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Pangloss, a Castlecrag four bedroom home of both architectural and historical significance, is set for September 27 auction. 
It has been listed by Bernard Ryan and Chris Keane from Ray White Lower North Shore. 
Defined by its two symmetrical wings and natural sandstone, the design of Pangloss at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-castlecrag-129203662" target="_blank"> 3 The Bastion</a> is an original compilation between two of Australia's most noteworthy architects, Walter Burley Griffin and Eric Nicholls.
The home comes with the theatrical circular living room, formal dining room with Art Deco fireplace, multi-purpose TV room, kitchen with integrated Miele dishwasher, Master suite pavilion, and other three bedrooms. 
<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/2018/9/17/castlecrag%202.jpg" alt="">
Other highlights include heated saltwater pool, Tallowwood timber floors, garden water system and landscaping including vine covered turrets, lush gardens and outdoor shower.
It is within walking distance to celebrated restaurants and cosmopolitan cafes along with popular schools and express buses.
The suburb's median house price sits at $2.78 million, according to CoreLogic. 
<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/2018/9/17/castlecrag%203.jpg" alt="">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Walter Burley Griffin and Eric Nicholls collaboration in Castlecrag set for auction

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Changes to visas for skilled workers have delivered an immediate hit to Australia’s population growth.
ABS data released today shows that Australia’s annualised population growth rate slowed for the fourth consecutive quarter.
Australia’s overseas migration fell by 9 per cent since changes to visa requirements came into force in April 2017, slowing the population growth rate to 1.6 per cent.
In April 2017, Australia introduced a range of visa changes which have been successful in reducing the number of skilled migrants arriving in Australia.
The current phase of Australia’s 28 years of continuous economic growth is built upon the arrival of skilled migrants. Skilled migration is necessary to offset the impact of our aging population.
Looking domestically, states such as New South Wales and Victoria that have benefited the most from overseas migration over recent years are now seeing population growth rates slowing.
The slowing rate of population growth, while it remains high for a developed economy, will contribute to slower growth of household consumption.
This means slower growth in sectors such as retail and residential building.
Given that these two sectors are amongst the nation’s largest employers the risks presented a decline in population growth should not be underestimated.
Over the year to March 2018, Victoria saw the strongest growth in population (+2.2 per cent), followed by the ACT (+2.1 per cent) and Queensland (+1.7 per cent).
New South Wales was fourth fastest (+1.6 per cent) with Tasmania fifth (+1.0 per cent), Western Australia sixth (+0.8 per cent) and South Australia seventh (+0.7 per cent).
The population of the Northern Territory has actually declined over the last two quarters and the annual rate of growth has slowed to 0.1 per cent.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/20/HIA%20ground.JPG" alt="">
Geordan Murray is the Principal Economist for HIA 
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Overseas migration into Australia is down by 9 per cent: Geordan Murray

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Billionaire James Packer has spent about $80 million on a Los Angeles home once owned by actor Danny DeVito.
The home includes seven bedrooms, an eight car garage, all marble kitchen, pool, beauty salon, cigar room, cellar and private cinema on the 2700 sqm property.
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<div> <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/2018/9/19/PACKER2.jpg" alt=""> Picture: <a href="http://www.joebryantnyla.com/about/" target="_blank">Joe Bryant</a>
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James Packer reportedly made the acquisition moved to be closer to family. 
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Packer purchased the Holmby Heights property for nearly $25 million below the asking price of $115 million, reported London’s The Sun.
<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/2018/9/20/packer5.jpg" alt=""> Packer's new home has a cinema room: Picture Joe Bryant
Devito and his then wife actor Rhea Perlman had lived in the home 21 years before selling it in 2015 for about $27 million.
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<div>In 2015 he sold his Vaucluse, Sydney mansion La Mer for $70 million.</div>
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He set a record in 2016 by spending $60 million on an off the plan One Barangaroo, Sydney apartment — breaking the Australian apartment price record.
Forbes calculates Packer had a likely net worth of about $3.9 billion.
<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/2018/9/20/packer4.jpg" alt=""> The marble kitchen: Picture Joe Bryant
Damon Kitney, who is set to launch The Price of Fortune: The untold story of being James Packer, published by HarperCollins, wrote Packer decided at the end of June to buy a property in Los Angeles, which for the past five years has been home to his second wife, Erica Packer, and their children Indigo, Jackson and Emmanuelle.
“I just want to say what an incredible job Erica is doing bringing them up,” Mr Packer said in an interview with The Weekend Australian last October.
“I always thought she’d be a good mother and she is proving that every day … LA is a really terrific place for them to be. There is a lot of positive energy, a lot of positive affirmation there. And there is not the Packer ­fishbowl that there would have been in Sydney. They have anonymity there that they don’t have in Sydney. That is really healthy for them.”
<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/2018/9/19/packer3.jpg" alt=""> The exterior of the home: Picture Joe Bryant
He previously has rented the guesthouse of movie legend Warren Beatty on the storied Mulholland Drive in Beverly Hills.
He divides his time between the home he shares with Ms Packer in Aspen, his polo ranch in Argentina and a resort villa in Los Cabos, Mexico.
Packer’s purchase of the new Beverly Hills home will be funded by the sale of EJI — the first initials of his three children — for which he reportedly has been asking $65.7 million, and by the sale of his Bondi Beach apartment.
Kitney wrote in The Australian that Packer has no immediate plans to resume doing business in Hollywood.
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Inside James Packer's Holmby Heights, Los Angeles trophy home

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Over the second quarter of 2018, there were $4.5 million worth of resales at a loss for Canberra.
That accounted for 1% of the total value of losses nationally, according to the latest CoreLogic Pain and Gain report.
The market also recorded $248.3 million in realised profits which accounted for 1.6% of profits nationally.
Most of the losses were apartments.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/18/CL%20PG%20CAN%202.JPG" alt="">
An example of some apartments which weren't quite loss makers, but barely budged were 37/3-5 Burbury Close Barton, ACT which gained $5,000 rising from $605,000 in 2010 to $610,000 during the June quarter.
At 61/30-32 Blackall Street Barton, ACT, the one bedroom, one bathroom apartment made just $100, a leap from $420,900 to $421,000 over the past five 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/2018/9/24/Bunda%20bunda.jpg" alt="">
An apartment in the ACT that did make a outright loss is 512/240 Bunda Street City, ACT (pictured above).
The apartment sold for $445,000 in April this year making a loss of $17,900 on its last sale price of $462,900 in 2011.
It is the largest one bedroom apartment in the Manhattan on the Park development.
Over the quarter, the share of houses resold at a loss fell slightly while the share of unit resales at a loss rose, CoreLogic noted.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/18/CL%20PG%20CAN%201.JPG" alt="">
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Canberra house resale profits ticks up: CoreLogic

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Hobart resales of properties over the June 2018 quarter generated $134.3 million in profits and $1.595 million in losses, according to the latest CoreLogic Pain and Gain report.
The report noted that, based on these figures Hobart accounted for 0.9% of profits nationally over the quarter and 0.3% of losses.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/18/CL%20PG%20HOB%201.JPG" alt="">
Value growth has slowed over the quarter and as a result the share of resales at a loss has increased.
Kingborough, Brighton and Sorell had the fewest resales at a loss while Derwent Valley, Glenorchy and Hobart had the highest share of resales at a loss.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/9/18/CL%20PG%20HOB%202.JPG" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/18/CL%20PG%20HOB%202.JPG" alt="">
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Kingborough, Brighton and Sorell return Hobart's most profitable resales: CoreLogic Pain & Gain

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During the second quarter of 2018, resales of Adelaide properties generated $471.9 million in profits and $17.9 million in losses, according to the latest CoreLogic Pain and Gain report .
The report noted, these resales accounted for 3.0% of total resale profits nationally and 3.8% of resale losses.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/18/CL%20PG%20ADL%201.JPG" alt="">
The regions with the lowest share of resale losses over the quarter were Norwood Payneham and St Peters, West Torrens and Unley while the greatest share of resale losses occurred in Playford, Gawler and Adelaide.
Adelaide is continuing to see only moderate increases in values however, like most other capital cities, the share of resales at a loss has increased over the quarter.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/9/18/CL%20PG%20ADL%202.JPG" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/18/CL%20PG%20ADL%202.JPG" alt="">
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Playford, Gawler and Adelaide hit by resale losses: CoreLogic

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Based on resales across Greater Brisbane over the second quarter of 2018, the total value of resales at a profit was $1.1 billion.
Meanwhile, the total value of resales at a loss was recorded at $27.1 million, according to the latest CoreLogic Pain and Gain report.
The report noted, Brisbane generated 5.8% of the total value of resale profits nationally over the quarter and 6.8% of the losses.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/18/CL%20PG%20BRIS%201.JPG" alt="">
Throughout south-east Queensland, the council regions with the lowest proportion of resales at a loss were Sunshine Coast, Redland and Moreton Bay while the highest proportion of resales at a loss occurred in Ipswich, Somerset and Toowoomba.
The divergence between houses and units for loss making sales is likely attributable to higher supply levels across key areas of the inner city and the subsequent falling unit values.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/9/18/CL%20PG%20BRIS%202.JPG" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/18/CL%20PG%20BRIS%202.JPG" alt="">
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Sunshine Coast records South East Queenland's lowest proportion of resale losses: CoreLogic

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack last week suggested the government would look at changing the law to allow water to be taken from the environment and given to farmers struggling with the drought.
This is a bad idea for several reasons. First, the environment needs water in dry years as well as wet ones. Second, unilaterally intervening in the way water is distributed between users undermines the water market, which is now worth billions of dollars. And, third, in dry years the environment gets a smaller allocation too, so there simply isn’t enough water to make this worthwhile.
In fact, the growing political pressure being put on environmental water holders to sell their water to farmers is exactly the kind of interference that bodies such as the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder were established to avoid.
The environment always needs water
The ongoing sustainable use of rivers is based on key ecosystem functions being maintained, and this means that environmental water is needed in both wet and dry years. The objectives of environmental watering change from providing larger wetland inundation events in wet years, to maintaining critical refuges and basic ecosystem functions in dry years.
Prolonged dry periods cause severe stress to ecosystems, such as during the Millennium Drought when many Murray River red gums were sickened by salinity and lack of water. Environmental water is essential for ecosystem survival during these periods.
Under existing rules, environmental water holders can sell and buy water so as to deliver maximum benefits at the places and times it is most needed.
But during dry years the environmental water holders receive the same water allocations as other users. So it’s very unlikely there will be any “spare” water during drought. During a dry period, the environment is in urgent need of water to protect endangered species and maintain basic ecosystem functions.
We should be cautious when environmental water is sold during drought, as this compromises the ability of environmental water holders to meet their objectives of safeguarding river health. When the funds from the sale are not used to mitigate the loss of the available water to the environment, this is even more risky.
Secure water rights support all water users
In response to McCormack’s suggestion, the National Irrigators’ Council argued that compulsorily acquiring water from the environment can actually hurt farmers who depend on the water market as a source of income or water during drought.
Water markets are underpinned by clear legal rights to water. In other words, the entitlements the environment holds are the same as those held by irrigators. If the government starts treating environmental water rights as barely worth the paper they’re printed on, farmers would have every reason to fear that their own water rights might similarly be stripped away in the future.
Maintaining the integrity of the water market is important for all participants who have chosen to sell water, based on reasonable expectations of how prices will hold up.
Can taking environmental water actually help farmers?
As federal Water Resources Minister David Littleproud noted this week, environmental water is only about 8% of total water allocations in storage throughout the Murray Darling Basin. In the southern basin, it is still only about 14%. This means that between 86% and 92% of water currently sitting in storage is already allocated to human use, including farming.
There are calls for the Commonwealth government to treat the drought as an emergency and to take (or “borrow”) water from environmental water holders. But the Murray-Darling Basin Plan already has specific arrangements in place for emergencies in which critical human water needs are threatened.
The current situation in New South Wales is not an emergency under the plan. Water resources across the northern Murray-Darling Basin are indeed low, but storages in the southern basin are still 50-75% full. Although many licence holders in NSW received zero water in July’s round of allocations, high-security water licences are at 95-100%. In northern Victoria, most high-reliability water shares on the Murray are at 71% allocation.
The situation can therefore be managed using existing tools, such as providing direct financial support to farming communities and buying water on the water market.
Environmental water is an investment, not a luxury
As Australia’s First Nations have known for millennia, a healthy environment is not an optional extra. It underpins the sustainability and security of the water we depend on. When river flows decline, the water becomes too toxic to use.
Water has been allocated to the environment throughout the Murray-Darling Basin to prevent the catastrophic blue-green algal blooms and salinity problems we have experienced in the past. If we want safe, secure water supplies for people, livestock and crops, we need to keep these key river ecosystems alive and well during the drought.
In the past decade alone, Australia has spent A$13 billion of taxpayers’ money to bring water use in the Murray-Darling Basin back to sustainable levels. If we let our governments treat the environment like a “water bank” to spend when times get tough, this huge investment will have been wasted.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/103238/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;">
Erin O'Donnell, Senior Fellow, Centre for Resources, Energy and Environment Law, University of Melbourne
Avril Horne, Research fellow, Department of Infrastructure Engineering, University of Melbourne
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/giving-environmental-water-to-drought-stricken-farmers-sounds-straightforward-but-its-a-bad-idea-103238" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Giving environmental water to drought-stricken farmers sounds straightforward, but it’s a bad idea

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One of Canberra's iconic mid-century modern homes has hit the market after a recent renovation.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-deakin-129218218" target="_blank">Deakin home was designed</a> by the late architect Miles Jakl, who was best known for the carousel restaurant Onred atop Red Hill, in the 1960s.
The three bedroom home was featured in 100 Canberra Houses: A Century of Capital Architecture, published in 2013 to time with the Canberra's centenary. 
It has been updated since it last traded for $1.44 million in 2016, the first time it had been offered for sale when bought by the Muller family.
It has been listed for auction this weekend through Belle agents Leanne Palmer and Louise Harget.
Set on an 850 square metre Beauchamp Street block, the property features a landscaped courtyard, established gardens and a solar heated swimming pool.
It still has a feel of a 1960s entertainers' offering.
This article was first published in Weekend Australian. 
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Iconic mid-century Canberra trophy home set to go under the hammer

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This weekend sees Cragieburn vie with Richmond as the busiest auction locates, with both having 21 auctions.
Offerings this weekend at Craigieburn include <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-craigieburn-129173314" target="_blank">25 Brickwood Circuit</a> (pictured above).
The three bedroom two bathroom house is set on a 400 sqm block.
The holding last sold in 2009 for $345,081. The indicative selling price is $500,000 to $550,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/19/Brickwood%202.JPG" alt="">
Another is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-craigieburn-129185710" target="_blank">11 Flannery Street,</a> Cragieburn (pictured above).
The five bedroom two bathroom home comes with a price guide of $580,000 to $630,000.
Set on 448 sqm it features a solar powered water heating system.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/19/Brickwood%203.JPG" alt="">
Busy Richmond sees <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-richmond-129202182" target="_blank">78 Coppin Street </a> (pictured above) go to auction.
It is a two bedroom one bathroom home with an accompanying price guide of $940,000 to $1,020,000.
The median house price in Richmond is $1,317,500.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/19/Brickwood%204.JPG" alt="">
Another is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-richmond-129128674" target="_blank">32 Jessie Street</a>, Richmond (pictured above).
With a price guide just above the median price, $1.395 million to $1.495 million the home is just 2 km from the CBD.
The home has its own one car garage.
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Richmond and Cragieburn competing for busiest suburb at auction this weekend

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" />

&nbsp;

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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