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Westpac have cut their interest rate after today's RBA meeting by 0.2 percent.
It is understood there will be higher rate cuts for its IO borrowers at 35bps for investors.
Westpac's rate cut is effective Tuesday 18 June.
David Lindberg at Westpac said the bank took many factors into account in making the decision.
“We are operating in a historically low interest rate environment, which creates the opportunity for home-owners to get ahead on their repayments,” he said.
“It is also a good time for first home buyers to get onto the property ladder with some of the lowest rates in the history of the Australian mortgage market available.”
Westpac announced a range of mortgage interest rate cuts for variable home loan customers and introduced a new first home buyer special for owner occupier principal and interest customers with a fixed rate of 3.49% p.a. for five years.
Westpac customers who choose to package their home loan with the Premier Advantage package receive an additional discount on their home loan rate.  
The following interest rate changes will come into effect on Tuesday 18 June, 2019.  
<ul>
<li>Variable home loan (owner occupier) rate has been reduced by .20% p.a. to 5.18% p.a. for customers with principal and interest repayments.</li>
<li>Variable residential investment property loan reduced by .20% p.a. to 5.73% p.a. for customers with principal and interest repayments.</li>
<li>Variable home loan (owner occupier) rate reduced by .20% p.a. to 5.77% p.a. for customers with interest only repayments.</li>
<li>Variable residential investment property loan rate reduced by .35% p.a. to 6.09% p.a. for customers with interest only repayments.</li>
</ul>
 
David Lindberg, Westpac Chief Executive, Consumer said today’s rate change was carefully considered by the business. 
Currently 69% of Westpac home loan customers are ahead on their repayments, including offset balances.
NAB and CBA cut by the full 0.25 percent.
ANZ cut by 0.18 percent, saying it also had obligations to its deposit holders.
ANZ's new lowest rate will be 3.63%, however they are only passing on a cut of 0.18 basis points effective June 14.
Effective from June 25 CBA's standard variable rate home loans will be reduced by 0.25% p.a.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Westpac to cut by 0.2% but more for IO borrowers

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Mining accounts for about half of Australia’s exports. In terms of ‘economic complexity’, the nation ranks 59th in the world, between Kazakhstan and Lebanon.
Three years ago, then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull went to an election spruiking the wonders of innovation. “There has never been a more exciting time to be an Australian,” government advertising had enthused in the months before.
But the public wasn’t enthused, and Turnbull’s government barely scraped back into office.
Since then innovation policy has spooked the political class. They see it as a vote loser, and a threat to jobs – mostly their own.
Consequently, innovation and industry policy has received the least attention just when the decline of investment in <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/worrying-trend-in-australian-research-and-development-20180705-p4zpnh" target="_blank">research and development</a> may matter most to our economic future.
<hr>
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/274790/original/file-20190516-69182-gyqlpw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/274790/original/file-20190516-69182-gyqlpw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> The red bars show the average intensity of the member states of the OECD and the European Union. Data for Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Switzerland, Turkey, and South Africa is from 2015; data for Singapore is from 2014. <a class="source" href="https://www.oecd.org/sti/DataBrief_MSTI_2018.pdf" target="_blank">OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators Database</a>
<hr>
Here’s how we got to where we are.
<h2>A deafening, blinding boom</h2>
After the terms of trade downturn of the 1980s and the economic reforms of the 1990s, Australia enjoyed the biggest, unanticipated mining boom in our history, thanks to the rise of China. John Howard wanted us to be “relaxed and comfortable” and we were, at least while it lasted.
Increased commodity prices boosted our terms of trade, without any extra effort on our part. By contrast with <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/ockhamsrazor/how-australia-got-left-behind-in-manufacturing-and-innovation/6163528" target="_blank">Norway</a>, which prepared for its post-oil future with a 76% resource rent tax and sovereign wealth fund, Australians enjoyed tax cuts and a spending splurge.
However, the underlying structural problem of our economy had not gone away. Measured by the research intensity of our exports, Australia’s “<a href="https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/rankings/country/eci/" target="_blank">economic complexity</a>” ranks at 59, between Kazakhstan and Lebanon.
This index compiled by MIT’s Observatory of Economic Complexity is topped by Japan, Switzerland and Germany. Our position in <a href="https://www.globalinnovationindex.org/analysis-indicator" target="_blank">global innovation rankings</a> is no less dismal, especially when it comes to turning ideas into products.
While recent domestic growth has been driven by services, retail and construction, our future living standards will depend on how we pay our way in the world. This means identifying new, more sustainable sources of export income.
Of course, resources will still have a part to play, but not as unprocessed raw materials. For example, we have everything we need for renewable energy production, battery manufacture and hydrogen exports. And how could anyone contemplate continuation of the barbaric live animal trade?
The graphic below shows Australia’s export profile in 2017. Of US$244 billion in total exports, US$131 billion were mineral products.
<hr>
<iframe src="https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/visualize/embed/tree_map/hs92/export/aus/all/show/2017/?controls=false" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" width="100%" height="550"></iframe>
<hr>
This rebalancing won’t happen automatically through the market. It will require <a href="https://www.afr.com/brand/chanticleer/no-need-for-any-more-innovation-reviews-20151203-gletj5" target="_blank">active intervention</a> to manage the post-mining boom transition to an inclusive and dynamic knowledge-based economy. And to reverse the slowdown in productivity growth associated with current wage stagnation.
<h2>Too obvious to ignore</h2>
During the boom, high prices for coal and iron ore masked Australia’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-would-it-take-to-raise-australian-productivity-growth-83505" target="_blank">deteriorating productivity performance</a>. Now mining no longer contributes to growth, the impact on our national income has become all too obvious.
That’s why it was so important to Malcolm Turnbull to reinvigorate the <a href="https://www.afr.com/leadership/innovation/malcolm-turnbulls-innovation-lovefest-20151210-glkiwk" target="_blank">national innovation and science agenda</a> with a focus on startups and business-university collaboration, after Tony Abbott’s $3 billion cuts to Labor’s programs.
And why it was then so disappointing he could not build on his agenda for an “ideas boom” to replace the mining boom.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sfCjdToaXwU?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" frameborder="0" width="440" height="260"></iframe> Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull launches the National Innovation and Science Agenda in December 2015.
The Coalition government has cycled through three prime ministers and six industry ministers. It continues to cut science and innovation programs. Its latest budget “savings” included $4 billion from the Research and Development Tax Incentive scheme, $3.8 billion from the Education Investment Fund and $2.2 billion from higher education.
As a result, Australia’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jul/10/australias-spending-on-research-plummets-far-below-oecd-average" target="_blank">total spending on research and development</a> is now just 1.88% of GDP, from 2.11% five years ago. The government contribution (0.57%) is where it was in the 1980s. Meanwhile Japan and Sweden are committing more than 3%, and Korea and Israel more than 4%.
<h2>Small target strategies</h2>
For any mention of innovation and industry policy in the current election campaign, you have to look hard.
The Coalition has confined itself to some low-key announcements on a new space agency, defence innovation, genomics, food, marine science and manufacturing.
It has rejected or parked the recommendations of its own <a href="https://www.afr.com/news/economy/we-still-dont-have-a-joined-up-innovation-and-research-system-20180131-h0r12c" target="_blank">Innovation and Science Australia 2030 strategy</a>, including using any savings from winding back the R&amp;D Tax Incentive to promote high-growth export opportunities.
Labor has committed to a <a href="https://www.innovationaus.com/2019/05/170-boost-for-RD-Tax-Scheme" target="_blank">“collaboration premium”</a> to encourage business engagement with universities and the CSIRO as part of a restructured R&amp;D Tax Incentive (another key recommendation of the 2030 strategy).
However, it will also “bank” the Coalition’s savings to achieve its budget surplus. In this context, it will be all the more challenging for a new Labor government to achieve its R&amp;D target of 3% of GDP, given that this will require additional investment of at least $20 billion.
In addition, Labor has announced an “off-budget” $1 billion Manufacturing Future Fund and a series of initiatives on renewable technologies, biofabrication, food and fibre, artificial intelligence, blockchain, space, hydrogen, electric vehicles and “digital skills hubs”. In an important symbolic gesture, it has also promised to rescue CSIRO climate science.
These initiatives are clearly worthwhile, but do not restore the funding that has been lost, let alone increase it.
If new policy must be paid for, why not cut expenditure that actually impedes economic transition? The <a href="https://theconversation.com/estimating-the-cost-of-fuel-tax-credits-is-a-tricky-business-62777" target="_blank">diesel fuel tax rebate</a>, for example. This $6 billion scheme, whereby taxpayers subsidise fuel costs for the resources sector, is equivalent to almost half the entire annual budget outlay for research and innovation.
<h2>Weighing the costs</h2>
Most successful economies around the world use “knowledge foresights” to identify national priorities in areas of existing or potential competitive advantage. They have long-term, coherent <a href="https://theconversation.com/five-things-about-innovation-australia-can-learn-from-other-countries-50966" target="_blank">policy frameworks</a> for pursuing these priorities.
Australia’s next government will have a chance to devise such a framework, in cooperation with business, unions and research organisations. Of course, it will require substantial public as well as private investment. But we can no longer afford a “do nothing” approach.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/116966/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/roy-green-3866" target="_blank">Roy Green</a>, Emeritus Professor &amp; UTS innovation adviser, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936" target="_blank">University of Technology Sydney</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/its-the-only-way-to-save-australia-from-a-deep-hole-but-innovation-policy-is-missing-in-action-116966" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Australian innovation policy is missing in action

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NAB has announced they will reduce all standard variable rate (SVR) home loans by 0.25% per annum, in line with the RBA announcement.
As a result the bank’s SVR will be the lowest it has been in more than 40 years.
Mike Baird, Chief Customer Officer – Consumer Banking said, “we strongly believe reducing rates is the right thing to do by our customers and reflects our focus on earning trust in the community and rewarding our loyal existing customers."
“This will save owner-occupier customers making principal and interest repayments on a $400,000 home loan about $62 per month or $744 per year, which will provide more money in household budgets for other expenses at a time when cost of living remains challenging,” Mr Baird added.
NAB will reduce all standard variable rate home loans by 0.25% per annum, making it their lowest rates they've offered in more than 40 years.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/4/NAB%20new%20rates.JPG" alt="">
(Source: NAB)
NAB are the third of the Big Four banks to reduce rates following the announcement and the second to reduce rates at an equal amount to that of the full RBA rate shift <a href="/news/cba-announce-full-rate-cut-after-june-rba-meeting">as CBA did</a>.
ANZ, the first of the Big Four <a href="/expert-insights/finance/anz-first-to-pass-on-part-of-june-2019-rba-rate-cut">to announce rate reductions</a>, will only reduce SVR loans by 0.18 basis points.
 
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NAB joins CBA in full 0.25% rate cut to historic lows

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The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) have announced they will be passing on the full RBA rate cut of 0.25 basis points.
Effective from June 25 CBA's standard variable rate home loans will be reduced by 0.25% p.a.
Angus Sullivan Group Executive Retail Banking Services said, “we have carefully considered the RBA rate decision and the current funding environment, together with how we continue to meet our regulatory commitments, capital requirements, and community expectations."
By reducing the standard variable home loan rate by 0.25%, the minimum required monthly repayment amount will reduce by $62 a month, based on a mortgage of $400,000 for Owner Occupiers paying Principal and Interest.
CBA was the second of the Big Four banks to make this announcement as <a href="/expert-insights/finance/anz-first-to-pass-on-part-of-june-2019-rba-rate-cut">ANZ beat them to the punch</a> with an announcement of rate cuts just 9 minutes after the RBA released their decision.
ANZ's new lowest rate will be 3.63%, however they are only passing on a cut of 0.18 basis points effective June 14.
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CBA announce full rate cut after June RBA meeting

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A three bedroom, three bathroom South Gladstone, Queensland mortgagee house has sold after being on the market for 57 days.
The property fetched $259,000 in late May.
Bevan Rose of Gladstone Real Estate marketed the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-south+gladstone-130899882" target="_blank">11 Eden Street</a>, the fully fenced property has 759 sqm space.
The home features multiple sheds and has parking space for four vehicles.
Built in 1950, the abode also has an eye-catching pink balcony.
Last sold in 1985, the property transacted for $42,000.
<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 price for a home in <a href="/section/finance">South Gladstone</a> is $310,000 according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as -1.4%.
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Colourful South Gladstone, Queensland mortgagee house sold

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Today, for the first time in 34 months, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decided to reduce the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 1.25 per cent. This represents the lowest cash rate on record and is the first time since August 2016 that the RBA board has shifted rates.
Why did they cut?
Despite the current strength of employment markets, the outlook for the Australian economy has softened. In addition, an escalation in the trade war between the US and China combined with the ongoing delay and dispute over Brexit has increased headwinds for global economic growth. The domestic economy has seen inflation track well below the RBA’s target of 2-3 per cent for some time, with low levels of household spending, soft wage growth, a slump in dwelling approvals and resistance from banks to lend all driving today’s RBA decision.
What it means for property markets?
Today’s interest rate decision, if passed on in full by the banks, will assist mortgage holders and encourage buyers that have disengaged from the property market to re-evaluate their situation. The past few weeks have seen buyers re-engage with enquiries and attendance at open homes both lifting. The increase in confidence comes off-the-back of the Coalition win at the federal election, ensuring there are no changes to negative gearing or capital gains tax concessions for property investors.
In addition, a new first home buyers deposit scheme, announced prior to the election, and the relaxation of finance restrictions by banking regulators provides a positive outlook for property markets leading into the second half of the year.
For property buyers
Today’s RBA decision along with the recent announcement by APRA that they are looking to relax lending restrictions, should help lift mortgage affordability. This will help up-sizers, down-sizers, investors and first home buyers re-engage with property markets after a period of indecision and uncertainly.
For property sellers
Today’s RBA decision bodes well for property owners looking to sell in the second half of 2019. The past two weeks has seen demand from buyers increase and a reduction in interest will help drive increased attendance at open homes and buyer enquiry levels. Despite higher levels of interest from buyers, the number of properties coming onto the market for sale has yet to rise to meet this demand. This will help drive competition for well-located and accurately priced properties that are listed for sale over coming months.
MATHEW TILLER is the Head of Research at LJ Hooker
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RBA cuts rates to new record low: LJ Hooker's Matthew Tiller

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Rate cut to boost employment and economic growth: CommSec's Ryan Felsman

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The ANZ was the first of the big four banks to cut rates, nine minutes after today's RBA decision.
They didn't pass on the full 0.25% rate cut with rates reduced only by 0.18 basis points effective June 14.
ANZ Group Executive, Australia Retail &amp; Commercial, Mark Hand said, “in making this decision we have weighed up a number of factors, such as business performance, market conditions and the impact on our customers, including our depositors.”
“I think the ANZ has let down its customers,” the federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said after the RBA decision and the ANZ response. 
“This is deeply disappointing from the ANZ,” Mr Frydenberg said.
Athena was the first non-bank lender to reduce rates, and they passed on the whole cut, reducing rates by 0.25 basis points.
The Sydney based online lender announced a new headline variable rate for owner-occupiers paying principal and interest of 3.34 per cent p.a. within 15 minutes of the RBA decision.
Athena only entered the home loan market this year.
The next to cut rates is Reduce Home Loans making their reducing their rates by 0.25 basis points. 
RACQ Bank have also announced they will also pass on the whole 0.25 per cent rate cut.
At 3:50 the Commonwealth Bank (CBA) announced a full rate cut effective from June 25.
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ANZ first to pass on part of June 2019 RBA rate cut

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AMP Capital has successfully leased a warehouse in Casula's Crossroads Logistics Centre.
Hunter Express, a specialist freight delivery company, will occupy Building 3 within Precinct B.
They join other customers such as Electrolux, WesTrac, Cosentino and Versiclad at 290 Beech Road, the Crossroads Logistics Centre. 
The property is made up of 9,455 sqm of warehouse and 500 sqm of office space. 
AMP Capital Managing Director, Office &amp; Industrial Luke Briscoe said, “Crossroads Logistics Centre has proven to be a highly sought-after facility for AMP Capital."
Hunter Express CEO Mark Hunter said, "this new facility will enable us to accelerate our growth plans and become the leading provider of specialised handling and delivery services within Australia’s $48.8 billion road freight transport industry.”
The Crossroads Logistic Centre is now all but developed, with only one remaining development site comprising 17,655 sqm.
The site is DA approved and ready to commence.
Once the final building is complete, Crossroads will accommodate approximately 90,000 sqm of warehouse and office space across three separate precincts.
Crossroads Logistics Centre is owned by investors in the AMP Capital Diversified Property Fund (ADPF).
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AMP Capital lease Casula Crossroads warehouse

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No word yet on just when Kylie Kwong will close her Potts Point restaurant Billy Kwong.
It was announced in March that it would close in the next few months with the acclaimed chef and restaurateur set to open a small, casual eatery from as early as July.
<p data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-8765012_16="6862" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-8765012_16="4000" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-9076555_17="6863" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-9076555_17="4000" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-8882279_17="6864" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-8882279_17="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-8765012_16="1" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-9076555_17="1" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-8882279_17="1">"I turn 50 this year and in order to mark the milestone I wanted to take a different direction in my life," Kwong told The Good Food Guide.
"I want to spend more time collaborating with partners and mentors locally and around the world.
Details of the new eatery are yet to be confirmed but the venture will focus on native, organic and local ingredients, Kwong said.
Billy Kwong opened in Surry Hills in May 2000 and in late 2014 the restaurant relocated to a larger site on Macleay Street, Potts Point.
<div class="adWrapper ad">Kwong says the decision allowed her to devote more time to social enterprises and other industry projects.</div>
<div class="adWrapper ad">It will let her travel to events such as the Rene Redzepi-founded MAD symposium in Copenhagen "and have meaningful conversations about serious global issues".</div>
"I can then bring those concepts and ideas back to Australia and localise them, whether it's the way we deliver them in our daily food or a topic we discuss at our MAD Mondays Sydney talks I curate."
Kwong was now looking for a new tenant to take over the site on Macleay Street.
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Kylie Kwong to close her Potts Point restaurant Billy Kwong and downsize

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bottega-property-group">Bottega House</a> has secured council approval for its first Brisbane project - a $270 million luxury residential development on an absolute riverfront site in leafy St Lucia.&nbsp;

The 15-storey project, known as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-lucia-by-bottega-house-180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">St Lucia by Bottega House</a> , will occupy a prime north-facing site at 178-180 Macquarie Street, directly fronting the Brisbane River in the established inner-west suburb known for its rowing clubs, golf courses and sprawling University of Queensland campus.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House will feature a suite of amenities including dedicated wellness spaces, a mineral pool and cold plunge. The project has been positioned to attract affluent owner-occupiers seeking high-quality, house-sized apartments.&nbsp;

Bottega House has been set up by co-directors Nick Malloch, Louis Mennes and Craig Marsh.

Malloch said the project drew inspiration from its Brisbane River setting and leafy inner-west surrounds, while responding to the demands of discerning locals looking to transition from freestanding homes into apartment living.&nbsp;

"With an expansive river frontage and lush green surrounds, we knew we had to create something special that reflects the natural beauty of the location while offering residents masterfully crafted homes," said Malloch.&nbsp;

"Our intent was to complement the project's quiet, private setting by introducing residences that offer a calm retreat and sanctuary from the everyday. The result is a harmonious blend of architecture, interiors and amenity that emphasises wellbeing, comfort and beauty without excess."&nbsp;

Malloch added that project consultants had been carefully selected in alignment with Bottega House's commitment to care, quality and attention to detail. The design team includes architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, interiors practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/urbis">Urbis</a>.&nbsp;

Three-bedroom apartments are expected to start around $5 millio. Selling agents Keenan &amp; Byrne said the pricing strategy for the project was anticipated to achieve upwards of $25,500 per square metre.&nbsp;

The project's development approval this week follows the success of Bottega House's inaugural Queensland project - a 22-storey collection of full-floor sky homes at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast which included the sale of a two-storey penthouse at a record price for a beachside residence.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House is expected to launch to market in November, with construction anticipated to be completed mid 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151826]

Joel Robinson

Bottega House to make Brisbane debut with St Lucia riverfront apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> is advancing its affordable apartment model into Brisbane with the acquisition of another site at Cordelia Street in South Brisbane for $27 million.

Sherpa, which has a $1.7 billion pipeline across Southeast Queensland, intends to bring a cohort of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers into its proposed 186-apartment project to be built at 2 Cordelia Street.

The Sherpa model has already been incredibly well received from their Gold Coast projects, where Sherpa Group set aside a number of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers.

The new $320 million project marks Sherpa Group's second development in Brisbane, following its $255 million Symphony project, also on Cordelia Street, which is currently under construction.

Symphony will deliver 146 apartments across 28 levels, offering a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. With 114 already sold, construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/lps-group">LPS Group</a> is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=351654]

Sherpa Founder, Christie Leet, said the company was excited to be venturing into Brisbane for its second residential project.

“We’re big believers in the future of Brisbane as we lead into the 2032 Olympics and beyond,” Leet said.

“The success of Symphony has guided us into what will be our second project and we look forward to submitting our plans with council soon so we can deliver yet another quality project to the inner city residential market.

“Our Flourish model has been very well received both in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and we’re excited to be able to offer some of these apartments again exclusively to first homebuyers to help get them into the property market.

“The model has been extraordinarily well received in our previous projects and it is something we are committed to moving forward.”

2 Cordelia Street will be designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hal-architects">HAL Architects</a> &amp; Finegrain and will include Sherpa’s signature residential amenities including pool, gym, recreation, wellness and work from home spaces.

The project will feature ground-floor commercial space, creating a vibrant amenity for residents and the surrounding community.

A development application will be lodged with Brisbane City Council in August on the code compliant site and will be launched to the market early 2027.

Sherpa acquires new site for second Brisbane apartment tower

One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

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fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

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FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Staff reporter

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