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GUEST OBSERVATION
Many entrenched motivations for misconduct in the banking sector have been uncovered by the ongoing royal commission. Not least are the conflicts of interest inherent in the major Australian banks providing financial, insurance and mortgage advice and selling related products.
The banks, most recently the Commonwealth Bank (following the lead of ANZ and NAB), are already separating their wealth-management arms – services such as mortgage broking, insurance and financial planning and advice – in a bid to resolve these conflicts of interest.
These restructures are a step in the right direction. But they are not enough to overcome the fundamental problem: the banks’ sales-driven culture. This goes much deeper and seemingly pervades all of their operations, as the royal commission has highlighted.
The nature of this problem lends weight to an Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) proposal to embed regulatory staff in the major banks to help change the culture.
Bankers’ priorities laid bare
The evidence made public by the forensic analysis of Rowena Orr QC, counsel assisting the commission, has revealed many instances of the banks’ “toxic” culture. It’s one that puts profits and growth – in particular their associated incentive systems – above customers’ interests.
This has been evident from the outset. The first round of hearings in March 2018 revealed significant cash bribes, forged signatures and manipulation of incentives within NAB’s “Introducer Program”. This generated billions of dollars in home loans for the bank, with introducers paid 0.4-0.6% of home loan totals.
We have had belated “apologies” to customers who were treated unfairly or, worse, fell victim to unscrupulous or wrongful behaviour; admissions that the banks breached their own codes of conduct; and assurances that changes in governance systems aimed at improving culture have been made or will be. Yet the banks are still in denial that systemic cultural issues have been at play or persist in their organisations.
A stark example is provided in the evidence of Rabobank executive Bradley James at the most recent hearings that dealt with issues of farming finance. Orr questioned James about a A$3 million loan made on the advice of a manager of this rural lender to a Queensland grazing family, the Brauers. They had no ability to repay it. The motivation for the manager was to meet his lending KPIs to earn a bonus.
Asked whether he saw any difficulty with that from a customer perspective, James’s response was: “Absolutely not!” This shows a complete failure to understand the bank’s incentive structure – linking staff bonuses to the number of loans brought in – and the culture that goes with it as a potential source of misconduct.
James defended the bank’s system, saying it enabled the business to grow. This demonstrates that, in putting profits and growth ahead of customers’ needs, banking culture is out of touch with community expectations and societal values.
Regulators must step in
Little wonder, then, that trust in the financial sector is at an all-time low. ASIC chair James Shipton speaks of a “trust deficit”.
Shipton is seeking government funding to embed specialist ASIC supervisors in the major banks to help drive cultural change and rebuild trust. This should be done, signalling as it does a new, more intrusive regulatory style.
However, ASIC should do more. It needs to take enforcement action. Most notably this would include prosecution in cases of criminal wrongdoing by the banks and their top executives. The latter have been conspicuously absent at the royal commission, raising important questions about bank accountability.
Another corporate regulator, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), last month brought criminal proceedings against ANZ and several other companies and individuals over an alleged cartel arrangement. Commentator Nathan Lynch observed that, irrespective of the outcome, one message reverberates: senior management accountability:
"Governments and regulators have had enough of financial services firms that are still talking about improving culture and conduct. A decade on from the financial crisis … they now want to see a healthy dose of fear and respect in the market."
Lynch quotes strategic consultant Ben Quinlan:
"Regulators are now at the point where they’re saying, ‘It’s impossible for things of this magnitude to happen without the people right at the top knowing what was going on.’"
If ASIC also took such action, it would go a long way to overcoming concerns about an accountability deficit for the scandals and wrongdoing. This could be a catalyst for real cultural change in the industry to reduce misconduct in the future.
Why isn’t restructuring enough?
As for the current bank restructures, certain aspects are problematic.
In the first place, not all will result in a full separation of their businesses. The CBA will split off its wealth management, mortgage broking and insurance businesses, but retain its financial advice business. ANZ has sold its wealth management business to IOOF, but will not sell its life insurance business.
In addition, the banks remain keen to distribute products to retail customers. For example, ANZ’s sale to IOOF includes a 20-year deal to make IOOF super and investment products available to its retail customers.
These moves raise concerns that, despite these demergers, conflicts of interest and the banks’ failure to act in customers’ interests will continue.
At a minimum, Shipton’s plan to put ASIC agents in banks is more important than ever when the indications are that the banks cannot be left to self-regulate.
Vicky Comino, Lecturer in Corporations Law and Regulation of Corporate Misconduct, The University of Queensland
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/restructuring-alone-wont-clean-up-the-banks-act-99142" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Restructuring alone won't clean up the banks' act: Vicky Comino

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Architect Charles Bruce Dellit's own home, Aleuria at Wahroonga on Sydney's upper north shore, has been listed for sale.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-wahroonga-128729870" title="www.realestate.com.au">Wahroonga</a> home is on the market for the first time in 25 years.
It was built in 1928.
Aleuria is most known for having the winning 1929 design of the Hyde Park Anzac Memorial, which is currently undergoing major works.
Aleuria was built during the inter-war Mediterranean movement, with classic Italian renaissance elements.
It has been listed by Chadwicks Real Estate agent Penelope Prior who is quoting a $3.5 million price guide.
Locals suggests Dame Nellie Melba approached the owner to buy his house. Courtesy: State Library of NSW.
Prior said the famous opera singer Dame Nellie Melba tried to buy the four-bedroom estate that sits on 1838 square metres.
It has been owned by Sheelagh and Timothy O’Brien for the past 25 years.
There have only been three owners of the property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/38-fox-valley-rd-wahroonga-nsw-2076" target="_blank">38 Fox Valley Road</a>.
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Architect Charles Bruce Dellit's home Aleuria, Wahroonga listed

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Sydney lord mayoral aspirant Christine Forster and her partner Virginia Edwards have forked out $1.51 million on a Potts Point ­apartment.
They’ve bought it from the Maple-Brown rich-lister family, who had financial journalist Joe Aston as their tenant.
It was where he filmed his app­earances on the now defunct Financial Review Sunday television show.
On vacating the two-bedroom flat, Aston recently wrote of his displeasure at “turgid strangers with morbid delight” coming through the open for inspections held by Richardson &amp; Wrench agent Greg McKinley.
He wrote “homelessness was preferable to the indignity”.
It sits in the 1951 Aaron M. Bolot-designed block on Wylde Street.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-potts+point-127732338" target="_blank">The fourth level, two bedroom apartment</a> became available at $1,095 a week.
The Surry Hills couple quickly secured new tenants last month for the renovated apartment.
If Forster does make the move into the neighbourhood she’ll be crossing paths with Councillor Kerryn Phelps, who lives just up the street.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Sydney mayoral candidate Christine Forster splashes out on Potts Point apartment

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A rural and farming property in Southern Australia's Comaum, located off of A66, has been listed for sale.
The property undertakes wine grape production. The property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-commercial+farming-sa-coonawarra-502860790" target="_blank">Old Comaum Road, Coonawarra</a> is 20 hectares.
It has 13 hectares of vineyards.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/6/Comaum%202.png" alt="">
The property has been listed through Nick Goode and Tim Altschwager at Colliers International.
It comes with structural improvements, underground water entitlements and frost fans.
There is a GSA with Dorrien Estate expiring June 2019.
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Coonawarra winery Comaum listed for sale

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Several factors are changing the Australian retail landscape and increasing the importance of shopping mall location and quality for mall owners, according to Moody's.
These factors are changes in consumers' shopping habits, including the growing popularity of online shopping, sluggish consumer spending growth, and increasing urbanization that is widening the wealth gap between metro areas and the rest of the country suggests that latest report from Australian real estate trusts (A-REITs).
"These factors will have varying effects on the five single-A-rated (A-REITs) with retail exposure over the next three to five years," the Moody's report said.
"Scentre Group, GPT Group and Mirvac Group are better equipped to face these challenges and will maintain their portfolio quality because of their malls' favorable tenant mixes and locations in wealthy and densely populated catchment areas."
The report notes that it "expects year-on-year retail comparable net operating income (NOI) growth to be 3.0%-3.5% for Mirvac during the coming 12-18 months, and 2.5%-3.0% for GPT and Scentre."
Without recycling initiatives, portfolio quality will weaken for Vicinity Centres (A2 stable) and Stockland Group (A3 stable), whichhave higher exposure to underperforming, midsize shopping malls.
It is expected their retail comparable NOI growth will remain below the others in the peer group, with Stockland at 2.2%-2.4% and Vicinity at 1.4%-1.6% during the coming 12-18 months.
The three A-REITs' exposure to the retail sector varies, it is around 20% of group EBIT for Mirvac, 30%-35% for Stockland, and 40%-50% for GPT according to the report.
Of the three, Moody's suggests Stockland's portfolio is the most exposed to the changes in the retail sector because of its lower asset quality and higher exposure to midsize assets located in areas with weaker economic fundamentals.
"Vicinity and Stockland are working to improve asset quality, their plan's are to sell weaker performing assets and to develop residential, hotel and office space at existing malls are likely to improve their portfolio quality. However, we believe that they are unlikely to make step changes in their portfolio quality as it will take time to market assets and find appropriate buyers at this point in the property cycle," noted the investment analysers.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/6/22/Moody%20Graph%201.JPG" alt="">
The retail environment is challenging and shopping mall owners have been facing slowing retail sales growth in Australia for the past four years, driven by low wage growth, rising household costs and, more recently, moderating house price growth, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.
These factors will continue to challenge retail A-REITs and their tenants, because they will constrain consumer spending and retail sales over the next 12-18 months.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/6/22/Moody%20Graph%202.JPG" alt="">
Additionally, the increasing popularity of online shopping will slow sales for traditional brick-and-mortar retailers and increase competition among shopping malls.
Despite what was only a soft launch of Amazon.com, in 2017, the percentage of retail sales made online in Australia (by dollar value) was 7.5%, the report noted.
With online sales in more established markets like the US and the UK at 12.5% and 15.5%, respectively, the Australian online market has room to grow over the next several years.
In move to capture a greater share of this growth, Amazon launched its subscription-based free delivery service, Amazon Prime, on 19 June at half the price of membership in the US.
Shopping mall owners are adapting to the increasing popularity of online shopping by expanding digital, social media, and mobile retail offerings as well as increasing their weighting to service-based tenants.
The report expects, "A-REITs to maintain this focus as they look to maintain their relevance in the face of changing consumer habits".
"As sales growth slows, expect retailers to focus more on store productivity across their existing networks."
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/6/22/Moody%20Graph%203.JPG" alt="">
The recent acceleration of store closures, particularly from large department stores such as Myer, Target and Big W that are actively looking to scale back their sizable footprints, will alter shopping malls’ tenant mixes and weaken their ability to re-lease space now occupied by specialty stores at values above previous leasing arrangements.
The report forecasts that, struggling retailers will continue reducing floor space and closing stores but that despite these challenges, solid economic conditions are expected, which combined with stringent planning and zoning restrictions that limit new shopping mall development, will continue to support A-REITs' shopping mall portfolios and credit quality.
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Stockland's retail portfolio most exposed as Australian retail landscape changes: Moody's

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Western Sydney is well and truly "booming", according to the Future City Minds report commissioned by a recruitment agency.
“Smart, forward-thinking businesses can capitalise on Western Sydney’s growth by targeting the 65% of Western Sydney professionals who would prefer to work outside the CBD rather than within it,” says Adrian Oldham NSW managing director of the Michael Page agency (pictured above). 
The report states that 64% of Australian professionals believe that in the next five years the area has the potential to progress economically to the level of the CBD areas of Sydney or Melbourne.
The report provides statistics on the region’s growth and advice from local experts on how businesses can make the most of the thriving business district.
It notes things like 64% of Australian professionals would personally like to be part of the area’s progression and 91% of Australian professionals in the region would like to change their jobs to work closer to home, given the right opportunity.
The area is already Australia’s third largest economic region, home to 47% of Sydney’s population and it is projected to have a 1.9% population growth each year for the next 20 years.
Michael Page anticipates Western Sydney will provide 200,000 new jobs by 2020 and anticipates growth in sectors across property, infrastructure and construction, manufacturing, sales and service-related industries.
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Western Sydney business district soaring with potential to go to level of Sydney and Melbourne CBDs

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The anecdotal reports are of positive harvest news for those macadamia farmers that did not suffer storm damage earlier in the year, according to the latest report from Herron Todd White (HTW).
The valuation firm said that solid yields and very good kernel recoveries have been noted.
Further, there is a shortage of good quality macadamia farms listed for sale.
The sugar cane harvest has kicked off on all three rivers.
CCS levels are very positive this early in the year at around 11 CCS, stated the report.
It added world sugar prices are very challenging at the moment at around 12.25 cents per pound US, due to a world surplus in stocks.
NSW cane growers are expecting over $30 per tonne at mill average CCS for the 2018 harvest, according to the report.
A sugar cane farm on the Clarence River has recently sold by tender for $1,365,000, including the crop.
The 91 hectare property included a good machinery shed with power connected and indicates a land value of around $13,000 per hectare.
The valuers said "we understand it was purchased by a cane farmer which, in recent times, is not the usual as macadamia farmers have been very active in this market segment".
Cattle grazing properties are continuing to attract strong demand, although recent conditions have been dry and challenging pasture conditions.
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Positive news for farmers on the NSW North Coast: HTW

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In Mildura there have been few recent substantial sales to report on, however there are a number of large properties currently being marketed according to the latest report from Herron Todd White (HTW).
The valuation firm stated that the result of these will have to be closely watched to see the mood of buyers and whether any of the recent Federal government changes affecting foreign buyers have had any effect.
The Adveq Almond portfolio, which comprises 12,000 hectares of almond trees, originally developed by Timbercorp under a Managed Investment Scheme structure between 2001 and 2007, is being offered for sale.
"The scale of this portfolio is impressive and we expect that a number of institutional buyers will show interest," stated the report.
The agent’s comments suggest the current owners are hopeful of achieving a sale price above $300 million.
A second 'property of note' is a 1,200 hectare horticultural greenfield site at Trentham Cliffs, just to the east of Mildura.
The report noted that, this land is well suited to a variety of tree crops and is expected to receive strong interest, given the shrinking supply of available development land.
The substantial increase in rural values throughout north western Victoria over the past two to three years has seen unwelcome repercussions on council rating valuations, with many farmers reporting their local government rates have increased by up to 40% in recent years.
The fact that farm land values have appreciated to a much higher degree than all other property types is, however, hard to dispute.
The report concluded that farming lobby groups are currently working hard to change the mechanism for how rates are set.
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Supply aplenty in Mildura's rural market: HTW

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Echuca has been buoyed by the rising value of water, irrigated cropping and grazing holdings, according to the latest report from Herron Todd White (HTW).
The valuation firm found that this has been a continuing trend for nearly 12 months with agents reporting good demand and prices regularly exceeding vendor expectations.
"As one vendor interviewed recently noted, they anticipated to realize in excess of $1.1 million when the property was offered to market," the HTW valuers stated.
After 24 hours, the property sold to several neighbours for an amount in excess of $2 million.
The report noted agents indicating a selling price 10% to 15% in excess of the initial list price (three months ago) albeit with a significant water component.
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Echuca agents indicating selling prices 10% to 15% above initial listing: HTW

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Ray White Rural Victoria director Jason Hellyer has sold Paringa, a 569 hectare agribusiness operation in Gippsland for $3,250,000.
Paringa comprises a fertile mix of river flat, Fernbank and Perry sandy loams. 
It has been home to a successful Angus breeding, fattening and year-round irrigated fodder crop program.
Located within Gippsland's Wellington Shire, the plot contains 260 acres under pivot irrigation, a further 150 acres under lateral spray irrigation with a 280ML Southern Rural Water irrigation licence. 
Featuring cattle yards, shedding and a four bedroom two bathroom BV manager's residence, it is located in Central Gippsland close to Gippsland Lakes, and the seaside towns of Paynesville &amp; Metung.
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Gippsland's 568 hectare farm Paringa sold

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."

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[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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