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A rural and farming property in Queensland's Skyring Reserve, located off of A1, has been listed for sale. <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/6/Skyring%202.png" alt=""> The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-cropping-qld-skyring+reserve-7975270" target="_blank">Skyring Reserve, Queensland</a> has 102.16 hectares (252 acres). It is approx 180 acres of rich red soil and approx 40 acres of greyish soil. The property has been listed for $3,000,000 by Christine Banks at McColms First National. This farm has perfect elevation especially for the growing of avocados, the marketing suggests.
"Red soil of this size in one area is a rare find so act quickly to secure this one," it added.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Cropping farm offering at Skyring Reserve, Queensland

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The Brisbane radio stations HIT105 and Triple M will be moving next June from North Quay to The Barracks.
Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) Brisbane, parent to the two stations, will leave its longtime headquarters at North Quay.
It will relocate to Level 4 at The Barracks, 61 Petrie Terrace, in a 10-year lease deal with options.
According to SCA, it will be one of the biggest and most technical relocations in radio history in Australia, with two fully operational and broadcasting radio stations relocating – some 125 team members – with no break in transmission.
The 2,150 square metre space at The Barracks will be completely redesigned and custom-fitted.
With the goal of staying local to Brisbane SCA will be working with Jane McConnell Interior Design and Mettle Projects to deliver the new space.
<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/2018/7/6/Triple%20M%20dude.jpg" alt="">
Planning is well underway for the commencement of construction and fitout on December 1 and SCA General Manager Damon Rielly (pictured above) expects the move to take place in June 2019.
Southern Cross Austereo has used North Quay as its headquarters since September 2000.
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HIT105 and Triple M announce new Brisbane headquarters

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The average size of the Australian home loan has increased by 376% over the past 25 years.
The average loan size has broadly increased in line with dwelling prices across Australia, with the typical loan size reaching $388,100 in 2018 according to a report released last month by AHL Investments (Aussie Home Loans).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/6/28/Aussie/Aussie%20Graph%203-1.JPG" alt="">
"The average size of a mortgage across Australia has increased roughly in line with dwelling values over the past quarter of a century, with the annual rate of increase tracking at 6.4% per annum compared with national house values rising at 6.8% per annum and national unit values rising at 5.9%," the report stated
The average loan size for owner occupiers across Australia, based on data to March 2018, was $388,100, having increased from just $81,500 25 years ago.
The report notes it was not surprising to see a wide range in the average loan size between the states which is reflective of the diversity in housing values.
"The largest loan sizes are originating in New South Wales where housing values tend to be the highest, while average loan sizes are the smallest in Tasmania at just $252,100."
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/6/28/Aussie/Aussie%20Graph%203-2.JPG" alt="">
Despite loan sizes increasing approximately in line with the housing cycles, mortgage rates have fallen dramatically over the same time frame, which has resulted in improved levels of mortgage affordability.
Some 25 years ago, the average standard variable mortgage rate was recorded at 10.0% compared with an average standard variable mortgage rate of 5.2% in April 2018.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/6/28/Aussie/Aussie%20Graph%203-3.JPG" alt="">
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How the typical Aussie mortgage has risen over past 25 years: Aussie/CoreLogic

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An outlook on the Illawarra housing market was provided by the RBA this week which highlighted the region had experienced some population growth.
Some of this has come from overseas students attending the University of Wollongong, and some has come from people migrating to the Illawarra region from Sydney.
As a result, the region still has a large working-age population, according to the RBA and ABS.
<img src="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2018/images/sp-so-2018-07-05-graph11.gif" alt="Graph 11: Age Distribution">
The increase was partly because its geographic proximity and transport infrastructure allow people living in Wollongong and the Illawarra region to commute to Sydney.
Around 20% of Wollongong workers commute at least 50 kilometres to work. 
Illawarra residents are also well placed to benefit from the projects taking place in Sydney's south and south-west, including the proposed “aerotropolis” around the new airport at Badgery's Creek.
Access to these growth areas will be enhanced if some of the recently announced transport infrastructure plans come to fruition, the RBA study suggested.
<img src="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2018/images/sp-so-2018-07-05-graph12.gif" alt="Graph 12: Distance to Work 50+ km in NSW">
 
Labour market conditions in the Illawarra region itself have also been strong recently, according to the RBA with these factors meaning that there has been strong employment growth in the Illawarra region over the past five years and the unemployment rate sat close to the average for New South Wales.
<img src="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2018/images/sp-so-2018-07-05-graph13.gif" alt="Graph 13: Labour Market">
 
Strong population growth and economic outlook have led to rising housing prices in the Illawarra region. 
It has also lead to increased investment in residential construction.
<img src="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2018/images/sp-so-2018-07-05-graph14.gif" alt="Graph 14: Median House Prices">
Alexandra Heath Head of the RBA's Economic Analysis Department stated that the data showed that population trends and housing market developments in the Illawarra region are closely linked to those in Sydney.
This was partly because the transport infrastructure allows people to live in the Illawarra region and commute to Sydney and future transport infrastructure plans and the development associated with the Badgery's Creek airport are likely to strengthen these ties.
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Illawarra housing market gets a boost from population growth: RBA

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Sanctuary Cove has gained a global market reach through Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty.
Long-term Sanctuary Cove residents and real estate agents, John and Marie Manning have joined Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty (pictured above) heading the new Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island office.
For over a decade, the couple have operated Manning Real Estate as Sanctuary Cove specialists.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/6/SC%20cove%203.JPG" alt="">
Sanctuary Cove (pictured above) is a self-contained gated community situated on 474 hectares and located on Hope Island, Queensland.
Within the waterfront development, there are diverse land, apartment, villa and house offerings.
Community amenities include two 18-hole championship golf courses, a 293-berth marina with superyacht facilities, vibrant shopping and dining precincts, country club facilities, 24-hour land and water security, and the five-star InterContinental Resort Hotel.
<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/2018/7/6/SC%20cove%202.jpg" alt="">
Sanctuary Cove is exempt from Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval and all restrictions allowing non-Australian citizens to buy residential property, meaning foreign investors and buyers do not need approval and reserve the right to sell to anyone.
Sanctuary Cove recently received the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), 2018 National Award of Excellence as well as the award for the best Master Planned Development. 
“Once you move to Sanctuary Cove, you will never want to leave," Marie Manning said.
Sotheby’s International Realty also opened a Port Douglas office led by <a href="/news/sothebys-appoints-barbara-wolveridge-as-director-in-tropical-north-queensland">Barbara Wolveridge</a> earlier this year. 
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Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty expand to Sanctuary Cove

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An undisclosed international and local restaurateur has signed a lease for 349-351 Flinders Lane, Melbourne with plans for a Japanese fusion style offering.
The deal for the 690 square metre ground floor and basement areas which have been operating as Bluestone Bar &amp; Restaurant in the heritage listed building since 2000 was brokered by Teska Carson agent, Richard Munday.
The new tenant will pay $216,500 per annum and plans to refurbish much of the property and offer a menu of Japanese fusion.
"Melbourne has an excellent reputation for its international laneway dining experience and Flinders Lane is one of the most highly sought after with a consistent trading pattern established over several decades and offering very positive growth prospects based on upward trends in both population and tourism,’’ Munday said.
The lessor is a Melbourne based private investor.
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Restaurateur leases Flinders Lane premises with Japanese fusion plans

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A rural and farming property in Victoria's Mincha, located 8 kilometres north of Pyramid Hill, has been listed for sale.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/6/Mincha%202.png" alt="">
The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-mincha-7975238" target="_blank">53 Mincha North Road, Mincha</a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-nsw-mudgee-7974966" target="_blank"></a> features six acres of grazing land beside the GMW Irrigation Water Channel.
It is marketed as having very clean paddocks with good fencing.
It suggests there is a liveable house with power currently connected.
It is the ultimate renovator’s delight where the property needs a decent clean up.
The property has been listed at $43,000 by Chris Garlick at Priority1 Property.
The property will be sold “as is” with all tools, furnishings, junk / antiques and even the trailer with aluminium cans included.
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Mincha, Victoria farm on the market

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Two bushland conservation property lots in Tasmania's Nubeena, town located on the Tasman Peninsula, have been listed for sale.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/6/Nubeena%202.png" alt="">
The property lots are at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-tas-nubeena-7975218" target="_blank">990 Roaring Beach Road, Nubeena</a>. 
Lot 3 is 140 hectares marketed as having "inspiring value" given its three Wedge tailed Eagle nests.
The trees are a mix of Eucalyptus Tenuramis (Silver peppermint), E. Pulchella (White peppermint), E. Globulus (Blue gum) and E. Delegatensis (Gum-topped Stringybark).
Lot 4 is 266 hectares with includes the significant coastal feature of Mount Zion with a diversity of native flora and fauna.
The properties are listed $240,000 for Lot 3 and $500,000 for Lot 4 through Heather Mason at LJ Hooker.
The properties come with a conservation covenant attached to the land title with areas set aside for a dwelling or similar.
The properties had been purchased under the TLC Revolving Fund. 
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Conservation lots in Nubeena, Tasmania listed

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Global co-working company WeWork will lease all six floors of commercial office space at Lendlease’s recently approved Daramu House office building at 1 Sussex Street, Barangaroo South.
The co-working provider will occupy all 10,000 square metres, of the building’s office lease, which will provide for 2,000 of its members.
Designed by Alec Tzannes, Lendlease received the green light for Daramu House (pictured above), its second Barangaroo South office building, early last month.
Australian companies that use WeWork include Microsoft, Deliveroo and Box.
Daramu House is the ninth location WeWork has secured in Australia.
<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/2018/7/6/WeWork%20Brisbane.jpg" alt="">
Last week the company announced its first Brisbane site at 310 Edward Street (pictured above) which it will open later this year.
Daruma House is expected to open in early 2020.
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WeWork secures whole office building lease at Barangaroo

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A four bedroom house in Queensland's Warner, suburb north of Brisbane, has been listed by mortgagees. 
It is listed for July 14 auction through Liam Booker at LJ Hooker Kallangur.
It last sold at $180,000 in 2005. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-warner-128604558" target="_blank">22 Latona Street, Warner</a> house features four built-in bedrooms all with ceiling fans.
The suburb's median house price sits on <a href="/developments/warner-qld-4500">$520,000</a> according to CoreLogic.
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Four bedroom Warner house listed by mortgagee

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

Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

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

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.

But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.

As online shopping has become part of everyday life, parcel deliveries have shifted from an occasional event to a regular occurrence. Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally.

For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.

If nobody is home to accept a delivery, parcels may be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in a building lobby or common area, or require building management to step in. In higher-density buildings, where dozens or even hundreds of residents may receive deliveries each day, parcel management has become an increasingly important part of everyday living.

That can create a range of frustrations. A missed delivery often means making time to collect a parcel elsewhere, while packages left unattended in foyers or mail areas can create clutter and increase the risk of theft. What seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly become a recurring issue for residents who shop online regularly.

It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.

As a result, buyers are beginning to look beyond traditional apartment features and consider how a building supports day-to-day convenience, including whether there are secure options for receiving deliveries.

Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CkF2oKmlACg?si=C50sDaoUUn2nuLmq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than having a parcel delivered directly to an apartment, eligible deliveries can be sent to a nominated Parcel Locker. Once the parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN at a time that suits them.

The Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with installations at Post Offices, shopping centres, transport hubs and an increasing number of residential developments. By providing a secure collection point, Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and avoid parcels being left unattended in common areas.

For developers, parcel infrastructure is becoming another way to improve the resident experience. Rather than relying on concierge staff or leaving parcels in communal spaces, secure collection points help streamline deliveries while preserving the presentation and functionality of shared areas.

For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.

A generous floorplan or quality finishes might help narrow the shortlist, but the conveniences that simplify everyday life, whether that's EV charging, secure bike storage or reliable parcel delivery, often become the features residents appreciate most once they're living there.

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

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

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

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

Staff reporter

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