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As 1 July fast approaches, we take a look at how you can make the most of your self-managed super fund before the end of the financial year and how you can avoid being hit with a <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/superannuation/42288-self-managed-super-funds-top-tips-from-the-ato">penalty from the tax man</a>.
1. Be aware contribution caps are changing
On 1 July, the Australian Tax Office is changing the amount you’re allowed to contribute to your SMSF and the age you’re allowed to do it, for both concessional and non-concessional contributions.
Kathy Evans, principal of superannuation and SMSF at Crowe Horwath, said concessional contributions, or deductable contributions, are employer contributions that include those made under a salary sacrifice arrangement. For people who are self-employed, it includes personal contributions claimed as a tax deduction.
“At the moment with concessional contributions, anyone aged under 60 can currently put in up to $25,000 per annum, while those over 60 can put in $35,000,” says Evans.
She says the ATO is bringing the contribution age down to 50 for the next financial year (2014-15).
Evans says if you’re in that category, from 1 July your contributions cap will go up to $35,000. For those under 50, the cap goes up from $25,000 to $30,000.
Non-concessional contributions are personal contributions that you don't claim as an income tax deduction, and Evans says they will also go up from 1 July.
“Non-concessional and non-deductive contributions at the moment are capped at $150,000 per annum for everyone who’s eligible to make them,” says Evans. “That $150,000 is going up to $180,000 from 1 July.”
2. The superannuation guarantee rate is also going up 
Currently, employers must pay a minimum of 9.25% super guarantee to SMSFs. From 1 July, the rate will increase to 9.50%.
Brad Twentyman, director of superannuation at Pitcher Partners, said that rise has the potential to affect salary sacrifice contribution arrangements.
“You need to factor in that your employer will be obliged to contribute 9.5% instead of 9.25% and with an increased obligation on your employer to contribute, your voluntary component may reduce,” says Twentyman.
Graeme Colley, director of technical and professional standards at the SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia, said: “If you want to maximise your contributions before 30 June, you need to talk to your accountant or professional adviser to make sure your salary sacrifice agreement with your employer allows the maximum to be salary sacrificed.”
Twentyman says it is also important for employers to note the change in superannuation guarantee, to protect themselves from any possible claims of compensations that may arise from over contributing.
“As an employer, if you’re aware that your employee might contribute above the contribution limits, it would be prudent to point out to the employee that they might want to seek some advice. If they think there’s a problem, employers should get on the front foot,” says Twentyman.
3. Watch out for the new penalty regime from 1 July
There has been a lot of talk about the new powers the ATO will have to penalise those who fall foul of its rules. The new penalty regime will be introduced from 1 July and will apply to breaches that remain outstanding as of 30 June.
“If you’re a trustee of a SMSF, you’ve always had obligations to run your fund the way it should be run or you run the risk of upsetting the ATO,” says Evans. “And they’ve also always had the ability to penalise you. But they haven’t had a regime that’s strong enough to stop some people doing the wrong thing.”
Of the 18,000 SMSF contraventions lodged with the ATO in the last financial year, approximately 50% could have incurred penalties based on the proposed new super laws.
“If you are aware there’s a breach within your SMSF and you’re in the position to fix that breach by 30 June, it’s a good idea to do so,” says Twentyman. “Because if you tick over into 1 July, you will be penalised and you’ll need to go to the ATO with cap in hand.”
These breaches include:
<ul>
<li>bank accounts going into overdraft;</li>
<li>failure to get accounts and returns prepared;</li>
<li>providing loans to family members from your SMSF;</li>
<li>investments being made into in-house assets which are not solely for the SMSF;</li>
<li>SMSF assets not being separated from personal assets;</li>
<li>taking money from the fund for living; and</li>
<li>incorrect borrowing structures being established for the purchase of assets by a SMSF.</li>
</ul>
“These penalties are mainly for the more serious breaches of investment restrictions, but they do also apply to the administrative functions a trustee is expected to complete,” says Evans.
The penalties for many of these breaches have gone up to $10,200 per trustee per transaction, so a SMSF with two trustees would be looking at a potential fine of $20,400. 
The penalty for lodging your SMSF accounts by 30 June has also increased.
“If you haven’t done your 2013-14 accounts by 30 June, there’s a possibility that the ATO will be imposing a penalty on trustees that could be up to $1700,” says Twentyman.
“At the moment the non-lodgement fee is a few hundred dollars, and in fact the ATO will probably be looking to impose that and then they’ll come along and impose this new penalty,” he says.
4. Don’t risk being declared a non-person
Non-lodging SMSFs will be declared a non-person for tax purposes if they’ve been slack with their lodgements.
“If you have a SMSF and you haven’t lodged a tax return for two or more years, they will classify your fund as a non-person,” says Evans.
“That means your fund won’t be able to receive contributions, rollovers or transfers,” she says. “In other words, if you’re in that situation and you’re well behind on your reporting, your fund will effectively stop being able to operate.”
The figure for concessional contributions for people over 60 has been corrected since publication from $30,000 to $35,000.
Story continues on page 2. Please click below.
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5. Remember the ‘bring forward’ rule
With non-concessional contributions, if you are under 65, you can currently put $150,000 in a year to your SMSF, but the ATO also allows you to put in three years at once.
“So you can put in $450,000 in one fell swoop,” says Evans. “Then you just can’t do anything for the next two years.”
From 1 July, the bring forward rule becomes $540,000, or three times the new non-concessional contribution cap of $180,000.
Twentyman says Pitcher Partners are not big advocates of this strategy because in most incidences all it does is give a timing advantage.
“But if your marginal tax rate is going to be significantly less next year than this year, you may look at bringing forward a deduction, but from our experience not that many individuals fall within category,” he says.
6. Don’t exceed your minimum or maximum pension withdrawals
“If you’re on a pension in your super fund, make sure you withdraw your minimum pension that you’re required to take out each year,” says Evans. “In some cases, there’s also a maximum limit you can’t go over.”
Minimum and maximum pensions from SMSFs have to be paid by 30 June if you want to avoid paying tax on them.
“If you don’t pay by 30 June, the risk is the government will take away the tax exemption on the fund and that can be significant, there can be thousands of dollars at risk,” says Twentyman.
Colley says if you are eligible to draw amounts from superannuation, you may be able to defer receiving the amount until after you reach the age of 60, or until a later financial year when you may end up paying a lower rate of tax.
7. Get your trust entitlements paid by 30 June
“A lot of self-managed super funds have investments in trusts and those trusts owe the super funds money,” says Twentyman.
“Generally, it is a good idea for the trust to pay whatever it owes by 30 June because the tax office sometimes likes to view those as loans and that can cause compliance issues,” he says.
8. Employers beware of SuperStream by 2015
The ATO is putting in place a new system that aims to standardise the way employers pay super.
The new SuperStream standard will require all SMSFs to be paid electronically and is <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/superannuation/42145-smes-to-be-hit-by-super-delay" target="_blank">coming in gradually over the next few years</a>.
Evans says many employers still lodge their employee’s super by sending checks or banking it at the local bank.
Large and medium-sized employers, or those with 20 or more employees, must complete the implementation of SuperStream by no later than 30 June, 2015.
“If you’re a larger employer, you should have looked out for the SuperStream changes and made arrangements by May 31,” says Colley. Large employers were supposed to get new electronic service numbers to pay their employees electronically by the end of May.
Small employers, or those with 19 or fewer employees, have another year starting from 1 July, 2015 but must complete their implementation no later than 30 June, 2016. 
Small businesses may be eligible to use the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House, which is a free online service provided by the ATO that allows you to pay contributions to a single destination in one simple electronic transaction. 
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Eight things you need to know to get your SMSF ready for the end of financial year

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Self-managed super funds have significantly outperformed their APRA-regulated rivals in six out of the past eight years, <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/wealth/those-who-dare-to-diy-set-the-pace-on-super/story-e6frgac6-1226956597252">reports the Australian</a>.
A report from National Australia Bank shows that on average SMSFs had beaten APRA-regulated funds by 22.5% over the period, after paying all costs.
The numbers indicate a $500,000 investment in an SMSF at the start of the 2004-05 financial year would have returned $345,571 net by the end of the 2012 financial year, compared with the average APRA-regulated fund returning $190,100 net.
Recent figures from the Australian Taxation Office show SMSFs have grown by 26.5% to reach more than 1 million members.
The SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA) chief executive Andrea Slattery said recently: “The number of trustees and members exceeding 1 million is an important milestone for the SMSF industry, clearly demonstrating that there is a growing number of people wanting to take direct responsibility for their retirement savings”.
David Gall, executive general manager of banking and wealth solutions at NAB, told the Australian the results showed SMSFs were not a one-hit wonder.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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SMSFs are a better bet than rival super funds: NAB

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The Channel 7 House Rules resident design expert Carolyn Burns-McCrave recently shared her top 10 tips for any renovation. 
<ol>
<li>Honestly and clearly identify your needs, wants and motivation for renovating.</li>
<li>Create a master plan so that you do things in the most efficient order.</li>
<li>Hire a design professional.</li>
<li>Design it better, not bigger. It's not how much space you have but how well it functions for you and your family. </li>
<li>Design and document everything down to the last detail so that pricing by builders is accurate. It's vital that quotes are comparing apples with apples and there's minimal guess work.</li>
<li>Work a contingency into your budget and your time frame. It will take longer and it will cost more!</li>
<li>Be patient. Wait for the right builder for you to be available. A good builder is a busy builder.</li>
<li>Communicate with everyone involved in your project. It's a full time job to constantly be in the loop but it promotes a good working relationship that will stand you in good stead when challenges arise. </li>
<li>Keep the faith. Don't start cutting corners at the end of your project because you just want it to be over. Be as focused on what you want at the end as you were in the beginning, because all those finishing touches are what you will see when it's all done.</li>
<li>Enjoy the ride. It's important to embrace the journey of renovating by staying positive and enthusiastic - it is always worth it in the end.</li>
</ol>
<a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/24224716/carolyn-s-top-reno-tips/#page1" target="_blank">Carolyn Burns-McCrave</a> says she loves watching people develop their eye for design.
{module Do you agree renovations are always worth it in the end?}
 
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Carolyn Burns-McCrave's top 10 House Rules renovation design tips

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GUEST OBSERVATION
After much anticipation, the European Central Bank (ECB) finally announced some important policy changes that have seen the euro weaken by around one and a half cents against the Australian dollar. 
The fall reduces the cost of imports from the eurozone by over A$3,000 for every €100,000 in a little over a week.
So why has the ECB caused the sharp move in the currency?
Most of the talk has been around the decision to reduce the deposit rate for bank deposits. Going forward, the ECB will charge commercial banks a fee in the form of a negative deposit rate for parking funds with them. This is a first for a developed nation and is aimed at forcing the banks to release capital, i.e. lend more so the real economy can get easier access to money. A real headline grabber!
The other less sexy measure was a new Targeted Long Term Refinancing Operation, with the acronym TLTRO, likely to replace the previous LTRO. The difference? This one is now targeted (just add T to the beginning). This policy is another injection of cash into the banking sector with some caveats attached which make it more targeted than the previous version. Commercial banks now have to use the money specifically to lend it out to the private sector.
In its accompanying statement, the ECB decided to “intensify the preparatory work related to outright purchases in the ABS market”. In other words, it's now committed to embarking on a European-style quantitative easing program which will serve to weaken the euro.
But it’s not all about the euro
Coinciding with a weaker euro, we have seen the Aussie strengthening on the back of some better than expected domestic economic data and a rosier outlook for China. In this context the local unit has pushed through 94 US cents and is seeing some calls for parity once again. The combination of these two forces sees the AUD/EUR cross-rate edging closer to 0.7, a level not seen since November last year.
<img src="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/images/stories/vrondas%201606%20graph.jpg" alt="">
Whilst the trend is expected to continue, the <a href="https://www.ozforex.com.au/forex-tools/my-fx-dashboard?mode=advanced" target="_blank">chart above</a> highlights what could be a significant resistance point around 0.7116. For those businesses importing from Europe, a move above 0.7 to this level could represent a good opportunity to hedge some future exposures and lock in an exchange rate some 11% better than what it was in January of this year. Such significant cost savings should help deliver a better bottom line for businesses in the next financial year.
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimvrondas">Jim Vrondas</a> is Chief Currency strategist, Asia-Pacific at <a href="https://www.ozforex.com.au/?cid=1300">OzForex</a>, a global provider of online international payment services and a key provider of <a href="https://www.ozforex.com.au/news-commentary/daily">Forex news</a>.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Negative interest rates a boon for Aussie importers

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The government today is set to bow to public and industry pressure to ensure that commissions remain outlawed under its controversial financial advice legislation.
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann is expected to announce that a rewrite of the legislation proposed by a Senate inquiry will be undertaken.
The government has faced a storm of protest over its plans to water down Labor’s Future of Financial Advice (FoFA) law, weakening consumer protection and benefiting the banks by permitting the payment of commissions for “general advice” given by bank employees that dealt with bank products.
The government members of the Senate inquiry say in their report, tabled last night, that the legislation’s explanatory memorandum should make it clear “that it is not the government’s intention to reintroduce commissions”.
The provisions governing “conflicted remuneration” should be redrafted to make them clearer, the report says.
The distinctions between the terms “information”, “general advice” and “personal advice” should be made “much sharper and applicable in the practical sense” in relation to allowing exemptions from conflicted remuneration.
Bank employees would still be able to receive bonuses and incentives but not commissions related to products.
The report says a number of submissions strongly objected to the amendment broadening the exemptions from conflicted remuneration. They came not only from consumer groups but from a range of industry groups.
The bill’s intention is to enable a business, under certain circumstances, to give general advice to retail clients on its own products, the report says. The present law needs to be changed to remove “unnecessary complications” around the provision of general advice. But the committee is concerned about the confusion surrounding the proposed changes “and the fear that they have the potential to reopen the door to commissions”.
The committee also notes the concerns about the possible misuse or misunderstanding of the term “general advice”.
Labor and the Greens put in dissenting reports opposing the government’s legislation.
Cormann took over carriage of the legislation from Arthur Sinodinos, who had to stand aside as Assistant Treasurer when called as a witness before the Independent Commission Against Corruption. Sinodinos was seen as very sympathetic to the banks' demands.
The pressure on the government to alter its legislation intensified because of the revelations about fraud by the financial planning business of the Commonwealth Bank, followed by the Bank’s bad handing of the scandal. The Bank has paid out $52 million in compensation to about 1100 customers but now could be forced to pay hundred of millions of dollars more.
The concessions on the financial advice legislation comes as today’s Newspoll shows the Coalition trailing Labor on the two party vote 47-53% The Coalition’s primary vote rose one point to 37% and Labor dropped one to 36%, in the past fortnight. Support for independents and micro parties has climbed to a record high of 17%.
Michelle Grattan is one of Australia's most respected and awarded political journalists. Michelle currently has a dual role with an academic position at the University of Canberra and as associate editor (politics) and chief political correspondent at The Conversation.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com/" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. 
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Government to tighten its financial advice changes to rule out commissions

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Here are the top four lessons learnt by Homely at AREC 2014: 
<ol>
<li>
Agents aren’t limited by talent  One of the main messages that was conveyed through the whole conference is that it isn’t about talent. Being a successful agent comes down to hard work and systems. Agents like James Tostevin spoke about having a routine and being dedicated. There was a strong consensus that doing the right thing and actively listening to customers is half the battle to being a successful agent. Tostevin ended his speech with the quote ‘Play to your strengths’ 
</li>
<li>
The art of prospecting  Key note speaker Jordan Belfort (aka 'The Wolf of Wall Street') was engaging and charismatic. Whilst some people <a href="/news/wolf-of-wall-streets-gold-coast-arec-2014-attendance-continues-to-provoke-debate">were not sure if he should be there</a>, he did leave some good points. His main lesson he wanted to reiterate was the four second rule. You have four seconds on the phone to be perceived as an expert and a quarter of a second in person to be taken seriously. If you miss your opportunity on your first impression, you won’t get another shot. Ensuring your appearance is impeccable and your opening lines are engaging is essential for success. 
</li>
<li>
We all have boulders in our lives. It’s how we deal with them  Engaging and charismatic speaker Aaron Ralston spoke about how every individual will encounter boulders in their lives. His choice of the term boulders was used in both a metaphorical and physical example after he was trapped and needed to set himself free by cutting his arm off. Ralston’s message was that you need to expect to be challenged, but challenges make us stronger and are there for a reason. How you approach them and ultimately overcome them shapes the type of agent you will be, but also human being. 
</li>
<li>
Priorities are the cornerstone to success By far a serious contender for the most engaging speaker of the conference was Chip Eichelberger. Eichelberger spoke about how priorities are the key to success. He mentioned that so many people get caught up in the minor details of things, whilst dismissing their true priorities. He mentioned that you need to listen to the support team around you “Sometimes a good coach doesn’t tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear” the importance of a good team around you and structure in your approach to business was the main message he imparted.
</li>
</ol>
Finally, one of the quotes that resonated with a lot of people was “Nothing is fun until you're good at it” stated by Eichelberger. In order to make real estate fun, it takes hard word, dedicated, and systems. The top agents will implement a true system that ensures efficiency and helps productivity.
Rocky Bartolotto is director, chief auctioneer at auction services and national sales director at <a href="https://homely.com.au/">Homely.com.au</a>.
<a href="https://homely.com.au/" style="line-height: 1.3em;"></a><a href="https://homely.com.au/" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Homely.com.au</a> is a free to list, banner-ad free, real estate website that helps people find their next home. You can submit your listing <a href="https://agent.homely.com.au/submit-your-listings/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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 The top four lessons learnt at AREC 2014

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Sydney’s inner and beachside suburbs, along with Darwin and Bunbury in Western Australia, boast the country’s lowest unemployment rates, <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/business/the-economy/sydneys-inner-city-joins-darwin-and-bunbury-with-lowest-unemployment-rates-20140612-3a0dg">Fairfax</a> reports.
While the national unemployment rate remained steady in May at 5.8%, rates for individual cities, suburbs and towns differ markedly.
The Sydney CDB, along with its eastern and inner-southern suburbs, hold the nation’s lowest unemployment rate at 2%, followed by Sydney’s northern beaches, Darwin and Bunbury at 2.3%.
Meanwhile, Ipswich in Queensland, south-eastern Tasmania and western NSW rank among the toughest places to find work.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Sydney’s inner and beachside suburbs have the lowest unemployment rates

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Thousands of Australians were scammed out of a combined $89 million in 2013, according to report released by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today.
The Targeting Scams report says while the amount of money lost through scams decreased by 5% last year, <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/information-technology/32204-accc-report-shows-scammers-cost--93-million-last-year-five-lessons-for-your-business" target="_blank">compared to 2012</a>, the number of scam-related contacts reported increased by 10% to almost 92,000.
Persons aged 45 to 54 were the most common reporters of scams, and the amount of people aged 65 and over reporting scam contacts nearly doubled to 18%.
Delia Rickard, deputy chair of the ACCC, told SmartCompany the biggest threats to small businesses are false billing scams.
“It can take a whole range of forms: getting a bill from a domain name register saying it will expire if you don’t pay within 24 hours,” says Rickard.
“[Or] it could be one of the directory scams where you get a bill or false invoice for a Yellow Pages entry that you never ordered,” she says.
False billing scams made up 3,600 of all contacts reported last year, with 445 losses amounting to a total of almost $725,000— a 45% increase in reports, and a 28% increase in the amount of reported losses. 
“It’s really important to have systems in place to check whether the bills you are receiving are legitimate,” says Rickard.
“If something doesn’t look quite right, don’t trust it, and don’t use the contact details in the emails,” she says.
The Federal Department of Communications <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/42256-small-businesses-warned-about-a-shocking-fake-power-bill-scam" target="_blank">warned small business owners earlier this month</a> to keep their eyes open for electricity and gas bill scams.
The email-based scam bills, which purport to be from Energy Australia, often have links to malicious websites and can automatically download the malware to victims’ computers.
The ACCC report suggests businesses receiving suspicious bills should verify them by contacting the companies directly, using contact details sourced independently through an internet search or a phone book.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.SmartCompany.com.au" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Aussies scammed out of $89 million in 2013: ACCC report

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Northern Australia has vast potential for development. Just one proposed agriculture project of the many that I’m currently aware of would cover an area as big as metropolitan Brisbane, Australia’s third largest city.
Other single farms could be as large or larger than the entire <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ord_River" target="_blank">Ord River scheme</a> in Western Australia, home to mainland Australia’s biggest freshwater dam at Lake Argyle, which can store roughly <a href="https://media.bom.gov.au/social/blog/39/when-dam-size-matters/" target="_blank">20 times the water in Sydney Harbour</a>.
Those are just some of the major projects on the drawing board for northern Australia, which have attracted the interest not only of Australian investors, but also investors from the US and China. Such foreign investment will be crucial to what happens over the next few decades in places such as the <a href="https://www.daff.qld.gov.au/business-trade/development/industry-development/flinders-gilbert-agricultural-zone" target="_blank">Flinders and Gilbert river catchments</a> in north Queensland.
But with vast potential also comes vast, and as yet not entirely well-understood, challenges. For instance, how do we fund the infrastructure to capture, store and distribute the water from the wet season to support agriculture all year round? And where are the most appropriate places to <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/csiros-dam-hunt-helps-plan-for-north/story-fn59niix-1226948824851" target="_blank">build proposed new water storages</a>?
Those are some of the questions being asked again, with the federal government this week asking for public comment on its new <a href="https://northernaustralia.dpmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/papers/green_paper.pdf" target="_blank">Green Paper on Developing Northern Australia</a>. The paper is a precursor to a new national policy for our north.
<a href="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/50889/area14mp/9gvrmhs8-1402536073.jpg"><img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/50889/width668/9gvrmhs8-1402536073.jpg" alt=""></a>
Northern Australia — particularly the Ord, Flinders and Gilbert river regions — have long been talked up as having potential for greatly increased agriculture, close to Asia. However, as the 2012 Feeding the Future paper noted, there are sensitive issues including indigenous land-use rights and environmental management. Source: <a class="source" href="https://www.dfat.gov.au/publications/feeding-the-future/feeding-the-future" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Feeding the Future, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2012</a>, <a class="license" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CC BY</a>
Released this week by Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss, the green paper is a good start in the process of developing a plan for the north.
The risk to successful development in the north is in underestimating both the scale of the opportunity and the scale and complexity of the challenges. Many past attempts at development have failed on both these counts.
So there is much work still to be done before being able to predict if this new push to develop northern Australia will succeed where past plans have failed.
Economies of scale
If Australia’s new national policy for developing northern Australia is to get anywhere, one of the most important issues for it to address is the huge scale of investment required to get major new projects off the ground.
We also need to define the paths to winning a significant share of high-value Asian markets.
The green paper suggests the northern economy should be diversified into areas other than mining and energy. Tourism and agriculture — and I’ll largely focus on agriculture, as it’s my area of expertise — are the two main options identified.
<a href="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/50876/area14mp/cz3mkfgr-1402534545.jpg"><img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/50876/width237/cz3mkfgr-1402534545.jpg" alt=""></a>
The six possible policy directions to develop northern Australia covered in the new Green Paper. <a class="source" href="https://northernaustralia.dpmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/papers/green_paper.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Green Paper on Developing Northern Australia</a>, <a class="license" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CC BY</a>
Some past failures in agriculture in the north can be attributed in transplanting agricultural technology from the south, rather than re-inventing it for the new northern environment.
Globally we have had much more research and development delivering technology into temperate agriculture rather than tropical agriculture, where we now have the greatest need in Australia and globally.
Australian research and development capability in this area is strong, and should provide a competitive advantage in developing our north, one of the few remaining areas in the world with potential for agricultural expansion.
Article continues on next page. Please click below.
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Working with local conditions
The green paper cautiously does not attempt to pick winners in backing specific industries.
Agriculture in the north may continue to depend upon the established industries <a href="https://www.qaafi.uq.edu.au/nbra" target="_blank">such as beef</a> for some time, but new agricultural ventures will have a wide range of options, requiring careful evaluation. Agricultural and food products that can thrive in northern Australian conditions need to be identified.
The scale of investment is a big challenge. For example, establishing new farms in remote northern locations could require new roads and rail to get the products to a port or market.
As the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-10/coalition-launches-green-paper-nothern-australia/5512456" target="_blank">Deputy Prime Minister noted this week, water storage and distribution systems</a> may need to be constructed. But new dams aren’t cheap, meaning large-scale investments would be needed.
<a href="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/50870/area14mp/jn726d7k-1402529974.jpg"><img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/50870/width237/jn726d7k-1402529974.jpg" alt=""></a>
Despite covering almost half of Australia’s mainland, northern Australia has a relatively small population of just over one million people, or 5% of all Australians. <a class="source" href="https://northernaustralia.dpmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/papers/green_paper.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Green Paper on Developing Northern Australia p.3 (a higher resolution image was not available)</a>, <a class="license" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CC BY</a>
Single farms as big as the entire Ord River scheme or possibly even larger are now being considered. That has major implications for the policies that need to be developed by government to attract large-scale investment.
Businesses of this type might resort to a fly-in, fly-out workforce, following the mining industry’s example. But the social implications of fly-in, fly out farming need to be better understood.
Investing in success
Development of the north will require that governments at all levels create an investment environment that will attract the significant capital essential for new ventures in the north. That means getting the balance right between removing red tape and ensuring investment in sustainable industries.
A key to success for Australian agriculture will be in successfully targeting high-value niche markets for food products in Asia.
These Asian markets are large and — despite the niche label — are able to take all that Australia can produce of most foods, as I’ve written about <a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-trade-beats-aid-in-boosting-global-food-security-22546" target="_blank">for The Conversation before</a>. Niche markets tend to pay higher prices, but they may also be highly competitive and require sophisticated marketing and quality control.
But rather than just producing food and then exporting it for others to process further, on-farm processing in northern Australia is likely to be essential to many businesses.
We’re not talking about small, family-run farms, but big businesses, covering bigger areas and able to capture greater economies of scale.
Alongside business, Australian scientists will have a key role in delivering the appropriate new crops, new animals and new farming systems that will be necessary for agriculture to succeed in the north.
Developing more remote areas of northern Australia comes with bigger challenges than setting up new ventures in established areas like the Murray-Darling region.
But the opportunities are there. Now we need to ensure that government policy settings and business plans are well-targeted, so that developing northern Australia finally moves on from being a long-held dream to becoming a reality.
Robert Henry is director, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation at University of Queensland.
Robert Henry receives funding from University of Queensland, Queensland Government, Australian Research Council and Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>.
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Giant steps needed to build up northern Australia’s potential

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Bluestone v sandstone?

There's not really much choice when its comes to the two distinct building materials across Australia. 

It really comes down to what is or was quarried in the various states. The stones make for inspiring homes, either heritage or recyled.

Sydney sandstone dominates NSW, but blue stone exists too. Perhaps not as much of the honey-coloured sandstone in other states though Castlemaine in central Victoria is known for its sandstone buildings.

For a longtime it was believed that the sand grains that form the Sydney sandstone had come from central NSW, however studies revealed the grains had been transported from the trans-Antarctic mountains.

Bluestone was one of the favoured building materials of the 1850s during and after the Victorian gold rush. In South Australia the name bluestone is seemingly given to a form of slate which is much less durable than Victorian bluestone, but was certainly valued for its decorative appearance. The interior of the stone is usually pale grey or beige in colour.

Our property contrarians Jonathan Chancellor and Margie Blok select a few of their favourites.

HE SAID:<img src="/images/2014/03/28/jc-silhouette-7.jpg" style="float: right;">

1) I love the baronial starkness of the grand stone residence featuring a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-vic-flinders-115045263" target="_blank">traditional Scottish Castle style turret at 217 Gwenmarlin Road, Flinders</a> (pictured below) on the Victoria coastal peninsula. It is on 50 acres, abutting Greens Bush National Park. The home is approximately 38 squares.

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<img alt="" src="/images/2014/06/13/flinders_0000_1.jpg.jpg">

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2) Minerva, the 1861 Kyneton <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-kyneton-114864687" target="_blank">bluestone Victorian home</a> (pictured below) sits proudly in its surrounds, fully renovated with wonderful proportions. It is located in the heart of the Macedon Ranges. Set in the former market precinct. 

While it can be a family home, Minerva House also presents opportunities for use as a home office, or as a bed and breakfast on its 1232 square metre elegant garden, block. There's historic stables, complete with bluestone flooring.

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/06/13/kyneton_0005_6.jpg.jpg">

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/06/13/kyneton_0000_1.jpg.jpg"> 
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3) I see the interior designer Darryl Gordon has relisted his cluttered Oberon weekender, Bluestone Cottage. Set inland of the Blue Mountains, the Georgian-style cottage sits on about 1.5 hectares of gardens. <a href="https://raywhiteruralemmsmooney.com.au/nsw/oberon/1124924/" target="_blank">There is a $550,000 asking price through Mary David of Ray White Emms Mooney Oberon</a>. Bluestone Cottage is built from local bluestone construction with timber sash windows and brush box floors.

There are two dormer attic bedrooms, along with the main bedroom downstairs. Its modern kitchen has stainless steel Ilve stove with gas cooktop, Lefroy Brook tap ware, and Dura Limestone Island bench. The new bathroom has European fittings, underfloor heating and laundry nook. The cottage is well heated with large open fire place and pot belly stove. The house sits on 3.8 acres surrounded by gardens featuring acers, conifers, lavender parterre, cold-climate perennials, bulbs and fruit trees. There is a new 20,000 litre aqua plate rain water tank, bore irrigation and new fencing.

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/06/13/oberon_0000_1.jpg.jpg">

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Margie Blok weighs in on bluestone v sandstone on the next page. Please click below.

 

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<img src="/images/2014/03/28/mb-silhouette-6.jpg" style="float: left;">SHE SAID:

With one of the finest sandstone basins in the world, Sydney has magnificent 19th century stone residences, with the highest concentration found at Hunters Hills where 195 out of 4,800 homes are built of sandstone.  

Constructed during the 19th century by French stone masons, these houses are collector’s items of unrivalled beauty and historic appeal.  

1) Recently Jonathan and I visited Hunters Hill to inspect <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-hunters+hill-116402151" target="_blank">Windermere</a> (pictured below) - considered one of the suburb’s jewel properties.

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/06/13/hunters%20hill%20june%2013%20four.jpg">

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/06/13/hunters%20hill%20june%2013%20one.jpg">

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/06/13/hunters%20hill%20june%2013%20two.jpg">

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/06/13/hunters%20hill%20june%2013%20three.jpg">

For sale at more than $11.5 million through McGrath agents Tracey Dixon and Lee Dowdall, Windermere was constructed in 1857 by Jules Joubert, a prominent French pioneer and early entrepreneur.

Set on an elevated 3,569 square metre parcel of waterfront reserve land (occupying two titles), the house has sweeping 180 degree northerly views across Lane Cove River to St Ignatius College at Riverview. 

10 years ago, after an extensive renovation and extension including a 460 sqm wing designed by architect John Rose of Tanner &amp; Associates, Windermere was deemed the best house for 2004 at the NSW HIA Housing Awards.

Set privately in manicured grounds with rolling lawns and a heated pool, the two-level house has five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a library, media room, wine cellar, large eat-in kitchen and various living and dining areas flowing to covered verandahs overlooking the river.

With a private jetty and sea baths at the water’s edge, the Ernest Street property also features secure parking for up to 10 cars and a separate bungalow (or home office) with DA approved plans for a guest residence.

Windermere last traded for $10.5 in March 2011 when the Tarabay family bought it from Warren and Catherine Fraser of Fraser's Motorcycles. The Frasers bought the property from Annelies Crone-Arbenz, the widow of architect Donald Crone, for $4.4 million in 1998. The Crones owned Windermere for 37 years.

{qtube vid:=X7kFc1hVXps}

2) St Ives is another beautiful 19th century sandstone residence for sale at Hunters Hill. 

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/06/13/hunters%20hill%20two%20june%2013%20one.jpg">

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/06/13/hunters%20hill%20two%20june%2013%20two.jpg">

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/06/13/hunters%20hill%20two%20june%2013%20three.jpg">

Listed at more than $6.5 million <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-hunters+hill-116964771" target="_blank">through McGrath agent Tracey Dixon</a>, the Crescent Street property features a circa 1860 house set on a 1,066 sqm block with a gas heated swimming pool and direct access to a sandy beach at the river edge.

With a north aspect and pretty views over Alexandra Bay, the vast family home has been extensively updated for modern living (including marble bathrooms and air conditioning) while retaining exquisite 19th century detailing. 

Featuring exposed sandstone interior walls in the entrance hall and high-end finishes throughout, it has six bedrooms, four bathrooms, multiple living areas, a limestone and stainless steel kitchen overlooking an entertainment courtyard with an outdoor fireplace.

{qtube vid:=pzQZfrbe-B8}

3) Adelaide in South Australia has sandstone houses without the lofty Sydney price tags. A beautiful sandstone house in desirable suburb can be snapped up for less than $1 million.

In the suburb of Fullarton, a four-bedroom sandstone house (pictured below) is for sale with a price range of $890,000 to $950,000 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-fullarton-117229719" target="_blank">through Cocksaulg Real Estate agent Bernie Altschwager</a> with offers closing on 2 June.

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/06/13/fullarton%20june%2013%20one.jpg">

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/06/13/fullarton%20june%2013%20two.jpg">

With a classic double fronted façade and intricate iron lace, the house has many original features including a decorative hallway arch, high ceilings and polished timber floorboards.  

Set behind a pretty picket fence on a level 830 square metre block with a pool and established gardens, the house has four bedrooms, one bathroom, gracious formal sitting and dining rooms, a spacious family room and a modern kitchen.

Other features include solar panels, ducted evaporative cooling, gas heating and secure parking for up to five cars.

 

Projects you might like:

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26730]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4807]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758]
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Bluestone or sandstone? The bedrock of inspiring homes: He Said/ She Said

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

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