<html><body>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">As Australian businesses enter the new financial year, industry analyst IBISWorld has revealed which industries they believe are set to have s strong performance in 2018-19, and which are likely to struggle.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">“The standout performer is expected to be Intellectual Property Leasing, with expected revenue growth of 68.2%. Other strong performers include Internet Publishing and Broadcasting, Retail Property Operators, Pig Farming, and Child Care Services,” said Jason Aravanis, IBISWorld Senior Industry Analyst.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">“Industries expected to decline over the next 12 months, reflecting the changing landscape of the Australian economy, includeMulti-Unit Apartment and Townhouse Construction, Building Societies, Video Game, DVD and Recorded Music Retailing, House Construction, and Iron Ore Mining. These contractions are in response to changing commodity prices, consumer behaviour, and investor sentiment,” said Mr Aravanis.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">Industries set to fly in 2018-19</div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="292">
<div align="center">Industry</div>
</td>
<td width="195">
<div align="center">Revenue 2017-18 ($m)</div>
</td>
<td width="199">
<div align="center">Revenue 2018-19 ($m)</div>
</td>
<td width="234">
<div align="center">Revenue growth 2018-19</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="292">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">Intellectual Property Leasing</span></div>
</td>
<td width="195">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">2,826</span></div>
</td>
<td width="199">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">4,752</span></div>
</td>
<td width="234">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">68.2%</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="292">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">Internet Publishing and Broadcasting</span></div>
</td>
<td width="195">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">2,486</span></div>
</td>
<td width="199">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">2,896</span></div>
</td>
<td width="234">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">16.5%</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="292">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">Retail Property Operators</span></div>
</td>
<td width="195">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">22,830</span></div>
</td>
<td width="199">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">26,590</span></div>
</td>
<td width="234">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">16.5%</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="292">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">Pig Farming</span></div>
</td>
<td width="195">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">1,110</span></div>
</td>
<td width="199">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">1,262</span></div>
</td>
<td width="234">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">13.7%</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="292">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">Child Care Services</span></div>
</td>
<td width="195">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">12,205</span></div>
</td>
<td width="199">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">13,075</span></div>
</td>
<td width="234">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">7.2%</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">Retail Property Operators in Australia</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">Revenue for the Retail Property Operators industry is expected to increase by 16.5% in 2018-19, to $26.6 billion. Demand from retail trade is anticipated to grow in 2018-19, fuelling demand for industry services. Growing demand from overseas investors has also contributed to the industry’s revenue expansion over the past five years. Demand from overseas investors has largely been due to improved vacancy rates over the period, and growth in Australian property prices, both commercial and residential.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">Despite the industry’s strong growth, operators have continued to face pressures caused by fluctuating consumer sentiment, which can affect retail sales and business confidence. While improvements to underlying retail drivers may prompt more spending, an increasing proportion of consumers choosing to shop online may somewhat mitigate the positive effects of these drivers on the industry.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">Pig Farming</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">The Pig Farming industry is expected to grow by 13.7% in 2018-19. Rising health consciousness and continued marketing efforts by Australian Pork Limited (APL) are likely to continue driving consumer demand towards fresh pork. As a result, pig meat consumption is expected to continue growing in 2018-19, as consumers increasingly view fresh pork as a healthy source of protein.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">With weight and wellness concerning more Australians each year, consumers are being turned away from traditional red meats like lamb and beef towards leaner sources of protein like fresh pork. The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) expects beef, veal and lamb consumption to fall in 2018-19.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">Operators in the Pig Farming industry are anticipated to increase production in 2018-19 to take advantage of this rising demand, while growing demand for premium fresh pork products is likely to boost the domestic price of pig meat. IBISWorld also expects that pig meat exports will grow while import volumes will decline in 2018-19, providing a further boost to Australian domestic pig farmers.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">Child Care Services</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">The Child Care Services industry has benefited over the past five years from rising maternal workforce participation rates and increasing enrolment rates. Both of these factors have been encouraged by increased government assistance packages designed to encourage woman to return to the workforce following the birth of their children.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">The industry’s operating conditions are set to change again in 2018-19, with the introduction of the new single Child Care Subsidy (CCS) on 2 July 2018. In contrast to the previous child care assistance package, this new subsidy is to be paid directly to child care operators. The Federal Government is expected to pay out $8 billion in CCS payments in the first year of the policy. This is expected to contribute to the industry’s anticipated growth of 7.2% in 2018-19, to $13.1 billion.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">Industries set to fall in 2018-19</div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="292">
<div align="center">Industry</div>
</td>
<td width="195">
<div align="center">Revenue 2017-18 ($m)</div>
</td>
<td width="199">
<div align="center">Revenue 2018-19 ($m)</div>
</td>
<td width="234">
<div align="center">Revenue growth 2018-19</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="292">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">Multi-Unit Apartment &amp; Townhouse Construction</span></div>
</td>
<td width="195">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">25,617</span></div>
</td>
<td width="199">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">21,173</span></div>
</td>
<td width="234">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">-17.3%</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="292">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">Building Societies</span></div>
</td>
<td width="195">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">509</span></div>
</td>
<td width="199">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">436</span></div>
</td>
<td width="234">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">-14.4%</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="292">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">Video Game, DVD &amp; Recorded Music Retailing</span></div>
</td>
<td width="195">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">1,006</span></div>
</td>
<td width="199">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">927</span></div>
</td>
<td width="234">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">-7.9%</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="292">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">House Construction</span></div>
</td>
<td width="195">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">44,683</span></div>
</td>
<td width="199">
<div align="center">41,823</div>
</td>
<td width="234">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">-6.4%</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="292">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">Iron Ore Mining</span></div>
</td>
<td width="195">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">62,994</span></div>
</td>
<td width="199">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">59,494</span></div>
</td>
<td width="234">
<div align="center"><span lang="en-GB">-5.6%</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">Multi-Unit Apartment and Townhouse Construction</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">The Multi-Unit Apartment and Townhouse Construction industry is expected to face deteriorating demand in 2018-19, as investors respond to the build-up of unsold stock by deferring projects. The recent completion of major apartment developments has contributed to excess supply in several capital cities, notably Melbourne and Brisbane, which is likely to dampen investment until vacancy rates gradually ease.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">The scaling back of investment is also expected to coincide with weaker investment from Asia in the local real estate market, which is due to the tightening of mortgage lending practices to foreign residents by the local banks, and the imposition of additional land taxes on foreign investors. Although work done on multi-unit apartments and townhouses is expected to decline, the industry is declining from historically high levels and many of the construction contractors will look to ride out the cyclical contraction. Industry revenue is expected to contract by 17.3% in 2018-19, to $21.2 billion.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">Building Societies</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">The Building Societies industry has declined significantly over the past five years on the back of prominent exits and a falling cash rate. Intense competition from national banks, and low-interest rates, have placed significant pressure on the industry. Interest revenue generated by building societies on their loan books has fallen on the back of the lower cash rate, despite greater demand for mortgages.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">The lack of access to further capital has been a key factor that has led to the conversion of several former operators to banks. In 2012-13, nine building societies were registered in Australia. Only three building societies remain in the current year, with the most recent exit being B&amp;E Ltd’s conversion to a bank in October 2017. As a result, revenue from building societies is expected to decrease by 14.4% in 2018-19, to $436.3 million.                      </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">                       </div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">Video Game, DVD and Recorded Music Retailing</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">The Video Game, DVD and Recorded Music Retailing industry is expected to decline by 7.9% in 2018-19. Changing media formats and the increasing popularity of online shopping are making trading difficult for retailers of products that can be accessed online. Intensifying competition from digital media formats and online-only retailers has significantly contributed to industry revenue declining over the past five years.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">The industry’s largest product segment is video games. Although the uptake of video games has been strong over the past decade, the increasing sophistication of online-only stores and the advent of faster and cheaper internet connections have caused a significant portion of video game sales to occur online through platforms such as Steam. A similar trend is occurring for films, television shows and recorded music, with online streaming through providers like Netflix and Spotify becoming the dominant mode of content delivery. These trends are cementing the industry’s decline.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">House Construction</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">The House Construction industry’s revenue is expected to trend downward in 2018-19, corresponding with the anticipated rise in mortgage interest rates and some deterioration in mortgage affordability. The magnitude of the cyclical correction in demand from the House Construction industry is expected to be much smaller than the slump in the aligned Multi-Unit Apartment and Townhouse Construction industry, which is exposed to substantial unsold stock levels and the exit of foreign investment.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">The decline in new housing investment is likely to be most evident in the first-home buyers category, as the recent increases in housing prices and the rise in mortgage repayments are likely to prevent more households from becoming home owners. The House Construction industry is anticipated to decline, although continued solid population growth is expected to ensure solid underlying demand for new housing. Overall, industry revenue is forecast to decline by 6.4% in 2018-19, to $41.8 billion.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">Iron Ore Mining</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">Although revenue generated by the Iron Ore Mining industry is expected to decline 5.6% in 2018-19, this decline is from a relatively high level, and is across an industry that has expanded output dramatically over the past decade.  A lower average world iron ore price in 2018-19 is expected to be the main contributor to the industry’s revenue fall. As domestic and global iron ore production volumes continue to increase, iron ore prices are expected to weaken due to oversupply.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="en-GB">The industry relies heavily on Chinese demand, with China anticipated to account for more than 80% of Australia’s iron ore exports in 2018-19. Slower GDP growth in China will likely hinder demand for steel, and hence iron ore. Furthermore, a stronger Australian dollar against the US dollar will reduce the competitiveness of Australia’s iron ore exports. However, as local iron ore quality is very high, and as per-unit iron ore mining costs in Australia are very low globally, the industry will remain competitive in 2018-19 and over the next five years.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Child care pinpointed by IBISWorld among industries set to fly in FY2018-19

Victorian architecture multi-award winner, Koondrook Wharf

<html><body>
<p>Households in Sydney are generally dedicating the largest proportion of their annual incomes to service a mortgage, with the typical household dedicating 49% of their annual income to mortgage repayments, according to a report released last month by AHL Investments (Aussie Home Loans).</p>
<p>Darwin households generally show the lowest proportions of annual income that is dedicated to mortgage repayments, with 22% of annual household income being used to pay down mortgage debt.</p>
<p>Mortgage serviceability rates have improved since 2008, when the average household was dedicating 51% of their annual gross income to servicing a mortgage.</p>
<p>Mortgage serviceability data extends back to 2001 when the typical household was dedicating a much smaller proportion of their household income to service a mortgage, the Aussie report noted.</p>
<p>In 2001, households were dedicating an average of 26% of their gross annual income to mortgage repayments.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/6/Aussie%20Graph%204-2.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p>As housing values and interest rates moved higher, serviceability became more challenging, with the average proportion of household income required to service a mortgage reaching a peak of 51% in June 2008.</p>
<p>Despite dwelling values generally moving higher over the most recent five year period, mortgage serviceability has held reasonably firm thanks to mortgage rates trending lower.</p>
<p>Of course, as households reduce their principal loan amount, serviceability will improve.</p>
<p>With so much variance in the value of dwellings across the regions of Australia, mortgage serviceability measures show a broad range across the cities.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/6/Aussie%20Graph%204-1.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p> </p>
</body></html>

Sydney trumps all in mortgage servicability hurdles over the past 25 years: Aussie/Corelogic

<html><body>
<p>An East Queensland three bedroom on a 780sqm parcel has been sold for $230,000 by mortgagees.</p>
<p>It was sold by Trevor Chapman from Professionals on July 2.</p>
<p>It last sold at $740,000 in 2002 when it was a $2200 a week rental.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-moranbah-128196978" target="_blank">Situated at 24 Forrest Drive, Moranbah</a>, the house in low set Hardiplank comes with three bedrooms, living area with polished timber floors, modern kitchen, and four undercover car parking. </p>
<p>Other features include separate laundry, covered timber deck at the front and entertaining area with built-in BBQ.</p>
<p>The suburb's median house price sits at <a href="/developments/moranbah-qld-4744">$187,500</a>, according to CoreLogic. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</body></html>

$500,000 loss taken in Moranbah mortgagee sale

<html><body>
<div>New data from SEQ confirms Brisbane’s residential house and land market performed strongly over 2017.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Land prices are up more than 11 per cent, the Ray White Special Projects' latest SEQ Vacant Land Market Report indicated.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It reports 10 major Local Government Areas responding to firming conditions with supply of vacant lots showing a sharp 31.82 per cent rise in Brisbane in the year to December 2017.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Ray White Commercial head of research Vanessa Rader found a nine per cent spike in lot approvals which shows developers’ expectations of firming future demand.</div>
<div>
<br>Ray White Special Projects Qld executive director Mark Creevey expects to see price growth continue to firm largely in south-east Queensland due to the lack of available land for development and developers focused on owner occupied product.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Given there’s been a marginal lift of three per cent in the number of projects from last year it would appear that the significant increase has been derived from established estates delivering further supply to cater for demand,” Mr Creevey said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In south east Queensland there were 18,867 lots approved in 2017, down 16 per cent on 2016 but there were 15,691 lots registered which is a 5.97 per cent increase.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The weighted average vacant land price in south east Queensland lifted 2.37 per cent in 2017 to $262,534.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Brisbane City Council has the highest jumps from last year with a 9.13 per cent increase in registered lots to 2,894 in 2017 and an 11.35 per cent jump in the median land price to $412,000, with a 435sqm lot being the median size.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>House and land package sales fell 18.44 per cent to 566 sales but prices jumped 6.91 per cent to $735,000, demonstrating the continued requirement for increased supply in the Brisbane region.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Sales slipped backwards in 2017 but DA approvals and prices keep rising which bodes well for the future - with a 31.82 per cent spike in lot registrations,” Mr Creevey said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Ray White Special Projects Qld executive director Tony Williams said the inability of the LGA to deliver approvals in prime development corridors including Caboolture West, Warner and Morayfield resulted in a dramatic drop in lot approvals by more than 50 per cent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“If this is not addressed it could potentially have future supply and price implications,” Mr Williams said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“The number of lots registered has shown a solid increase of 32.38 per cent however this increase is from 11 per cent less projects than the previous year, pointing toward diminishing future supply unless key areas are unlocked.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“The Moreton Bay LGA has demonstrated a flat performance over the past 12 months with the majority of indicators showing a downward trend somewhat defying the market sentiment and demand in this region."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“The Moreton Bay LGA has traditionally been a popular development corridor offering significant supply across SEQld however has experienced a decline in vacant land settlements (down 4.45 per cent) as well as the median land price which reflects $251,000 (down 1.57 per cent).”</div>
<div> </div>
<div>On the Gold Coast, house and land package sales fell 35.71 per cent to 261 sales in 2017, with the median price rising 3.48 per cent to $505,000. The median lot size is 455sq m with a median vacant land price up 7.54 per cent to $271,000.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Ray White Special Projects Qld director Matthew Fritzsche said the Gold Coast LGA land market had shown robust results over the last few years.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“The volume of vacant land sales has however shown significant reductions although it has not dampened the median price across the region. Lot values have seen sizeable gains over the past 12 months after the prior few years had recorded minimal growth which was keeping affordability in check, the decrease in average lot size being a contributing factor,” Mr Fritzsche said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“The true growth on a $ per sqm basis has been consistently positive (albeit at a slower rate) and shows encouraging signs for the market. The fall in lot approvals on the back of limited availability of greenfield land is helping push prices upward.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Other indicators such as the house and land packages value increase emphasises the ongoing demand for housing in this location, which is expected to remain similar for the rest of 2018.”</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Ipswich City Council region saw a 3.31 per cent slide in lot registrations, and it’s median vacant land price slipped 3.28 per cent to $191,500. House and land package prices remained steady at $385,000, and the median lot size in Ipswich was 443sq m.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Mr Creevey anticipates that both values and volumes would remain similar over 2018 as an equilibrium was found between new supply and demand.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Demand for land and house and land product in the Ipswich LGA over the 2017 calendar year remained strong with only a slight variance down from 2016 in respect to median values and sales volumes,” Mr Creevey said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“The median value for land has reduced slightly we which expect to be a result of increased competition with a number of new estates having commenced in 2017. Volumes remain significantly higher than the longer term 5 and 10 year average.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Median values are only 5.69 per cent higher than the 10 year average while the rate per sqm is 20 per cent higher due to diminishing lots sizes which highlights the importance of maintaining affordability as a key selling point in this region.”</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The median lot size in Logan is 421sq m, with a steady median price for vacant of $220,500 with a healthy 5.3 per cent bump in lots registered to 1,690.</div>
<div>Mr Fritzsche anticipated rates of sale to remain strong throughout 2018 with some vacant land price growth.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Rates of sale improved by approximately five per cent over this same period and are well up on the long term averages, however value levels remain fairly static. The results for the Logan City LGA show a strong increase in lot approvals over the 12 month period to calendar end 2017,” Mr Fritzsche said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“This is a reflection of a number of large master-planned communities coming online in the region, together with a number of smaller more fragmented projects being undertaken by small to medium private developers / builders.”</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Ray White Special Projects Qld Associate Director Andrew Burke said there was a 39 per cent fall in lot approvals to 1662 lots on the Sunshine Coast, while the number of projects rose by 17 per cent to 88.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The median vacant land price rose 5.69 per cent to $269,500 and the median price of a house and land package rose 4.4 per cent to $522,000.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“We anticipate further increase in demand in this location due to ongoing business confidence and continued population growth,” Mr Burke said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Infrastructure projects such as the University Hospital, the Sunshine Coast airport expansion, Maroochydore City Centre upgrade and the mooted light rail from Maroochydore to Caloundra (Stage 1 and 2) continue to transition to a highly valuable and sustainable economy. “</div>
</body></html>

SEQ house and land market remains strong

<html><body>
<p>The non-bank lender Pepper Group has implemented mortgage rate rises on construction loans, due to higher funding costs.</p>
<p>Its advisory to mortgage brokers advised the higher construction loan rates came into effect July 6.</p>
<p>The increases ranged from 20 basis points to 55 basis points depending on the type of mortgage and the loan to value ratio (LVR).</p>
<p>Its essential construction loan - with an LVR of of between 80 per cent to 85 per cent - the interest rate rises from 4.59 per cent to 4.79 per cent.</p>
<div>Pepper Group sits among the increased number of small financial services company to flag an out-of-cycle mortgage rate rise.The advisory memo to mortgage brokers, obtained by The Australian Financial Review, said the increases applied to new business. </div>
</body></html>

Pepper Group raises rates for construction loans

<html><body>
<p><span>Harvey Norman has appointed Elders to sell its Coomboona dairies operation in Victoria.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-dairy-vic-coomboona-7975514" target="_blank">Coomboona Dairies</a> is being marketed as one of Australia's most advanced dairy aggregations, "recognised for its modern purpose-built infrastructure and premium quality milking herd."</span></p>
<p><span><span>It has utilised some of the world's highest profile registered Holstein genetics.</span><br><br><span>Situated in the renowned Goulburn Valley region, Coomboona Dairies comprises 1,816 hectares, north west of Shepparton in Victoria.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>It is currently milking in the vicinity of 2,500 Holstein cows.</span></span></p>
<p><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/cattle2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><span><span>The dairy boasts annual milk production in excess of 30 million litres.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>The aggregation is offered as a whole or in two contiguous parcels being Coomboona Dairies, 1,356 hectares and Glen Goulburn, with 460 hectares.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>Offers are due August 16.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span id="yui_3_10_0_1_1531095872331_2689"></span><span>Harvey</span><span> Norman bought a 49.9 per cent of Coomboona Holdings in 2015 for $34 million, with partnership difficulties soon emerging.</span></span></span></span></p>
</body></html>

Harvey Norman list Coomboona Dairies

<html><body>
<p class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>Farmers affected by the worsening drought crisis in NSW and Queensland are being urged to contact their bank to access assistance on offer.</span></p>
<p class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>The drought assistance has been available during the drought. </span></p>
<p class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>There is a Federal Government roundtable on drought affected communities with banks invited by Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, the Hon David Littleproud to participate. </span></p>
<p class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>Anna Bligh, the CEO of the Australian Banking Association, said that banks were willing to help drought affected communities and have been rolling out assistance for to their customers in need. </span></p>
<p class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>“I have seen firsthand the difficulties that drought brings to our farmers and regional communities, including significant financial stress,” Ms Bligh said. </span></p>
<p class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>“Australian banks are ready to lend a hand to drought affected communities, particularly throughout New South Wales and Queensland, who are doing it tough. </span></p>
<p class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>“My message for regional communities is there’s no reason for anyone to struggle in silence, call your bank today and ask what assistance can be offered to help you through this difficult time.</span></p>
<p class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>"The Industry will continue to work with government to play its part in helping those affected.</span></p>
<p class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>"Customers are encouraged to contact their bank to discuss what hardship arrangements are available to them," she said. </span></p>
<p class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>ABA Member banks offer a range of services to help customers experiencing drought or other circumstances outside their control. </span></p>
<p class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>These can include: </span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>A deferral of scheduled loan repayments</span></li>
<li class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>Waiving fees and charges, including break costs on early redemption of Farm Management </span></li>
<li class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>Deposits</span></li>
<li class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>Debt consolidation to help make repayments more manageable</span></li>
<li class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>Restructuring existing loans free of the usual establishment fees</span></li>
<li class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>Deferring interest payments on a case-by-case basis</span></li>
<li class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>Offering additional finance to help cover cash flow shortages</span></li>
<li class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>Deferring upcoming credit card payments</span></li>
<li class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>Increasing emergency credit card limits</span></li>
<li class="x_MsoBodyText"><span>Waiving early termination fees for customers who wish to access their term deposits.</span></li>
</ul>
</body></html>

Farmers offered banking assistance during drought

<html><body>
<p>One of the biggest lots in Macarthur Heights estate in Campbelltown has been listed for $550,000.</p>
<p>The 615 sqm block of land located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-nsw-campbelltown-202138190" target="_blank">Lot 4296, 9 Westview Street, Campbelltown</a> comes with a 15 metre street frontage. </p>
<p>Land size closer to 500 sqm have been fetching between $470,000 and $495,000.</p>
<p>Macarthur Heights sits adjacent to the grounds of the Western Sydney University and is surrounded by 42 hectares of green parklands.</p>
<p>The development is set for 850 homes and will have an astronomy centre as its central attraction.</p>
<p>UrbanGrowth NSW are behind the project.</p>
<p>It's near the Australian Botanic Garden and has easy access to the M5 motorway and Hume Highway.</p>
<p><span>It is within walking distance of Macarthur Train Station, Macarthur Square Shopping Centre.</span></p>
<p>Linkers Real Estate agent Rubayet Mahmud is marketing the block. </p>
<p> </p>
</body></html>

Dream home building block in new Macarthur Heights estate at Campbelltown

<html><body>
<p>Haranel, a fully operating cattle farm on Mount Mee on Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland, has been sold for $1.95 million.</p>
<p>Ray White Rural, which suggested Haranel was ideal for either cattle grazing or fattening secured the price at auction last Friday.</p>
<p><span>The purchaser was described as a professional gentleman based in Brisbane.</span></p>
<p><span>The retiring owners are relocating for family reasons.</span></p>
<p>Jez McNamara and Barry Quinn from Ray White Rural Brisbane and Vicki Pain from Ray White Rural Dayboro marketed and sold the property which attracted over 100 enquiries during the four week campaign.</p>
<p>It spans 67 hectares of lush pastures able to accomodate more than 80 breeders plus calves year-round.</p>
<p>Mount Mee is 1600 metres above sea level, with its climate of cool clean air and high rainfall suitable for cattle farming.</p>
<p>The locality was almost all dairy country decades ago, but now only a few remain as the cattle industry has taken over.</p>
<p>Ray White Rural agents Barry Quinn and Jez McNamara who suggested Haranel is ideal for either cattle grazing or fattening secured the price at auction last Friday.</p>
<p>Currently the property runs the Droughtmaster breed, a breed conceived in response to the need in the Australian Tropics for tick resistance.</p>
<p>The breed use the environment and the pastures in the most efficient manner to give higher weight gains and fertility.</p>
<p>Its not a well know breed as Droughtmasters make up just five percent of registered cattle across the country.</p>
<p>Late last year Haranel sold its six month old Droughtmaster calves for $725 at Woodford sales.</p>
<p>There's steel cattle yards and a spring fed permanent creek that runs through the property which takes its name from Hebrew for Mountain of God.</p>
<p>A six bay shed incorporates a two storey, two bedroom, fully self-contained mangers quarters.</p>
<p>Quinn and McNamara have set a July 6 auction date.</p>
<p>The country property comes with a 2013 built homestead on a level plateau at the top of the estate, capturing views across the surrounding mountains, farmland, creeks and valleys.</p>
<p>Quinn says it's arguably the best home in Mount Mee. </p>
<p>The single level Queenslander with a wrap around verandah has two separate bedroom wings. There are six bedrooms, each with their own ensuite.</p>
<p>The large open plan living area with striking wood burning fireplace opens to terrace which features a swimming pool and spa.</p>
<p>Haranel last traded for $630,000 in 2012 before the house was built.</p>
</body></html>

Droughtmaster cattle farm, Haranel at Mount Mee, sold

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]</p>

<p>Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]</p>


Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]</p>

<p><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.</p>

<p>"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.</p>

<p>WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.</p>

<p>"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]</p>


Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

<p>When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.</p>

<p>But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.</p>

<p><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></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p><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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that's concrete and glass with not a blade of grass.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.</p>

<p>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?</p>

<p>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.</p>


Staff reporter

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News