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During the past two years, the NSW Planning Department has endeavoured to seek input on a new planning system. 
The <a href="https://twitter.com/NSWPlanning" target="_blank">NSW Government</a> is building a planning system focused on sustainable growth to deliver the jobs and houses we need to support our growing cities and regions.
The White Paper – A new planning system for NSW and draft planning legislation were released on 16 April 2013 and were on public exhibition until 28 June 2013.
It held 160 meetings and during May and June 2013, where 2,160 people attended discussion sessions and events. <a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/PolicyandLegislation/ANewPlanningSystemforNSW/CommunityConsultationPodcasts/tabid/658/language/en-US/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Listen to podcasts of forums</a>.
They have recently tweeted that more than 4,500 submissions have been recieved on the White Paper and draft legislation.
<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/NSWPlanning"><img height="69" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/tweetofthedayjuly5one.jpg" alt="tweetofthedayjuly5one"></a>
The department commissioned Deloitte to analyse the time and cost savings of the proposed planning system reform, compared to the current system. Based on Deloitte's findings, the department calculated that families and businesses will save $174 million per year from reforms to development assessment and the resulting reduction in red tape.
Deloitte Report: Time and cost benchmarking project: A New Planning System for NSW
The NSW Planning Minister Brad Hazzard noted people were passionate about planning "because it touches our everyday lives, where we live, work and play and how we care for our environments.
"Our communities need a planning system that enables positive development to provide housing, jobs and improved lifestyles whilst protecting our environment now and into the future.
"Our businesses need a world class planning system that can respond to changing economic climates and underpin our common goal to make NSW number one."
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Strong feedback on NSW Planning White Paper: Tweet of the Day

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As Australian companies prepare for the new financial year, IBISWorld has released its annual list of the industries set to soar and sink in 2013-14.
Superannuation funds top the list of growth industries with an impressive 40.5% rise anticipated in 2013-14, followed by iron ore mining, wind and other electricity generation, online shopping and internet publishing and broadcasting.
The industries that might prefer the new financial year not to start at all include video and DVD hire outlets, automotive electrical component manufacturing, heavy industry and other non-building construction, book publishing and mineral exploration, as these industries are forecast to decline.
Industries to fall:
1. Video and DVD hire outlets
Tipped to decline by 12.3% this year, the video and DVD hire industry is facing huge competition from online rental services, piracy and services such as iTunes that provide cheaper and more convenient access to movies.
It's a classic case of new technology squeezing out the old and to compete on price; video and DVD hire outlets have had to significantly slash margins, making it nearly impossible to operate profitably.
2. Automotive electrical component manufacturing
An overall economic slowdown and poor demand for new vehicles have affected sales for automotive electrical component manufacturers, as has the consumer shift towards smaller, more fuel-efficient imported cars.
Falling demand for domestic vehicles has hurt specialised equipment manufacturers, since their products are mainly used in new vehicles.
Overall, the Australian supply chain is uncompetitive compared with overseas manufacturers.
While the government is making efforts to support the local manufacturing sector, its future performance is on shaky ground and the exit of Ford from local manufacturing will have a negative knock-on effect on component manufacturing industries. 
3. Heavy industry and other non-building construction
In 2013-14, IBISWorld expects that a reduction of investment in new mining projects will have a negative effect on demand for new rail, port and sorting facilities, leading heavy industry and other non-building construction to decline by 5.4% this year.
As investment in new mining infrastructure is wound back, this industry's revenue will become more dependent upon traditional sources such as telecommunications, so revenue will fall before the industry finds its feet again.
4. Book publishing
A structural shift in favour of online book stores is hurting domestic book publishers, with many consumers preferring to buy from foreign retailers that have exceptional bargaining power and offer fast postage and heavily discounted prices.
The collapse of major book store owner REDGroup has had a detrimental effect on the industry, as has the competition books now face from other sources of entertainment. These factors are expected to result in a 4.3% decline in revenue this year.
5. Mineral exploration
Mineral exploration rounds out the five industries with the lowest growth prospects in 2013-14.
The industry's decline will be largely cyclical as a number of mining investments made in the past five years reach completion and ramp up production, meaning that capital expenditure on new products will decrease – directly reducing demand for exploration services.
Additional economic uncertainty around commodity prices and growth rates for developing economies means undertaking new exploration projects will carry additional risks.
While current production is high, exploration is subdued for the time being. The growth rate is anticipated to pick up in the long run thanks to growing resource demand in developing countries, but as more exploration services are required abroad – such as in Africa – domestic participants may face new threats.
Karen Dobie is the general manager of IBISWorld.
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/">SmartCompany</a>.
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Video and DVD hire retail outlets among the industries set to fall in 2013-14

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As Australian companies prepare for the new financial year, IBISWorld has released its annual list of the industries set to soar and sink in 2013-14.
Superannuation funds top the list of growth industries with an impressive 40.5% rise anticipated in 2013-14, followed by iron ore mining, wind and other electricity generation, online shopping and internet publishing and broadcasting.
The industries that might prefer the new financial year not to start at all include video and DVD hire outlets, automotive electrical component manufacturing, heavy industry and other non-building construction, book publishing and mineral exploration, as these industries are forecast to decline.
Industries set to fly:
1. Superannuation funds
Superannuation funds are expected to have revenue of $324,582.2 million in the next year, a 40.5% rise.
Though these markets are highly volatile, the sharemarket drops in 2012-13 mean we're starting the new financial year from a low base – a good position from which to generate solid returns.
Rising superannuation revenue will also be a result of low unemployment and the 0.25% increase in compulsory contributions this financial year.
2. Iron ore mining
IBISWorld forecasts revenue growth of 22.9% for iron ore mining this financial year due to growing demand for steel from emerging nations like China.
While there's currently an oversupply of iron ore, we expect that this capacity will be absorbed this year and demand will outpace supply. This will cause a rise in prices – the primary driver of forecast revenue growth.
Mining capacity is also likely to rise this year as a result of increased industry investment in mining sites, such as BHP Billiton's Jimblebar mine and Rio Tinto's Brockman 4 and Western Turner Syncline sites. 
3. Online shopping
One of the key performers in recent years, online shopping is forecast to post solid growth of 13.3% this year. Demand will be influenced by factors such as rising rural high-speed internet penetration thanks to the roll out of the National Broadband Network, the number of traditional retailers joining the online space and measures to boost the convenience of product collection.
A number of initiatives to expand product delivery and collection options are adding to the appeal of the e-tailing sector.
Some online retailers have set up traditional outlets to act as collection points, while established players are providing lockers at convenient locations so customers can collect their goods in their own time – particularly appealing for those not at home to collect deliveries during office hours.
4. Internet publishing and broadcasting
In 2013-14, IBISWorld anticipates Australia's internet publishing and broadcasting industry will grow by 12.7%.
Success in this industry is largely a result of developments in internet access and speeds from newer devices and rising internet penetration.
Accelerating internet speeds and growing accessibility are allowing segments such as audio and video streaming to attract additional users, while increasing consumer and business expenditure will generate more revenue for paid subscription services. The simplicity of setting up operations makes it an increasingly viable business proposition for existing publishers to move online.
5. Wind and other electricity generation
Strong industry assistance via the federal government's Renewable Energy Target scheme (which mandates a minimum amount of energy key users must purchase from renewable sources) is driving growth for wind and other electricity generators, which IBISWorld forecasts will be 11.3% in 2013-14 – unless there is significant policy change.
Lack of community support is still an issue for this industry, with many people concerned about the physical and aesthetic impact these projects will have on their living environment. Large energy users are also concerned about the commercial impact on large-scale project.
If a change in government alters the Renewable Energy Target, incentives for investment in renewable energy will decrease, minimising the scale of the industry's activities.
Karen Dobie is the general manager of IBISWorld.
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/">SmartCompany</a>.
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Wind generation among the industries set to rise in 2013-14

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Online retail sales growth in Australia eased in May following a boost the previous month, but is expected to continue to outpace sales growth at traditional bricks-and-mortar stores for up to another 18 months.
The National Australia Bank's latest online retail sales index found sales growth in May grew 18% compared with May last year, down from 24% year-on-year growth in April.
"Despite an easing in the growth rate, it remains stronger than the comparatively soft trends across February and March," the bank says in a statement.
The statement says sales in bricks-and-mortar stores grew by 3.2% in April compared with the previous April on a non-seasonally adjusted basis. Internet sales made up 6.1% of total retail sales in the year to April, excluding cafes, restaurants and takeaway food, with Australians spending around $13.7 billion with online retailers in the year to May.
NAB senior economist Gerard Burg said the growth rate of online sales was likely to continue to outpace traditional stores over the next 12-18 months.
He says department and variety stores claimed a large share of online sales as they embraced the internet and multi-channel retailing. Large retailers such as David Jones and Harvey Norman have in the past complained about internet shopping eating into their sales but have since created their own online offerings.
Fashion, homewares and electrical appliances were the most popular items sold on the internet, with around 72% of sales made domestically.
Paul Greenberg, chief executive of the National Online Retailers Association, said he expects the distinction between online and bricks-and-mortar retail will become less with time.
"Where the real growth is coming is where retailers provide multiple points of purchase," he says, noting that daily deals website OzSale had held warehouse sales and opened pop-up stores in shopping centres.
Eddie Machaalani, chief executive and co-founder of online store builder Bigcommerce, said he can't see online sales growth slowing down for at least four to five years.
"There are a lot of industries that are still not online," he says, "or worked out how to go online."
This article first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/" rel="nofollow">StartupSmart</a>.
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NAB index shows online retail growth has slowed but still faster than bricks-and-mortar

<html><body>{module Do you agree with RBA governor Glenn Stevens that Australia remains a “lucky country” because the GFC slowed down household borrowing and prevented Australia from becoming financially over extended?}</body></html>

Do you agree with RBA governor Glenn Stevens that Australia remains a “lucky country”?

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Rich Dad, Poor Dad author Robert T. Kiyosaki has some sage advice for investors: keep your emotions in check if you want to be successful.
<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/theRealKiyosaki"><img alt="tweetofthedayjuly4one" height="68" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/tweetofthedayjuly4one.jpg"></a>
The American author and investor, who has 624,000 Twitter followers, regularly posts his ideas about investing on his <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/theRealKiyosaki">Twitter page</a>.
"If you want to be a rich person, or become a richer person, don’t let the poor person inside of you do your talking," read another recent tweet.
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Robert T. Kiyosaki says investors need to keep their emotions in check

<html><body>{module Do you think the RBA will cut the cash rate between now and the federal election?}</body></html>

Do you think the RBA will cut the cash rate between now and the federal election?

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Estate agents Marshall White have rejigged their approach to video marketing, aiming to create videos that are more like film shorts than a virtual tour of properties.
Marketing director Sean Cussell said past videos had been too long, boring, slow to load, and were agent-centric productions that really didn't encourage buyers to inspect.
"We identified the need to develop a video product that was more like a short to a movie than a virtual tour," he said.
"The idea being potential purchasers view a brief snapshot of the property and its location to encourage attendance at open for inspections rather than feeling they have seen all they need on a video to decide on their interest or otherwise in the property."
Marshall White says the new approach has led to more than 60,000 views on Marshall White videos within three months - on average 350 views per property.
Properties showcasing these results included 10 Fetherston Street, Armadale, shown below:
{qtube vid:=dd98FItTC-c}
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New video marketing strategy delivers results for Marshall White

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<img style="float: left; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0;" width="150" title="Bradley Beer" alt="thorjuly2headshot" src="/images/stories/2013/07/thorjuly2headshot.jpg" height="227">Financial Planner: Thor McDowell
Position: SMSF Adviser
Company: Vivid Advisory
Office location: National Presence
 
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
Vivid has noticed a trend of more and more average Australians seeking out specialised financial advice, specifically in relation to SMSFs and the options available to invest into property. With choices such as these, specialised advice is required in terms of replacement risk insurance, estate planning, rollover advice, risk management over gearing levels and other specialised legal issues that only a qualified financial advisor may give. Accountants and mortgage brokers are not qualified or compliant in this space.
How is a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) different to a traditional super fund?
A self-managed super fund is a personal super fund that only allows up to four people (usually family members) to become members of the fund. Most traditional super funds have thousands of members – an SMSF is the only structure that allows you to specifically pick the assets that you want to represent your future retirement plans i.e. If cash, you can choose to hold this in any bank account or term deposit; if shares, you pick the type of shares; if property, you select the investment property of your own choice.
Only an SMSF structure allows you to borrow for the purpose of holding direct property within your super fund.
How long does an SMSF take to set up?
Technically speaking, an SMSF literally takes only minutes to setup. However, it takes many weeks to plan for and execute correctly. The SMSF structure is a by-product of carefully planned advice from a licensed financial adviser.
For those of us who are new to Self-Managed Super funds, how are properties purchased by a SMSF?
It all starts by seeing a Vivid Adviser who will talk you through the steps involved.
Vivid Advisory are registered SuperShift Affiliates. By utilising the SuperShift process, which is both transparent and a “turn-key” solution for financial advisers (and their clients alike), we can more efficiently assist our clients in achieving their goals.
In what could potentially be an otherwise daunting process (requiring the needs of other multiple professionals), Vivid Advisers are able to lead a client through a simple process and guarantee a successful and compliant outcome.
What are the common misconceptions about SMSFs?
Superannuation is actually a tax structure (not an asset class). However, it can house your chosen asset class (or asset classes) as a key tax structure for wealth accumulation. An SMSF may be an exceptionally effective vehicle to accumulate wealth in multiple asset classes (including property) and may allow an effective level of diversification and growth to benefit your long term retirement plans.
What’s next in the world of SMSFs?
Potentially there will be a dramatic increase in residential and commercial holdings in SMSF portfolios. Based upon recent surveys undertaken in the industry, 20-30% of all investment properties are being sold to savvy SMSF investors.
Maybe it’s time you seek strategic advice from a Vivid Adviser to protect your current superannuation and ensure it is properly working for you to maximise the benefits for your retirement future.
<img alt="vividlogo" height="53" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/07/vividlogo.jpg">
About Vivid Advisory:
 
Vivid Advisory is a fresh new face in the SMSF advice space. Vivid Advisory has been specifically set up to attract advisors who specialise in the SMSF area. The Vivid Advisory team are qualified and authorised SMSF advisors who educate and advise clients on the significant opportunities that SMSFs present.
Vivid Advisory focus on strategies that provide asset protection and tax advantage - this allows for greater control and helps Vivid clients make the right decisions. Ideal investments are complemented with the most effective structures and personalised strategies - enabling our Vivid client investments to work to their very best capabilities.
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In Profile: Super Shift Affiliate Financial Planner Thor McDowell

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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2013/mr-13-13">
<h3 id="mr-title"></h3>
</a>
 Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2013/mr-13-13">At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 2.75 per cent.</a>
Recent information is consistent with global growth running a bit below average this year, with reasonable prospects of a pick-up next year. Commodity prices have declined further but, overall, remain at high levels by historical standards. Inflation has moderated over recent months in a number of countries.
Globally, financial conditions remain very accommodative. However, a reassessment by the market of the outlook for monetary policy in the United States has seen a noticeable rise in sovereign bond yields from exceptionally low levels. Volatility in financial markets has increased and there has been some widening of credit spreads.
In Australia, the recent national accounts confirmed that the economy has been growing a bit below trend over the recent period. This is expected to continue in the near term as the economy adjusts to lower levels of mining investment. The unemployment rate has edged higher over the past year and growth in labour costs has moderated. Inflation has been consistent with the medium-term target and is expected to remain so over the next one to two years, notwithstanding the effects of the recent depreciation of the exchange rate.
The easing in monetary policy over the past 18 months has supported interest-sensitive spending and asset values and further effects can be expected over time. The pace of borrowing has remained relatively subdued, though recently there are signs of increased demand for finance by households.
The Australian dollar has depreciated by around 10 per cent since early April, although it remains at a high level. It is possible that the exchange rate will depreciate further over time, which would help to foster a rebalancing of growth in the economy.
At today's meeting the Board judged that the easier financial conditions now in place will contribute to a strengthening of growth over time, consistent with achieving the inflation target. It decided that the stance of monetary policy remained appropriate for the time being. The Board also judged that the inflation outlook, as currently assessed, may provide some scope for further easing, should that be required to support demand.</body></html>

Subdued but increased demand for finance: RBA Governor's July meeting statement

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

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.

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.

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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

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