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Sustainability expert Davina Rooney will join the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) as the new chief executive officer.
She was formerly the General Manager of Sustainability and Corporate Procurement at Stockland.
Davina brings her experience as an engineer and 'change agent' to Australia’s authority on sustainable buildings and communities.
GBCA Chair Rod Fehring said, “Davina has led Stockland to be a global leader on sustainability in property, achieving  a raft of international accolades from leading organisations DJSI, GRESB and CDP. Davina has also steered industry-leading initiatives at Stockland, including the largest rollout of solar panels in the property industry and the most Green Star Design &amp; As Built rated shopping centres in the country.    
Davina said she would focus on achieving real outcomes for low-energy buildings and communities. 
“The GBCA, and outgoing CEO Romilly Madew AO, have had a transformational impact on the Australian market and this is something I look forward to building on in the years ahead. 
Davina won numerous awards including the NAWIC NSW 2016 Sustainability Award, PCA 2014 Future Leaders Award and Sydney University Engineering Young Alumni Award. 
She has contributed to the GBCA as a member of the Green Star Steering Committee for the last three years, and the Green Star Advisory Committee over the last 12 months and has recently completed her two-year term as the Chair of the Property Council’s National Sustainability Roundtable.
The outgoing chief executive officer Romilly Madew AO acted as CEO for more than thirteen years,
She is departing to take on the role of Infrastructure Australia chief executive officer.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Davina Rooney becomes new CEO of the Green Building Council Australia

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The property group, <a id="LPlnk1025" href="https://p4bne.sharepoint.com/Current%20Clients/31BB/Media%20Materials/optimusdevelopments.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Optimus Developments</a>, has announced the appointment of Alex Windsor as it's new CEO.
Earlier this year Alex Windsor (pictured below) officially joined the business.
He had previously been working on behalf of Optimus Developments for more than four years as Development Director on the EQ Tower, a 65-level residential project comprising 634 apartments in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.
Mr Windsor brings more than 15 years of industry experience across architecture, engineering, construction and project management.
Originally from England, Mr Windsor moved to Australia in 2004 and was employed by boutique property company Sinclair Brook in an advisory capacity, before becoming Associate Director and staying at the firm for more than 10 years.
<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/2019/3/14/thumbnail_image013.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="240">
Mr Windsor believes the country’s economic stability ensures a promising future for investors. 
“Australia really is a safe haven for investment compared to the global uncertainty from Brexit and the US/China trade war and our view is that 2019 will remain flat with some market sectors under or over performing,” Mr Windsor said.
“With a strong renewal of market sentiment in 2020, an increased availability of capital funding for mortgages and overall a much more positive outlook and environment for the residential property market, I’m confident we will see the sector continue to grow.”
Mr Windsor added that the company’s upcoming activity remained strongly in providing premium residential options to Australians, though expanding in new areas was also on the cards. 
“We are very focused on Australia’s Eastern Seaboard and specialising in all things residential,” he said.
“That said, we are also interested in diversifying our portfolio to include industrial and commercial assets for long term yield generation and redevelopment opportunity.”
He is currently focused on Optimus Developments making its début into the Queensland property market following the 2017 launch of the $65 million beachside development, 31 Broadbeach.
“With construction of 31 Broadbeach well underway, I'm personally very excited to see this project come to life in my new role as company CEO.”
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Optimus Developments welcomes new CEO

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Matrix Property has sold a development site in the Warnervale Town Centre. 
This subdivision site was bought by a Hong Kong developer who has appointed a local project manager.
The 5.6 hectare residential sub-division site along Hiawatha Road has planning for up to 85 lots and incorporates over 6,000 sqm of dedicated parkland. 
The property is part of the master-planned Warnervale Town Centre, one of the Central Coast's largest development and growth areas projecting 40,000 new residents over the next 20 years. 
It was sold under instruction from the mortgagee for $6.4 million. 
The site has 2 existing frontages via Hiawatha and Hakone Roads. 
“The EOI attracted over 80 enquiries and over 8 offers as it’s a vanilla subdivision site in a major land release area” Commented Godfrey Franz – Head of Central Coast/ Hunter for Matrix Property Group, a specialist Development Site Commercial Sales Agency. 
“Further the area is popular with first home buyers at lower prices hence the popularity of the offering to potential developer buyers producing housing product in the sub $700K price point” 
“Despite the anxious outlook for property we are not seeing it and given the success of this campaign we are seeing many confident and cashed up developers coming back into the market ” he concluded.
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Warnervale development site sold for $6.4 million

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For the 18th straight year, Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay/Bondi Beach has retained its mantle as the best office in NSW in the Raine &amp; Horne network.
The Double Bay firm, led by Ric Serrao and Martin Maskin, was named Top Office for Dollar Value, and second for Number of Sales. 
Mr Serrao was named Top Salesperson (Principal) Dollar Value and placed second in the Top Salesperson (Principal) – Number of Sales. 
He was also named the network’s Top Auction Lister.
In the Top Salesperson (Dollar Value) category, the Double Bay office’s Hannan Bouskila, Paul Langsam and Graham Berman finished in the Top Ten. 
The Double Bay-based office was also named Top Multiple Office (Dollar Value), while Matt Serrao won recognition as Business Development Manager of the Year. 
Mr Serrao told the 400-strong audience that he was thrilled with his firm's award-winning achievements. 
The Double Bay firm will be recognised as Australia’s best in the Real Estate Agency Single Office category at the <a id="LPlnk452207" href="http://icm-tracking.meltwater.com/link.php?DynEngagement=true&amp;H=I%2BqMhXDuIS2RujNbavWSOKShOr7Ezi73JeGvxlkJ09Qb0kDpZZQFeP6B4USdWcJ3s9o3Delk3rYiEkcLSjrV1b%2BlXh078mqOgCwh2Ktlzit2YrCleMHz5Q9Ipy8dj765D05R4lwpWR0%3D&amp;G=0&amp;R=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.propertyawards.net%2F&amp;I=20190312234405.00000089d461%40mail6-46-ussnn1&amp;X=MHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVjODg0NDNhZDIyYzBhNzQ4YTY2ODY2NDs%3D&amp;S=OgAvjTDgfgGXk5REE2IAC7unkqLoAZWJOLE0y-T7GZI" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Asia Pacific Property Awards</a> in Bangkok on the 14th-15th May. 
Led by principal <a id="LPlnk195010" href="http://icm-tracking.meltwater.com/link.php?DynEngagement=true&amp;H=I%2BqMhXDuIS2RujNbavWSOKShOr7Ezi73JeGvxlkJ09Qb0kDpZZQFeP6B4USdWcJ3s9o3Delk3rYiEkcLSjrV1b%2BlXh078mqOgCwh2Ktlzit2YrCleMHz5Q9Ipy8dj765D05R4lwpWR0%3D&amp;G=0&amp;R=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.raineandhorne.com.au%2Fbatemansbay%2Fcms_lists%2F103%2Fcms_pages%2F1820&amp;I=20190312234405.00000089d461%40mail6-46-ussnn1&amp;X=MHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVjODg0NDNhZDIyYzBhNzQ4YTY2ODY2NDs%3D&amp;S=z7h2o9_7u6kGT3nJuT26dDF6pqaZbjs0QCK4BpGWtcM" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Adam Porteous</a>, Raine &amp; Horne Batemans Bay, from the NSW South Coast, was able to upstage its Eastern Suburbs rival by taking first place in the Top Office (Number of Sales) category.
Mr Porteous says his team is happy to adopt the latest technologies such as Amplify, a world first initiative in artificial intelligence (AI) technology that enabled the entire Raine &amp; Horne global network to promote and sell over 6,500 listings in 2018 through social media. “All our agents have used Amplify on campaigns and we even have our administration team encouraging vendors to use it to market their properties as widely as possible.”
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Raine & Horne Double Bay/Bondi Beach retain top network spot for 18th year straight

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According to the ATO up to 500 Tasmanian small businesses can be expecting a knock on the door from the ATO in March.
ATO Assistant Commissioner Peter Holt said businesses that advertise as 'cash only' and businesses that are operating outside will be especially targeted for a visit from the ATO.
“Businesses that pay cash in hand, or fail to lodge income tax or business activity statements get an unfair advantage and make it harder for other businesses who are doing the right thing. By detecting and addressing this behaviour, we’re helping ensure a level playing field for honest small businesses.”
Tasmanian businesses in the following industries are most likely to get a visit from the ATO in March:
<ul>
<li>Restaurants and cafes</li>
<li>Vehicle repairers</li>
<li>Personal care businesses including hairdressers and nail salons</li>
<li>Pharmacies</li>
<li>Construction businesses</li>
<li>Clothing stores</li>
<li>Grocery stores / small supermarkets</li>
<li>Butchers</li>
</ul>
“In the 2019-20 financial year, we’ll be visiting a further 10,000 small businesses across the country, including in Tasmania”, Mr Holt said.
Tasmanian businesses who are not declaring income or underpaying workers are contributing to the black economy.
“The black economy is estimated to be costing the community as much as $50 billion, which is approximately three percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is money that the community is missing out on for vital public services, like schools, roads, healthcare, and infrastructure”, Mr Holt said.
Whilst on the road in Tasmania, ATO officers will also be available to help those businesses that are trying to do the right thing.
“We obviously want businesses to succeed, so we put a lot of effort in to support, education, and assistance services. We offer seminars, videos, a dedicated small business newsroom, an after-hour call back service, even an app that businesses can use to check the performance of their business on the go”. Mr Holt said.
“We understand that people are busy and most businesses are trying to meet their obligations – but there is a difference between needing help, making mistakes and deliberate cover-ups.”
Mr Holt said the ATO will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action against those deliberately avoiding their tax and super obligations and the visits may uncover this deliberate non-compliance.
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500 Tasmanian businesses, including construction companies can expect an ATO visit in March

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The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is reviewing the fees associated with electronic conveyancing (eConveyancing) for the first time.
Around 85% of property transactions in NSW will be required to use eConveyancing from 1 July 2019.
Transactions such as transfers, mortgages and caveats will have to be lodged electronically.
eConveyancing is designed to be a more efficient and accurate way of conducting the settlement and lodgment stages of a conveyancing transaction.
IPART Chair, Dr Paul Paterson, said IPART’s review is focused on the fees charged by and to the electronic lodgment network operators (ELNOs). 
ELNOs operate electronic workspaces allowing lawyers, conveyancers and financial institutions to exchange data and collaborate to prepare conveyancing documents, settle funds, pay duties and lodge documents with the land registry online instead of on paper.  
“Essentially, eConveyancing allows parties to complete conveyancing transactions (like a sale of land) and disburse settlement funds electronically,” Paterson said.  
“The electronic lodgment network also allows other documents that are not necessarily part of a sale, such as caveats, to be lodged electronically.”
Currently there is only one ELNO in NSW, PEXA.  Another ELNO, Sympli, is expected to commence operations in NSW during 2019, with the prospect of more entering the market soon.
A paper released by IPART today seeks feedback on a range of issues to be considered as part of the review. These include: 
<ul>
<li>The state of the eConveyancing market, including possible barriers to entry such as the lack of arrangements for different ELNOs to participate in a transaction</li>
<li>The maximum fees that ELNOs charge lawyers, conveyancers and financial institutions to use the electronic lodgment network </li>
<li>The maximum fees that the NSW Land Registry Services charges ELNOs </li>
<li>The maximum fees that Revenue NSW can charge ELNOs in the future. </li>
</ul>
“We are also looking at the costs that will be incurred to connect multiple ELNOs when more enter the market, and how these costs should best be recovered to drive efficient outcomes and avoid excessive charges,” Paterson said. 
Submissions on the Issues Paper will be received until 30 April and considered by IPART before a draft report is released by July.
Recommendations on the final prices will be provided to the NSW Government by October 2019.
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IPART to review electronic conveyancing fees for the first time

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More than 2.1 million taxpayers are claiming $47.4 billion in deductions against $44.1 billion in reported income, the Australian tax commissioner Chris Jordan said in a speech in Hobart.
Looking at the scale of deductions claimed, “you can get a sense of the potential revenue at risk”, he said.
Jordan told a conference of tax agents that the ATO had been making random inquiries about tax returns.
“Our auditors have now completed over 300 audits on rental property claims and found errors in almost nine out of 10 returns reviewed,” he said.
“We’re seeing incorrect interest claims for the entire investment loan where it has been refinanced for private purposes, incorrect classification of capital works as repairs and maintenance, and taxpayers not apportioning deductions for holiday homes when they are not genuinely available for rent.”
As some 85% of taxpayers with rental properties have help with their tax returns, Jordan said agents could reduce the incorrect claims.
The ATO has made a <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/tax-return/2018/in-detail/publications/rental-properties-2018/" target="_blank">guide for agents</a> covering how to deal with rental properties.
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Nine out of 10 property investors making tax claim errors: ATO

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Demand for fixed rate home loans fell in February, according to new data from Mortgage Choice.
The broker's latest national home loan approval data showed demand for fixed rate home loans fell over the month of February, accounting for 22.82% of loans - a reduction of 1.05% from the month prior.
Demand for fixed rate loans had picked up in the latter half of 2018, in what may have been a response to rate hikes on variable home loan products.
Mortgage Choice found that borrower preference varied across the country :
<ul>
<li>Borrowers in Queensland were the most likely to fix their interest rate, with over 25% opting for a fixed rate home loan; </li>
<li>This was followed by New South Wales where over 24% of borrowers chose to fix their home loans; </li>
<li>In South Australia 22% of borrowers opted for a fixed rate mortgage;</li>
<li>In Western Australia 20% of borrowers chose to fix;</li>
<li>And Victorians continue to prefer variable rate home loans with almost 17% choosing to fix their home loans.</li>
</ul>
<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/2019/3/14/susan-mitchell_ceo_mortgage-choice_b.jpg" alt="">
Mortgage Choice Chief Executive Officer Susan Mitchell (pictured above) said a number of reasons may be discouraging borrowers from locking in to a fixed rate.
“Mounting speculation that the Reserve Bank may cut the official cash rate later this year may be weighing on borrower expectations around interest rates. These borrowers, who are expecting interest rates to fall in the near term may be less inclined to lock in to a fixed rate,” said Mitchell. 
“Borrowers’ caution may be compounded by continued property price falls in the nation’s capitals which, according to the latest figures from CoreLogic fell 0.9% in the month of February. 
“In the current property market, it is unsurprising to see an increase in demand for variable rate loan products. These loans are more flexible and allow borrowers to make added loan repayments, access home loan features such as an offset account and redraw facility, and of course save on their loan repayments if their interest rate drops.
“That being said, fixed rate loans are still an attractive option to people who are looking for certainty in their home loan repayments.  This is particularly important at a time when there is considerable uncertainty in the market.
“Fixed rate loans may be a suitable option for borrowers who foresee a potential change to their income or, budget constraints.
“At present, there are many deals to be had for those looking to lock in a fixed rate, with two-year fixed rate loans on our lender panel as low as 3.69% p.a.* it’s a great time to review your home loan.
“My advice for anyone looking to have the best of both worlds is to speak to their mortgage broker about splitting their loan, which allows a borrower to allocate a proportion of the loan to a fixed interest rate, and a proportion to a variable interest rate depending on their financial situation.”
* NAB First Home Buyers Special 2 Year Choice Fixed Rate OO P&amp;I accurate at 8 March 2019
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/3/14/1.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
 <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/2019/3/14/1.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/3/14/2.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge:
<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/2019/3/14/2.jpg" alt="">
Source: Mortgage Choice
 
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Fixed rate demand falls in February: Mortgage Choice

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Plans for a new resort-style water park in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburb of Dingley Village have been unveiled.
Upon completion, the $100 million project will be the largest indoor water park in the southern hemisphere.
The project is a venture between diversified property group Pellicano and hospitality group Zagame along with Canadian-based leading water park professionals WhiteWater West and local architectural practice Peddle Thorp.
To be known as Zagame’s Wild Water Park, the facility will provide 18,200 square metres of indoor and 20,000 square metres of outdoor water attractions.
The park will include a 180-degree semi-circular stand-up surf pool, a tunnel-like wave ski-slide complete with video controls and an indoor-outdoor ‘lazy river’.
The park will utilise an eWater system, solar power technology, systems for the collection and reuse of rainwater, extensive plantation of indigenous wetland vegetation and a concentration on composting, recycling and biodegradable processes. 
<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/2019/3/5/Pellicano_Water%20park_Render%201.jpg" alt="">
Pellicano managing director Nando Pellicano said it will provide visitors and the wider community with both fun and education. 
“Pellicano has owned this site for over 30 years and is thrilled to reveal our plans to inject much-needed, year-round, all-weather fun into Melbourne’s family entertainment landscape,” he said.
“At Pellicano we consistently aim to deliver high-quality, dynamic projects and we  have made every effort to incorporate this ideology of excellence in the planning stages of this project.” 
Pellicano and Zagame previously collaborated on the regeneration of Paradise Resort on the Gold Coast.
Zagame Corporation’s director Robert Zagame says partnering with Pellicano for this project was an exciting opportunity for the company.
“This partnership was a natural fit for Zagame’s; as a well-established family-owned business, Pellicano’s values align closely with our own and we both continue to maintain a benchmark of excellence in all our business dealings,” Zagame said.
“With both companies established in Victoria, we embrace any opportunity to position our home state as the place to be, and we’re excited to witness the economic benefits a major tourism project such as this will deliver to our home.” 
“Upon completion we will not only be opening our doors to leisure and fun seekers but to primary, secondary and tertiary students who will benefit from behind-the-scenes exposure to the best-practice engineering and technology which will be on display.” 
WhiteWater West’ s President and CEO, Geoff Chutter, said it was thrilled to be part of the project.
“We’re proud that our local branch, WhiteWater West Australia will be partnering with Australian companies to build this ground-breaking water park that features some of our most iconic rides and will provide huge entertainment value for families,” Chutter said.
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Plans for largest indoor water park in the southern hemisphere in Dingley Village revealed 

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GUEST OBSERVATION
A rail line to the northwest growth areas of Sydney has been proposed many times. In 2010, the state government and bureaucracy sought discussions with Infrastructure Australia and the Commonwealth about funding an extension of the heavy-rail system from Epping on a North West Rail—Hills District Line. In 2012, the new transport minister (and now premier), Gladys Berejiklian, changed the plan, opting for a single-deck robotic privatised metro similar to those proposed by property developer and rail operator Hong Kong MTR. The government decided to close the Bankstown line for <a href="https://www.sydneymetro.info/" target="_blank">Sydney Metro</a> conversion and upzone surrounding suburbs for “urban activation”.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/263282/original/file-20190312-86717-16i983z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
OpenStreetMap Contributors, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank">CC BY</a>
Days before Christmas 2018, we transport analysts received a gift: an update to the station <a href="https://opendata.transport.nsw.gov.au/dataset/train-station-entries-and-exits-data" target="_blank">barrier counts dataset</a>. The government had not released this annual snapshot since 2014. (An interactive data visualisation tool is available <a href="https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiZGIxNjBiNTMtNjFiZS00NWExLTg1NjgtYWE4Y2FjN2FhZGZiIiwidCI6ImU4OTExYzI2LWNmOWYtNGE5Yy04NzhlLTUyNzgwN2JlODc5MSJ9" target="_blank">here</a>.)
The below analysis uses average workday (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) patronage to describe the changing demand across the Sydney rail network (<a href="https://www.railmaps.com.au/sydney.htm" target="_blank">click here for a map</a> of the network) and determine where the need for transport infrastructure investment is greatest.
The analysis clearly show that the metro conversion of the Bankstown line should not be Sydney’s top-priority investment. The numbers make clear the need to invest the state’s limited funds in the western and southern corridors with matching investment in the CBD. The Bankstown project should be deferred.
Demand on Sydney’s western and Illawarra heavy-rail corridors has surged since 2004 (when barrier counts began). These are two of the city’s most important transport trunks. The Bankstown line has much lower patronage with modest growth.
Every transport infrastructure investment must deliver value for money by reducing operating costs and improving mobility. If we fail to invest wisely, Sydney risks becoming uncompetitive as talent and businesses leave for better-connected and more liveable cities.
The Bankstown decision from a 2012 perspective
To determine if the Bankstown conversion was the highest priority in 2012 we need to consider the information available to the minister at the time. Let’s start with the obvious questions: in 2012 was the Bankstown line or its major stations under significant load or growing quickly?
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ZAzc9/2/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
The above chart shows five of the top 20 stations were in the CBD, six were on the Eastern-Illawarra line, and nine were on the West and North lines. Bankstown line stations were not especially popular: Bankstown station was 27th most popular, Campsie 35th, Lakemba 53rd and Marrickville 63rd.
Another reason to justify the Bankstown line conversion would be rapid growth. However, in 2012 the ten stations with the fastest growth since 2004 were in the CBD and on the West, South, North and Airport lines.
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/7mOg9/1/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
From 2004 to 2012, Parramatta grew by 4,600 passengers on an average workday, and Hurstville by over 4,100. Growth at Campsie and Lakemba was a mere 1,000 passengers a day, and only half of that at Bankstown.
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/1aTzv/2/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
So when the development decision was made the Bankstown line stations were not major stations, nor under significant load, nor growing quickly. This raises questions about the Metro conversion investment.
The Bankstown decision from a 2018 perspective
Passenger demand grows on a train line for many reasons. In 2012, Berejiklian might have been aware of a coming surge in patronage on the Bankstown line. In 2018, have we seen such a surge?
Sydney railway patronage has indeed surged overall, growing by over 450,000 people on an average workday since 2004. By 2018, the distribution of these passengers had changed significantly. Ashfield, Epping, Hornsby and Kogarah slipped out of the top-20 stations to be replaced by Mascot (17th), Auburn (18th), Lidcombe (19th) and Museum (20th).
Bankstown line stations had become less important:
<ul>
<li>Bankstown slipped to 33rd most popular</li>
<li>Campsie rose to 35th</li>
<li>Marrickville was steady at 62nd</li>
<li>Lakemba plummeted to 67th.</li>
</ul>
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0paex/1/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
From 2012 to 2018, Town Hall ranked first for patronage growth with a workday increase of 28,900 passengers. Parramatta was fourth with 15,400 and Hurstville 16th with 4,600.
On the Bankstown line Campsie ranked 33rd with growth of 2,000 and Bankstown 49th with 1,400. Estimated patronage at four of the stations – Wiley Park, Yagoona, Lakemba, Regents Park – actually fell.
After land around Canterbury was transformed into many massive apartments, patronage at the station grew by 1,300 workday passengers since 2012. Even with the development, it still had only 3,200 workday passengers, leaving the station 91st in the whole sprawling network.
Comparing sections of the network
Multiple stations operate in concert and to be thorough we also need to consider how sections of the network compare.
The ten Bankstown line stations from Marrickville to Bankstown had 36,800 workday passengers in 2012. By 2018 this had grown by 7,000 to 43,800 workday passengers. It is still a relatively quiet line.
The North line from North Strathfield to Epping had eight stations with 36,100 workday passengers in 2012. By 2018, this had grown by 12,700 workday passengers to 48,800.
Over the same period, the 13 stations on the Illawarra line from Arncliffe to Sutherland grew by 15,600 to 79,400 workday passengers.
The three Eastern Suburbs line stations from Kings Cross to Bondi had higher patronage in 2012 than the Bankstown line with 40,200 workday passengers. Patronage on those three stations alone also grew much faster, by 17,600 in six years to 54,800.
Patronage on the Western corridor (Macdonaldtown to Blacktown) has grown by 58,000 to over 225,000 workday passengers. On the Illawarra corridor patronage grew 25,000 to over 103,000.
Remember, patronage on the Bankstown line grew by only 7,000 in this 2012-18 period.
Looking at key stations between 2004 and 2018:
<ul>
<li>Bankstown patronage grew by 25%</li>
<li>Stanmore, which doesn’t have a lift and gets only one train every 15 minutes, grew by 33%</li>
<li>Burwood grew by 64%</li>
<li>Parramatta by 79%</li>
<li>Newtown by 100%</li>
<li>Homebush by 125%.</li>
</ul>
In the Illawarra corridor:
<ul>
<li>Hurstville station grew by 66%</li>
<li>Erskineville by 97%</li>
<li>Banksia, Carlton and Allawah stations all had over 100% growth.</li>
</ul>
The City Circle from Redfern to Circular Quay and back grew by 159,000 workday passengers from 236,000 in 2004 to 395,000 in 2018 – a 67% increase.
In 2012, the city’s first transport priority was another north-south harbour crossing. However, it was decided instead to build the Sydney Metro under the harbour and then take both of the CBD’s north-south heavy-rail corridors. This significantly increased the cost and complexity of expanding the heavy-rail system.
Sydney’s second transport priority was always a western relief line. Every transport investigation since the 1971 Sydney Area Transport Study has identified this need.
What next?
On February 11, the state Labor opposition <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/labor-commits-8-billion-to-fast-track-sydney-metro-west-20190211-p50wyi" target="_blank">promised $5 billion</a> for the Western Metro, in addition to $3 billion previously promised by the federal Labor opposition.
On March 4, the state Coalition government <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/nsw-premier-says-construction-of-metro-west-line-to-begin-2020-20190303-p511g6" target="_blank">announced $6.4 billion</a> for a Western Metro, with the construction date to be brought forward.
The government announcement was made after the caretaker period for the March 23 state election had begun, so no technical or financial documentation was released. The government statement said the final business case was not complete, indicating that the Western Metro project was still in the early planning stages.
With a slowing economy and falling house prices there will be a post-election reprioritisation of NSW project spending. When this happens, the next government should give higher priority to the western rail corridor than the Bankstown corridor.
Postscript
Any discussion of infrastructure decisions should note the affected electorates. The seats around the Bankstown line and their <a href="http://pastvtr.elections.nsw.gov.au/SGE2015/la/state/tpp/index.htm" target="_blank">vote tallies</a> in the last state election are:<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/111844/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;">
<ul>
<li>Summer Hill (Labor 70.13% two party preferred in 2015)</li>
<li>Canterbury (Labor 65.69%)</li>
<li>Lakemba (Labor 71.56%)</li>
<li>Bankstown (Labor 63.97%)</li>
<li>Auburn (Labor 55.93%)</li>
<li>Fairfield (Labor 67.79%).</li>
</ul>
Mathew Hounsell, Senior Research Consultant, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/which-lines-are-priorities-for-sydney-metro-conversion-hint-its-not-bankstown-111844" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Which lines are priorities for Sydney Metro conversion? Hint: it’s not Bankstown

Camberwell Junction has long been the epicentre of amenity in Melbourne’s Boroondara region.

For nearly a century, it has drawn both locals and visitors, anchored by the Camberwell Sunday Market, which first operated in 1929 and quickly became a fixture of the suburb’s identity. Over time, the Junction evolved into one of Melbourne’s most established retail and lifestyle precincts, now comprising more than 400 stores and over 300 commercial businesses.

Despite that depth of amenity, one thing has remained notably limited: the supply of new apartments.

In a suburb defined by its heritage streetscapes and tightly held residential stock, new development opportunities have been scarce, particularly within the core of the Junction itself. That lack of supply has left a gap in the market for larger, design-led apartments suited to downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in the area.

Boutique developer Above Zero identified that gap when it secured a prime site on Burke Road, in the heart of Camberwell Junction.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368543]

The site has a long planning history. Various proposals have been put forward over more than a decade, many of which were knocked back by the City of Boroondara, with initial applications dating back to 2015. Above Zero acquired the site in 2022 and returned with a revised scheme, refining both the building’s height and its ground-level interface to better align with Council expectations.

That process has culminated in approval for Camberwell House.

The Cera Stribley-designed development will deliver 57 residences on a 1,950 sqm site within the Camberwell Activity Centre, placing it directly within one of Melbourne’s most established retail and transport hubs.

It is expected to be one of the only new apartment developments to launch in the Junction in recent years, reinforcing the rarity of new supply in the precinct. Currently, there are just a handful of projects on the market in Camberwell, underscoring the significance of a development of this scale and positioning.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368544]

Camberwell House has been conceived with a clear focus on larger-format apartments. The project will offer a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, alongside a limited number of penthouses, targeting owner-occupiers seeking scale rather than volume-driven product.

The building’s vertical presence will also set it apart.

Positioned on Burke Road, the development is set to become one of the taller buildings in its immediate context, allowing for elevated outlooks across Melbourne’s CBD skyline and toward the Dandenong Ranges. In a precinct characterised by lower-scale built form, that height provides a point of differentiation, particularly for buyers seeking outlook and natural light.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368568]

Architecture has been led by Cera Stribley, with interiors by GOLDEN and landscape design by Florian Wild. The design approach centres on material consistency and restraint, with residences oriented to maximise light, ventilation and connection to outdoor spaces.

Full-height glazing and generous terraces form a key part of that strategy, allowing apartments to extend beyond their internal footprint and engage with the surrounding environment.

Beyond the private residences, a significant component of the project is its amenity offering.

Above Zero has positioned Camberwell House as a “complete living environment”, incorporating a full floor dedicated to resident facilities. At the centre of that is a wellness zone, including a 12.5-metre lap pool, spa, sauna and treatment spaces, alongside a gym and recovery-focused amenities.

This level of amenity is more commonly associated with inner-city developments, rather than established middle-ring suburbs like Camberwell.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368588]

Additional shared spaces include a private library lounge, dining and entertaining areas, and an indoor golf simulator. A self-contained guest suite has also been incorporated, allowing residents to accommodate visiting family or friends without impacting their primary living space.

The inclusion of these facilities reflects a broader shift in buyer expectations.

As more downsizers look to transition from larger family homes into apartments, there is increasing demand for developments that offer not just a residence, but a lifestyle. That includes access to wellness, social and entertaining spaces within the building itself, reducing the reliance on external amenity while still maintaining proximity to established precincts.

Camberwell House is positioned to benefit from both.

Its location places it within immediate walking distance of Camberwell Junction’s retail and dining offering, as well as public transport connections, including tram and train services. That combination of internal amenity and external convenience is central to its appeal.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-150" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:55d7c6ac-8e6d-4881-ad49-0ed9bf66d1cc-74" dir="auto">
Jellis Craig Projects Director Stephen Bowtell is handling sales for the project and says Camberwell House offers a rare entry point into one of Melbourne’s most tightly held markets.

“Buyers are recognising that Camberwell House offers something they simply haven’t seen before in Boroondara,”&nbsp;Bowtell&nbsp;says.

“It combines a level of resident amenity and service typically associated with Melbourne’s premium inner-city developments, while being positioned right in the heart of Camberwell Junction.

“The response to the concierge offering has been particularly strong. Buyers appreciate not only the convenience, but also the sense of security and peace of mind that comes from having a dedicated presence in the building every day.

“When you combine that with the wellness facilities, the exceptional arrival experience, and panoramic views across both the CBD skyline and the Dandenong Ranges, it creates a lifestyle proposition that is genuinely unique within the local market.”
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4896]

Joel Robinson

Above Zero launches Camberwell House in undersupplied Camberwell Junction precinct

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Staff reporter

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