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Bass Lodge, the most recognizable house in Flinders that surrounded by landscaped gardens, has hit the market.
It was once the weekender of the Coles retailing family back in the early 20th century.
The circa 1915 home has been listed by Tom Barr Smith and Prue McLaughlin from Kay &amp; Burton Flinders. 
Sitting on a 5342 sqm block of land, Bass Lodge at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-flinders-129459678" target="_blank">33 Bass Street </a>has been fully renovated and restored. 
<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/2018/10/10/flinders%201.jpg" alt="">
It comes with four bedrooms, formal sitting room, dining room, light-filled kitchen, wide balcony with views across the water, and a seven-car garage. 
Other features include lift, wine cellar, guest kitchen and dining, concealed laundry, drying cupboard, cloakroom, powder room, plentiful storage, and split system heating and cooling.
<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/2018/10/10/flinders%202.jpg" alt="">
Bass Lodge is ideally located just a few minutes walk to the shops, cafes and restaurants of the Village, the popular Flinders Hotel, the Flinders Golf Club, the beach and the pier.
The suburb's median house price sits at $1.67 million according to CoreLogic. 
The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home on 5342sq m has a price guide of $8-$8.5 million, which would be a suburb record for a residential house not on an acreage.
The record house price of $6.56 million was paid earlier this year for the 2800sq m 14 Bass Street.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Bass Lodge at Flinders listed with record hopes

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The cryptocur­rency consortium that was the underbidder on Great Keppel is now attempting to buy Dunk Island.
The international cryptocurrency consortium is understood to be keen to buy the derelict island, according to The Australian newspaper.
The Dunk Island Resort in far north Queensland was devastated when Cyclone Yasi struck.
Dunk Island Resort occupies 150 hectares, the largest in what is known as the “family group of islands”.
Represented by Tim Sommers and Sean Neylon, Royalty Blockchain is understood to have entered an exclusive period of due diligence after paying a cash deposit.
Royalty Blockchain was the underbidder on Great Keppel Island, which was sold to wealthy Singaporean and Taiwanese interests for about $70 million last week.
Dunk, which is tipped to be worth around $25 million, was last traded when bought by the founder of the failed Linc Energy, Peter Bond, in 2012.
Mr Bond has since allowed the lease over the neighbouring spit, which is part of the island’s national park, be taken over by a Cairns-based skydiving outfit.
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Dunk Island attracts cryptocur­rency consortium

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The national residential vacancy rate was steady at 2.1% in September 2018, according to data released by SQM Research.
The number of vacancies Australia-wide sat at 70,172 properties.
At a capital city level, Sydney’s vacancy rate remained at its highest level in 13 years, unchanged at 2.8% in September from August with 19,469 properties available for rent.  
Melbourne’s vacancy rate rose to 1.7% in September from 1.6% in August with 9,676 dwellings available for rent.  
Hobart’s vacancy rate slipped to just 0.4% and Canberra’s tightened to 0.6%. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/16/SQM%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge:
 <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/2018/10/16/SQM%201.jpg" alt="">
Brisbane’s vacancy rate rose to 2.9% from 2.8% in September, but was down from 3.5% a year ago.
Perth’s vacancy rate fell to 3.6% from 3.7% from August, being well down from 4.9% a year ago as the oversupply of rental properties.
Darwin’s vacancy rate rose to 3.6% from 3.5% while Adelaide's slipped to just 1.1% from 1.2%.
SQM’s calculations of vacancies are based on online rental listings that have been advertised for three weeks or more compared to the total number of established rental properties.
Louis Christopher, Managing Director of SQM Research, said:
“There is now an extreme shortage of rental accommodation in Hobart with just over 100 properties vacant and available to rent.  
“Hobart rents have already been rising well above the national average for the past three years and I think that is likely to continue for the foreseeable future as the construction pipeline is not keeping up with underlying demand.
“There is a similar situation in Canberra.
“While we may speak of a surplus of rental properties in our largest city Sydney, this is a timely reminder that we have a mixed national housing market overall.”
Asking Rents
Capital city asking rents for houses were steady over the month to 12 October 2018 at $552 a week, while Unit asking rents fell to 0.7% to $437 a week, SQM Research said.
Over the year, asking rents for houses rose just 0.4% while unit asking rents slipped 0.2%.
The asking rent for a three-bedroom house in Sydney remains the highest nationwide at $714 a week and $513 a week for two-bedroom units.
Asking unit rents were down 0.4% in Sydney over the month while asking house rents rose 0.9%. 
Asking rents in Melbourne have fallen, with unit down 0.7% over the month to 12 October to $406 a week while asking rents for houses fell 0.5% to $524.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/16/SQM%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<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/2018/10/16/SQM%202.jpg" alt="">
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Sydney vacancy rate remains at record high in September: SQM Research

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GUEST OBSERVATION
One of the biggest strategic planning challenges of our time in Australia is to re-imagine the Greater Sydney metropolis with more than one CBD.
My students in the capstone unit of the Master of Urbanism program at the University of Sydney have worked on preparing a strategic plan for a Central City CBD at the heart of the Greater Sydney Region. This work built on the Greater Sydney Region Plan proposed by the Greater Sydney Commission, aka <a href="https://www.greater.sydney/metropolis-of-three-cities" target="_blank">Our Greater Sydney 2056 – A Metropolis of Three Cities</a>.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240952/original/file-20181017-17664-f4o3wt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240952/original/file-20181017-17664-f4o3wt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Figure 1. A Metropolis of Three Cities: the Greater Sydney Commission’s 2018 Greater Sydney Region Plan. Greater Sydney Commission
In this plan, the Sydney metropolitan region is re-imagined around three cities:
<ol>
<li>Eastern Harbour City – built around the current CBD</li>
<li>Central River City – built around a new CBD located in Greater Parramatta on the area currently known as Parramatta CBD and Westmead district</li>
<li>Western Parkland City – built around the growth expected around <a href="https://theconversation.com/western-sydney-aerotropolis-wont-build-itself-a-lot-is-riding-on-what-governments-do-97462" target="_blank">Western Sydney Airport</a>, Penrith, Campbelltown and Liverpool.</li>
</ol>
A key objective of the metropolitan plan is to rebalance economic and social opportunity toward Western Sydney and the Central River City, or “Central City”. The vision is for most residents to live within 30 minutes of their job, education, health facilities, and other services.
The first step to fulfil this bold vision is to understand how far Western Sydney is from having its own metropolitan CBD; and to assess how the Central City (in Greater Parramatta) measures up against the existing Sydney CBD, also known as the Harbour City.
How do the Central City and Harbour City compare?
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240953/original/file-20181017-17680-rfhpy9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240953/original/file-20181017-17680-rfhpy9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Figure 2. A snapshot of Central City versus Harbour City. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
Currently, <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome.nsf/home/tablebuilder" target="_blank">2.6% of jobs in Greater Sydney are in Central City, compared to 14.5% located in the established Harbour City</a>. While the Harbour City has many more jobs, the proportion of workers in the health and public sectors is much higher in the Central City – due to the presence of Westmead health precinct. While health will remain important in the Central City’s future, employment opportunities in the financial, tech and legal sectors need to grow significantly if the Central City is to become the next metropolitan centre.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240955/original/file-20181017-17674-19t3v6u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240955/original/file-20181017-17674-19t3v6u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Figure 3. Central City versus Harbour City: economic comparisons. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
Harbour City offers significantly more regional and local connectivity than Central City. Currently, <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome.nsf/home/tablebuilder" target="_blank">70% of Harbour City workers commute to work by public transport and only 13.5% by private vehicle, compared to the Central City’s 30% and 55.65% respectively</a>.
 
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240956/original/file-20181017-17689-zzxn66.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240956/original/file-20181017-17689-zzxn66.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Figure 4. Central City versus Harbour City: connectivity comparisons. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
With the number of trips to Central City predicted to triple or quadruple during morning peak periods from current levels to 2056, forecasts indicate that Central City’s travel-to-work mode split will remain the same. This would lead to increased road congestion, impacting the economy, liveability and sustainability.
To represent the depth of connectivity problems, Figure 5 shows how long it takes to get to and from the Central City. It assesses travel times between 16 strategic centres and the Central City during peak morning and afternoon periods and on the weekend, for commuters on public transport versus those on the roads.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240963/original/file-20181017-17664-1w7haxt.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240963/original/file-20181017-17664-1w7haxt.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Figure 5. How long does it take to get to and from Central City? Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
The results show the public transport commuters’ travel time from most strategic centres is already greater than 30 minutes. Commute time on the roads varies, going over 30 minutes during the morning peak. Moving commuters around Greater Sydney using the road network <a href="http://www.sydney.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/CfS-Issues-Paper-12-A-Fork-in-the-Road-1.pdf">is only a temporary measure</a>, as it does not have the capacity to cope with any of the proposed growth.
 
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240958/original/file-20181017-17664-t6ssec.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240958/original/file-20181017-17664-t6ssec.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Figure 6: Central City versus Harbour City: housing, cultures and services. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Kun Fan, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Anjani Rao Gandra, Nithila Rajave, Rachana Chandwani, Tamanna Sultana, Author provided
Central City is culturally diverse. More than 140 languages other than English are spoken at home, with more than 65% of people born overseas.
However, social infrastructure to support and celebrate this great diversity is lacking. Access to community facilities such as aged care, child care, schools and non-Christian places of worship are limited. Without investment, the social infrastructure deficit will only be amplified as the population increases.
Harbour City has 11 museums and seven cultural centres; the Central City does not have any museums and only two cultural centres.
The final word
These assessments, from economy, connectivity, and liveability perspectives suggest the Sydney metropolis has a very long and bumpy way to go before we can re-imagine it with more than one CBD. Visionary and bold decision-making, supported by significant investment, is required for the Central City to transition to a metropolitan centre.
<hr>
This article is inspired by the work of the students enrolled in the <a href="https://sydney.edu.au/courses/units-of-study/2018/arch/arch9093" target="_blank">Integrated Urbanism Studio</a> for the Master of Urbanism at the University of Sydney. I specifically would like to acknowledge the significant contributions made by Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal and Kun Fan.
Tooran Alizadeh, Senior Lecturer, Director of Urban Design, University of Sydney
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/re-imagining-sydney-with-3-cbds-how-far-off-is-a-parramatta-cbd-102197" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Re-imagining Sydney with three CBDs: how far off is a Parramatta CBD?

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Suddenly, getting workers onto farms is a top political priority.
Over the weekend, and again in parliament on Monday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced plans to get more backpackers working on farms.
We don’t yet have the details, but for a month the media have been reporting that he is considering “longer visits for travellers on working holiday or backpacker visas”.
Backpackers who have had a visa for one year can already get an extension for a second year if they have worked on a farm for three months. Some 36,000 did it last year.
What’s apparently proposed
The government seems to be considering increasing that extension from one to two years.
Another suggested reform is to lift the current six-month ceiling on any single stint of employment while in Australia on a backpacker (working holiday) visa.
In my assessment, based on analysis and research over several years, these are not only bad ideas, but also ideas that would undermine all three of Morrison’s claimed objectives in the field of agricultural work.
Morrison’s three objectives
First, he has gone out of his way to stress that he wants to end worker exploitation on farms, saying: "I want to be absolutely certain that those going to work in these areas and environments are properly looked after and properly catered for."
Yet the backpacker visa scheme is broken.
The Fair Work Ombudsman undertook an inquiry into it in 2016. It found that “many backpackers are being subjected to underpayment or non-payment, unlawful deductions, sexual harassment, unsafe working conditions and other forms of exploitation”.
“Overseas workers seeking regional work to satisfy the 88-day requirement and obtain a second-year 417 visa are particularly vulnerable to exploitation,” it reported.
The working holiday visa scheme is one we should be trying to fix or shrink, rather than expand.
Second, Morrison has made it clear he wants to get more Australians working on farms. On Monday he told parliament: "Where there is a job in Australia, our view is that an Australian should do that job where an Australian is available and fit and ready to do that job."
But at present no labour marking testing is required before farmers hire a backpacker. Current backpacker visa arrangements require no preference whatsoever for local workers.
Third, Mr Morrison has declared as recently as this month that the Pacific region has to come first when it comes to providing seasonal jobs.
"The Pacific Islander Scheme has the priority in our program. Of course it does."
This makes sense. Pacific island nations are poor, geographically isolated and strategically important.
But backpackers on working holiday visas compete for jobs with Pacific Islanders brought in under the Seasonal Worker Program.
Backpackers complete with islanders for jobs
The recent growth in the Seasonal Worker Program (6,400 between 2013-14 and 2017-18) corresponds closely to the decline over the same period in the number of backpackers who used farm work to get a second-year visa (9,600).
Yet there are still four times as many backpackers on farms as seasonal workers.
This means that, all else being equal, a 10% increase in the number of backpackers on farms would cut the number of arrivals from the Pacific under the Seasonal Worker Program by 40%.
Unlike the backpacker visa, the (Pacific) Seasonal Worker Program requires labour market testing, and the research suggests that the workers it brings in are less exploited than backpackers. This isn’t surprising, because the Seasonal Worker Program is a more tightly regulated scheme.
More than 90% of the farm workers on the backpacker scheme are from rich countries. Not a single Pacific island country is able to use it.
We’ll need to make a choice
My point is simple. The prime minister cannot claim that he wants to stamp out exploitation, get more Australians onto farms and prioritise the Pacific, while at the same time supporting changes to the working holiday visa that would result in more backpackers working on farms.
It’s an important decision for us as a nation. Farmers will always want a mix of seasonal workers and backpackers, but we need to get our priorities right.
Do we want more Pacific Islanders, or more rich-country foreigners, picking our fruit and vegetables?
Our special interest in the Pacific and the strong safeguards already in place for the Seasonal Worker Program suggest that it should be the former.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/105123/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;">
Stephen Howes, Director, Development Policy Centre, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
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/bringing-in-backpackers-is-not-the-right-way-to-get-more-workers-onto-farms-105123" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Bringing in backpackers is not the right way to get more workers onto farms

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In Brisbane, median weekly house rents remained stable over the September quarter and year at $400 per week, according to the latest rental report from Domain.
Unit rents increased marginally by 1.4% over the quarter and year to reach $375 per week.
The report found that Brisbane provided the third strongest gross rental yields for houses and fourth for units compared to all other Australian capital cities.
House gross rental yields improved by 0.6% over the quarter to 4.62% despite an annual decline of 0.6%.
Unit gross rental yields increased by 0.7% from the June quarter and 3.9% annually to 5.12% - the strongest annual increase in more than six years.
<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/2018/10/10/domain%20brisbane.jpg" alt="">
Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell said:
"Apart from a couple of fluctuations, tenants in the sunshine state have enjoyed four years of steady house rents at $400 a week - this is the longest period of stability in Brisbane’s rental history.
"The unit market appears to have had a minor turnaround, with rents increasing for the first time in two years.
"Brisbane’s advertised rental stock slipped as a result of the unprecedented inner-city unit development slowing.
"The state experienced a decade high level of internal migration, with Brisbane becoming one of Australia’s fastest growing city populations.
"All signs point to a broad tightening of the rental market.
"We may also see Sydney and Melbourne investors, dissatisfied with falling property prices, looking north for better yields and growth prospects, as well as seeking lower entry-prices and holding costs."
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Longest period of stability in Brisbane's rental history: Domain

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Perth retains its title as the most affordable capital city rental market with no changes to house and unit rents over the quarter or year, according to the latest rental report from Domain.
The report found Perth’s median house rent is sitting at $350 while units are also flat at $300 per week.
This is the sixth consecutive quarter of flat unit price movement for the capital city.
Gross rental yields for houses continued to improve over the quarter and over the year at 4.26%.
Gross rental yields for units declined over the quarter to 4.58% but continued to improve year-on-year.
<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/2018/10/10/domain%20perth.jpg" alt=""> Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell said:
"Perth tenants will find themselves with less rental choice as advertised rental listings have been dwindling for over a year.
"A broader tightening of the rental market appears to be occurring due to a slowdown in dwelling commencements and investor activity remaining relatively stagnant.
"This has seen tenants absorb the existing rental stock.
"Rental prices have been deteriorating since 2014 following the state’s challenging economic conditions.
"However, this is the first time both property types have displayed a more positive sign with rents holding steady over the quarter and year." 
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Positive signs for Perth as rental prices holding steady: Domain

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Despite house rents increasing by 4.2% over the year, Adelaide remained the second most affordable city for tenants (behind Perth), according to the latest rental report from Domain.
The report found that rental prices held steady over the quarter at $375 per week.
Adelaide remains the most affordable capital city for units with median weekly rents remaining at $300 per week - up 1.7% year-on-year.
Gross rental yields for houses declined over the quarter and year to 4.47%.
For units, gross rental yields strengthened by 0.1% over the quarter and 2.1% over the year to 5.19%. 
<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/2018/10/10/domain%20adelaide.jpg" alt=""> Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell said: "Adelaide’s rental market appears to be tightening with advertised stock levels declining.
"If rental supply continues to track lower in the coming months it will create greater competition between tenants, which will drive up asking rents. 
"Despite rental prices rising, Adelaide remains one of the more affordable rental markets.
"For investors, the city offers more favourable yields relative to the other Australian capital cities."
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Adelaide rental yields favourable for investors: Domain

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Canberra’s median weekly house rent held steady at the record high of $550, which was first reached in the June quarter, according to the latest rental report from Domain.
The report found that Canberra remains the most expensive city to rent a house, along with Sydney.
House rents increased by 8.4% over the year, the second highest jump of all capital cities.
Unit rents in Canberra were flat at $450 per week, a record that has been maintained for the entire calendar year.
With an annual increase of 7.1%, Canberra achieved the second highest growth in unit rents of all capital cities year-on-year.
<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/2018/10/10/canberra.jpg" alt=""> Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell noted: "Rental prices may not have risen further over the quarter, but Canberra has experienced one of the strongest annual growth rates of all the capital cities.
"Supply continues to tighten with house rental numbers now at a five year low and unit rental supply hitting a two-year low.
"Rising rates and investor land tax are likely weighing heavily on some investors - this could be driving some to sell, raise asking rents or opt for higher yielding options such as short-term leases.
"Canberra has seen a rise in short-term rental demand, with recent tourism data revealing overnight accommodation has risen in the past year.
"All these factors are placing additional pressure on the rental market."
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Canberra's tightening rental supply leading to rate rises: Domain

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Darwin house rents held steady over the quarter, but declined over the year by 3.8% to $500 a week, according to the latest rental report from Domain.
The report found that unit rents in Darwin experienced no quarterly or annual change, holding steady at $400 per week.
This is the first time in four years unit rents have not declined over the quarter and year.
Darwin continued to offer investors the highest unit gross rental yields at 6.08%, the only Australian capital city to achieve a yield above 6%.
<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/2018/10/10/domain%20darwin.jpg" alt="">
"For investors, a softening sales market continues to improve unit gross rental yields, almost pushing them back to the record highs achieved in 2004 and 2005," said Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
"A turnaround in rental demand for the city is largely dependent on economic growth, jobs creation and an improved population growth.
"The Northern Territory Government has announced a revitalisation of Darwin’s CBD with an aim at enhancing liveability, and offering key workers financial incentives to relocate.
"The impacts from the initiatives remain to be seen but the long-term approach to addressing population growth are likely to support rental demand."
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Darwin unit rentals stabilise after four years of decline: Domain 

A who's who of Australian surfing, business and entertainment has emerged on title records following the completion of Esprit Rainbow Bay, the latest boutique beachfront apartment development by former professional surfer Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects.

The completed project has attracted an enviable collection of owners, many with long-standing ties to the southern Gold Coast and the surf culture that has helped define Rainbow Bay and neighbouring Kirra for generations.

Given Gedoun's own background in surfing, it perhaps comes as little surprise that some of Australia's most recognisable surfers have chosen to buy into the development overlooking one of the country's most celebrated stretches of coastline.

Pezet Matheson directors Jayde Pezet and Todd Matheson launched the project in late 2021, and have managed the sales campaign all the way through to its sell-out and recent completion.

<img alt="Esprit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08fc6261-b84e-4b09-8a44-66d3067fd0d1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-29%20at%208.51.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4AOcb6ETZwNUnMPdTtz1B3pZAIB_jgZ2" />

Former world champion Mick Fanning, who grew up in Coolangatta, secured an apartment in 2023. He paid&nbsp;$2.07 million. Last year he sold his Bilinga home for over $16 million.

Three-time world champion Joel Parkinson also purchased in the development, alongside big wave surfer Mark Mathews. Mathews bought the most expensive apartment in the building, spending just over $4 million.

Joining them is Rip Curl founder Doug Warbrick, whose company helped shape Australia's global surfing industry over the past five decades.

The appeal of Rainbow Bay has extended well beyond the surfing community.

International DJ Paul Fisher purchased an apartment through his investment vehicle, YLB Developments, an abbreviation of his trademark phrase "You Little Beauty".

The purchase comes as Fisher and his wife Chloe are developing their own luxury apartment project further north in Palm Beach. Their boutique beachfront development, Pescado, comprises just seven apartments on Jefferson Lane, which start from just shy of $6 million. The couple intend to retain the two-level penthouse as their Australian base between international touring commitments.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy and his wife Wendy have also invested in Esprit, purchasing two apartments after spending decades holidaying on the southern Gold Coast. They also have a luxury apartment in Joe Adsett's Rockpool, less than 400m away from Esprit.

<h2>Boutique project draws owner-occupiers</h2>

Esprit launched in 2021 and sold strongly, with buyers drawn to its boutique scale, beachfront position and contemporary design.

The completed development comprises 94 apartments across 11 levels, offering expansive floorplans designed primarily for owner-occupiers rather than the investor market.

Crowning the building is Club Esprit, pitched as being the Gold Coast's first residential rooftop wellness centre. The roof features a&nbsp;25 metre magnesium lap pool, which is surrounded by wet daybeds and poolside cabanas,&nbsp;multiple barbecue areas,&nbsp;a yoga and relaxation play lawn, and a private dining room with a kitchen scullery, bar, lounges, and an outdoor terrace.

The wellness centre is&nbsp;fully equipped with a Technogym, ice bath, infra-red sauna, steam room, thermal room, and treatment room. The roof has views spanning&nbsp;Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks and the Pacific Ocean.

<h2>S&amp;S Projects continues to shape Rainbow Bay</h2>

S&amp;S Projects founder Paul Gedoun has become one of the key figures behind Rainbow Bay's evolution over the past several years.

After establishing S&amp;S Projects, Gedoun has focused on delivering lifestyle-driven apartment developments designed primarily for owner-occupiers seeking a permanent coastal home.

Esprit is Gedoun's third completed project in Rainbow Bay, following Flow and Awaken, both of which achieved record prices for the suburb.

He is now delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, a 38-apartment development on Boundary Street that is currently selling, and has no plans to leave the precinct anytime soon. S&amp;S Projects has also lodged plans for its fifth Rainbow Bay development, an 88-apartment project on Boundary Street featuring a strong wellness focus.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">First look: S&amp;S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street</a>

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Joel Robinson

Who's who of buyers revealed as Esprit Rainbow Bay settles

Nature Based Cities (NBC), the not-for-profit organisation focused on improving biodiversity and nature outcomes in urban development, has launched its latest industry design guidelines and accreditation framework, this time targeting precinct-scale residential communities.

The move extends NBC’s influence beyond its initial focus on medium and high-density residential developments. Several projects have already achieved NBC accreditation since the launch of its Medium &amp; High-Density Residential Guidelines in early 2025.

The expansion into masterplanned communities and new residential precincts reflects the growing need for stronger nature-positive benchmarks as Australia’s outer suburban growth corridors continue to expand at pace.

Paul Hameister OAM, NBC Founder and the Executive Chairman of Melbourne developer Hamton who itself leans heavily into nature and biodiversity in its developments, says the&nbsp;nature-first approach to mitigate the effects of climate change has become standard in other parts of the world such as the UK, but Australia is lagging.&nbsp;Australia’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) rating tools have no minimum mandatory requirements for living landscapes.

“We’ve always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren’t there,” Hameister says. “In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that’s concrete and glass with not a blade of grass. 
 
“The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn’t been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities.”

He says that having now&nbsp;made good progress in supporting developers of medium and high-density residential projects, NBC is now looking to bolster better nature-based decision-making and recognise developers of greenfield projects in the outer ring and large inner-ring brownfield precincts, who want to champion nature and living landscape as a defining feature.

Since 2022, the not-for-profit has sought to remove the roadblocks preventing developers from incorporating nature and living landscapes into their projects, shifting the conversation from the reduction of emissions and grey infrastructure, toward recognising nature as an essential infrastructure.

The New Communities Design Guidelines and Scorecard arm developers with the tools needed to deliver a nature positive outcome for their new communities. Intended to be adopted at the outset of the planning process, the guidelines are designed to help create communities that are cooler, healthier and more resilient while also enhancing social wellbeing and long-term economic value.&nbsp;

New Communities developers seeking accreditation will be independently assessed across a range of key criteria including ecology, tree canopy, biodiversity, and walkability. Once the masterplan is complete and submitted for approval, the scorecard is formalised based on proposed outcomes. Projects that meet the NBC criteria will receive either Commended or Exemplary accreditation outcomes, creating a clear benchmark for nature-positive new communities in Australia.&nbsp;

Janis Fischer, Director at Tract and NBC Advisory Council member, said the development of new communities in our suburbs can have a substantial impact on nature and biodiversity.

"By incorporating nature-based design principles at the inception of a project, developers and their design teams can achieve nature positive outcomes that are good for both people and the planet.’’&nbsp;

NBC accredited New Community projects will gain access to NBC branding and marketing tools to help communicate their nature-based credentials to purchasers and the broader market.&nbsp;

Nature Based Cities: A new Australian benchmark for developing nature-positive new communities

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<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/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

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Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

Staff reporter

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