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A Townsville educational facility on a 26.17 hectare holding is being offered for sale with "significant development potential".
The property located at 190 Hervey Range Road in Townsville is being presented to buyers by Robert Dunne and Gregory Woods of Savills via an Expression of Interest campaign.
The property’s current major use is an educational campus, comprising of prep, primary and secondary schools, with additional accommodation facilities for male and female students.
“We predict the opportunity will be seized by either an educational provider wanting to continue the operation of an educational facility, or by a property developer wanting to improve the current use," said director of commercial sales for Savills, Robert Dunne.
The property is zoned “Community Facilities” with development opportunities including but not limited to health care services, retirement facility and residential aged care facility comprising a maximum building height of three storeys, subject to code assessment.
Director of Capital Transactions Gregory Woods said this scale of opportunity with all its improvements is rarely available.
The property is located 12km from the city centre of Townsville, with access to the major roads connecting Western Townsville with the Townsville CBD.
The opportunity is being presented to market at an "ideal time", with thousands of homes in the pipeline for Townsville’s booming Western Corridor.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Savills presents 26 hectare opportunity in Townsville market

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<div>N G Farah have just listed a residential block of four apartments in Randwick.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Set at <a id="LPlnk340531" href="http://www.ngfarah.com.au/19263861/24-st-luke-street-randwick" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">24 St Luke Street, Randwick, </a>the boutique, art deco, strata block of four, features four two bedroom 1 bathroom semi-sized apartments is set on 482 sqm.
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It has a projected annual gross income of roughly $126,446.</div>
<div>
 This block goes to auction on July 28. 
</div>
<div>Recently N G Farah sold another boutique block of 4 at <a id="LPlnk265076" href="http://www.ngfarah.com.au/19113120/10-12-sturt-street-kingsford" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">10-12 Sturt Street, Kingsford</a> (pictured below) under the hammer for $3,225,000.</div>
<div> </div>
<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/2018/7/11/8-12%20Sturt%20St.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>This block had a 614 sqm allotment with an projected annual gross income of roughly $111,585. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The 10-12 Sturt Street offering features two x three bedroom apartments, one x two bedroom apartment and one x one bedroom apartment.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The estimated annual council rates for this property are $5,552.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The estimated annual land tax on the property is $27,000.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The estimated annual water rates for this black are $2,700</div>
<div> </div>
<div>These costs add up to an estimated annual total expense of $35,252.</div>
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N G Farah list a Randwick apartment block

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Teska Carson is marketing a retail investment or owner-occupier opportunity located within the Wheelers Hill Shopping Centre in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
The property, Shop 26 (pictured above) will be auctioned August 17 on site.
The 46 sqm holding which comprising an open plan retail/services area and a small consulting room at the rear, was previously tenanted by an optometrist but is currently vacant.
Shop 26 is located internally between Woolworths Supermarket and the southern entrance of the centre which includes other major brands.
According to marketing agents, Teska Carson’s Fergus Evans and Michael Ludski the location was experiencing an emerging gentrification.
They expect strong enquiry and Mr Ludski said Wheelers Hill lies within one of Melbourne’s most rapidly growing regions.
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Wheelers Hill Shopping Centre shop on market

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Construction of a world-first model of intensive support and crisis accommodation for young people sleeping rough commenced this week in Melbourne.
Victorian Minister for Housing, Martin Foley, was onsite yesterday at Melbourne City Mission’s Frontyard Youth Services at 19 King Street to mark the start of the $8 million construction project, made possible by a partnership between Melbourne City Mission, the Victorian Government, philanthropists including The Peter and Lyndy White Foundation, and the property industry through the Property Industry Foundation.
The project will transform Frontyard, currently Victoria’s largest early intervention and crisis service for young people who are experiencing, or are at risk of, homelessness  into a 24/7 service with new and expanded supports.
This includes two floors of crisis accommodation for young people who are currently rough sleeping in the city and onsite mental health, drug and alcohol and disability expertise.
As part of the new world-first model, Frontyard will pioneer digital engagement strategies to more effectively connect young people into support.
The Frontyard team will also actively hit the streets to find young people sleeping rough and connect them to services.
When construction is completed in early 2019, the new Frontyard will provide a breadth, depth and intensity of support "unlike anything else found in the youth homelessness system".
The new model of support has been designed to respond to the multiple and complex needs of young people with significant trauma, who experience challenges connecting into support services.
Existing Frontyard services will remain open throughout the redevelopment, at a temporary site at 244 Flinders Street in Melbourne.
The new Frontyard will open up at 19 King Street in early 2019.
Martin Foley, Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing said, “Victoria is leading Australia - and the world - in investing in the Frontyard model which provides a comprehensive response to youth homelessness.”
Vicki Sutton, CEO Melbourne City Mission said that “the new Frontyard is a world-first and designed to disrupt the cycle of homelessness for Victoria’s most vulnerable and hard to reach young people.”
Peter Inge, Chairman Property Industry Foundation Victoria stated that “Our mission at the Property Industry Foundation (PIF) is to work with charities who provide programs that assist at-risk and homeless young people; It is PIF’s plan to nationally create 125 bedrooms over the next 4 years.”
“We’re proud to partner with Melbourne City Mission on the new Frontyard project that will provide a world-first 24/7 program with short term accommodation for the most severely marginalised and disadvantaged youth,” Mr Inge concluded.
A number of consultants in the industry such as Ashurst, Case Meallin, Urbis, Slattery, Fender Katsalidis, NDY, Wood &amp; Grieve Engineers, Hendry Group, Equitable Access Solutions, Irwinconsult, and Built have already pledged their support with a plan to provide pro-bono services for the construction project.
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Construction has commenced on "world-first" response to youth homelessness in Melbourne

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A four bedroom house in Queensland's Wynnum, suburb of Brisbane, has been listed by mortgagees.
It was passed in at auction, and is now seeking offers over $895,000.
It was built in 2008. It last sold for $830,000 in 2009. The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-wynnum-127708114" target="_blank">59 St Catherines Terrace, Wynnum</a> home features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two space garage for parking.  It also has a master bedroom that opens to the alfresco terrace and features its own private deck, king size bedrooms (both offering walk-in robes) that are serviced by the main bathroom.
There is separate rumpus room, which could be utilised as the fourth bedroom.
The suburb's median house price sits on <a href="/developments/wynnum-qld-4178">$645,000</a> according to CoreLogic.
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Wynnum house listed by mortgagee

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A new Caulfield North home has been listed for August 5 auction.
The four bedroom home has a price guide of $2.8 million to $3.08 million.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-caulfield+north-128788926" target="_blank">Lo</a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-caulfield+north-128788926" target="_blank">cated at 2 George Street</a>, the home in south-east Melbourne house features landscaped gardens, and multiple indoor and outdoor living zones.
The last time the home sold was in 2016 for $1,620,000.
A north-facing courtyard and family living, kitchen and dining area sits on the ground floor, as does one of the 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/2018/7/9/CN%202.jpg" alt="">
The upstairs comes with master retreat with ensuite, two fitted bedrooms, large living domain with balcony and well-fitted study.
It also features double garage, keyless entry, American oak flooring, built-in outdoor barbeque, state-of-the-art security, zoned heating/cooling.
It is just a short stroll from Alma Village, with transport, top private schools, cafes and shops moments away.
Darren Krongold and Daniel Fisher from Gary Peer &amp; Associates have an August 5 auction.
The suburb's median house price<a href="/developments/caulfield-north-vic-3161"> sits at $2.2 million</a>, according to CoreLogic.
 
 
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Modern Caulfield North family trophy listed for sale

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A Melbourne two bedroom apartment has been listed by the mortgagee with the indicative selling price of $480,000 to $520,000.
The 61 sqm apartment has been scheduled for auction on July 28 and is being marketed by through Inner Real Estate agents, Anthony Cimino and April Aitchison.
It was previously on the market for almost 700 days while being leased before this current auction campaign.
It was first let in 2014 for $460/wk, it was then re-let in 2016 for a new price $450/wk and was most recently on the market for lease in June this year for $580/wk.
The apartment last sold in 2013 for $518,000.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-128671438" target="_blank">Situated at 1114/199 William St</a>, the apartment comes with two bedrooms, kitchen with stainless steel appliances, separate living area and oversized north facing balcony.
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/wyndham-welcoming-at-the-william-in-hengyi-australias-first-venture">The William</a> is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, tram stops, Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens and educational facilities.
The suburb's median unit price sits at <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">$459,900</a>, according to CoreLogic. 
The agents advise recent comparable sales include 814/199 William Street which fetched $550,000 in March. It first sold off the plan in 2012 at $570,500.
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The William, Melbourne inner city two bedroom apartment scheduled for auction by mortgagee 

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<div>
Beulah International has sold its Fawkner House, South Yarra penthouse for $16 million.
It was a two-level penthouse sold to a local couple.
The Malaysia-backed development is at 146 Toorak Road West.
It initially came with approval for 36 apartments when bought from Michael Yates for $17.5 million in 2016.
But Beulah had architect Rob Mills reconfigure it to just 10 apartments over three levels.
The penthouse was sold to include a unit below.
Six of the now-nine units are now sold with a 2020 completion date.
</div>
<div>
The penthouse has seven car parks.
There are a floor-to-ceiling height of five metres.
On launch the pricing of the project started from $4.9 million, with two four-bedroom penthouses priced from $9.7 million plus.
Collectively, the residences range in size from 250 sqm to 400 sqm.
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Fawkner House, South Yarra penthouse sold for $16 million

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<div>
Lenders have cut honeymoon rates on home loan products to stimulate growth as real estate markets slow.
Three of the top five mortgage lenders are offering discounts of up to 55 basis points for investors and home buyers on introductory rates. 
</div>
<div>Banks with the new discounts include Commonwealth Bank, Westpac Group and Suncorp.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Westpac is offering cuts of up to 50 basis points and free international trips.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>CBA has announced cuts of up to 30 basis points on its two-year variable rate introductory products covering principal and interest for owner occupiers and investors and interest-only borrowers.</div>
<div>
<div>
Suncorp is increasing the discount on its one- and two-year fixed rates by 55 basis points to a headline rate of 3.99 per cent.
</div>
</div>
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Honeymoon home loans get cheaper

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The Sydney rental market has slowed, according to research from the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.
REINSW Deputy President Brett Hunter said the June 2018 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey saw a general increase in vacancy rates across the Sydney metropolitan area.
“The Sydney vacancy rate rose 0.3 percentage points with rises of 0.4 percentage points in both Inner and Middle Sydney at 3 per cent and 2.8 per cent respectively, while Outer Sydney remained steady at 2.4 per cent. 
“Agents reported fewer enquiries coming through due to the approach of the winter season,” Mr Hunter said. 
 “An oversupply of apartments is also affecting Middle Sydney.” 
In the Hunter, vacancy rates rose 0.3 percentage points to 1.9 per cent, led by Newcastle which rebounded 0.5 percentage points to 2.4 per cent. The Illawarra gained 0.1 percentage points to 2.5 per cent with Wollongong increasing 0.2 percentage points to 2.3 per cent.  Across regional areas, the Central Coast fell 0.1 percentage points at 2 per cent, Northern Rivers added 0.2 percentage points to 1.5 per cent and New England gained 0.4 percentage points to 2.3 per cent. 
 
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Sydney rental market slows as oversupply of apartments affecting Middle Sydney: REINSW

Buyers considering a residence at boutique Gordon townhouse development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lume-gordon-43-47-dumaresq-street-gordon-nsw-2072">Lume</a>&nbsp;now have another reason to bring forward their decision.

For a limited time, purchasers of a residence at Lume will receive a BMW iX3 50 electric SUV, valued at more than $120,000, as part of their purchase. The offer is designed to add value for buyers while complementing the lifestyle envisioned for the architecturally designed Upper North Shore development.

Scott Timmins, Development Manager at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/winim">WINIM</a>, said the partnership was created to provide buyers with a compelling reason to act.

"In today's market, buyers need a compelling reason to act now, and the BMW partnership was designed to create that catalyst. We wanted to add genuine value for our future purchasers. Choosing the all-electric BMW iX3 50 also reflects the values behind LUME, forward-thinking design, innovation and a more sustainable way of living. It's a premium incentive that complements the lifestyle our buyers aspire to and rewards those who commit early."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]

Delivered by WINIM in partnership with Burtonwood Investment Partners, Lume comprises 14 architecturally designed two, three and four-bedroom townhomes created for families seeking the space of a freestanding house with the ease of modern, low-maintenance living.

The three-storey residences, designed by award-winning architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, have been tailored for families and multi-generational living, featuring private internal lifts, flexible lower-level spaces, generous open-plan living and entertaining areas, media rooms, and landscaped outdoor spaces with custom outdoor kitchens.&nbsp;

Inside, engineered oak flooring, bespoke dining joinery with integrated wine fridges and backlit bars, sculptural porcelain bathrooms, Parisi freestanding baths and Astra Walker tapware create interiors that balance functionality with refined finishes.

Each townhome has been designed to combine generous internal spaces with sustainability initiatives such as EV charging infrastructure, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>'s landscaped communal areas, centred around a restored creek line and native planting, encourage residents to connect with nature and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]

Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.

"Our vision was to create elegant, uplifting homes that draw on and positively contribute to the local character through meticulously considered design and an interaction with the surroundings."

The communal landscape has been designed as more than an open space between homes. Arcadia's Ben Newell and Kate Phillips said the adjoining reserve provided an opportunity to create a distinctive natural retreat for residents.

"Just as waterways carve their way through Ku-ring-gai's landscape, a raised boardwalk weaves through the reserve, connecting the homes to this tranquil oasis."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]

Located just 300 metres from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gordon-nsw-2072">Gordon</a> Village and Gordon railway station, Lume offers convenient access to Sydney's CBD while placing residents close to some of the North Shore's leading schools, including Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College and Knox Grammar. Lane Cove National Park, Gordon Golf Club and a range of cafés and restaurants further reinforce the family-focused lifestyle on offer, with the BMW iX3 50 complementing everything from local trips around Gordon to weekend drives and city commutes.

Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]

Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

Two apartments have sold for more than $10 million at EADE Byron Bay, setting some of the highest apartment prices ever achieved in the coastal town and underlining the growing appetite for luxury beachfront apartments in Australia's most popular coastal locations.

The $210 million project by Vitale Property Group has now secured more than $70 million in sales, led by residences that changed hands for $12.75 million and $11.75 million.

The record-breaking transactions reinforce the shift occurring in Byron Bay's premium property market, where affluent downsizers and lifestyle buyers are increasingly opting for high-end apartments over large beachfront homes.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eade-byron-bay-29-shirley-street-byron-bay-nsw-2481">EADE Byron Bay</a> occupies a rare 6,000 sqm absolute beachfront site on the corner of Shirley and Milton Streets overlooking Main Beach and The Wreck surf break, just 350 metres from Byron Bay's town centre.

The 25-residence development is the first beachfront apartment project approved in Byron Bay in more than a decade and is currently under construction, with completion expected in May 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]

The project has attracted a mix of local Byron Shire residents downsizing from larger homes, alongside interstate buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seeking a permanent coastal lifestyle without compromising on space.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/alexander-co">Alexander &amp; Co</a>, EADE comprises&nbsp;10 garden apartments ranging from 284 sqm to 622 sqm, nine with private pools, five full-floor apartments and 10 rooftop residences with private plunge pools, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and uninterrupted ocean views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vitale-property-group">Vitale Property Group</a> Managing Partner Chris Vitale said the project's combination of scale, location and limited future supply was driving buyer demand.

"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.

"Buyers are responding to the scarcity and the irreplaceability of a site of this calibre and to floorplans they can't find elsewhere in the market.

"We are seeing buyers place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of the location. The sales achieved to date demonstrate that discerning purchasers recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay.

"Many are coming from larger homes in the Byron region, or from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are after the space, security and convenience, without the upkeep of a house."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]

The Byron Bay project follows Vitale Property Group's delivery of the Mondrian Hotel and Private Residences at Burleigh Heads, with EADE continuing the developer's focus on luxury coastal developments.

Residents will have access to a resort-style swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, cold plunge pool, concierge services and dedicated workspaces, while the project is targeting an 8-Star Green Star rating.

EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.

WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.

"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.

"The sales achieved to date demonstrate that purchasers at this level recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay."

Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.

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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.

But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.

As online shopping has become part of everyday life, parcel deliveries have shifted from an occasional event to a regular occurrence. Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally.

For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.

If nobody is home to accept a delivery, parcels may be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in a building lobby or common area, or require building management to step in. In higher-density buildings, where dozens or even hundreds of residents may receive deliveries each day, parcel management has become an increasingly important part of everyday living.

That can create a range of frustrations. A missed delivery often means making time to collect a parcel elsewhere, while packages left unattended in foyers or mail areas can create clutter and increase the risk of theft. What seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly become a recurring issue for residents who shop online regularly.

It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.

As a result, buyers are beginning to look beyond traditional apartment features and consider how a building supports day-to-day convenience, including whether there are secure options for receiving deliveries.

Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.

<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/CkF2oKmlACg?si=C50sDaoUUn2nuLmq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than having a parcel delivered directly to an apartment, eligible deliveries can be sent to a nominated Parcel Locker. Once the parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN at a time that suits them.

The Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with installations at Post Offices, shopping centres, transport hubs and an increasing number of residential developments. By providing a secure collection point, Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and avoid parcels being left unattended in common areas.

For developers, parcel infrastructure is becoming another way to improve the resident experience. Rather than relying on concierge staff or leaving parcels in communal spaces, secure collection points help streamline deliveries while preserving the presentation and functionality of shared areas.

For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.

A generous floorplan or quality finishes might help narrow the shortlist, but the conveniences that simplify everyday life, whether that's EV charging, secure bike storage or reliable parcel delivery, often become the features residents appreciate most once they're living there.

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hg-developments">HG Developments</a> is doubling down on Maud Street in Newstead, filing plans for a new apartment tower just a few doors down from its under-construction Aire Newstead development.

Recently submitted to Brisbane City Council, the proposal is for an 18-storey building designed by bureau^proberts, which has drawn heavily on Brisbane's subtropical design principles while referencing the suburb's industrial heritage.

A total of 64 apartments are planned for the amalgamated 1,518 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-21-maud-street-newstead-qld-4006">17–21 Maud Street</a>, a short walk from the Brisbane River and Newstead Riverwalk.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a400c7fd-bd15-48f8-a63b-10ede92efe00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20bldg.png?VersionId=.0vPmjpbC7CNP7kqGWa6L7rGIwsNExaw" />

"The building is defined by a series of vaulted motifs that reinterpret the arches, colonnades and layered facades evident throughout Newstead's historic built fabric," the Urban Design Report states.

"Combined with recessed glazing and generous balconies, these elements create a layered building envelope that provides shade, weather protection and opportunities for natural ventilation whilst establishing a distinctive architectural identity."

The proposal comprises 64 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 18 residential levels, positioning it alongside a growing number of taller residential projects transforming Newstead's northern precinct. The tower incorporates extensive subtropical landscaping, with cascading planter boxes, deep planting at street level and a landscaped rooftop recreation area.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8140f4-8b98-45cd-b1b8-1efe8c8e266b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=VAZtbCoD44YCJ57N99fQCAKeSJx7ldZs" />

Bureau Proberts has prioritised passive environmental design throughout the project, with generous balconies, recessed glazing and operable façades helping reduce solar heat gain while maximising natural ventilation. River views become available from the upper levels, while the building has been orientated to capture prevailing breezes from both the Brisbane River and the west.

The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.

"Vertical greenery, cascading planter boxes and elevated gardens are woven throughout the architecture, softening the built form and strengthening the connection between residents and the subtropical environment."

"Through the integration of landscape, high-quality materials and passive design principles, the development delivers a refined residential address that celebrates Newstead's heritage character while contributing positively to Brisbane's evolving subtropical identity."

Newstead has remained one of Brisbane's most active apartment markets in recent years, with a number of developers continuing to back the inner-city suburb.

HG Developments is currently delivering the 40-apartment Aire Newstead at 25 Maud Street. Fortis recently launched the 65-apartment <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> on Kyabra Street, while builder-developer BPG and Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties are both expected to launch their respective Newstead projects before the end of the year.

HG Developments doubles down in Newstead with second Maud Street apartment development

Walk past a new apartment development promoting its sustainability credentials and it's easy to picture rooftop gardens, mature trees, landscaped courtyards and residents surrounded by nature.

But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.

Australia's leading environmental rating tools have played a significant role in improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings. Yet despite their focus on reducing emissions, many don't require developers to include trees, biodiversity or meaningful green space.

In other words, a building can achieve one of the country's highest sustainability ratings while containing little more than concrete, glass and hard landscaping.

That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.

The concept goes beyond designing buildings that consume less energy. Instead, it encourages developers to treat nature as essential infrastructure, integrating biodiversity, tree canopy, living landscapes and green spaces into projects from the earliest stages of planning.

Research has consistently linked access to nature with better physical and mental health, cooler neighbourhoods, improved biodiversity, stronger climate resilience and more connected communities. As Australia's cities continue to become denser, advocates say those outcomes should be considered just as important as energy efficiency.

Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.

Founded by Hamton Executive Chairman Paul Hameister OAM, the not-for-profit was created after research highlighted a significant gap in Australia's sustainability framework. While existing environmental rating tools rewarded energy performance and emissions reductions, they placed little emphasis on the inclusion of 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."

Since its launch, NBC has developed independent design guidelines and accreditation frameworks that encourage developers to prioritise ecology, biodiversity, tree canopy, walkability and living landscapes alongside traditional sustainability measures. The organisation first focused on medium and high-density residential developments before recently expanding into precinct-scale communities and masterplanned neighbourhoods.

Jan Talacko, founder of sustainability consultancy Ark Resources and a member of the Nature Based Cities Advisory Council, says the initiative addresses an area that has largely been overlooked by the property industry.

"Throughout my 25 years of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the property sector, I've always favoured a pragmatic approach to sustainable design which encourages initiatives that not only meet environmental expectations but also improve amenity," Talacko says.

"Whilst we are making steady progress in relation to energy and carbon emissions from buildings, there has been much less emphasis on encouraging biodiversity and tackling the urban heat island effect.

"The Nature Based Cities initiative responds to a gap in the suite of tools currently used by the property development sector, which don't provide sufficient incentive, or recognition, for the integration of landscaping and greenery."

For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.

Rather than assuming a sustainable building will naturally include abundant green space, buyers are increasingly being encouraged to look beyond environmental ratings and ask what nature is actually being delivered. How much tree canopy will the development create? Has biodiversity been considered? Are landscaped spaces designed for people as well as appearance?

As Australia's cities continue to grow upwards and outwards, the next generation of sustainability may not simply be measured by lower emissions, but by how successfully developments bring nature back into everyday urban life.

Staff reporter

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