung Tran is private clients partner with BDO Brisbane and Leisa Rafter is tax partner. They can be contacted <a href="https://www.bdo.com.au/en-au/brisbane" target="_blank">here</a>.
</div>
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Property 101: QLD foreign buyers surcharge

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The Fox trucking family have secured Penola, one of Mount Macedon's historic 19th century garden estates.
Linfox executive chairman Peter Fox paid $2.85 million for the four hectare garden estate which William Guilfoyle, the creator of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, helped establish for family.
The residence comes with <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mount+macedon-116787287" target="_blank">20 rooms and a tower</a>. 
There's eight bedrooms, two grand living rooms, a rare original billiards room along with the requisite eight open fireplaces. The rooms were prefabricated in India using teak.
The terraced gardens have stone walls, ponds and a waterfall. There's also have a lawn tennis court where Norman Brookes played prior to becoming the first Australian to win Wimbledon in 1907. It was the retreat of his uncle, Herbert Brookes.
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.
 
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Peter Fox buys Mount Macedon's Penola estate

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/57114/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
As an urban rail activist, academic and commentator, including a spell on Infrastructure Australia, I can say from the start I was delighted that we have a consortium prepared to have a go at high-speed rail using value capture.
Consolidated Land and Rail Australia (CLARA) is the first group in Australia to suggest that a major rail option can be funded without government capital. This fits with what we have been saying for a number of years (for example, the entrepreneur rail model).
It is not just a way of bringing financing groups like superannuation funds into such major infrastructure projects where governments have no hope of finding the cash, but it is also a better way: it inherently integrates with land development opportunities to make less car-dependent cities.
High-speed rail is needed. We are the last major developed area without it.
It is now a well-established technology that can simultaneously reduce car use and plane use. It is a way to reduce our oil dependence and to help us meet our greenhouse emissions, as have Japan, China and Europe in recent decades.
<h2>Key issues to be overcome</h2>
However, some issues need to be resolved for this proposal and, indeed, the other three consortia that I have heard are also keen to build high-speed rail in Australia.
First, it’s not a project that should be an unsolicited bid with all its high commercial-in-confidence process. Such a project will have huge public significance and demands that we address the full implications – A$200 billion over 40 years is a lot of money for infrastructure and land development.
If this project goes ahead, many other infrastructure projects and land developments will not happen in the competitive marketplace of our cities and rural areas. This project will need to show great public benefit as well as enabling the private sector to take the risk and do the investing.
Second, what are we looking for from infrastructure like this? Surely we want it to build up our cities and the regional towns in between to have a more sustainable, productive and liveable future.
This project is very light on detail, understandably, about how it would come into the cities (it seems to just go from airport to airport on the urban fringes). It completely misses all the major regional centres like Canberra, Wagga Wagga and Albury-Wodonga in order to go much faster and cheaper through farmland.
The Canberra Times reported a CLARA spokesperson saying:
"The project would be privately funded on a value-uplift model. This needs new city development where maximum uplift in land values is available, which is not available in existing cities like Canberra, with elevated real estate prices. ‘They must be greenfield.’"
Value capture worldwide and in our model is done to facilitate urban regeneration, not to create new car-dependent greenfield suburbs. CLARA’s model is seeking cheap, easily obtainable land on the urban fringe and in rural areas rather than helping our cities and country towns. Not only is the value of this to Australia very debatable, it is not likely to be as successful in raising land values to achieve their goals.
There is a limit to how many wealthy, long-commute exurbs or retirement villages could be induced to invest in such places in the countryside. The strong economic demand is for urban regeneration inside the old parts of our cities and towns. This has been an important part of the rationale for high-speed rail in other places.
The CLARA model is an extension of the failed idea of building new towns in greenfield areas. It has failed in Australia and in the UK and US because urban development needs to be more organic, building on the historic processes, local communities and multiple services of the cities and towns built up over hundreds of years. The modernist new towns have all struggled as they are designed from the top down.
It may be appealing to take a fresh sheet and drop it from on high, and very messy to have to deal with so many land owners and local governments in the old cities and towns, but it should not be beyond us.
<h2>Principles to guide a successful project</h2>
To make high-speed rail and urban development happen in a way that benefits Australian cities and towns, I suggest we should try to follow the principles below.
<ol>
<li>
It is important to attract private capital for combined land development and transport, but this should be led by locational strategies where redevelopment is most needed, not by transport engineering simplicity.
</li>
<li>
Benefit-cost assessments should include long-term urban and sustainability goals.
</li>
<li>
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) should include core commitments to community engagement, integrated public transport delivery, equitable and time-of-travel-dependent fare structures, safety, consumer and environmental protection, and urban design quality.
</li>
<li>
The projects should not just be innovative in financing and PPP delivery but be agile enough to include disruptive innovations such as solar PV-based electric rail, new carbon fibre and other materials, very smart systems for control at high speed, and effective noise management.
</li>
</ol>
High-speed rail has been a long time coming for Australia. It’s a very big and beautiful opportunity, so let’s get it right.
Peter Newman is professor of sustainability, Curtin University and author for The Conversation. He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-newman-1858" target="_blank">here</a>.
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High-speed rail? At $200 billion we’d better get it right

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The Hillside, Melbourne home once owned by gangland wife Roberta Williams, the widow of convicted drug dealer Carl, has been sold.
Williams paid $280,000 for the two-storey house in 2000, selling it three years later for $450,000 to the vendors who listed it in May quoting $590,000-plus.
It was passed in at auction last month for $610,000, with Barry Plant Taylors Lakes selling 20 St John Paul Drive this month for $690,000.
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Roberta Williams' former Hillside house sold at $690,000

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The weekend auction offering at 23A Aitchander Road, West Ryde fetched $1,380,000 which was $150,000 over reserve.
The battle axe block did little to deter buyers interested in the 950sqm of land on offer.
The house was in original condition and requiring total renovation or a knock down and re-build.
During the campaign, 70 inspections and 14 contracts were issued, nine buyers registered on auction day of which four took part in the bidding which opened at $1.1 million through auctioneer, Rocky Bartolotto from Auction Services.
Robert Younis from First National West Ryde secured his third bidder - the eventual buyer - at $1,280,000 with another new bidder then joining in the bidding.
The top bidders were a young couple who plan to renovate.
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West Ryde re-build sold for $1.38 million

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A caveat is blocking the sale of the $100 million Gold Coast Sheraton Mirage resort.
The Queensland government has issued a caveat temporarily blocking the sale to help class action lawyers seeking to take control of it in the interests of Indian investors.
In 2009, before its collapse, India’s $10 billion failed Pearls Ponzi scheme brought more than $100 million of the scheme’s money to Australia, buying the Sheraton Mirage
Barrister Niall Coburn, a former investigator with the Australian Securities &amp; Investments Commission who is running the class action with Shine Lawyers, told The Australian the Queensland government registrar of titles had lodged a cav­eat.
The Federal Court in Brisbane will decide this week whether to grant a longer-term caveat over the properties.
A 92-page originating applic­ation filed by the class action lawyers details some of the devastation wrought by the Pearls scheme and its founder, Nirmal Singh Bhangoo, now in an Indian jail.
Pearls, was spruiked in India by Australian cricketer Brett Lee, who was paid $300,000 for his services.
It promised investors huge ­returns if they invested in land parcels across India.
In 2014 Pearls Group, the New Delhi based property group was accused of allegedly duping Indian investors by promising agriculture land in a so-called $10 billion ponzi scheme.
The India CBI registered a case of criminal conspiracy and cheating under Sections 120B and 420 of IPC against Pearls Group managing director Nirmal Singh Bhangoo, his two companies Pearls Agrotech Corporation Limited (PACL) and Pearls Golden Forest Limited (PGFL) and their director Sukhdev Singh.
The CBI claimed the documents recovered by it during searches at the premises of Delhi-based business groups PACL and PGF show they allegedly used ponzi scheme to cheat nearly five crore investors of Rs 45,0000 crore.
It is an associated New Delhi-based Pearls Group that paid $62 million for the Sheraton Mirage in 2009. It was the Christopher Skase-built resort on Queensland's Gold Coast. 
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Gold Coast Sheraton Mirage caveat stops Pearls Group sale

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One of South Australia's most luxurious mansions, Villa D'Este, has been listed by the Budini family with $2.495 million hopes.
It's named after the Hotel Villa D'Este in Italy's Lake Como where George Clooney lives.
Set on 5745 sqm, the Stirling home was originally designed by Berriman and Milliken Architects and built by H F. Sarah in 1976 .
Even the smallest of details were considered in the creation, with the grand entrance door handles being commissioned by Sydney artist Lucy Boyd.
The <a href="https://harcourts.com.au/Property/658600/SAD24634/42-Birch-Road" target="_blank">four bedroom bespoke home</a> sits in large designer gardens which were originally established in 1890.
There's also numerous terraces which overlook the all weather tennis court.
The property is available through Harcourts Williams agents Stephanie and John Williams.
 
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.
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Stirling SA trophy home Villa D'Este listed

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The weekend sale of a former The Block project offering at a loss highlighted the risk of buying under the gaze of the television bright lights.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/property-details-2-1a-Affleck-Street-South-Yarra/383097" target="_blank">2/1a Affleck St, South Yarra</a> apartment was among 626 homes put to weekend auction in Melbourne, now the adopted home of the soon to return Channel 9 renovation stress series that began in Sydney in 2003.
The whole floor former Hotel Saville apartment — transformed on the Blocktagon last year by Caro and Kingi - sold to owner-occupiers for $1.722 million.
Despite three bidders, the sale price through the Jellis Craig agency was $13,000 less than its $1.735 million price as last November’s televised auction.
Selling agent Nathan Waterson noted it was was sold without its furniture, which he estimated to be worth $150,000.
The vendors had won the apartment in a $2 ticket purchase in the Mater Prize Home lottery.
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The Block South Yarra apartment falls short of prior auction price

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The Sydney Swans captain Kieren Jack, has kept himself busy amid his much publicised family feud, to list his redundant former Randwick home.
Jack bought the 1920s home in 2012 for $1.295 million.
But the AFL star has no need for it following his now completed renovation in Paddington.
The recently vacated Canberra Street, Randwick property has just seen a one year rental expire last month having been up for rent in June last year at $1,000 a week.
Set on 234 sqm, the dual level family home combines original Federation features and contemporary appointments.
It has two bedrooms, a recently renovated bathroom, modern kitchen and home office.
There's a low maintenance rear garden with barbecue area and treelined courtyard.
Carl Wilson at Home Estate Agents is taking it to August 13 auction, after Courtney Giles from Advantage Property Styling furnished the home.
Given two nearby sales at $1.8 million plus, Wilsn is suggesting $1.7 million to $1.8 million price guidance ahead of this weekend's first open for inspection.
Jack calls Paddington home, having bought a two bedroom terrace in 2014 for $1.34 million. His is the only name on the title, not girlfriend Charlotte Goodlet.
He had former Swans player David Willis undertake the project in Paddington.
He climbed onto the property ladder aged 22 just two years into his Sydney Swans career, buying a two bedroom Randwick apartment in 2009.
Set in a renovated block of nine units, Jack paid $570,000 for the apartment which was listed for rent at $560 a week in 2014. He retains the apartment on Mulwarree Avenue.
The Swans star has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons as the Sydney side still look set for a top eight finish despite a demoralising late defeat to the Hawks on Thursday night.
He's been embroiled in a media battle after mum Donna took to social media at her annoyance that Jack gave free tickets for his 200th game to the parents of his girlfriend, Charlotte Goodlet.
She tweeted "So sad. Dad 200 RL you 200 AFL &amp; you dont want us there, your parents. No appreciation for all the yrs helping you get there."
It's well broadcasted that Donna and Kieren's father, rugby league legend Garry Jack, haven't embraced the relationship with the model who was a finalist in the 2013 Miss Universe Australia pageant.
Jack has been dating Charlotte, who is also the Nine News producer, for over three years.  
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Kieren Jack lists redundant Randwick semi

Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

Joel Robinson

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368853]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available.

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Jonathan Chancellor

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