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GUEST OBSERVER
The recent Closing the Gap <a href="https://closingthegap.pmc.gov.au/" target="_blank">report</a> has highlighted the lack of progress in Indigenous affairs since the apology to the Stolen Generations a decade ago. Although not a specific target, safe, appropriate and affordable housing is acknowledged to be a fundamental building block for improving the well-being of Aboriginal people and closing the gap on many of the target indicators. For these reasons, it is unfortunate to learn the Commonwealth may be seeking to withdraw its support for remote Indigenous housing programs.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/research-and-policy-bulletins/216" target="_blank">Our research</a> and that of others provides evidence these programs are producing significant improvements. A sustained Commonwealth commitment to remote housing programs is essential for closing the gap.
Crowding and inadequate housing are linked to poor physical and mental health. They result in higher rates of infectious diseases such as rheumatic fever and eye and ear infections, emotional stress and conflict in the home.
<a href="http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/Publications/housing-health.pdf" target="_blank">A New South Wales study</a> demonstrated that in communities whose housing was improved, the rate of hospital admissions for infectious diseases was 40% less than in communities where no housing improvements had taken place. Other research has shown that poor housing has negative impacts on educational and employment outcomes.
Job is only half done
The central role of housing in Closing the Gap was acknowledged in 2007 when the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) established a 10-year A$5.5 billion remote Indigenous building and refurbishment program. This aimed to bring living standards in remote Indigenous communities to the same standards as comparable locations elsewhere, and to improve the management and maintenance of houses.
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A Commonwealth review found houses like this one built under the remote housing program had improved conditions in Indigenous communities. Author provided
Last October, a federal government review of the remote Indigenous housing program found crowding has been reduced and housing management is more consistent and effective. But the job remains half done. Importantly, levels of household crowding (no more than two persons per bedroom) in remote communities are still around 37%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/research-and-policy-bulletins/216" target="_blank">Our research</a> tells a similar story. Crowding remains high in some locations. There are problems of fairness and efficiency in the application of mainstream rent settings. There are also questions about the most effective model of housing delivery and who should be responsible for it.
However, in the five communities we examined in three states, we found the program had led to significant improvements on a range of indicators. This was particularly evident when the housing was managed by an Indigenous housing provider that employed Indigenous people and provided a culturally adaptive service.
The complexities of remote settings mean that for these gains to be maintained and continued, the Commonwealth needs to maintain its commitment. Delivering and maintaining housing in remote locations is costly, so subsidies will be needed in most regions.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/206711/original/file-20180216-131024-1rywae9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/206711/original/file-20180216-131024-1rywae9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
On the road to the APY Lands in South Australia, a remote region where the costs of providing and maintaining housing require subsidies. Author provided
Commonwealth oversight is also essential to ensure appropriate regulatory frameworks are in place. Monitoring and quality assurance procedures are needed to maintain standards.
The building and refurbishment program was revised and renegotiated with the states and the Northern Territory in 2016. That program ends this June. To date, there has been no indication of what will replace it.
Most worrying are reports that Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland have been advised that remote Indigenous housing is a state responsibility and that Commonwealth funding may end when the current program ends. Even in the Northern Territory, which had seemed quarantined from these developments because of the extent of the housing crisis in remote communities there, there are signs that the Commonwealth may withdraw its commitment to addressing this.
If this is true, it’s likely the political commitment to improvement will wane, investment will decline and gains in housing standards will reverse.
At risk of losing hard-won gains
In 10 or 20 years’ time, we might once again be looking at a housing crisis in remote Indigenous communities.
To avoid such a policy failure – and its implications for Indigenous well-being – it’s time for governments to recognise that real progress can only be made if they stop turning Indigenous programs off after they have been positively evaluated. They need to accept that improvements will be slow and what’s needed is incremental, consistent and preferably bipartisan commitment over the medium to long term.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/206714/original/file-20180216-130997-5b4sr8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/206714/original/file-20180216-130997-5b4sr8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
 Improvements have been delivered to remote communities, like this playground in the East Kimberley region, but much work remains to be done. Author provided
Current arrangements for remote Indigenous housing are not perfect, but our work suggests that, at this stage, a hybrid model is likely to be most effective. This is one that involves a partnership between state housing departments and knowledgeable, preferably Indigenous, third-party providers delivering a culturally appropriate service.
There are also opportunities to explore new models of housing delivery. These could leverage off the Indigenous estate and engage with the Indigenous and non-Indigenous community housing sector. Any model should contribute to the sustainability of communities by maximising opportunities for local partnerships and employment for local Indigenous people.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/91835/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Without ongoing Commonwealth engagement and investment, remote Indigenous housing policy risks remaining stuck in a depressing cycle of government neglect, public crisis, too-rapid policy development and change, and a return to failure. It will become yet another sorry example of political agendas obstructing good policy.
Daphne Habibis, Associate Professor, University of Tasmania
Peter Phibbs, Director, Henry Halloran Trust, University of Sydney
Rhonda Phillips, Adjunct Research Fellow, Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR), The University of Queensland
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-wont-close-the-gap-if-the-commonwealth-cuts-off-indigenous-housing-support-91835" target="_blank">original article</a>.
Main photo: A remote community in the Cape York region of Queensland. Author provided
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

We won't close the gap if the Commonwealth cuts off Indigenous housing support

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A Doncaster top floor two bedroom apartment in the Pearl building has been listed for mortgagee sale with subdued price expectations.
Its price guidance is between $490,000 to $539,000.
It last sold at $589,000 in 2014. It has been a rental at around $450 a week.
Designed by architect Rothe Lowman, the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-doncaster-127547302" target="_blank">806/1 Grosvenor Street </a>home comes with two bedrooms, open plan kitchen and a terrace balcony.
It positioned across the road from exclusive shopping, restaurants, gym, entertainment and buses with the freeway, schools and parks only minutes away.
The auction has been scheduled for March 10.
The suburb's median unit price sits on $584,500, according to CoreLogic.
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Loss expected at Pearl, Doncaster apartment mortgagee sale

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Sydney fresh listings are finally higher than this time last year, according to CoreLogic.
All up Sydney listings are 23% up on the same time in 2017.
An early Easter has triggered the current spurt agents suggest, although it was too early for many potential vendors to hit the market.
Sydney and Perth are the only capitals where fresh 2018 listings are higher than the same time last year.
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Sydney auction volumes were down by about 15% last weekend.
A preliminary auction clearance rate of 69.1% was recorded across the combined capital cities as auction activity ramped up this week, with a total of 1,963 homes taken to auction, increasing from the 1,490 auctions held last week when (based on final results) 63.7% cleared.
While auction activity has increased over the last couple of weeks coming out of the slowdown, volumes are increasing at a slower pace than what was seen over the equivalent period last year (2,291).
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The reduced auction volume has helped boost the clearance rate in early 2018 auctions.
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Fresh Sydney listings above 2017 for first time this year: CoreLogic

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Rouse Hill is the Sydney suburb which has seen the most dramatic decline in its unit listings.
Investar suggests stock for sale had decreased by 66 percent, from 86 units this time last year to its current 29 offerings.
Cumberland Green off the plan offerings are for sale.
A two bedroom apartment - currently on the market - is a new Windsor Road offering which is priced at $670,000. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-rouse+hill-127148522" target="_blank">The 828 Windsor Road</a> apartment came with one carport space (pictured above).
The two bedrooms apartment range from $670,000 to $730,000 and its three bedrooms apartment range from $740,000 to $810,000.
There was an two bedroom apartment sold last year for $700,000.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-rouse+hill-125963874" target="_blank">The 47 Main Street apartment</a> located on the third floor of the New Rouse Hill Town Centre. 
Investar puts it the suburb median rental at $550.
The median unit price sits on $809,000, according to CoreLogic. 
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Rouse Hill sees big decrease in apartment supply

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SeaLink has acquired the iconic tourism attraction, Kingfisher Bay Resort Group on Fraser Island.
It signals the establishment of a new SeaLink business hub in Brisbane.
The acquisition by SeaLink Travel Group Limited of Kingfisher Bay Resort Group was for $43 million.
The Kingfisher Bay Resort Group calendar year 2017 EBITDA was $7.9 million, and EBIT of $5.8 million, respectively.
The stockmarket was advised today that Cosmos Australia Pty Ltd, an entity owned by publicly listed Cosmos Initia Co Ltd of Japan, was disposing of their interest in the businesses to focus on residential development and other investment opportunities in Australia.
Cosmos Australia, together with their partner since 1991 Tourism Leisure Corporation, jointly developed or acquired, and operated the resorts and businesses
The property is on the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, 300 kilometres north of Brisbane in Queensland.
The acquisition includes the two island resorts Kingfisher Bay Resort and Eurong Beach Resort, as well as Fraser Explorer Tours and the Fraser Island Ferry business operating from Hervey Bay to the Western side of Fraser Island. 
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Kingfisher Bay Resort Group accounts for 90 per cent of accommodation options and the majority of touring experiences on Fraser Island.
The purchase price of $43 million (plus working capital adjustments) includes land and buildings, plant and equipment, three vehicular ferries, a 30-vehicle touring coach fleet, all contracts, licences, intellectual property and goodwill. 
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The Queensland Government has welcomed the transaction and the establishment of SeaLink’s business hub in Brisbane.
SeaLink already has significant operations in Queensland, servicing Magnetic Island and Palm Island from Townsville, the LNG Plants on Curtis Island from Gladstone, North Stradbroke Island and the islands of Moreton Bay, and will add its new Brisbane office as a hub to complement its Adelaide headquarters.
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Cosmos Australia Pty Limited (“Cosmos”), a controlled entity of Cosmos Initia Co Ltd of Japan, partnered with Tourism Leisure Corporation to develop the Kingfisher Bay Resort which opened in 1992 and expanded their operations on Fraser Island by acquiring Eurong Beach Resort, Fraser Explorer Tours and Fraser Island Barges in 2002. 
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Kingfisher Bay Resort Group on Fraser Island sold to SeaLink

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Australian instant boiling water system manufacturer, Zip Industries, has committed to 1,661sqm at Hallam, signing a lease for part of 59-65 Wedgewood Road.
Savills Australia’s David Kalb and Kosta Filinis, in conjunction with Crabtrees Real Estate, negotiated the five-year deal at $82 per sqm on behalf of a private landlord. 
Zip took over from Polyflor Australia last month.
Kalb said Savills initially sold the property for $3.68 million to an owner-occupier, who had residual space to lease out after moving in.
“The refit encompassed significant office space and a high-quality showroom, which suited the tenant perfectly,” he said.
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Zip's industrialist founder Michael Crouch passed away this month at the age of 84 after a battle with cancer.
Crouch had sold his majority share of Zip.
Raised in Sydney, Crouch aged 28, acquired a small hot-water company in Sydney called Zip Heaters which had 12 employees.
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He applied innovation with his range of appliances with Zip's heaters easily fitted directly above the kitchen sink or bath
When he learnt a large block of units in Sydney was installing instant hot-water heaters, he conceived of the idea of instant boiling water, according to an obituary in the Australian Financial Review.
He first developed a cumbersome unit that sold only a few hundred, so he refined it and made a neater appliance he called the "Miniboil" - a white box on the wall with the red tap in office tea rooms.
Not only was the product more convenient because staff weren't waiting around for the jug to boil, Crouch's design delivered boiling water more efficiently. The first big contract was with the Commonwealth Bank.
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Zip Industries secures new premises through Savills

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Stockland announced yesterday its masterplan for a $500 million state-of-the-art technology hub at Macquarie Park in Sydney.
The stage one application proposes 16,500 square metres of office, retail, learning and co-working space across 10 storeys, with typical floor plates of around 1,750 square metres. 
The building will eventually form part of a 55,000 square metre masterplanned, campus-style precinct 
Stockland owns 13.7 hectares of assets within Macquarie Park. The holding is between 17 Khartoum Road and 39 Talavera Road. 
 
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Stockland plans $500 million redevelopment at Macquarie Park in Sydney

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Stockland said record settlements of new lots in the Sydney and Melbourne residential markets had boosted its half-year profit by 18.2 per cent.
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The country's largest listed residential developer advised its focus on undersupplied markets triggered the record 3210 settlements in the six months to December.
It advised its cancellation rate sat at below the long term average.
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"Over the last four years we have built a strong residential business with significantly enhanced returns," chief executive Mark Steinert said adding they had placed a greater focus on the deep Melbourne and Sydney markets with particular emphasis on transport and infrastructure corridors.
"Around half our residential customers are first home buyers and over 75 per cent are owner-occupiers, which places us in a preferred position in the current residential lending and policy environment.
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"As a result, our Residential business delivered another half of exceptionally strong returns and settlements, with operating profit growing over 80 per cent to $182 million in 1H18. 
“We settled a record 3,210 lots, up 12.5 per cent on the corresponding period, and achieved a net operating profit margin of 20.9 per cent. FY18 profit will be skewed to the first half of the financial year due to a large proportion of higher-margin Sydney settlements.” 
Stockland expects operating profit margins of around 17 per cent in FY18 and for the next 2 - 3 years, subject to market conditions.
It noted WA had an ongoing weakness.
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Its upcoming launches include Waterlea in Melbourne.
“We have intentionally increased our weighting to Sydney and Melbourne housing, where the markets continue to be driven by structural undersupply. 
It advised around half its residential customers were first home buyers and over 75 per cent are owner-occupiers, "which places us in a preferred position in the current residential lending and policy environment."
“More than 95 per cent of our residential business earnings over FY18 - FY20 will be generated by our masterplanned communities,” Mr Steinert said. 
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Stockland's 2018 market outlook suggests demand will continue to outstrip supply in New South Wales.
They note market prices in Western Australia are likely to remain stable.
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Stockland sell record housing lots to owner occupiers 

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McGrath Estate Agents has secured the return of Michael Conolly as Head of Network Property Management for McGrath.
Mr Conolly has over 28 years’ experience in residential, commercial and business management.
Mr Conolly returns to McGrath after a short break from the company. He first started with McGrath in 2002 - 2005 as General Manager of Property Management, and returned in 2010 to a newly established role of Head of Network Property Management.
McGrath Head of Franchise, Christopher Mourd, said Michael "will be a strong asset in our future growth.”
Conolly will work alongside Rob Fearnley, Head of Corporate Property Management for McGrath.
Fearnley joined the Company in September last year and is responsible for overseeing the Company Owned Property Management business across NSW and QLD. 
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The McGrath network has 33,082 properties under management representing approximately $21.5 billion in residential asset value. 
"All our clients, investors and long-standing teams across the country need to remember that McGrath has not only survived all past cycles, but has flourished and continued to grow," Conolly said.
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McGrath hires Michael Conolly as property management head

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Moelis Australia is weighing up an ASX listing of the Redcape Hotel Group this year.
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In July 2017, a Moelis Fund acquired the Redcape Hotel Group for $676m representing an asset level capitalisation rate of 9.6%. 
Redcape is the second largest gaming hotel operator in NSW and consists of 25 hotels, 22 of which are located in NSW and 3 in Queensland. 
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Moelis' chief executive Andrew Pridham confirmed Moelis' intention to consider a listing for Redcape in 2018, but said the ultimate decision would depend on market conditions.
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Moelis acquired Redcape from US hedge fund owners Varde Partners and York Capital.<a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/commercial/hotels-and-leisure/moelis-snaps-up-redcape-pubs-for-667m-plans-ipo-20170628-gx0k4x#ixzz4ptVxw3jV" title=""></a>
Redcape had a property portfolio comprising of 82 properties including 71 pubs and 11 shops based mainly in Queensland and NSW, with a small number of properties in Victoria and SA in 2011.
In 2011 the hedge fund consortium bought 38% of Redcape's $645 million worth of secured senior debt for around $200m and also acquired all of the $157 m worth of debt of National Leisure and Gaming, Redcape’s major tenant for between $ 35m and $40m.
The listed pub sector was battered during the GFC.
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Moelis eyes ASX listing of Redcape Hotel Group

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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vitale-property-group">Vitale Property Group</a> Managing Partner Chris Vitale said the project's combination of scale, location and limited future supply was driving buyer demand.

"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.

"Buyers are responding to the scarcity and the irreplaceability of a site of this calibre and to floorplans they can't find elsewhere in the market.

"We are seeing buyers place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of the location. The sales achieved to date demonstrate that discerning purchasers recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay.

"Many are coming from larger homes in the Byron region, or from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are after the space, security and convenience, without the upkeep of a house."

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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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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.

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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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