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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/73852/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
The global trend towards suburbanisation and suburbanisms (meaning suburban ways of life) has an important infrastructure dimension.
In both growing and shrinking suburbs, decisions on infrastructure – mobility systems, water and waste water systems, and energy distribution and production networks – have been central.
Around the world, major transport and water/wastewater infrastructures often drive mushrooming peripheral growth. Big pipes, expressways, rapid transit lines, gas supply and the electricity grid, for example, have traditionally preceded residential subdivisions and commercial development.
In other areas (often in less-developed contexts), infrastructure development lags behind peripheral expansion. Informal settlement patterns, rapid and unequal peri-urbanisation and high degrees of social segregation characterise these areas.
In more mature suburban environments and in high-growth regions, gridlock, system failure and all manner of bottlenecks are typical.
The various forms of infrastructure need to be situated within their societal context. Infrastructures are contested between constituencies and are powerful instruments of social regulation. Central to our argument is the view that the ramifications stretch far beyond the expectations and control of decision-makers.
Suburbs are sites of stress
Suburban areas, in their multiform, emerging worldwide configurations, feel infrastructure stress most acutely. Having to deal with severe infrastructure inadequacies, suburbs offer fertile ground for infrastructure experimentation and innovation.
All infrastructures share a common characteristic. At the very core of the concept is the role of supporting the functioning of different aspects of society.
We differentiate two types of infrastructure.
The first is the “hard” physical, public-works-type infrastructure: roads, highways, water and sewage systems, railways, wires, cables and transmitters. This includes the political, organisational know-how and financial requirements for their design, construction, operation and maintenance.
The second category can be described as “soft” or social infrastructures. These consist mostly of services.
Infrastructures are central to newer, non-central portions of metropolitan regions in this era of global suburbanisation. This is because they operate as conduits, facilitators and sometimes the main ingredient of that extension. Infrastructures order these suburban landscapes and make them accessible.
One feature common across the suburban environment is its fragmentation. Fragmentation is built into the morphology of the suburb. Its territory is dissected by the transport and utility infrastructures connecting the central city to its hinterland and the rest of the world.
An important, underrated aspect of suburban infrastructures is their tremendous importance for how the entire urban region functions. Suburban infrastructure, often thought of as merely functional for the suburban constellation itself, remains multi-scalar – that is, it also supports metropolitan and higher-scale purposes.
Thus, infrastructures work as fragmenting and sorting mechanisms of complex suburban landscapes.
Infrastructures play a central role in building suburbs but are also the foundation for the retrofitting of ageing peripheral areas. Keller Easterling describes the infrastructural grid as:
"… thick with technologies that are potential multipliers: populations of suburban houses, skyscrapers, vehicles, spatial products, zones, mobile phones, or global standards."
In this sense the suburbs are a “zone”. And suburbanisation is a horizontal division of labour, a giant production grid, a gargantuan spatial factory floor spread across city and society. And networked infrastructures enable it.
Infrastructure connects and excludes
With fragmentation come inequality and marginalisation – access to and exclusion from suburban infrastructures. The global suburb is a place of extremes. High levels of unevenness in the availability of infrastructures reflect and intensify this.
Infrastructure issues are exacerbated in the suburbs. Several of their characteristics contribute to this situation: their recent nature, rapid development, economic polarisation and sprawling nature.
The infrastructure deficit in suburban areas results from the combined effects of accelerated suburban growth and insufficient funding. The latter reflects difficult economic circumstances and the predominance of other public sector expenditure priorities.
Infrastructure deficiencies are most severe in informal settlements. Governments largely overlook their needs, and the acute poverty of residents prevents reliance on locally funded infrastructure programs. The shortage or absence of water and sanitary infrastructures contributes to low health and longevity indicators.
Confronted with the need to overcome multiple forms of infrastructure difficulties, the suburbs are a likely source of urban infrastructure innovation and fertile spawning grounds for new solutions. We thus expect the future of urban infrastructures to emerge from the suburbs.
The impetus is great for infrastructure innovations to fill the gap between need and availability and overcome the inappropriateness of prevailing systems. In this sense, suburbs can be seen as laboratories for new infrastructure.
Pierre Filion is professor, School of Planning, University of Waterloo and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/pierre-filion-342838" target="_blank">here</a>.
Roger Keil is York Research chair in Global Sub/Urban Studies, York University, Canada and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/roger-keil-342841" target="_blank">here</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Why suburban tensions and inequality will drive infrastructure innovation

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A 1930s Tudor South Yarra house has been listed for sale having been passed in on a $5 million vendor bid last weekend.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-south+yarra-124906542" target="_blank">11 Alexandra Avenue</a>, the solid brick house sits on an elevated 730 sqm block with views of the Yarra river.
With original period features and expansive room proportions it is surrounded by landscapes that features an in ground pool.
Featuring five bedrooms plus a study natural light is in abundance in this property.
Formal sitting room features two open fireplaces that is adjacent to the formal dining.
<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/2017/04/05/11%20Alexandra%20Avenue-2.jpg" alt="">
The family kitchen adjoins with the kitchen which flows out to the heated pool and private outdoor dining.
The sporting venues and access to the CBD as well as renowned Toorak Road boutiques, cafes and restaurants are within close proximity.
The property is offered through RT Edgar agents Mark Wridgway and Justine Harris.
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South Yarra 1930s Tudor house listed for sale

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A house set in bushland at Hepburn has been listed for $1.15 million.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-hepburn-124679638">14B Golf Links Road</a>, the property combines the best of modern and country life with over 16 acres of bushland.
It is currently owned by Tania Irsic and her husband Max.
Featuring an open plan living room and formal dining room it has views from every room of the surrounding area.
Chef’s kitchen consists of granite countertops and island bench as well as large butler’s pantry.
There is also a central bathroom, double car garage and separate laundry and store room on the property.
Upstairs is the master suite with its own private terrace and bathroom with spa-tub and large shower.
<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/2017/03/27/14B%20Golf%20Links%20Road-2.jpg" alt="">
It also has a walk-in robe and study/office space.
Two extra bedrooms are available on the first floor as well.
The perfect indoor/outdoor entertaining level is downstairs which is conneted to the alfresco area.
Other features includes reverse-cycle heating and cooling, a wood-heater and solar hot water.
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Bushland Hepburn house listed for $1.15 million

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A new $400 million 47 level mixed-use development on Parramatta’s waterfront, to be known as The Lennox, has been announced.
Located at 12 Phillip Street, Parramatta, on a 6,300 square metre riverfront site at the junction of Lennox Bridge and Church Street, it is being developed via a Project Delivery Agreement in conjunction with City of Parramatta and PCC DevCo1 Pty Ltd (a company initially established by LIDIS Group), with development management by EQ Projects.
The Lennox will comprise 441 residences across 40 levels, as well as approximately 5,500 square metres of retail and mixed use space and eight levels of basement parking.
There are 25 different apartment types, consisting of a range of studio, one, two, three and four bedroom residences that will vary in size from 40 to 206 square metres.
Prices range from $495,000 to more than $3.5 million for the ‘Skyvillas’.
The two four-bedroom Skyvillas are customisable homes located on level 47 encircled by a 20 to 30 square metre indoor-outdoor terrace.
Kitchens feature stone benchtops, a butler’s pantry and premium Gaggenau appliances and the bathrooms feature natural stone and unique tile patterns.
<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/2017/04/6/The%20Lennox_4B%20Skyvilla_View%20to%20the%20North%20West.jpg" alt="">
The 1,200 square metre residents-only space on level three features a 20 metre indoor pool with indoor-outdoor terrace and incredible riverfront views, a gym opening out onto a Zen garden with separate wellbeing space, barbeques and a sculptural garden, and entertainment spaces for residents.
The Lennox team collaborated with Marchese Partners on the interior architectural design and Lorena Gaxiola on the interiors.
Andrew Young, director of EQ Projects, said that Parramatta is fast becoming Sydney’s second CBD and stands to benefit from population growth in Western Sydney.
“Councils, government and community groups are working together to rejuvenate Parramatta River to an urban hub and we’re excited to be part of this with the creation of a 120 metre boardwalk which will activate the riverfront and connect the east and west access points under the south side of Lennox Bridge,” he said.
“For The Lennox, we’re expecting a mix of owner-occupiers and investors who understand the value proposition of buying a premium apartment in a booming area.
“The incredible location, amenities and access to great schools will appeal to owner-occupiers, while investors will be attracted to the high rental yield, secure investment and the planned infrastructure which will make it easy for future tenants to travel to work and university in the area.”
Ged Rockliff, head of residential at Savills Australia, says that Parramatta is an attractive location for investors and owner-occupiers.
“Property values in Parramatta have experienced strong growth over the past decade, with apartment prices increasing by 118%, but it remains a more affordable option when compared to central Sydney,” he said.
“The proportion of private renters in Parramatta is significantly higher than average, resulting in average yields of 4.1% for apartments.”
Construction of The Lennox has commenced and is due for completion in early 2021.
The Lennox display suite is located 333 Church Street, Parramatta.
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New $400 million The Lennox development coming to Parramatta riverfront

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Former Metro Property Group chief financial officer Travis Deans has been appointed to the role of chief executive officer of land developer Dacland.
Deans joined Metro as one its first employees nearly seven years ago and assisted its expansion to over 150 employees and 63 projects in the portfolio.
He raised in excess of $1.3 billion in debt for Metro while establishing a corporate debt facility with Credit Suisse, to support the fast-growing developer’s needs.
He says he has the same aspirations for his new role as Dacland prepares to launch a new 60-hectare land parcel in Plumpton.
“My aim at Dacland is to build on the platform, corporatise and grow the business and capitalise on new opportunities for bank and equity partners,” Deans said.
“One of the biggest challenges I foresee across the industry in the next five years will be the debt market’s continued lack of availability.
“So in order to deliver innovative funding solutions, relationships will be key, along with the ability to explore non-traditional and alternative opportunities such as corporate facilities or stretched senior debt.”
Dacland’s managing director, John C Dwyer, said that Deans would be an important ingredient in the company’s expansion plans.
“Travis’ passion and approach to finance, along with his experience and motivation to grow a business, were some of the key skills we identified for the role,” he said.
“Dacland has enjoyed steady growth for the last 20 years to become one of the nation’s largest land developers by volume of sales.
“With a number of new projects poised to launch in the next 18 months and a steady foundation of processes and relationships already in place, we are now ready to embrace the next phase of the Dacland journey, with Travis leading that charge.”
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Land developer Dacland appoint new CEO

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A Chinese investor has purchased a 1,966 square metre commercial land holding in Notting Hill for more than $1 million over reserve.
The property features two individual commercial office buildings of 971 square metres and comprises eight tenancies of retail/commercial nature.
Situated near the corner of Ferntree Gully Road &amp; Blackburn Road, in the Monash commercial precinct, it sold for more than $4.5 million.
The sale represents a building rate of $4,800 per square metre and land rate of $2,375 per square metres, equating to a yield of 5.2%.
The property is 500 metres from Monash University and 1.2 kilometres from the Monash Freeway.
John Nockles and Ian Angelico of CVA brokered the deal and said that the multi-tenanted investment sparked interest from investors and developers.
Situated on a land allotment of with frontage to Ferntree Gully Road of 41 metres, it provides significant future development upside, they said.
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Chinese investor snaps up Notting Hill commercial property

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A waterfront house at Longueville has been purchased by the tech entrepreneur Christian Beck for $8.5 million.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-longueville-124813830" target="_blank">5A Norfolk Road</a>, the North Shore property blends classic modern design.
The waterfront residence features a free-flowing lounge and dining rooms that opens up to a covered outdoor living and entertainment area with built-in barbeque.
A separate informal living/media room adjoins the poolside living with covered entertainment area and fully equipped kitchen.
<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/2017/04/6/5A%20Norfolk%20Road-2.jpg" alt="">
Master suite features a large dressing room and marble ensuite with dual shower and vanity along with four additional bedrooms, each with their own ensuite bathrooms.
There is also space for a large study, gym or another bedroom.
Other features includes dark room, wine cellar, double garage and jetty with deepwater mooring.
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Christian Beck snaps up waterfront Longueville house for $8.5 million

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First home buyers have purchased nearly 70 percent of homes so far within Caboolture's 400 acre Central Springs residential development.
The project, from QM Properties, will feature nearly 1000 new homes completed by 2023.
Damien Ross, QM Properties general sales manager, said since release 40 sales have been made, all off-the-plan.
“First home lending and buying is certainly on the rise in Queensland, and it’s great to see people considering the Caboolture and Moreton Bay region," he said.
“Growth in the area, attractive house prices and its proximity to Brisbane’s city centre make Central Springs an appealing and affordable option for first home buyers.
“We have also seen a large amount of interest from the local first home buyers with 83.3 percent of our buyers already living in the Moreton Bay area, which shows great faith in the region."
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40 off-the-plan sales made so far in Caboolture's Central Springs development

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McGrath sold the latest tranche of government-owned Millers Point properties last night for a total of $12,765,000.
The four properties sold under the hammer included two terrace homes, two side-by-side terraces sold in one line, and a landmark seven-bedroom residence which was originally built as the “Hit &amp; Miss” hotel.  
McGrath Edgecliff agent, Lorraine Crawford, said the Millers Point market "continues to show strength."
It saw healthy bidding on all properties with the buyers a mix of owner occupiers and investors.  
“We have maintained McGrath’s 100 percent auction clearance rate with the stand out result the sale of the iconic “Hit &amp; Miss” hotel which sold under the hammer for $4,805,000,” said Ms Crawford. 
The "Hit &amp; Miss" hotel was licensed from 1852 until 1923.
It later operated as a migrant hostel, before it was remodelled into five residential apartments in the 1930s.
The heritage building is a rare offering with exquisite features ready to be restored to a grand home. 
The properties were sold by Lorraine Crawford, Peter Starr and Andrew Stewart of McGrath Edgecliff.
69 <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house/nsw/sydney-cbd/millers-point/331237" target="_blank">Windmill Street,  Millers Point</a>, NSW (above)
Sale price: $4,805,000
<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/2017/04/6/700_trinity.jpg" alt="">
14-16 <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house/nsw/sydney-cbd/millers-point/331236" target="_blank">Trinity Avenue,  Millers Point</a>, NSW (above)
Sale price: $3,000,000
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/6/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-06%20at%2010.32.47%20AM.png" alt="">
52 <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house/nsw/sydney-cbd/millers-point/331240" target="_blank">Kent Street,  Millers Point</a>, NSW (above)
Sale price: $2,600,000
 
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/6/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-06%20at%2010.33.50%20AM.png" alt="">
1 <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house/nsw/sydney-cbd/millers-point/331351" target="_blank">Windmill Street,  Millers Point</a>, NSW (above)
Sale price: $2,360,000
 
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More Millers Point property sold by NSW Government including Hit & Miss hotel premises 

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A four bedroom house at Ngunnawal has been sold for the record price of $1,402,500.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-act-ngunnawal-124867746" target="_blank">22 Tanderra Crescent</a>, the ACT property is a premium dual level family home on a popular estate and with great views.
Sitting on an elevated 1187 sqm block the 495 sqm house has multiple living spaces that offers a wide variety of options.
Featuring four large bedrooms and three bathrooms, formal lounge as well as a family retreat and rumpus.
<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/2017/04/05/22%20Tanderra%20Crescent-2.jpg" alt="">
The master suite has a dual walk-in robe as well as its own balcony with views.
The granite kitchen has 900mm appliances and a walk in pantry.
Other features includes in-slab heating, wine cellar, ducted RC/AC, double garage and storage area.
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Ngunnawal house sale breaks suburb record at $1,402,500

Apartment buyers in New South Wales are set to gain a decade of insurance-backed protection against major building defects, after the NSW Parliament passed the Fair Trading and Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2026.&nbsp;

The Bill establishes decennial defect insurance, known in the market as Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), as an alternative to the existing two-year strata building bond. It cleared the Legislative Council with amendments on Tuesday evening (August 4, 2026), with the Legislative Assembly agreeing to those amendments shortly after.

Under the reform, eligible developers can satisfy their statutory bond obligation by taking out an approved decennial-style policy that gives owners 10 years of cover for major structural defects from completion, claimable directly, without first having to pursue developers or builders through costly legal action.&nbsp;

The change forms the final tranche of amendments arising from the 2021 statutory review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and related legislation.

Resilience Insurance, which originated the cover in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022, welcomed the passage and credited the NSW Government for delivering it.

“This is protection apartment buyers have needed for a long time, and the credit for delivering it belongs to the NSW Government,”&nbsp;said Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into. Reform like this is what good, evidence-based regulation looks like.”

Resilience has delivered LDI in NSW since 2022, protecting thousands of apartments, giving the State, and now the country, real-world evidence of how decade-long, no-fault protection works in practice.

The reform also places NSW within a wider national shift.

NSW is the third jurisdiction to put decennial cover into law. The ACT legislated for it in 2024, with the scheme taking effect in late 2025, and Victoria passed its own framework on 17 June. Between them, the three cover the majority of Australia's apartment market.

The reform commences once the legislation is proclaimed, which is expected in the coming weeks. From that point, developers of Class 2 residential apartment buildings can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial policy in place of the bond.

Buyers who purchased into projects that took out the cover early are among the first in the country to take keys to apartments carrying decade-long structural protection.

“With the legislation passed, the focus now turns to making it work for buyers,”&nbsp;Nugent said.

“There are already thousands of apartments in NSW covered by this insurance, bought by developers who moved early. The question every buyer should be asking in a display suite is a simple one: does this building come with 10-year defect cover, and who stands behind it?&nbsp;

“We look forward to working with the Government and the Building Commission in coming weeks as the framework moves to implementation, and to sharing what we have learned over the past four years so the protection reaches owners as smoothly and quickly as possible.”

Other states are working through their own reform programs. Western Australia has indicated that decennial cover is within consideration a later stage of its reform sequence, and Queensland has been examining the settings as it looks at the development pipeline ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

Resilience Insurance acknowledges the NSW Government’s continued focus on strengthening consumer protection while supporting housing delivery across the State.

Fast Facts: What the reform means

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Proven at scale:&nbsp;Decennial cover has operated in NSW since 2022, protecting thousand of apartments.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">10 years of cover:&nbsp;Protection for major structural defects runs for a decade from completion, claimable directly and with no legal action required.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">An alternative to the bond:&nbsp;Eligible developers can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial-style policy in place of the 2% strata building bond.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Part of a national shift:&nbsp;The ACT has had decennial provisions in force since 2025 and Victoria passed its framework in June. NSW now joins them.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">No-fault, first resort:&nbsp;Owners corporations claim directly from the insurer without first having to establish who is liable for the defect.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost-competitive:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the 2% bond while offering broader, longer protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market position:&nbsp;Resilience originated LDI in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022.</li>
</ul>

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI):&nbsp;Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Consumer-first:&nbsp;Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost advantage:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market leader:&nbsp;&nbsp;Resilience Insurance originated LDI in Australia and is the national market leader.</li>
</ul>

Joel Robinson

NSW parliament passes 10-year defect insurance laws for new apartment buyers

Builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mcnab-developments">McNab</a> has wasted little time reshaping one of South Brisbane's most significant undeveloped apartment sites after acquiring the property earlier this year.&nbsp;

McNab has lodged plans to scrap an existing approval for two 30-storey towers and instead deliver a single 28-storey residential building, preserving part of the site for a future development opportunity.

The proposal, lodged over <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-peel-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">64 Peel Street and 9 Cordelia Street</a>, is for a residential-led mixed-use development comprising 124 apartments above a landscaped podium, alongside a boundary realignment that preserves part of the land for a future residential project.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="743bf564-3f8f-45fc-b8d3-bbf18f5b628f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20Peel%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=EhCxGrVn_VFH3qTbKnI4WppGwaMnOn0t" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a>, the development will deliver 119 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom apartments across 23 residential levels. A five-level podium will accommodate 135 car spaces, while the ground floor will include a 66 sqm commercial tenancy, an activated residential lobby with work-from-home spaces, and a publicly accessible landscaped plaza linking Cordelia and Peel streets.&nbsp;

Communal amenities will span Level 6 and the rooftop, including indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, a swimming pool, barbecue facilities, kitchen and dining areas, lawn space, sauna, steam room and yoga facilities.

The application also proposes a boundary realignment to create a standalone 1,290 sqm development lot while retaining an adjacent parcel for future redevelopment, allowing the balance of the site to contribute additional housing over time.

Hayball said the architecture has been shaped by the site's elevated corner position at the intersection of Peel and Cordelia streets and Brisbane's subtropical climate.

The design incorporates generous landscaped setbacks, a masonry podium wrapped with planting, large north-facing balconies, and a slender tower profile intended to maximise natural light, cross ventilation and long-range views. The rooftop has been conceived as a wellness-focused retreat overlooking Brisbane, with amenities positioned to capture views towards Mount Coot-tha and the CBD.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5f99e84-6ad8-4a87-82d1-869685b754d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20tower%20perspective.png?VersionId=Gw0IuJaSAlk.tvGBxInhZOcQAdIB..2b" />

The planning submission positions the proposal as a response to both changing market conditions and Brisbane's Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning reforms.

McNab acquired the site after the previous approval was granted, with the existing scheme no longer reflecting current residential market demands, economic conditions, construction challenges, construction efficiencies or the quality of development outcome now being pursued, the planning report noted.

McNab continues to expand its residential development pipeline across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The developer recently launched The Tannery in West End, securing more than 60 per cent of apartments before the project's public release. It is also delivering Elements Budds Beach in Surfers Paradise and Lucia Highgate Hill, an eight-apartment boutique development overlooking the Brisbane River.

McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower

A steeply sloping Bellevue Hill site is set to accommodate a new mid-rise apartment development, with plans lodged for 20 homes that respond to the site's dramatic topography.

The proposal for the consolidated land at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/138a-140-bellevue-road-bellevue-hill-nsw-2023">138A-140 Bellevue Road</a> has been designed by Sydney architecture practice Common Office, which has used the site’s substantial fall to distribute the building’s scale and unlock 20 apartments without presenting the full height to the street.&nbsp;

“The unique design strategy leverages the site’s substantial topographical fall to facilitate increased density, presenting a seven-storey profile to Bellevue Road while rising to 10 storeys at the rear,” Common Office said in its architectural design report.

The apartment mix spans one, two, three- and four-bedroom residences. Four two-bedroom apartments are designated as affordable housing, while the plans also include two adaptable dwellings. The mix is majority three-beds, with the typical three-bed apartment offering around 144 sqm internally, with balconies of around 15 sqm.

The affordable housing component represents 15 per cent of the residential floor area and allows the project to access additional height and floor space under the NSW Government’s in-fill affordable housing provisions. The site also falls within the inner area of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy because it is within 400 metres walking distance of Double Bay Town Centre.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1230d0f-3bfa-4a11-abaf-0928c66ef345" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da.png?VersionId=dZeMK3P.OutGjN8ycjsxm8uNsj_QFWQv" />

Common Office has arranged the building around a masonry podium and a lighter upper volume, drawing on two recurring elements of Bellevue Hill’s established architecture: sandstone bases and the vertical proportions of local Inter-war Art Deco apartment buildings.

“The proposal is governed by a holistic design language that reconciles the solid horizontal masonry of the neighbourhood’s podiums with the elegant verticality of its Art Deco heritage,” the architect said.

“The building maintains a consistent rhythmic logic utilising deep recesses and a sophisticated material transition to break down the 10-storey scale into a series of articulated, human-scale volumes.”

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0147f503-1af1-4d51-97fb-c2f1cba63a9d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20bldg.png?VersionId=GoW7q3NlK67OpnePXhk7zvklrlKb72Qc" />

Large-format sandstone tiles will define the lower levels, establishing a robust base that negotiates the change in elevation from Bellevue Road. Above, red-tinted precast concrete frames, recessed balconies, anodised aluminium screens and expanded metal details will create a more vertically expressed façade. Integrated planter beds will introduce greenery across balcony edges and recessed sections of the building.

The elongated northern façade has been divided into three recessed vertical masses to reduce its perceived length. Triangular window elements and metal privacy screens reference the geometry of nearby Art Deco buildings while controlling overlooking toward surrounding homes. The southern elevation will incorporate further privacy screening, landscaped edges and deep balconies to maintain light and ventilation.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8679cf1-18bc-4447-8a0f-0052b94ab83c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da%20rooftop.png?VersionId=5SQqQqRFf76rvE2p1TbxJSweMN70AIbc" />

Private and communal landscaping is distributed throughout the development. A landscaped garden apartment is positioned within the lower portion of the site, while a communal terrace on Level 5 will include a central timber deck, barbecue facilities, resident planting plots and areas for outdoor dining and informal gatherings.

Common Office described the terrace as an elevated sanctuary designed to capture district views and sunlight. Its planting strategy incorporates endemic species associated with the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, extending the landscape vertically through the building and providing habitat for local flora and fauna.

A second communal outdoor area is proposed at roof level, with built-in seating, paved gathering areas and perimeter planting.

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction. Positive Investment Enterprise is delivering the 16-apartment Kew Palm House on Birriga Road, while Chanine Developments is also under construction at Florian, a 36-apartment project on Banksia Road.

&nbsp;

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction.

First Look: Apartment development pitched for Bellevue Hill, Double Bay fringe

South Brisbane's apartment pipeline continues to build momentum, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK Property Group</a> lodging plans for a 161-apartment tower on Montague Road as developers accelerate investment across the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

The proposal for 176–186 Montague Road would replace an existing office building with a 20-storey residential tower designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, adding to a growing pipeline of high-density projects reshaping one of Brisbane's fastest-evolving inner-city precincts.

The project has been conceived as a "living building", featuring a flowing tower form, extensive vertical landscaping, and generous communal spaces that respond to the evolving Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

TRK Property Group Development Director Matt Kan said the project reflected the confidence developers have in South Brisbane's long-term future.

"South Brisbane is entering an incredibly exciting period, and we see Montague Road sitting right at the heart of that evolution," Kan said.

"With the former Visy site directly opposite us and significant investment planned throughout the broader Kurilpa precinct, there is a real sense of momentum around this part of the city and what it will become over the coming years.

"For TRK, this is an opportunity to be part of that next chapter and deliver a project that responds to where the precinct is heading, while contributing to the continued evolution of Brisbane's river edge."

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="590fe1ad-f892-4446-a679-80e33a16d029" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20tower%20facade.png?VersionId=uOJStrcKpyHFcPE1w6_9SMAFzVMCcZll" />

The scheme includes a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, incorporating multi-purpose rooms in selected residences to provide additional flexibility for home offices or expanded living areas. The proposed mix comprises 15 one-bedroom, 13 one-bedroom plus MPR, 73 two-bedroom, 26 two-bedroom plus MPR, 30 three-bedroom, and four four-bedroom apartments.

Rather than adopting a conventional rectilinear tower, COX Architecture has developed a sculpted form inspired by the movement of the Brisbane River.

"The proposal has been designed by COX Architecture as a 'living building' that responds to the site's riverine setting, floodplain history and evolving urban context within the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct," the planning report states.

"The architectural form draws from the fluid nature of the Brisbane River, with a curved and undulating tower form that creates a varied architectural edge and avoids a conventional rectilinear tower expression."

The podium has also been designed as an architectural feature rather than a conventional parking structure, with cascading planting, screening and natural-toned materials softening its appearance. Resident parking is elevated above ground level to address the site's flood constraints, while habitable apartments sit above flood planning levels. Upper-level communal facilities are designed to accommodate shelter-in-place arrangements during major flood events.

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01fa15d0-90df-46c7-9555-7941fc45373c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20podium.png?VersionId=mHyua.w1pHGBt9qEdWzrlsv.leztUCwO" />

Communal amenity is a major focus of the proposal. Around 1,815 sqm of shared resident space is proposed across the ground floor, level 19 and the rooftop, including co-working areas, indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, wellness facilities, dining and gathering areas, lawn spaces, a rooftop pool and spa, and extensive landscaping. At street level, a landscaped forecourt and approximately 345 sqm of publicly accessible open space along Montague Road are intended to improve the pedestrian experience while activating the building's frontage.

The development will provide 163 car spaces, including 152 resident bays and 11 visitor spaces, together with 144 bicycle spaces incorporating resident storage, visitor parking, bicycle maintenance facilities and e-mobility charging infrastructure.

The site sits within one of Brisbane's fastest-changing inner-city precincts, less than two kilometres from the CBD and within easy reach of South Bank, West End, the Queensland Cultural Centre and extensive public transport connections. The Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning framework is encouraging higher-density residential development to help meet Brisbane's housing supply targets while supporting walkable, transit-oriented neighbourhoods.

TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans

Article summary

<ul data-end="785" data-start="311">
	<li data-end="459" data-section-id="5hbcyr" data-start="311">Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at Skye Kangaroo Point, headlined by a two-storey sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm.</li>
	<li data-end="561" data-section-id="1p7lq8n" data-start="460">Early buyer interest suggests the residences could set a new Queensland apartment price record.</li>
	<li data-end="667" data-section-id="1y70z0l" data-start="562">The collection includes four move-in ready penthouses and the highly customised Skye One residence.</li>
	<li data-end="785" data-section-id="yvm0y1" data-start="668">The release caps one of Bri​sbane's most ambitious luxury apartment developments overlooking the Brisbane River.</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="790" data-start="787" />
Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye by Pikos</a> development in Kangaroo Point, with early buyer interest indicating the flagship residences could eclipse every apartment sale previously recorded in Queensland.

The collection crowns the luxury riverfront development with five residences, including four completed penthouses and Skye One, a two-level sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm that will be tailored to its eventual owner.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374075]

Wanting to offer a fully customisable home, Pikos is offering Skye One as a blank canvas, allowing the buyer to work alongside the developer's design team to customise the home's layout, finishes and internal spaces.

The residence will feature a 247 sqm private rooftop terrace with its own swimming pool, sauna, steam room, outdoor kitchen and multiple entertaining areas overlooking the Brisbane River and CBD skyline.

The remaining four penthouses have been completed and are ready for immediate occupation, each offering four bedrooms, expansive open-plan living areas, soaring ceilings and private lift access.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374059]

One of the defining features throughout the project is its use of Roman Classic Travertine, with more than 20,000 sqm of the natural stone imported from Italy after being personally selected by Pikos Group Founder and Executive Director Pedro Pikos, interior designer Julie Williamson and third-generation stone specialist Mario Caucci.

Pikos said the penthouse collection represented the culmination of the company's long-term vision for Skye.

"True legacy isn't measured by what we build today, but by what endures tomorrow," Pikos said.

"Our ambition is to create places that become more valuable with time, enrich the lives of generations, and stand as timeless landmarks long after we've stepped away."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374060]

Williamson said the interiors were inspired by the natural character of Kangaroo Point and the Brisbane River rather than international design trends.

"Materiality tells the story of a place," Williamson said.

"We looked to the movement of the Brisbane River, the texture of the cliff face and the warmth of the surrounding landscape to create interiors that feel understated, enduring and unmistakably Brisbane."

Positioned above the Kangaroo Point cliffs, Skye places residents within walking distance of Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank and James Street while offering uninterrupted river and city views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=90059]

Staff reporter

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