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<p><span>Gladstone has mostly always managed to live in its own little bubble when it comes to how its market performs, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential repot. </span></p>
<div><span>The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said.</span></div>
<p><span>It has at various times over </span>the past few decades bucked the trends that were occurring around the state at the same time, such as when most other regional markets were suffering the effects of the GFC, Gladstone remained relatively buoyant on the back of major industrial announcements which would eventually turn into the biggest boom period Gladstone had ever seen.</p>
<p>"No doubt about it, Gladstone has been and probably always will be a boom and bust town whose residential market is not too heavily influenced by national or international trends but one that is definitely driven by strong local drivers," the valuation firm said. </p>
<p>Major industry announcements have the potential to change Gladstone markets on their heads basically overnight and these announcements, followed by boom periods, have occurred several times over the past few decades – think LNG, Yarwun 2, the refinery and the smelter.</p>
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<p><span>Over the past few years, the market has been driven by something most people are not accustomed to in our region and that is the affordability of property, the report noted. </span></p>
<p><span>"Yes, Gladstone went from being one of the most expensive regions to live </span>in the state to one of the cheapest regions in the space of about five years.</p>
<p>"Affordability is likely to remain the key driver for our markets in the foreseeable future," the valuation firm said. </p>
<p>While there is always talk of new industrial projects in Gladstone, more often than not, it remains as just talk. There are no major industrial projects of substance that will have a massive impact on our markets, however smaller projects such as the proposed solar farms, the proposed hydrogen plant and the Phillip Street Communities precinct will have positive flow on effects for our markets and our economy.</p>
<p><span>"On the back of affordability, we have seen a definite shift in the residential market with a good mix of buyer types currently active in the market, including first home buyers, upgraders, empty </span>nesters and investors.</p>
<p>"We predict the market will move slowly and steadily over the next few years basically until the region meets a more realistic price point which is in line with its regional neighbours or another major industry project approval is ticked off creating another boom. " </p>
<p>A recent sale was a three storey unit in Gladstone Central</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/The%203/46%20Yarroon%20Street." target="_blank">3/46 Yarroon Street </a>home (pictured below) has been sold for $195,000.</p>
<p>It comprises three bedrooms, three bathrooms, open plan lounge, modern kitchen and dining. </p>
<div><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/2020/5/18/gladstone%201.jpg" alt=""></div>
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<div>A South Gladstone renovated house is currently on the market with a price guide of $259,000.</div>
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<div>The three bedroom, one bathroom home is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-south+gladstone-133438366" target="_blank">94 Elizabeth Street</a> (pictured below).</div>
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<div>It features ceiling fans, extra-large timber deck, double garage and established gardens. </div>
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<div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Note regards COVID-19</em></span></div>
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<span><em>This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks.</em></span><em><br></em>
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<div><span><em> </em></span></div>
<div><span><em>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</em></span></div>
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Gladstone property market expected to move steadily over the next few years: HTW residential 

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<p><span>There is no doubt that the Mackay economy is heavily influenced by the resource sector in the Bowen Basin and associated service industries located in Paget, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. </span></p>
<p><span>The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said. </span></p>
<p><span>The report notes Mackay enjoyed a significant and sustained mining boom which lasted until about 2012/2013 when a major downturn in the resource sector had a massive flow on effect on the Mackay economy and residential housing market. </span></p>
<p><span>There were definitely some very hard times with significant job losses. The residential market fell between 20 percent and 30 percent, with the median house price falling around $100,000 during this time.</span></p>
<p><span>"The downturn did have some positive effects in Mackay, allowing the economy to diversify and </span>not be fully reliant on a booming resource sector," the valuation firm said. </p>
<p>Housing affordability became a real positive for the city, with workers who had been previously priced out of the housing and rental markets now able to enter the market.</p>
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<p><span>Since 2017, the Mackay residential market stabilised, the report noted. Throughout 2018 and 2019, Mackay has seen large infrastructure projects (such as the Mackay Ring Road project), an improved resource sector and increased employment opportunities have seen improved market conditions in the residential sector. </span></p>
<p><span>Throw in historic low interest rates and all the ingredients are there for sustained growth in residential real estate in the short to medium term.</span></p>
<p><span>"The one big caveat to this is the current COVID-19 pandemic and the economic effects it might have.</span></p>
<p><span>"At the time of writing, there has been limited disruption to the major industries in Mackay and the Bowen Basin, however, should the virus make its way here and into the Bowen Basin resulting in large disruptions and possible mining shutdowns, the effects could become quite pronounced. I guess only time will tell," the valuation firm said. </span></p>
<p><span>A two bedroom townhouse in Mackay has recently been sold for $200,000.</span></p>
<p>Te <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-qld-mackay-132809774" target="_blank">5/54 Goldsmith Street </a>home (pictured below) was last sold in 2007 for $230,000.</p>
<p><span>The townhouse features raked ceilings, lock up garage, wet </span>room, and gardens. </p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/18/mackay%201.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>A new listing is a two bedroom unit situated on the fringe of Mackay CBD.</p>
<p>The 72sqm unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-mackay-133596482" target="_blank">4/12 East Gordon Street </a>(pictured below) has been listed for sale with a price guide of $160,000.</p>
<p>It comes with family room, courtyard, large bathroom and private courtyard. </p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/18/mackay%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
<div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Note regards COVID-19</em></span></div>
<div>
<span><em>This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks.</em></span><em><br></em>
</div>
<div><em> </em></div>
<div><em>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</em></div>
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The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Mackay property market remains unclear: HTW residential 

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<p><span>The main driver of the Coffs Coast market is population growth, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. </span></p>
<p><span>The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said.</span></p>
<p><span> The report suggests the continual growth can be attributed to the traditional housing market role (attracting families and retirees from the greater Sydney and metropolitan areas further south), combined with the many natural assets, relatively diverse industrial base, growing health and education sectors plus transport infrastructure such as roads, airport and rail link.</span></p>
<p><span> This means the area is not entirely dependent on tourism which makes it a less risky investment with a higher liveability factor than some other coastal towns.</span></p>
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<p><span>"The proposed Pacific Highway bypass which is expected to start by the end of 2020 will have a significant injection into the local economy and increase short to medium term rental demand," the valuation firm said. </span></p>
<p><span>The region to the south of Coffs Harbour encompassing Urunga, Valla, Valla Beach, Nambucca Heads and Macksville have all experienced a surge in activity over recent years driven by the Pacific Highway upgrade between Warrell Creek and Raleigh seeing strong rental demand and buyer demand under $650,000.</span></p>
<p><span>A Nambucca Heads house sitting on a 686sqm block has recently been sold for $443,000.</span></p>
<p>The four bedroom, two bathroom home is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-nambucca+heads-132619938" target="_blank">5 Nambucca Street</a> (pictured below).</p>
<p><span>It features kitchen with walk-in pantry, fourth bedroom or rumpus room, and double garage. </span></p>
<p><span><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/2020/5/4/nambucca%20heads.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
<p><span>The HTW report notes another area of strong performance is the historic rural township of Bellingen being popular with Sydney and greater metropolitan buyers looking for the green change.</span></p>
<p><span>A three bedroom home in Bellingen has been listed for sale with a price guide of $445,000.</span></p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bellingen-133466154" target="_blank">7 Halpin Street</a> (pictured below) home comes with bathroom with separate toilet, covered patios, and established garden. </p>
<p><span>It is situated within walking distance to shops and schools. </span></p>
<p><span><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/2020/5/4/bellingen.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
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<p><span>In general, the Coffs Coast has seen strong performance in all sectors of the market, not being isolated to any particular locality or product type.</span></p>
<p><span> There is a diverse type of product available from suburban family homes to prestige beachside properties or rural lifestyle options from small acreage close to town to larger rural holdings all within a 45 minute drive of Coffs Harbour.</span></p>
<p><span>"The region is seen as a solid investment opportunity offering diverse property outcomes supported by a range of lifestyle choices, services and good regional access. </span></p>
<p><span>"The strong levels of demand from buyers has been driven by investors and owner-occupiers looking to take advantage of these lifestyle factors, consistent long-term capital growth, expanding work base and strong rental returns, all of which are underpinned by the low interest rate climate experienced over recent years," the valuation firm said. </span></p>
<div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Note regarding COVID-19</em></span></div>
<div><span><em>This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks.</em></span></div>
<div><em> </em></div>
<div><em>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</em></div>
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Coffs Harbour sees strong performance in all property market sectors: HTW residential 

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<p><span>The Sunshine Coast, like most regional property markets, is underpinned by population growth, according to a recent Herron Todd While (HTW) residential report. </span></p>
<p><span>The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said. </span></p>
<p><span>The repot notes Sunshine Coast has traditionally been one of the fastest growing regions in Australia with the latest official population count of 375,271 as at 30 June 2018.</span></p>
<p><span>Population growth on the Sunshine Coast has slowed from the halcyon rates of close to six percent per annum in the early 1990s and touched a low point of 1.4 percent in 2011 due to the subdued state of the economy at the time. </span>Population growth has since reverted to an average of 2.4 percent per annum from 2011 through to 2018.</p>
<p><span>Official state government projections indicate that the Sunshine Coast’s population will reach approximately 583,000 residents in 2041. </span></p>
<p><span>Although this implies a strong increase in numerical terms, it envisages that the rate of population growth will only average two percent per annum over the 25 years from 2016 to 2041, considerably less than the 3.2 percent average experienced over the 25 years from 1991 to 2016.</span></p>
<p><span>Future growth will nevertheless remain well in excess of the Queensland and national averages, the report noted. </span></p>
<p>"When looking at the sales volumes of residential properties, we can see that there is a direct correlation to population growth. In circa 2003, we see the high peaks in our population, which is reflected in the sale volumes in the corresponding period.</p>
<p>"Equally in 2011, when the Sunshine Coast was at its lowest growth point, sales volumes were also at their lowest," the valuation firm said. </p>
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<p><span>Within the local economy, main drivers traditionally are the tourism and construction sectors, and for a </span>number of years both these sectors have been performing pretty well, the report noted. </p>
<p>Over the past few years there have been a number of infrastructure projects that have helped to bring a level of maturity to the Sunshine Coast.</p>
<p>The first major project was the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and the continued growth surrounding the university which has benefited both the health and education sectors.</p>
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<p><span>A Wurtulla</span> unit situated within walking distance to the Sunshine Coast University has recently been sold for $416,000.</p>
<p>The two bedroom, two bathroom unit is located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-wurtulla-132413894" target="_blank">29/46 Regatta Boulevard</a> (pictured below).</p>
<p>It comes with large outdoor verandah, private balcony, study nook, and spacious dining and living area. </p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/18/wurtulla%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><span>More recently the Maroochydore CBD, Sunshine Coast Airport expansion and the Sunshine Coast International Broadband Submarine Cable project are all under construction and are all massive for the area.</span></p>
<p><span>A two bedroom inner city apartment in Maroochydore is currently on the market with $330,000 hopes. </span></p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-maroochydore-133129146" target="_blank">5303/5 Emporio Place</a> apartment (pictured below) features open plan living, kitchen with stone benches and one secure car parking space. </p>
<p><span>It is situated within walking distance to dining, parklands, retail and commercial </span>facilities.</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/18/maroochydore.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><span>"All these projects will continue to attract people to the Sunshine Coast and drive the market in the future," the valuation said. </span></p>
<div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Note regards COVID-19</em></span></div>
<div>
<span><em>This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks.</em></span><em><br></em>
</div>
<div><span><em>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</em></span></div>
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Sunshine Coast property market underpinned by population growth: HTW residential 

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<p><span>Local drivers for the residential market in the Melbourne CBD include the influence of the educational sector, population growth, local and international migration as well as local employment, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. </span></p>
<p><span>The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said. </span></p>
<p><span>"The performance of the property market in the CBD is a result of the demand for rental properties in this area and the attractive yields that come with it," the valuation firm said. </span></p>
<p><span>The report notes this is due to the strong migration and appeal of Melbourne to higher education students coming from other states and countries as well as workers relocating to be closer to the business district. This creates a high demand for apartments in the city, which makes it attractive for long term investors.</span></p>
<p><span>Drivers impacting the residential property market are also quickly changing in light of the recent events this year, such as the Australian bushfires and the global pandemic of the Coronavirus.</span></p>
<p><span>"We have since seen cuts to the interest rate by the Reserve Bank of Australia to a historic low of 0.5 percent and economic stimulus packages to be </span>announced with the aim of boosting the economy and easing the financial fallout of these events," the valuation firm said. </p>
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<p><span>"Notwithstanding the COVID-19 crisis, with the recent announcement of a lowered cash rate, there may be an increased interest for those seeking to buy their first home as applicants will be in a better position to refinance their current mortgage so they are able to make lower repayments each month and less interest over the life of the home loan." </span></p>
<p><span>A two bedroom apartment located in the heart of Melbourne CBD has recently sold for $490,000.</span></p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-132944150" target="_blank">2107/11 Rose Lane</a> home (pictured below) comes with designer kitchen, open plan living and secure car park. </p>
<p><span>It is located within moments to shops, public transport, restarts and cafes. </span></p>
<p><span><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/2020/5/4/melbourne%201.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
<p>A new listing is a one bedroom Melbourne CBD apartment priced at $329,000.</p>
<p>The 25th floor apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-133530370" target="_blank">2512/181 A'Beckett Street </a>(pictured below) comprises bedroom, bathroom, open plan living and dining and stone-topped kitchen. </p>
<p>The building features resort-style facilities, including gym, lounge, bike storage and rooftop BBQ terrace. </p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/4/melbourne%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Note regards COVID-19</span></em></p>
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<span><em>This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks.</em></span><em><br></em>
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<div><span><em>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</em></span></div>
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High demand for Melbourne CBD apartments attracts long term investors: HTW residential 

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<p><span>International buyer enquires have more than doubled over recent weeks for apartments in The Pacifica residential tower, in Auckland’s CBD.</span></p>
<p><span>With much of the world in lockdown due to COVID-19, buyers are looking into New Zealand as a safe investment choice.</span></p>
<p><span>According to CBRE, who are marketing the building, international enquiries have risen by over 200% in recent weeks, with two types of overseas buyers looking at The Pacifica now: buyers looking at New Zealand as a safe haven to invest, and buyers wishing to seek residency.</span></p>
<p><span>“We are receiving enquires from expat Kiwis living in London, New York, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore. Many of these buyers are looking back into New Zealand with a potential view to returning home. We have also seen a significant uplift in enquiry from across Asia and USA, with buyers seeking a safe ‘bolt-hole’ investment,” said CBRE’s National Director of Residential Projects in New Zealand, Gavin Lloyd.</span></p>
<p><span>The Pacifica was the first project among a handful of properties to gain an exemption certificate from the Overseas Investment Office to allow overseas buyers to buy apartments.</span></p>
<p><span>Lloyd added that since the lockdown $8 million in contracts have been issued for apartments in the building.</span></p>
<p><span>Last month the sale of one of the 235 square metre penthouse apartments was concluded, and an Australian buyer amalgamated two adjoining apartments for his New Zealand residence.</span></p>
<p><span>The 57-level tower will ultimately have 279 apartments, and will feature a heated lap pool, sauna, steam room, spa, gym, media room, residents’ lounge, library and barbeque terrace.</span></p>
<p><span>Construction on the building began in November 2017, and completion is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2020.</span></p>
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Pacifica tower in New Zealand sees 200% uptick in inquiries 

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<p>DomaCom, a fractional investment platform, has rolled out a new model for seniors’ equity release that takes a different approach to the reverse mortgage model or Government Pension Loan Scheme.</p>
<p>According to the company, instead of raising a debt where the interest is capitalised against the property like a reverse mortgage, “the fractional model is a shared equity structure, meaning that seniors can sell part of their property to one or more investors while remaining in the property for as long as they want.”</p>
<p>“It is an ASIC-registered financial product that operates in similar fashion to a syndicate,” said DomaCom Marketing Manager, Warren Gibson.</p>
<p>“The only difference is that the title stays with the owner, and DomaCom protects the investors’ interest with a mortgage instrument over the property. When the senior decides to sell the property, the investors will receive a share of the net sale proceeds in proportion to the amount they invested.”</p>
<p>DomaCom has launched a campaign to gather expressions of interest from seniors “who would prefer to access equity in their home instead of raiding their superannuation or selling other assets.”</p>
<p>The company is hoping that demand from seniors may also fuel interest in funding equity release by some of Australia’s larger financial institutions, as well as bring the senior financial advice demand to the fore for financial planners and government.</p>
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New solution unveiled for seniors looking to raise funds

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<p>GUEST OBSERVATION</p>
<p>The Commonwealth government says if enough of us download its COVIDSafe app, restrictions on our movements and activities can be lifted more quickly and life can return to normal.</p>
<p>As important as it is to contain the spread of coronavirus, no government decision about how to do that is beyond question. For those of us concerned about the social and political life of our increasingly “smart” cities, the thinking behind the COVIDSafe app and other “smart city” technology must be open to challenge.</p>
<p>The public focus has been on the app’s privacy implications, but other important issues warrant critical scrutiny too. Indeed, the app could help to entrench problematic forms of social and corporate power over our lives.</p>
<p><strong>Social control</strong></p>
<p>As research on the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0263775818812084" target="_blank">politics of smart technologies in our cities insists</a>, while personal privacy is important, it’s not the only issue here. Apps like this have implications for the forms of social control that operate in dense urban environments – where use of a digital technology is technically “voluntary”, but ends up being required if people want access to urban spaces and infrastructures.</p>
<p>Some protections are being promised in the case of the COVIDSafe app. These include a prohibition on employers, government authorities and others requiring any individual to install the app. The law still might not stop this in practice. Some business groups have <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/coronavirus-employers-want-power-over-covidsafe-app/news-story/8d1cc1decd2df8a875fd48bf1bd4d949&amp;usg=AOvVaw1CMMU-5bHCGy-_rOxOFAOj" target="_blank">lobbied government</a> to enable employers to require employees to use the app.</p>
<p>Even if this legal prohibition holds, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been making thinly veiled threats about more people needing to download the app before he lifts restrictions. App uptake is being demanded in the name of a public interest (in this case, public health).</p>
<p>There’s also significant risk of mission creep here. What other “public interests” might be used to justify contract tracing based on this precedent? It’s easy to imagine government agencies and authorities desiring contact tracing in the service of a range of interests that could be discriminatory and oppressive – the policing of immigrants, welfare recipients and activists, for example.</p>
<p>We must guard against such surveillance creep.</p>
<p><strong>Privacy protections</strong></p>
<p>Compared to other government and corporate apps, the COVIDSafe app now has relatively strong privacy protections. It keeps information about who you share space or associate with, but not where you go. It does this by storing encrypted data on the user’s phone about any other phones in range of a Bluetooth “handshake” that are also running the app.</p>
<p>Data will be automatically deleted after 21 days. Data will only be shared after a user has tested positive for COVID-19 and agreed to share the data. Only state health authorities may request and access data for contact tracing.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.itnews.com.au/news/covidsafe-privacy-protections-now-locked-in-law-548119" target="_blank">legislated protections</a> represent a big advance on some other government apps. For instance, <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/technology/no-warrants-needed-to-access-opal-card-records-20140708-zt02j" target="_blank">over 100 government authorities have access</a> to the data the New South Wales government collects from its public transport Opal smartcard.</p>
<p>It may be that neither governments nor corporations can assume people will continue to uncritically accept “<a href="https://reallifemag.com/the-authoritarian-trade-off/" target="_blank">trade-offs</a>” of public goods like personal privacy and autonomy for the convenience and benefits of digital technology.</p>
<p>However, <a href="https://www.iispartners.com/blog" target="_blank">some important privacy issues</a> remain unresolved, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>the amount of data stored, which is <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covidsafe-application-privacy-impact-assessment" target="_blank">about all devices in range</a>, not just those in range for more than 15 minutes</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>whether data stored on Amazon servers will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2020/may/14/questions-remain-over-whether-data-collected-by-covidsafe-app-could-be-accessed-by-us-law-enforcement" target="_blank">potentially be accessible for US law enforcement agencies</a>,</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>when and how the data and app will finally be deleted.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Questions of power and profit</strong></p>
<p>It’s also important to ask who benefits from the mass uptake of this app.</p>
<p>A government agency developed the app, drawing in part on an open-source app made available by the Singapore government. But even when an app is “free” and no one profits from its sale, remember that smartphones and data are not free.</p>
<p>Data storage has been contracted out to Amazon Web Services. It was the only company asked to tender for this lucrative government contract. That has <a href="https://www.innovationaus.com/sovereign-capability-and-that-shocking-aws-deal/" target="_blank">raised both security concerns and questions</a> about why locally owned, security-accredited providers were not invited.</p>
<p>Like so many instances of “smart” technology being offered as the solution to pressing problems, the profits of big tech and big telcos who sell us devices, connectivity and data storage are being presented as natural and aligned with public good. It is clear tech corporations see the coronavirus crisis as an <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/05/08/andrew-cuomo-eric-schmidt-coronavirus-tech-shock-doctrine/" target="_blank">opportunity to consolidate and expand their profits and their power</a>. Every problem <a href="https://www.lawfareblog.com/location-surveillance-counter-covid-19-efficacy-what-matters" target="_blank">looks like a nail to the folks who have hammers to sell</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Will it work?</strong></p>
<p>Given these concerns, will the COVIDSafe app even perform as promised? Here, the jury is still out.</p>
<p>Much discussion has focused on the minimum number of app users required for its coverage to be effective. But the app has other limitations too. It <a href="https://theconversation.com/contact-tracing-apps-are-vital-tools-in-the-fight-against-coronavirus-but-who-decides-how-they-work-138206" target="_blank">doesn’t yet work properly on iPhones</a>, for a start.</p>
<p>Most importantly, the app treats treats Bluetooth handshakes as a proxy for spatial proximity of devices, it treats this spatial proximity as a proxy for contact between people, and it treats prolonged contact between people as a proxy for viral transmission. Each step in this chain is <a href="http://progcity.maynoothuniversity.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Digital-tech-spread-of-coronavirus-Rob-Kitchin-PC-WP44.pdf" target="_blank">prone to significant failures and error</a>.</p>
<p>Fortunately, then, the government is not proposing to replace contact tracing performed by human health professionals. Data from the app will be used to support that process.</p>
<p>It’s vital we expand the scope of public discussion about this app and others in our increasingly “smart” cities and societies. Otherwise, we risk embracing “smart” solutions that create new surveillance infrastructures that further concentrate state and corporate power at the expense of our autonomy and alternative solutions to pressing societal problems.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/138296/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;"></p>
<p><span><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kurt-iveson-1223" target="_blank">Kurt Iveson</a>, Associate Professor of Urban Geography and Research Lead, Sydney Policy Lab, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841" target="_blank">University of Sydney</a></em></span></p>
<p>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-trade-offs-smart-city-apps-like-covidsafe-ask-us-to-make-go-well-beyond-privacy-138296" target="_blank">original article</a>.</p>
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Trade-offs ‘smart city’ apps like COVIDSafe ask us go well beyond privacy

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<p><span>Fractional investment platform provider </span><span>DomaCom Limited</span><span> announced that it had extended the term of the outstanding convertible notes by 12 months.</span></p>
<p><em>Extension terms</em></p>
<p><span>DomaCom has agreed to make a payment of A$300k + GST to secure the extension along with a revised nominal conversion price of 10 cents.</span></p>
<p><span>This agreement reduces the need for additional capital by A$3.6 million and positions the Company on a more secure footing, allowing it to focus on delivering the following key products: Equity Mortgage, Rent to Own, Essential Worker, and Senior Equity Release.</span></p>
<p><span>The notes were issued in late 2018. Specifically, DomaCom secured $2.95 million in funding through the issue of a Convertible Security to Thundering Herd Fund No. 1 and Thundering Herd Pty Ltd, a Melbourne-based institutional investor [ASX Announcement: 10 December 2018].</span></p>
<p><em>New product overview</em></p>
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<p><strong>Equity Mortgage</strong><span><strong>:</strong> This product is being developed to be Shariah compliant and is targeting the Australian Islamic community and other communities that are prohibited from borrowing money. As this product is aiming to provide a method of obtaining leverage for people wishing to purchase a home, it is not believed to be as exposed to negative property investment segment as normal property investment is expected to be. The Company is targeting a launch in Q3 2020.</span></p>
<p><strong>Rent to Own: </strong><span>Work on this product is continuing with the Company’s first transaction expected to occur in May 2020. This product uses the developer distribution margin to provide a discount to investors whilst gifting equity to tenants each year.</span></p>
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<p><span><strong>Essential Worker:</strong> </span><span>DomaCom is progressing its Essential Worker affordable housing product with one </span>of Australia’s leading Community Housing Providers. This product aims to leverage the Government’s affordable housing lending facility to deliver a Rent To Own product for essential workers with a 25% discounted rent. This product is expected to be attractive due to low vacancy risk stemming from the security of the tenants’ employment (nurses, firefighters, teachers, police) in addition to the emotional impact of supporting our essential workers at this time. The targeted launch period for this product is Q3 CY20.</p>
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<p><span><strong>Senior Equity Release:</strong> </span><span>Adviser accreditation for the Company’s Senior Equity Release product has commenced with the first group of advisers having completed the accreditation these past few weeks. The product is now on Approved Product Groups of four financial planning firms. DomaCom is currently preparing a campaign direct to the retirees to help identify those needing equity from their homes. COVID-19’s recent impact on self-funded retirees income has increased the market for this product.</span></p>
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<p><span> </span><span>“It is pleasing that we have been able to secure an extension of our convertible notes. This is a significant outcome for us as it reduces our 2020 capital requirements by A$3.6 million. By reducing our need to raise capital, we will be able to better focus our efforts on launching the four new products currently in development. </span></p>
<p><span>"These products address key issues facing investors in Australia such as diversification, housing affordability and improved retirement outcomes. As our operations remain largely unimpacted by COVID-19, we hope to launch all of these products this year," DomaCom CEO Arthur Naoumidis said.</span></p>
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DomaCom reduces 2020 capital requirements via extension of convertible notes

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<p class="legacy">GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p class="legacy">Stay-at-home orders have meant many people are happy to live in dispersed suburbs with free-standing, single-family homes. Quarantine feels less daunting with a backyard, plenty of storage space to stockpile supplies, and a big living room for morning stretches. Before the crisis, though, Australia was slowly moving toward urban density.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/highend-melbourne-apartment-developments-offer-amenities-fit-for-a-mansion-20170406-gvefx2/" target="_blank">More apartments with communal amenities</a>, rather than privatised space, were being built, creating less dependence on driving. It is easy to think these urbanites are now glumly looking out their windows towards the more spacious suburbs, wishing they had made different choices. Yet, despite the impacts of restrictions, Australia’s future is in urban density and not the suburban sprawl of the past.</p>
<h2>The benefits of density done well</h2>
<p>Before the world changed and Australians were ushered inside <em>en masse</em>, the country was making great strides toward creating more compact, walkable cities. Denser neighbourhoods provided multiple benefits:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>better access to transport alternatives to cars</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>the creation of vibrant commercial districts</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>increased ability to house more people during affordability and homelessness crises.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Nationally, we were building almost as many apartment units as single family homes. In cities like Melbourne and Sydney, <a href="https://blogs.unsw.edu.au/cityfutures/blog/2016/07/apartment-construction-boom-is-this-the-end-of-the-dream/" target="_blank">apartment construction even surpassed stand-alone houses</a> despite <a href="https://theconversation.com/life-in-a-windowless-box-the-vertical-slums-of-melbourne-41181" target="_blank">lax quality regulations</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/lack-of-information-on-apartment-defects-leaves-whole-market-on-shaky-footings-127007" target="_blank">design and construction flaws</a>.</p>
<p>Density was achieved not just through towers for <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/chinese-investors-are-pushing-into-melbourne-and-sydney-20141010-113q7x" target="_blank">Asian investors in CBDs</a>, but more subtle alterations such as townhouses and small blocks of flats. Residents moving into these neighbourhoods affirmed a sense of environmental consciousness, based on driving less, but also the belief in tight-knit communities with small businesses, parks and thriving street life.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Beware the siren call of suburbia</span></p>
<p>With the onset of COVID-19, it seems Australia’s new-found love of city living might be over, reverting to the suburban norm. The suburbs always offered a sense of safety, now more than ever.</p>
<p>Yet much of this is illusory. People still have to go shopping and, in many cases, to work, where they could be exposed to the virus. People have just as much control over their physical space in an apartment as in a house. (The exception is the lifts, but distancing measures and gloves can easily reduce risk.)</p>
<p>Australians may be tempted to re-embrace suburbia out of nostalgia for pre-virus safety, but they should remember what brought them to cities in the first place. As the architect Robin Boyd <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=RDxR8Xu9WLIC&amp;pg=PA100&amp;dq=stealthy+crawl+like+dry+rot+eating&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=0ahUKEwij9u_Mna3pAhV4yzgGHZqECt8Q6AEIJzAA#v=onepage&amp;q=stealthy%20crawl%20like%20dry%20rot%20eating&amp;f=false" target="_blank">bemoaned</a> way back in his 1960 critique of suburbanisation, The Australian Ugliness:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>… the suburbs’ stealthy crawl like dry rot eating into the forest edge.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>With 60 years of government policy <a href="https://theconversation.com/50-years-on-from-the-melbourne-transportation-plan-what-can-we-learn-from-its-legacy-127721" target="_blank">propping up sprawl through freeway construction</a> and tax breaks like negative gearing, it continues to be its own kind of infection scarring the landscape.</p>
<h2>Don’t blame public health failures on density</h2>
<p>Despite re-animated fears of living closer together, many countries that have <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/high-density-living-should-not-be-feared-despite-the-spread-of-covid-19-945758/" target="_blank">successfully contained</a> the coronavirus have some of the <a href="http://www.citymayors.com/statistics/largest-cities-density-125" target="_blank">most densely populated cities</a> in the world. These cities include <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/05/how-south-korea-prevented-coronavirus-disaster-why-battle-is-not-over/" target="_blank">Seoul</a>, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/hong-kong-plans-bounce-back-after-two-weeks-with-no-local-coronavirus-cases-11588611222" target="_blank">Hong Kong</a> and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/-taiwan-s-sars-experience-helped-it-beat-covid-19-/1830547" target="_blank">Taipei</a>. They have done this not by separating people but by increasing testing and contact tracing.</p>
<p>What is needed during a pandemic is not panic but effective public health. Prosperous, well-managed city governments are often best placed to offer these services to the community.</p>
<p>Negative examples like the United States, where the Trump administration has devolved responsibilities to states and cities, provide even more proof of why cities have to be at the forefront of public health campaigns, whether or not they choose that role voluntarily. The same could be said of Australia, where state governments in <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/scott-morrison-has-a-good-story-to-tell-but-the-world-isn-t-listening-20200424-p54mt3" target="_blank">Victoria and New South Wales took the lead</a> on restricting gatherings as the national government dithered.</p>
<p>Now, more than ever, we are appreciating urban life from afar: making lists of our favourite restaurants, changing our Zoom background during “virtual happy hour” to the interior of our local pub, and yearning for social connections that have migrated online.</p>
<p>We should listen to our desires and use this moment to double down on urban density when the crisis subsides, by funding mass transit and providing incentives to construct apartments rather than free-standing suburban homes.</p>
<p>Low-density living is less sustainable, less affordable and less fun. We should all remember that, despite currently having to keep our distance from one another.</p>
<p><span><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/max-holleran-548740" target="_blank">Max Holleran</a>, Lecturer in Sociology, University of Melbourne, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-melbourne-722" target="_blank">University of Melbourne</a></em></span></p>
<p>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-coronavirus-must-not-stop-australia-creating-denser-cities-137487" target="_blank">original article</a>.</p>
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Why coronavirus must not stop Australia creating denser cities

<p>Sydney-based fund manager and developer EG is seeking to turn part of the former Roche pharmaceutical campus in Cromer into a 130-home residential community, introducing a mix of low-rise apartments, townhouses and duplexes to the tightly held Northern Beaches market.</p>

<p>The SJB-designed masterplan has been prepared for the 3.2-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/100-south-creek-road-cromer-nsw-2099">100 South Creek Road</a>, part of the former Roche landholding that EG acquired for $55 million in 2017 through its Yield Plus Infrastructure Fund No. 2.</p>

<p>EG is proposing what SJB describes as a new "urban village" set within the site's significant existing tree canopy.</p>

<p><img alt="Cromer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="482c9a58-49f1-4c53-a12e-aaa02336229f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-24%20at%2011.20.57%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=hZP8_XfPnfNq500dbcjlpVwYU1ebhF9_" /></p>

<p>Around three hectares of the site is considered developable, with the balance incorporating a riparian corridor that would be rehabilitated and revegetated as part of the proposal.</p>

<p>The indicative masterplan comprises approximately 72 apartments in low-rise residential buildings and another 58 townhouses and duplexes.</p>

<p>The apartment component would include around five one-bedroom, 37 two-bedroom and 30 three-bedroom residences, while the townhouse and duplex component would be spread across several different housing typologies. The overall scheme would deliver around 19,500 sqm of gross floor area at an FSR of 0.6:1.</p>

<p>Parking for the apartment component is currently estimated at around 112 resident spaces and 14 visitor spaces, while the townhouse and duplex component would have 116 resident and 12 visitor spaces.</p>

<p>A significant part of the masterplan revolves around retaining the established landscape character of the former Roche campus.</p>

<p>SJB's plans show heavily treed setbacks along both Campbell Avenue and South Creek Road, a centrally located collection of significant native and exotic trees retained as communal open space, and the regeneration of the northern bushland area.</p>

<p>The existing creek corridor along the site's western edge would also be rehabilitated and revegetated, creating additional separation between the new homes and the neighbouring Northern Beaches Business Park.</p>

<p>A heritage-listed cottage and its garden setting would be retained and restored, with SJB flagging its potential adaptive reuse as communal space.</p>

<p>The proposal also includes new communal recreation areas, pedestrian connections to Campbell Avenue and South Creek Road, and a contribution toward improvements to the adjoining Michele Reserve.</p>

<p>Vehicular access would be restricted to South Creek Road, with no vehicle entry proposed from Campbell Avenue. The main internal road would largely follow the site's existing driveway to minimise the impact on established trees.</p>

<p>SJB said residential redevelopment presented an opportunity to retain the majority of the site's heritage-listed mature trees while delivering a broader range of housing types than typically seen across the Northern Beaches.</p>

<p>"The site being 3.27 hectares in area represents one of the largest vacant sites in common ownership in the Cromer and Dee Why area capable of residential renewal," SJB noted in the masterplan.</p>

<p>The architect said the proposal would particularly target housing diversity through townhouses and other "missing middle" typologies suitable for singles, young families, downsizers and retirees.</p>

<p><img alt="Cromer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e3f5d841-8491-427e-8ada-c70d3d03d6bc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-24%20at%2011.21.02%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=xTV7r.q8lrTzC9vKzMS9zMbjm9wKwhgm" /></p>

<p>The site emerged following the subdivision of the former Roche campus into eastern and western parcels.</p>

<p>EG has already transformed the western portion into the Northern Beaches Business Park, which incorporates heritage-listed office space, modern warehouses and indoor recreation facilities.</p>

<p>The proposed residential community, referred to as Cromer East in SJB's plans, adjoins established housing to the north, east and south-east, while the business park sits beyond the creek corridor to the west.</p>

<p>It is also within 250 metres of Pittwater House School and Northern Beaches Secondary College, while bus stops within a three-to-five-minute walk provide connections to Dee Why, Brookvale and express services to the Sydney CBD. Cromer Park and the South Creek open space corridor are also nearby.</p>

<p>EG acquired the broader 7.5-hectare former Roche campus in 2017 for $55 million through its Yield Plus Infrastructure Fund No. 2. The campus at the time comprised more than 25,000 sqm of industrial and office buildings set within landscaped grounds.</p>

<p>The current residential site represents the eastern portion of that original holding.</p>

<p>EG's investment strategy for the fund has centred on acquiring income-producing real estate with longer-term rezoning and repositioning potential, particularly assets benefiting from infrastructure and changing land-use patterns.</p>

<p>EG also has an established residential track record across Sydney, including Bosco in Five Dock, Tempo in Drummoyne, The Flour Mill in Summer Hill and Pindari in Randwick.</p>

<p>The developer says it has delivered more than 1,000 homes to date, with a further 3,000-plus residences across its development pipeline.</p>


Joel Robinson

First look: EG plans 130 apartments on former Roche pharmaceutical campus in Cromer

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.</p>

<p>The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.</p>

<p>Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.</p>

<p>The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.</p>

<p>The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments</p>

<p><img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" /></p>

<p>Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.</p>

<p>But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.</p>

<p>Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.</p>

<p>The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.</p>

<p>Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.</p>

<p>SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.</p>

<p>The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.</p>

<p>The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.</p>

<p>Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.</p>

<p><img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" /></p>

<p>SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.</p>

<p>Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.</p>

<p>If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

<p>Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.</p>

<p>Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.</p>

<p>The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.</p>

<p>“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.</p>

<p>"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.</p>

<p>“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”</p>

<p><img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" /></p>

<p>The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.</p>

<p>The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.</p>

<p>The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.</p>

<p><img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" /></p>

<p>The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.</p>

<p>It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.</p>

<p>Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.</p>

<p>The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.</p>

<p>Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.</p>

<p><img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" /></p>

<p>Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.</p>

<p>A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.</p>

<p>A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.</p>

<p>Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.</p>

<p>Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.</p>

<p>The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.</p>

<p>Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.</p>


Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

<p data-end="288" data-start="269"><strong data-end="288" data-start="269">Article summary</strong></p>

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289"><strong data-end="374" data-start="291">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development</strong>, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443"><strong data-end="513" data-start="445">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences</strong>, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574"><strong data-end="646" data-start="576">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project</strong>, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718"><strong data-end="787" data-start="720">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road</strong>, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<p data-end="1011" data-start="790"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.</p>

<p data-end="1296" data-start="1013">The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion</p>

<p data-end="1296" data-start="1013"><img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" /></p>

<p>The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.</p>

<p>“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."</p>

<p>Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."</p>

<p>"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”</p>

<p><img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." /></p>

<p>The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.</p>

<p>A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.</p>

<p>Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.</p>

<p><img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" /></p>

<p>Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.</p>

<p>“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.</p>

<p>“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.</p>

<p>“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”</p>

<p><img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" /></p>

<p>Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.</p>

<p>With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]</p>


DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<p><a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.</p>

<p>Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.</p>

<p>The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.</p>

<p>The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.</p>

<p>A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" /></p>

<p>The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.</p>

<p>"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.</p>

<p>"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."</p>

<p>The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."</p>

<p>Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.</p>

<p>Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.</p>

<p>The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.</p>

<p>The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.</p>


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