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A class action has been flagged against the State Government by dust-affected residents of Port Hedland over a voluntary buyback scheme for their homes.
The government announced that, under the terms of the a $200 million scheme, residents of Hedland’s West End will be offered a 35 per cent premium to the agreed market value of their homes on August 6 last year along with $20,000 for transaction costs.
The scheme is to be funded by iron ore miners such as BHP after months of negotiation between industry and residents, who have complained about the dust from iron ore loading operations at the port affecting both their health and amenity.
It will open in the second half of the year and remain open for at least three years.
Residents who bought during the last mining boom, however, are likely to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars on the original value of their homes as property prices have diminished due to the worsening dust problem.
Port Hedland Community Progress Association spokesman Jim Henneberry said West End residents wanted to see a 35 per cent premium to the “unaffected value” of their homes.
“The people of Port Hedland don’t want the port to stop growing… but do it in a healthy manner or give people their fair share and buy them out,” Mr Henneberry said.
According to Mr Henneberry, the progress association has a class action almost ready to go.
“We’re not just going to lie down and take it”, he said.
BHP WA Iron Ore acting asset president Tim Day said the company supported the voluntary buyback scheme, yet it is still unclear what proportion of the plan will be funded by individual port users.
The buyback offer comes after an ACIL Allen report which estimated the port contributed $54.7 billion to the WA economy last financial year.
The Port Hedland Industries Council, who commissioned the report, also welcomed the scheme, saying it would consult the State Government to determine a suitable funding arrangement.
The State Government said the voluntary scheme, which is available to owners of more than 400 permanent residential dwellings, would not lessen its responsibilities for dust mitigation in the town.
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the scheme was designed to provide options to property owners in the West End whose land was subject to a rezoning to limit residential use.
“The McGowan Government is committed to developing the West End as Port Hedland’s buzzing maritime and commercial hub, backed by our investment into the Spoilbank Marina and ongoing work on future opportunities for the area,” she said.
Source: <a href="https://edition.thewest.com.au/html5/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=WAN%2F2020%2F06%2F13&amp;entity=Ar06301&amp;sk=4352F19E&amp;mode=text" target="_blank">Port Hedland Dust-up</a> published by the West Australian
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Port Headland residents launch class action over buyback scheme

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More than three million Australians are thinking about changing careers once the virus subsides, says ING bank.
More than a quarter (28 per cent) have considered learning new skills to insulate themselves from future economic upheaval, including those with jobs.
The report noted a decade’s worth of technological advancement and skills evolution had been being compressed into 2020 due to COVID-19.
"The virus has unleashed a global ‘future of work’ experiment on us all and businesses have had to adapt at exponential speeds," it noted.
Almost a third (32 per cent) believe it will be difficult to find new opportunities, and almost one in four (23 per cent) feel anxious about the thought of job hunting in the current economic climate.
ING head of retail banking Melanie Evans said the pandemic has caused Australians to dream about a different life and consider whether their existing skills will always be needed.
"Looking at our current circumstances, there are many questions about the world we live in," futurist Anders Sörman-Nilsson noted.
The report noted almost 600,000 Australians lost their jobs due to COVID-19 in April 2020.
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The research indicating one in three (35%) Aussie adults are likely to look for a new job post pandemic including almost half (45%) of all Millennials. 
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Millions of Australians thinking about changing careers after pandemic

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Leading PropTech innovator Valocity has launched Valocity Connect, a mobile property valuation App for the post-COVID-19 world which empowers valuers and lenders to remotely and safely inspect and value properties.
The Mobile App is the first in Australia to enable occupiers to take and share time-stamped, geo-location validated photos of the property, providing credible evidence of the features and condition of the property without the need for a physical inspection. The Mobile App also operates with bank-grade security, ensuring it meets the rigorous privacy and security standards of financial institutions.
This announcement comes at a time when the company is accelerating growth in Australia, including a new partnership with the Australian Property Institute (API), to launch a solution for valuers called APIX. APIX cross-references and aligns disparate data sources to provide comprehensive Australian property analysis in an intuitive digital platform. 
In addition to Valocity Connect and the API Partnership, Valocity is also releasing the first cloud based digital Commercial Property Valuations Platform in Australia.
Valocity chief executive cfficer, Carmen Vicelich said Valocity has innovated for the Australian market in close collaboration with the industry to create new ways of solving old problems through technology and data.   
“We are delighted to today launch Valocity Connect, a mobile platform which will enable the property industry to digitise and streamline valuations, improve efficiencies in the mortgage application process and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission for both valuers and occupiers,” she said.
“The platform enables occupiers to capture, verify and share all the data valuers and lenders require in a customisable and configurable template, and then seamlessly share this information in a bank-grade secure end-to-end digital process.”
“In our extensive discussions with industry stakeholders we have heard loud and clear that the industry is ripe for this sort of digital innovation. Valocity Connect was designed in close collaboration with these industry partners and will equip lenders and valuers with the mobile tools they need to both operate in the post-COVID landscape, and thrive in the new decade.” 
Top Australian property valuation firm PRP is the first global customer of the platform, and PRP CEO Greg Sugars said Valocity Connect will be essential for the COVID valuation market.
“We were absolutely delighted to introduce the Valocity Connect App to our business during the crisis and it really allowed us to reduce the number of access refusals. The Valocity Connect App is easy to use, customisable to our stringent requirements, but most importantly provided bank grade security for all data stored and transmitted.  
“Utilising the App, occupants undertake the internal inspection on our behalf by taking geocoded photos, and completing a PRP-designed questionnaire. The feedback has been great and it has helped us move through the backlog of delayed valuation instructions, particularly for the banks we work for, where turnaround times are so important.”
Since launching in New Zealand in 2013, Valocity has rapidly become a leading provider of innovative and data-led solutions to the property sector in Australia, New Zealand and India, including partnerships with ING Australia, Bank of New Zealand, ASB Bank, Pepper Money, and the Australian Property Institute. 
Valocity has powered more than half a trillion dollars in loan decisions through its innovative property valuation platform, One Smart Platform, and was recently named the Global Fintech Startup of the Year 2019 at the India Fintech Awards.
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Valocity launches property valuation app to enable post-COVID valuations

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Springvale Business Park represents a new level of industrial warehouses for business and personal use for Melbourne, delivered by Ledlin Developments. 
Springvale Business Park has been popular amongst owner-occupiers as stage one (pictured above) sold out prior to settlement and stage two (pictured below) completely sold out well ahead of schedule. 
“<a href="https://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=L2tPTGRCWlhwQlJ2WTF5cGVJMHB2S0VCSkZSdk9ldHZwYkM2aUxNUVZ4ZEs1TVlQd3JKVlhibzJaSTNNczhFTTQvZTZ6SEoxRGxqR1RyZ2M2dEhORDlwRm91Q1ZGYWNrQnNpYnQ2LzViSVk2YnF3UHNtcjFPb0pQSFRYSnpuRzVoMkdDSGwrTmNJUE5wR25KeUhiM2tlVFV4Qjg4TThzUkpvVUo3SkNLOWVrcERFb04xdWVqY09xa0VvVUp4VUpS&amp;rh=ff0063484712d8216bcbb805214d9a353f47436b" target="_blank">Stage two</a> has completely sold out prior to construction commencing – that gives you an idea of how popular they have been,” said Ray White agent Theo Karkanis.   “<a href="https://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=L2tPTGRCWlhwQlJ2WTF5cGVJMHB2S0VCSkZSdk9ldHZwYkM2aUxNUVZ4ZEs1TVlQd3JKVlhibzJaSTNNczhFTTQvZTZ6SEoxRGxqR1RyZ2M2dEhORDlwRm91Q1ZGYWNrQnNpYnQ2LzViSVpWTDFKUFdCTmZsNk9RaGpKWmk4Ui96RTduRWxhUEx2RWlFWHRON0RBSEVRUXBIcnFpbEhPNkpCTmlNTFpYUVo4dVAybkNsSWxKQ0lJM1lweGp4S1lR&amp;rh=ff0063484712d8216bcbb805214d9a353f47436b" target="_blank">Stage one</a> offered investors and owner-occupiers the chance to surround themselves with complementing businesses like IKEA, Bunnings, the Springvale Homemaker Centre and M-City."   Stage two is known as Spring Boulevard.
“In a market starved of opportunities for small business premises, stage two units range from 88sqm to 198sqm.   “What's particularly interesting is the fact that 85 percent of all units purchased so far have been snapped up by owner-occupiers.    “We have some stage one options currently for lease, and have sold through stage two well ahead of schedule, so we’re very excited to see the development come to life in the coming days as settlements take place for stage one and businesses start to move in. “Stage three is also in the process of being drawn up," he said.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/6/19/3_Springvale_3.JPG" alt="">
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Springvale Business Park stage two sold out prior to construction commencing

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Urban Taskforce CEO, Tom Forrest, today welcomed the NSW Government response to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) Review of the Local Government Rating System. 
The Government has, somewhat belatedly, decided to reject IPART’s core recommendation that the base for setting rates should be changed from the unimproved value of land to the Capital Improved Value of land.
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“The tax system should not punish those willing to invest in construction and improvement.  It is the land that is the most valuable component of a property and the tax system should encourage investment which best utilises that land. Mr Forrest said:
“The last thing we need during the COVID-19 recession is a disincentive for investment in property and employment.
“IPART’s recommendation for change would have resulted in a manifest disincentive for and owners to invest in the improvement of their property. IPART completed its Review in December 2016.  The Government response has been a long time coming – but on this occasion, it was worth waiting for”, Mr Forrest said.
Mr Forrest said he was disappointed that more had not been done to scrap rate pegging.  The rate pegging system means that Councils with growing populations have been strapped for cash and have progressively pushed more and more costs onto developers and new home buyers.  
“These additional costs are passed onto new home buyers – often those young people who can least afford the extra costs.  The current system works to actively discourage Councils from agreeing to increasing urban density, even around major infrastructure upgrades”, Mr Forrest said.
Mr Forrest said that the Minister for Local Government, Hon Shelly Hancock MLA, has announced some changes to allow Councils to increase their rates as the population grows and this is very welcome.  
The rate pegging system has actually worked to limit growth.  Many Councils have complained that the onerous burden of applying to IPART for special variations was just not worth the hassle.  Urban Taskforce has called on the Government to scrap rate pegging and completely review the role of IPART. Urban Taskforce supports the role of the NSW Productivity Commissioner, Peter Achterstraat, who is now reviewing all aspects of state and local infrastructure levies, taxes and fees.  
“We urge the Government to revisit the issue of Council rates and consider removing or relaxing the pegs on rates in the course of the Productivity Commissioner’s review,” Mr Forrest said.
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NSW Government rejects IPART recommendation to change the Council rating system: Tom Forrest

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The NSW Government yesterday introduced legislation to strengthen disclosure requirements for water ownership and trades for all NSW Members of Parliament.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the Constitution Amendment (Water Accountability and Transparency) Bill 2020 will provide more certainty to Members of Parliament and improve public confidence in the pecuniary interests register.
“The community rightfully expects Members of Parliament to be diligent and fully transparent when disclosing their pecuniary interests, but there is currently a lack of clarity around how valuable water assets should be recorded,” Mrs Pavey said.
“The proposed legislation will require all Members to record water ownership and share components as an asset, in the same way they must declare business or real estate interests – this includes a delivery right within an irrigation corporation.
“The legislation will also require any water trades to be declared within 14 days, rather than the current six months, along with any money earned and the net impact on remaining water holdings.”
The inclusion of water trades and tightening timeframes on reporting them is a significant change.
“Water asset ownership and how they’re traded is something we are taking very seriously to improve confidence among our communities and is also another step in improving transparency within the sector,” Mrs Pavey said.
“The NSW Government is committed to completing its water reform agenda, including strengthening public registers for water ownership and trading.
“Any further changes to registers involving private citizens must be done in a way that promotes transparency whilst protecting the privacy of our farmers.”
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NSW introduces new pecuniary interest disclosure requirements for water

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A local development group has snapped up a Sunnybank Hills residential development site for $2,200,000 at <a href="https://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=eG9WUEdZSU5rM2hhTUVhQlZhcWtSOTF5M0VPNUNML3pWRllxVUJoNmxWZ1Bjcmd6elhxblhMblhNSDcrSXlrYnlCK3FyVUJQNUpYNWpBSzQ5WFlKS0VLQ1E1YVY5aENseTNmRUFQOW9yU3JPbk5KQlRZQ3JScnQ0Q2xNdWJCRGVYK0g5ZDlLVW1naDR1VGMxLzlBa20rdnB1S3Azby85WUlLZWxVdk5SU3UxU0JPZ1ZzZjF5aG9HMHozTVNzSnE4VDhZc3VRSStBZVE9&amp;rh=ff0061e12424f7bdc41b090d4448bfbaedafd5e5" target="_blank">51 and 59 Bardolph Place</a>.   The property offered an approximately 5,688 sqm land parcel and was sold after a successful tender campaign on behalf of a deceased estate.    The asset was marketed and sold by James Hanley, Mark Creevey and Tony Williams of Ray White Special Projects Queensland.   Mr Hanley said the campaign drew a large amount of interest from a wide range of different groups, that included small-to-medium sized developers, local builders and syndicates. “We attracted really strong interest from the market with 74 enquiries received throughout the campaign and a total of nine formal offers at the close of tender,” he said.   “The site was purchased by a local development group who entered into a cash unconditional contract post the completion of the tender campaign. “They will propose to undertake a 10-lot community title residential subdivision scheme, with lots ranging in size between 406 sqm and 454 sqm.”
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/6/3/11_Sunnybank_1.JPG" alt="">
Mr Creevey said the land parcel was over two existing lots and provided one of the few remaining development opportunities within the local area.   “The site benefited from being within the affluent suburb of Sunnybank Hills, one of the most highly sought-after localities in Brisbane,” he said.   “The site was zoned Low Density Residential, which restricted development outcomes on the site to predominantly detached housing.”   Mr Williams said although the site would have traditionally been suitable for a townhouse development, recent amendments to the Brisbane City Plan limited the development of multiple dwellings for sites zoned Low Density Residential.    “The site is very well positioned within a 400m vwalk east of the Coles and Aldi anchored Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown, providing future residents with ‘walkable access’ to various retail and healthcare amenity,” he said. 
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Sunnybank Hills residential development site sells for $2.2 million

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Telstra has secured a 300sqm retail space for a new Telstra Business Centre in North Sydney.  
The telecommunications provider will open its store at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/53-berry-st-north-sydney-nsw-2060" target="_blank">Shop 1, 53 Berry Street</a> for an initial gross rent of $1,435 per square metre +GST.
CBRE’s Amy Pfeiffer and Leif Olson negotiated the five-year lease, with an additional five-year option. 
The ground floor, corner retail space has a 28-metre floor-to-ceiling glass frontage that faces both Miller and Berry Street.
“The main drawcard for the tenant was the incredible amount of exposure the site has to not only foot traffic and vehicles, but also the upcoming Victoria Cross Metro Station,” Ms Pfeiffer said.
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Telstra opening second shop in North Sydney: CBRE

<html><body>Ray White has come to Glenorchy, opened by locals Farzin Hesari and Nawwar Alshawi and backed by some of Hobart’s most experienced real estate consultants.  While the business duo and close friends are bringing decades of business experience to the table, their new recruits include Hobart real estate agents Samantha and David Johnston who have been serving Glenorchy buyers and sellers for more than ten years.  “We live in the area and know it well, which is why we are so excited that Ray White has opened a franchise here,” Mrs Johnston said.  They also pride themselves on their ability to obtain the best price in the market with Mrs Johnston saying they are always willing to go above and beyond to achieve premium results for their clients. “At the end of the day, Tasmania is a small place so word of mouth and referrals are extremely important and make up around 90 per cent of our business.” Ray White Victoria and Tasmania CEO Stephen Dullens said he is excited to welcome Mr Hesari and Mr Alshawi to the Ray White family.  “Tasmania holds a special place in our family business, with so much of our 118 year history tracing back to Hobart and the surrounding areas.  We're thrilled to welcome the Glenorchy team to Ray White and look forward to supporting them in providing exceptional service to their clients," Mr Dullens said.  Ray White Chairman Brian White warmly welcomed the Glenorchy team.  “My grandfather, Ray White, was born in Tasmania on the site of the now Odeon Theatre back in 1878,” Mr White said.  </body></html>

Ray White opens new office in Glenorchy

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Following the call for the registration of more building and design practitioners since its incorporation, the NSW Government has delivered on its promise to restore public confidence in the building industry by successfully passing the Association of Accredited Certifiers (AAC)'s Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019. 
This bill will increase accountability in the construction sector and improve outcomes for consumers. The legislation ensures that building designers and building practitioners are register in NSW and more accountable for their work on building sites. 
AAC CEO, Jill Brookfield said the Bill will increase accountability, protect consumers, and weed out practitioners doing the wrong thing. "The passage of this Bill is a win for the community and a win for every building practitioner who wants their industry cleaned up," said Ms Brookfield. 
“For too long, unregistered building and design practitioners have been allowed to work on NSW construction sites without any accountability. These reforms mean their days are coming to an end. 
“As we have argued for some time, more building practitioners must be registered and insured if we are to improve accountability and outcomes for the community. 
“This will work to establish a more robust construction industry in NSW, which puts consumers first and weeds out operators doing the wrong thing.
“The NSW Government has rightly identified the importance of the construction industry in supporting the broader economy during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These reforms are crucial in ensuring the right framework for the construction industry is in place to assist in the post-COVID-19 economic rebuild.
“The Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019 provides an important framework for improving accountability amongst building practitioners in NSW. 
“The Bill is the first step in addressing this lack of accountability and improving confidence in the entire system.
“Central to ensuring its operational success will be the development of robust and thorough associated regulations, which establish professional indemnity insurance requirements for these newly registered practitioners.”
Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson said the much-needed reforms, passed by Parliament today, mark the start of a new era in the design and construction of buildings in NSW.  
“The NSW Government has a no nonsense approach to achieving and maintaining best practice regulation across all of the industries that it regulates, and the building sector is no exception,” Mr Anderson said. 
“This Bill is all about putting consumers first by giving those entering the property market peace of mind that their home will be expertly designed and built in compliance with the Australian Building Codes.” 
The Minister said the Bill, developed through extensive consultation with industry stakeholders and the public, will ensure NSW has a leading system of design and building regulation that delivers well-constructed buildings into the future.
“The passing of the Bill is a huge step forward in the rebuilding the construction sector into a transparent, accountable, customer-centric industry that consumers deserve,” Mr Anderson said. 
“Owners of apartment buildings with defects will benefit immediately from the statutory duty of care that applies to all new buildings and those less than ten years old.”
Also introduced to NSW Parliament this week is the Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Bill 2020, boosting the Building Commissioner’s power to stop dodgy builders and developers in their tracks.  
The NSW Building Commissioner, David Chandler OAM, will be leading the regulator’s implementation of both Bills, through an expert team of up to 60 new staff who will undertake increased investigation, audit and compliance activities. 
“Combined, these two Bills put the interests of consumers first and show that the Government is serious about lifting the standard of work across the building and construction sector,” Mr Chandler said.
“The laws will give my team a broad range of powers, including the ability to issue stop work orders, prevent strata plan registration and occupation certificates, and to issue hefty fines for those doing the wrong thing.”  
The two pieces of legislation forms one part of the NSW Government’s comprehensive six part reform agenda to lift standards and accountability in the building sector. 
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NSW Government delivers historic building reforms to restore industry confidence

The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

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Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 41-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 41-storey tower, which has 229 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

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A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

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"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

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The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

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The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

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Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

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While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

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That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

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Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

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The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

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The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

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What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

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