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Construction has now commenced on the first major commercial office development to be delivered in Beenleigh in a decade – the catalyst for a $40 million economic and jobs boom for the area. 
Logan City Council mayor, Darren Power and Beenleigh divisional councillor, Karen Murphy joined project partners investLogan and Alder Developments to break ground last week at 96-98 York Street. 
Mayor Darren Power says that during construction, ‘The York’ will generate more than 100 jobs and an estimated 140 new full-time jobs once complete.
“Working with investLogan, we are able to create 100 construction jobs at a time our local economy and local construction businesses needs them. A key priority for the new Council is driving local job creation and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
Mayor Power said the project follows Council’s Beenleigh Implementation Plan to guide the planning and delivery of priority projects and programs in Beenleigh.
The plan builds on the overall aims of the Beenleigh Town Centre Master Plan and includes outcomes from the Beenleigh Summit from 2017 – an initiative which focused on unlocking the economic potential of Beenleigh. 
Designed by Conrad Gargett, the development comprises a seven-storey commercial building, four SOHO (small office or home office) apartments, ground floor retail space and an underground carpark.
Conrad Gargett Director Tony Jemmott says The York draws upon and contributes to the character of Beenleigh and its historic rural environs while setting a new standard in design for the city. 
“The ground level integrates small scale commercial and retail spaces, linking York Street to John Lane via a pedestrian only laneway that connects directly to Beenleigh Town Square. As a laneway culture develops, The York will become a hub of activity and ultimately a visitor attraction. 
“Stacked wintergardens with a cascading array of greenery will drape from the building softening the façade, while additional living greenery will be planted to further enhance the streetscape.”
investLogan Chair Steve Greenwood says that investLogan is purpose-built to drive economic growth within Logan’s key business centres and the start of construction on The York signifies the next stage in the evolution of Beenleigh. 
“The design and delivery of catalytic projects like The York will contribute to the revitalisation of Beenleigh and encourage further private sector investment,” he said. 
“The revitalisation of Beenleigh is creating a range of opportunities for large commercial activities and small businesses to thrive. 
“The York is delivering more than 4000sqm of commercial space as well as the SOHO apartments which will provide a contemporary tenancy space for small businesses that are the engine room of the economy, to evolve and grow. 
"Long term, The York is set to return significant economic and social benefits to the broader Logan community, a key reason why Logan City Council established investLogan to deliver these catalytic projects.” 
Being built by Alder Constructions in partnership with investLogan and Alder Developments, The York is expected to reach completion by late 2021.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Construction kick-start ignites $40 million economic and jobs boom for Beenleigh 

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The global pandemic has dramatically changed the way real estate agents do business but the role they play in helping buyers to find the right property and representing sellers in navigating the sale of their home for the best possible price has never been more important.
For varying circumstances, there are still buyers in the market that need to buy and sellers that need to sell. These people are looking to real estate agents for their expertise, local knowledge and importantly, to help them in a time which commands working together towards a common goal.
Agents have been forced to be more agile, get creative, leverage technology and go the extra mile in building client relationships. Former marketing strategies no longer work and determining how and where they spend their clients’ money to advertise their properties is reshaping how agents do business.
Proptechs like ListingLoop.com.au have become a lifeline in supporting agents to maximise their time, grow relationships with their buyer database, save their sellers thousands of dollars and help them earn an additional recurring revenue stream.
ListingLoop.com.au, which recently announced a partnership with the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV), and calls NBA and NBL basketball legend Andrew Bogut as an ambassador and investor, is Australia’s first buyer industry database. Agents can advertise their sellers’ properties for sale on ListingLoop.com.au under a no sale, no charge success-based advertising model where they pay for a result, not an advertising space. If there’s no buyer on ListingLoop.com.au, there’s no fee.
ListingLoop.com.au CEO Rhett Dallwitz said that “no sale no charge advertising provides an appealing, no risk solution during this current market. We understand that sellers don’t want to pay upfront advertising fees, while agents are not in a position to carry these fees on behalf of their sellers. Our model provides a safe digital solution that connects motivated buyers to the right properties faster than ever before”.
The ListingLoop.com.au platform saw a 23 per cent increase in buyer registrations last month demonstrating that there’s still serious buyers out there ready to take action. The company anticipates further buyer sign ups as people become more and more accustomed to our ‘new normal’ way of living.
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Buyers receive superior and timely service by registering their homebuying criteria and receiving an alert in real time the moment there’s a just listed or exclusively listed property that matches their needs. It’s a fresh and efficient take on the traditional model of property ‘searching’, especially now that not all properties listed for sale are on the major real estate websites due to the upfront advertising fees.
A property listing and property photos taken from a smartphone can be uploaded to ListingLoop.com.au in less than 30 seconds, including immediately after an agent has got the job and signed the listing authority. Registered matching buyers are notified instantaneously.
For sellers that need to sell but don’t want everyone knowing, all property information such as the address and the sale price are protected behind a login. The property is only seen by registered matching buyers on ListingLoop.com.au and is not visible in search engines such as Google and Bing, shutting out the window shoppers.
Unlike markets such as the US, real estate agents in Australia typically generate revenue through their sellers. ListingLoop.com.au is the first industry platform to financially reward agents for the work they put into helping buyers find their home. Up to 50 per cent of ListingLoop.com.au’s advertising revenue is paid back to an agent when a buyer purchases a property from within the ListingLoop.com.au network and from outside of their agency. If that buyer purchases property through ListingLoop.com.au multiple times in their lifetime, the agent receives a recurring revenue stream.
If a buyer purchases a property that’s the agent’s own listing, or if the listing falls under the agency that the agent belongs to, there is no fee. ListingLoop.com.au’s ‘community over competition’ approach to real estate has never been more relevant.
Agents are working more closely than ever with buyers as we collectively recognise the value of home and how much our homes matter. ListingLoop.com.au provides agents with free buyer intelligence tools that helps them instantly identify the buyers within their database that are actively looking for properties and those that could also be potential sellers.
“Despite a substantial drop in transactions, the role of a real estate agent has never been more important. Home is where we are eating, sleeping, playing, working and home schooling right now. An agent can tap into new tools and technologies to help buyers find the place that’s right for them, while supporting their sellers with targeted and cost-effective solutions that generate sales,” Mr Dallwitz said.
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Real estate industry needs agents to rise to the occasion: Listing Loop

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GUEST OBSERVATION
When it comes to the outlook for employment, there’s good news and bad news.
To begin with the good news: with a bit of luck, the next few months will see the fastest expansion of employment in Australia’s history.
The bad news? Well, there’s virtually no chance it will be enough to get employment to where it was in March, before the COVID-19 shutdown.
In fact, even on a best-case scenario it’s likely by the end of September we will only be back to the worst points of the 1980s and 1990s recessions.
The best-case scenario
Other Bureau of Statistics data suggests that between mid-March and mid-April employment fell <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EEze6-rwkdcKgJ0iLWD7PfmWoMz8ob6Q/view">1.3 to 1.6 million</a>.
<a href="https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/prime-minister-scott-morrison-hopes-850-000-back-at-work-by-july-20200508-p54r12">Treasury</a> estimates that the planned reopening of the economy will result in a bounceback of 850,000 jobs.
Suppose that a decrease of 1.3 million turns out to be the trough and recovery is uninterrupted.
Employment at the end of September would then be 440,000 below where it was in March, 3.4% lower.
The turnaround would be a considerable achievement.
But even if it happens, we will have only recovered to around the worst points of the 1980s and 1990s recessions, where employment decreased by about 4 per cent.
Employment won’t recover fully in this best-case scenario because some parts of the economy will still be shut down (including international travel) and COVID-19 will continue to cause many consumers to spend less than usual.
That best case is unlikely
There are several reasons to worry about whether the best-case can be achieved.
First, job gains from reopening businesses are likely to be offset by losses in employment in other industries suffering from reduced consumer demand and business investment.
While cafes and restaurants may start up again, Bureau of Statistics data shows that employment has <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/6160.0.55.001Main%20Features5Week%20ending%202%20May%202020?opendocument&amp;tabname=Summary&amp;prodno=6160.0.55.001&amp;issue=Week%20ending%202%20May%202020&amp;num=&amp;">begun to decline</a> in large industries such as construction and professional services.
Second, the effects of reopening may not be all we expect. Labour hoarding – where businesses retain more workers than needed during an economic downturn - might mean that reopening doesn’t translate into as many new jobs as expected.
This is likely to be particularly acute given that JobKeeper has effectively paid employers to subsidise labour.
Third, impacts from longer-run structural changes in the economy might begin to cause employment losses, especially as JobKeeper is partially unwound.
So what are we to do?
Even under the best-case scenario employment will be substantially lower than before COVID-19 well into the future. And we can’t presume the best-case will happen. A compelling case exists for substantial ongoing economic stimulus post-September 2020.
The labour market will not have fully recovered by then. To remove stimulus would only set back recovery. The question therefore should not be: is stimulus needed, but rather, what size and type of stimulus is needed.
Continuing JobKeeper beyond September 2020 could have an important role in providing income security to affected workers and macroeconomic stimulus.
It is a known policy, it operates effectively, and it appears to have community support. Replacing it with an alternative type of stimulus could risk harming confidence and the recovery.
We can’t simply end JobKeeper
An extra (and considerable) advantage of continuing JobKeeper is allowing time for a staged transition away from it. Stopping it will inevitably push up unemployment.
A staged transition would spread out that adjustment rather than creating a shock in September.
A transition from JobKeeper could be done via stepped decreases in the size of payment or progressively restricting eligibility as industries or businesses recover. The transition could begin at the end of September, or earlier if it is judged that employment is likely to have already recovered substantially before then.
An objection to retaining JobKeeper is that it is preventing adjustment in the labour market, and disrupting the normal process of businesses starting up and failing.
There are two responses.
First, the question is not about whether JobKeeper should be permanent, but about the timing of its removal.
Whenever it is (or starts to be) removed, labour mobility will return and any firms on life support will disappear. Having this happen via a staged transition is better than having it happen all at once.
Second, the potential economic losses from unemployment in a depressed economy swamp the potential losses from having inefficient firms operating for longer.
Our number one priority has to be maintaining and restoring employment.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/139648/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jeff-borland-1079">Jeff Borland</a>, Professor of Economics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-melbourne-722">University of Melbourne</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-even-the-best-case-for-jobs-isnt-good-well-need-more-jobkeeper-139648">original article</a>.
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Why even the best case for jobs isn't good, we'll need more JobKeeper

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The REIA Housing Affordability Report is out for the March quarter and shows a marginal improvement across the country to housing affordability.
The proportion of income required to meet loan repayments decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 34.7 per cent over the quarter, according to the report.
In his introduction to the report REIA president, Adrian Kelly outlined the highlights of the findings.
“With the exception of Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia, housing affordability improved across the states and territories with the Australian Capital Territory having the largest improvement 1.1 percentage points,” said Mr Kelly.
“Rental affordability improved in the March quarter with the proportion of income required to meet rent payments decreasing to 23.5 per cent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter.
“Rental affordability improved in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, but declined in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.”
When it comes to loans the total number has declined compared to the December quarter of the previous year.
“This is not unusual for the first quarter of the calendar year, however there was a 4.2 per cent increase on the number of new loans from the same quarter of 2019,” said Mr Kelly.
“The number of first home buyers decreased to 27,082, a decrease of 10.7 per cent during the quarter but an increase of 23.1 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
“With the introduction of the First Home Buyer Deposit scheme on 1 January we expect that share of first home buyers will continue to grow.”
The report shows the number of first home buyers decreased in all states and territories over the March quarter.
The largest decrease was in the Australian Capital Territory (-22.2 per cent).
Compared to the corresponding quarter 2019, the number of first home buyers increased in all states and territories, with the largest increase in the Australian Capital Territory (57.6 per cent).
The next edition of the report will reflect the impact the current COVID19 pandemic has had on affordability.
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<h2>State by State</h2>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/6/3/21_20201HarMap%20002%20copy.jpg" alt="">
NSW
Over the March quarter, housing affordability in New South Wales improved with the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments decreasing to 42.5 per cent, a decrease of 0.4 percentage points over the quarter but an increase of 4.5 percentage points compared with the corresponding quarter 2019.
With the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments 7.8 percentage points higher than the nation’s average, New South Wales remained the least affordable state or territory in which to buy a home.
Over the March quarter, rental affordability in New South Wales declined marginally with the proportion of income required to meet median rents increasing to 27.5 per cent, an increase of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter but a decrease of 0.7 percentage points compared with the corresponding quarter 2019.
In New South Wales, the number of loans to first home buyers decreased to 6,622 a decrease of 11.0 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 33.3 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
Of the total number of first home buyers that purchased during the March quarter, 24.5 per cent were from New South Wales while first home buyers make up 32.9 per cent of the state’s owner-occupier market.
The average loan to first home buyers increased to $502,552, an increase of 2.4 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 19.8 per cent compared to the same quarter last year.
The number of dwelling loans in New South Wales decreased to 20,105, a decrease of 17.5 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 8.5 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size increased to $595,315, an increase of 0.4 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 22.2 per cent compared to the corresponding quarter of 2019. New South Wales has the largest average loan size across the country, 22.4 per cent higher than the national average.
Victoria
Over the March quarter, housing affordability declined in Victoria with proportion of family income devoted to meeting average loan repayments increasing to 37.5 per cent, an increase of 1.0 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 2.9 per cent when compared to the corresponding quarter in the previous year.
Rental affordability in Victoria declined over the quarter with the proportion of income required to meet median rent increasing to 23.0 per cent, an increase of 0.4 percentage points over the quarter but a decrease of 0.1 percentage points over the previous year.
The number of loans to first home buyers in Victoria decreased to 8,624, a decrease of 16.0 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 24.4 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
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Of the total number of first home buyers that purchased during the March quarter, 31.8 per cent were from Victoria while first home buyers make up 40.3 per cent of the state’s owner-occupier market.
In the March quarter 2020, the average loan to first home buyers was $437,871, an increase of 2.3 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 14.0 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019. In Victoria, the total number of loans decreased to 21,396, a decrease of 15.8 per cent during the quarter but an increase of 4.3 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size was $514,741 over the quarter, an increase of 4.1 per cent and an increase of 18.8 per cent when compared to the corresponding quarter 2019. Victoria’s average loan size is 5.9 per cent higher than the national average.
Queensland
Housing affordability improved in Queensland over the March quarter with the proportion of income required to meet home loan repayments decreasing to 30.4 per cent, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points over the quarter but an increase of 0.8 percentage points when compared to the March quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in Queensland improved over the quarter with the proportion of the median family income required to meet the median rent decreasing to 22.0 per cent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter but remained stable compared with the same quarter 2019.
Over the March quarter, the number of loans to first home buyers in Queensland decreased to 5,419, a decrease of 5.9 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 20.8 per cent compared to the same quarter of 2019.
Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 20.0 per cent were from Queensland while the proportion of first home buyers in the state’s owner-occupier market was 34.1 per cent.
The average loan size to first home buyers increased to $374,036, an increase of 3.4 per cent during the quarter and an increase of 12.9 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The number of loans decreased in Queensland to 15,911, a decrease of 11.1 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 5.4 per cent compared to the March quarter of the previous year.
The average loan size increased to $414,154, an increase of 0.4 per cent during the quarter and an increase of 12.0 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019. Queensland’s average loan size is 14.8 per cent lower than the national average.
South Australia
Over the March quarter, housing affordability in South Australia improved with the proportion of income required to meet monthly loan repayments decreasing to 27.9 per cent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter but an increase of 0.2 percentage points compared to the March quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in South Australia declined over the quarter with the proportion of income required to meet rent payments increasing to 22.5 per cent, an increase of 0.2 percentage points over the quarter but a decrease of 0.3 percentage points compared to the March quarter 2019.
Over the March quarter, the number of loans to first home buyers in South Australia decreased to 1,493, a decrease of 10.5 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 8.7 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
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Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 5.5 per cent were from South Australia while the proportion of first home buyers in the state’s owner-occupier market was 25.9 per cent.
The average loan size to first home buyers increased to $334,226, an increase of 1.4 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 8.2 per cent when compared to a year earlier.
In South Australia, the total number of loans decreased to 5,764, a decrease of 11.5 per cent over the quarter and a decrease of 4.5 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size increased to $358,171, an increase of 0.8 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 10.3 per cent compared to the same time last year.
South Australia’s average loan size is 26.3 per cent lower than the national average.
Western Australia
Over the March quarter, housing affordability in Western Australia declined with the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments increasing to 25.0 per cent, an increase of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter and an increase of 0.2 percentage points compared to the March quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in Western Australia improved during the March quarter with the proportion of family income required to meet the median rent decreasing to 16.6 per cent, a marginal decrease of 0.1 percentage points over the quarter and a marginal increase of 0.1 percentage points compared to the year before.
The number of first home buyers in Western Australia decreased to 3,547 in the March quarter, a decrease of 2.3 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 12.0 per cent compared to the same time last year.
Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 13.1 per cent were from Western Australia while the proportion of first home buyers in the state’s owner-occupier market was 45.9 per cent.
The average loan to first home buyers increased to $353,115, an increase of 2.2 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 9.1 per cent when compared to the March quarter 2019.
The total number of loans in Western Australia decreased to 7,733, a decrease of 6.7 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 4.3 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size increased to $406,246, an increase of 2.0 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 10.3 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
Western Australia’s average loan size is 16.4 per cent lower than the national average.
Tasmania
Housing affordability in Tasmania declined over the March quarter with the proportion of income required to meet home loan repayments increasing to 29.6 per cent, an increase of 0.4 percentage points over the quarter and an increase of 2.8 percentage points from the March quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in Tasmania also declined over the quarter with the proportion of income required to meet median rents increasing to 30.5 per cent, an increase of 0.5 percentage points over the quarter and an increase of 1.2 percentage points compared with the March quarter 2019.
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The number of first home buyers in Tasmania decreased to 564, a decrease of 0.5 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 11.9 per cent compared to the same quarter of the previous year.
Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 2.1 per cent were from Tasmania while the proportion of first home buyers in the state’s owner-occupier market was 32.6 per cent.
The average loan to first home buyers increased to $302,128, an increase of 3.6 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 6.2 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The total number of new loans for dwellings in Tasmania decreased to 1,732, a decrease of 8.3 per cent over the quarter and a decrease of 16.0 per cent compared to the corresponding quarter 2019.
The average loan size increased to $343,649, an increase of 2.8 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 21.0 per cent compared to the same time last year.
Tasmania continues to have the lowest average loan size across the country. Tasmania’s average loan size is 29.3 per cent lower than the national average.
Northern Territory
Housing affordability in the Northern Territory improved with the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments decreasing to 20.2 per cent in the March quarter, a decrease of 0.8 percentage points over the quarter and a decrease of 1.5 percentage points when compared to the March quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in the Northern Territory improved over the quarter with the proportion of income required to meet the median rent decreasing to 20.6 per cent, a decrease of 0.6 percentage points over the quarter and a decrease of 0.3 percentage points compared to the March quarter 2019.
The number of loans to first home buyers in the Northern Territory decreased to 200, a decrease of 8.7 per cent over the March quarter but an increase of 10.5 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 0.7 per cent were from the Northern Territory while the proportion of first home buyers in the Territory’s owner-occupier market was 44.9 per cent.
The average loan size to first home buyers increased to $366,500, an increase of 7.3 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 5.0 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The number of new loans in the Northern Territory decreased to 445, a decrease of 15.1 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 6.7 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size decreased to $346,517, a decrease of 2.6 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 1.8 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019. The Northern Territory’s average loan size is 28.7 per cent lower than the national average.
Australian Capital Territory
Housing affordability in the Australian Capital Territory improved over the March quarter with the proportion of income required to meet home loan repayments decreasing to 21.2 per cent, a decrease of 1.1
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percentage points over the quarter and a decrease of 0.5 percentage points compared to the corresponding quarter 2019.
Rental affordability in the Australian Capital Territory declined over the March quarter with the proportion of income required to meet the median rent increasing to 19.0 per cent, an increase of 0.2 percentage points over the quarter but remained stable compared to the March quarter 2019.
The number of loans to first home buyers in the Australian Capital Territory decreased to 613, a decrease of 22.2 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 57.6 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
Of all Australian first home buyers over the quarter, 2.3 per cent were from the Australian Capital Territory while the proportion of first home buyers in the Territory’s owner-occupier market was 32.6 per cent.
The average loan for first home buyers increased to $446,330, an increase of 4.8 per cent over the quarter and an increase of 14.8 per cent compared to the corresponding quarter 2019.
The number of loans in the Australian Capital Territory decreased to 1,883, a decrease of 20.9 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 20.9 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The average loan size decreased to $458,471, a decrease of 3.8 per cent over the quarter but an increase of 6.8 per cent compared to the March quarter 2019.
The Australian Capital Territory’s average loan size is 5.7 per cent lower than the national average.
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Housing affordability improves marginally in the March Quarter: REIA

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A Bundamba, Queensland mortgagee home has been sold for $160,000.
The sale marks a loss of $20,000 since the home last sold for $180,000 in 2012.
Gai Flynn of First National Real Estate marketed the house.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-bundamba-133497846" target="_blank">16 Bergins Hill Road</a>, the abode is comprised of three bedrooms and one bathroom.
Set on 728 sqm, the house was previously marketed in 2014 when the vendors sought $199,000.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median house price in Bundambah is $308,000.
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Bundamba, Queensland mortgagee home sold for a minor loss

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Australia’s response to the coronavirus outbreak so far has been among the most successful in the world. From a peak of <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-current-situation-and-case-numbers#at-a-glance">more than 400 cases a day, the rate has fallen to fewer than 20 new cases a day</a>.
Australia has avoided the worst of the pandemic, at least for now. Comparable (albeit larger and more densely populated) countries, such as the United Kingdom and United States, are mourning many thousands of lives lost and are still struggling to bring the pandemic under control.
The reasons for Australia’s success story are complex, and success may yet be temporary, but four factors have been important.
Success 1: listening to experts
The formation of a <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/national-cabinet-update">National Cabinet</a>, comprising the prime minister and the leaders of each state and territory government, was a key part of Australia’s successful policy response to COVID-19.
States and territories have primary responsibility for public hospitals, public health and emergency management, including the imposition of lockdowns and spatial distancing restrictions. The Commonwealth has primary responsibility for income and business support programs. Coordination of these responsibilities was crucial.
The National Cabinet was <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/advice-coronavirus">created</a> quite late – in mid-March 2020 when cases were beginning to increase exponentially – but has proved an effective mechanism to resolve most differences as Australia’s dramatic and far-reaching measures were put in place.
Within a week of the National Cabinet being formed, Australia began to place restrictions on social gatherings. On <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-22/coronavirus-nsw-victoria-act-shutdown-non-essential-services/12079124">March 22</a>, ahead of a National Cabinet meeting that evening, Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory announced they were proceeding in the next 48 hours to shut down non-essential services. This helped push all other governments into widespread business shutdowns announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison that night, to take effect the following day.
National cooperation was further enhanced by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (<a href="https://www.health.gov.au/committees-and-groups/australian-health-protection-principal-committee-ahppc">AHPPC</a>), comprising Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy and his state and territory counterparts. From the start of the crisis, this forum helped underpin Australia’s policy decisions with public health expertise, particularly with regard to spatial distancing measures. Murphy has frequently flanked Morrison at national press briefings.
Success 2: international border closures and quarantine
Australia’s <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/update-coronavirus-measures-0">decision to close its borders</a> to all foreigners on March 20, to “align international travel restrictions to the risks” was a turning point. The overwhelming number of new cases during the peak of the crisis were directly linked to overseas travel, and overseas sources account for nearly <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/australian-covid-19-cases-by-source-of-infection">two-thirds of Australia’s total infections</a>.
A week after closing the borders, Australia instituted mandatory two-week quarantine for all international arrivals. Together, these measures gave Australia <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31016-3">much more control over the spread of the virus</a>.
 
Success 3: public acceptance of spatial distancing
Australia’s rapid adoption of spatial distancing measures reduced the risk of community transmission.
Perhaps galvanised by images of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(20)30074-8">Italy’s health system on the brink of collapse</a>, Australians quickly complied with shutdown laws. In fact, many people had already <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/we-kept-our-distance-before-the-covid-decrees-phone-data-reveals-australians-goodwill-20200430-p54oho">begun reducing their activity</a> before the restrictions were imposed.
Australians’ compliance is demonstrated by the low number of community transmissions, despite having less strict lockdown laws than some other countries such as France and New Zealand.
Success 4: telehealth
One of the federal government’s early moves was to radically expand Australians’ access to telehealth. This allows patients to consult health professionals via videoconference or telephone, rather than in person.
Australians have <a href="https://www.greghunt.com.au/australians-embrace-telehealth-to-save-lives-during-covid-19/">enthusiastically embraced telehealth</a>, with more than 4.3 million medical and health services delivered to three million patients in the first five weeks. A <a href="https://www.racgp.org.au/gp-news/media-releases/2020-media-releases/may-2020/racgp-survey-reveals-strong-take-up-of-telehealth">survey of more than 1,000 GPs</a> found 99% of GP practices now offer telehealth services, alongside 97% offering face-to-face consultations.
Unfortunately, Australia has also had failings, and it might have been in an even better position today if it had acted more decisively. Although it eventually “went hard”, the federal government spent the early weeks of the crisis mired in uncertainty.
Failure 1: the Ruby Princess
About 2,700 passengers from the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/may/10/anatomy-of-a-cruise-how-the-ruby-princess-came-to-dock-and-disembark-with-coronavirus">Ruby Princess cruise ship</a> were allowed to disembark freely in Sydney on March 19, despite some showing COVID-19 symptoms. The ship has become Australia’s largest single source of infection. About <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-23/coronavirus-across-australia-if-ruby-princess-never-docked/12172314">700 cases (10% of Australia’s total)</a> and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-13/australia-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-ruby-princess-fatality/12239626">22 deaths</a> (about 20% of Australia’s deaths) are linked to the ship.
Failure 2: too slow to close borders
While Australia was comparatively quick to ban foreign nationals coming from China, it was slow to introduce further travel restrictions as the virus began to spread throughout the rest of the world.
It took more than six weeks after Australia’s first confirmed case for the federal government to introduce universal travel restrictions. Before this, restrictions were targeted at specific countries, such as Iran, South Korea and, belatedly, Italy – despite other countries such as the US posing similar or even greater risks.
Failure 3: too slow to prepare the health system
Australia was too slow to ready its health system for the prospect of the virus spreading rapidly. When cases began to rise exponentially, Australia was ill-prepared for a pandemic-scale response.
This was particularly evident in the testing regime. At first, some people with symptoms went to community GP clinics and hospitals, without calling ahead, putting others at risk. On March 11 the federal government <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/24-billion-health-plan-fight-covid-19">announced</a> 100 testing clinics would be established, but this was <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/opening-of-100th-covid-19-gp-led-respiratory-clinic">only completed two months later</a>, once the peak of the crisis had passed.
The result was that as cases began to increase in mid-March 2020, Australia suffered <a href="https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/professional/chief-medical-officer-update-on-coronavirus-testin">supply shortages for testing</a>.
Australia also struggled to meet the rising demand for personal protective equipment (PPE). Australia’s <a href="https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22committees%2Fcommsen%2F75585d2b-2ea4-429c-bc62-d82fe6ee120d%2F0000%22">stockpile of 12 million P2/N85 masks and 9 million surgical masks</a> was not sufficient, and neither had it stockpiled enough <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/no-gowns-visors-gloves-national-medical-stockpile-to-be-reviewed-20200424-p54mxk">gowns, visors and goggles</a> to cope with the crisis. GPs complained of inadequate supplies hampering their work.
Eventually, on <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/national-cabinet-update">March 26</a>, elective surgeries were curtailed so PPE could be diverted to the pandemic frontline.
Failure 4: shifting strategies and mixed messages
The lack of a clear, overarching crisis strategy has resulted in a reactive policy approach, featuring confusing messages.
At first there was confusion about exactly which businesses or events (such as the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/mar/09/no-chance-of-australian-grand-prix-going-behind-closed-doors-organisers">on-again</a> then <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/australian-formula-1-grand-prix-cancelled-over-coronavirus/12052142">off-again</a> Melbourne Grand Prix) should be shut down. There were also inconsistencies between the Commonwealth’s position and the states’. For example, most states closed or partially closed their public schools around Easter and began reopening them when cases went down more than a month later. Despite concerns raised by some state governments, Prime Minister Morrison repeatedly insisted there was no risk in sending children to school. Childcare centres remained officially open throughout.
The mixed messages have been particularly pronounced on Australia’s approach to the virus itself. The federal government initially talked about “slowing the spread”, but some states argued for a “stop the spread” strategy. This tension increased confusion about how far Australia’s lockdown restrictions should go. <a href="https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/why-australia-s-corona-wars-have-only-just-begun-20200430-p54oo1">Debate raged</a> between people who argued that “herd immunity” was Australia’s only realistic option, and those who pushed for “elimination” of COVID-19 in Australia.
Confusion reigned for too long. Even an <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/update-coronavirus-measures-160420">April 16 statement</a> from Morrison, designed to clarify the long-term strategy, conflated two different strategies by declaring Australia was continuing to “progress a successful suppression/elimination strategy for the virus”.
In the end, the case count provided its own answer. Several states began to record multiple days and weeks with no new cases, showing that elimination may indeed be possible.
As restrictions unwind, a new norm will set in. The risk of COVID-19 emerging again means Australians’ way of life will have to fundamentally change. Significant risks remain, particularly for states that ease restrictions too fast. Continual monitoring will be required to prevent further outbreaks or a second wave.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/139845/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stephen-duckett-10730">Stephen Duckett</a>, Director, Health Program, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/grattan-institute-1168">Grattan Institute</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/anika-stobart-1014358">Anika Stobart</a>, Associate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/grattan-institute-1168">Grattan Institute</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/4-ways-australias-coronavirus-response-was-a-triumph-and-4-ways-it-fell-short-139845">original article</a>.
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4 ways Australia's coronavirus response was a triumph, and 4 ways it fell short: Grattan Institute

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A mortgagee home in Bligh Park, that is listed for $470,000, has sold.
<div class="listing-details__address-left-column">
located at 121 Porpoise Crescent, the property features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a fully attached brick carport.
It is not currently in a liveable condition, with the listing describing the sale as a great opportunity "for a builder or experienced home renovator."
The total block comprises 711 square metres, and has a large grassed back yard area. 
The home last sold in 2002, for $285,000.
Brian Speechley, from Speechley Property, has the listing.
</div>
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Mortgagee home in Bligh Park sold

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A mortgagee home in Perth's Helena Valley has been listed for sale for $455,000.
Located at 17 Prunus Place, in a cul de sac, the house features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a double garage.
There also an in ground pool, and turfed back yard area.
the total block comprises a 1008 square metre block.
It last sold in 1998, for $172,500.
It was built in 1996.
Richard Lowenhoff and Jessica Macarthur, from LJ Hooker Midland, have the listing.
 
 
 
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Helena Valley mortgagee home listed for sale

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The first week of winter is set to see 618 capital city homes taken to auction, down on the 856 auctions scheduled last week, according to CoreLogic data.
Due to the Queen’s birthday public holiday this Monday, all states and territories except Queensland and WA are welcoming a long weekend, which usually contributes to lower activity over this weekend each year.
There are 143 Melbourne homes scheduled for auction this week, down on the 261 held last week and lower than the 215 one year ago.
Sydney is expected to be the busiest auction market for the seventh consecutive week, with 377 scheduled auctions this week, down on the 452 held last week and higher than the 313 held last year.
Across the smaller cities, scheduled volumes are set to be lower across all cities except Canberra where activity is expected to remain steady.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/6/4/CL%20MAY%2031%20Final.JPG" alt="">
The capital city final auction clearance rate came in at 61.3% last week, slightly lower than the week prior when 62.7% of properties sold at auction.
The lower clearance rate was across a higher volume of auctions with 856 held, up on the 612 held over the week prior.
Of the 738 results collected, 12% were withdrawn which was much lower than the 50% seen a few weeks ago.
37.2% of sold results this week reportedly sold prior to the scheduled auction date, well below the results from early April when more than 80% of successful auctions were sold before the event.
An example of the upcoming weekend auctions in Sydney, which has been the busiest auction market for yet another week, is 68 Richmond Avenue, St Ives (picture in title).
The five bedroom, three bathroom house, is set for auction with a price guide of $1,550,000 - $1,700,000. 
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Winter residential auction season to start off slow

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An elegant family home in Cremorne Point with harbour views sold for $4.8 million. 
The 7 Green Street residence is situated at the end of a cul-de-sac just 200 metres to the ferry. 
Built in 2012, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom property showcases a plunge pool, formal living and dining room with a fireplace, poolside alfresco entertaining, and level manicured lawn.
The kitchen features a thick stone island breakfast bar, gas cook top, Miele appliances and a butler's pantry. 
The Victorian design inspired home has a vast top floor bedroom, master suite with walk-in, ensuite and veranda, and powder room. 
The property last sold for $4,008,000 in 2015 and $3,550,000 in 2013. 
 
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Elegant Cremorne Point home with harbour views sold for $4.8 million

Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]

Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3823]

Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3826]

The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=372542]

The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]

North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]

McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]

A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]

Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]

More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

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