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Below is an open letter to Australia written by rural real estate agent David Nolan to Prime Minister Mr Morrison (sent directly to him) and Opposition Leader Mr Bill Shorten (sent directly to him).
After what Gillard and Ludwig did in 2011 banning live cattle into Indonesia, you should be pledging billions to this disaster instead of promising to give our money (the tax payers) to the UN.
Leaders of all other Opposition Parties and all the politicians in these political parties and including every bureaucrat the TIME HAS COME !!!
Everyone must unite and get behind those affected by this tragic event in Far North Queensland.
Foreign Aid, Refugees, Boat People and every other overseas hanger on, the party and free hand outs have to stop until this situation is fixed, which may take a number of years.
I apologise to the bleeding hearts regarding the above but what has just happened on our back door is the greatest loss of livestock in a single event in the world's history.
Think about about that long and hard,
A Tsunami of water based on an unprecedented rain fall event which lasted over a week has taken the lives of 300,000 to 500,000 cattle.*
Think about that about long and hard. 300,000 to 500,000* head of cattle. Those numbers are unfathomable.
To put this in perspective so everyone gets an understanding of the magnitude of this disaster, the area covered in water in Far North QLD was the size of Victoria.
Now I ask this question, if Victoria went under water and suddenly there were 300,000 to 500,000* dead cattle lying around, every politician, agri expert etc and the world press would be over it like a rash.
Or is everyone going to say out of sight out of mind. This will be a real test of what sort of Nation we collectively are today.
Now what about the people, AUSTRALIAN FARMERS, our own. What about their health both mental and physical, both now and in the future. The pressure on them must be off the Richter scale.
No income, bank pressure and in some cases not one head of cattle left. Think about it long and hard,
Do these so called leaders of our great country do what all politicians have previously done? Get dressed up in their RM Williams gear with an Akubra Hat, go and visit for a day, kiss a baby, get a photo and then forget all about the people and the problem?
REMEMBER this is the greatest single natural animal disaster to ever happen in history.
These farmers, their families, the employees all loved and cared for these cattle. Think long and hard about them.
We as proud Australians must continue to keep this event from being swept under the carpet. This northern part of QLD is a long way from any major city, but the people and the land is still AUSTRALIAN. So lets never forget that.
So l ask everyone don't stop talking about it and don't stop reminding every politician you can. You can find your local member's contact details <a href="https://websternolanrealestate.cmail20.com/t/j-l-xtkuyhy-jkhhhkdlll-t/" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">here</a>.
Thank you.
David Nolan a proud Australian with a long bush heritage
It has never happened to so many animals in one event in the history of the world.
*There are forecasts these figures may even significantly increase in the coming weeks.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

The horrendous Far North Queensland weather event of February 2019: David Nolan

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Police are investigating the shooting down of a commercial drone in rural ACT, near Tennent last Thursday.
Evoenergy was using the drone to carry out surveying work when it was shot down.
Nine Entertainemt reported that local landholders had not been notified of the surveying work.
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<div id="google_ads_iframe_/21671780509/canberratimes/national/act/drones_1__container__">The drone and the equipment it was fitted with are understood to be worth nearly $500,000.</div>
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Evoenergy has previously trialled the use of drones as a remote surveying means as it could capture better data and photos from 30 metres above the ground than a helicopter could from 300 metres in the air.
The LIDAR system inspects and detect vegetation near power lines and other assets to keep the network safe.
One local farmer said farmers were generally wary of unannounced drones in case they were being used by criminals or animal activists to spy on their properties.
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Evoenergy drone shot down in rural ACT

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The agricultural fund manager Growth Farms has bought the largest farming aggregation on Kangaroo Island from the billionaire media mogul Kerry Stokes.
Stokes and veteran cattleman Peter Murray sold their <a href="https://www.eldersrealestate.com.au/rural/sale/cygnet-park-farms-cassini-sa-5223-17956579/" target="_blank">Cygnet Park</a> Farms aggregation reportedly for about $25 million through Elders.
It was listed in late 2017.
The cattle, sheep and cropping aggregation on the 7,821 hectare Cygnet Park Farms, which Stokes and his long-time business partner had accumulated over the past decade, was being offered on a walk in, walk out basis in one line or in individual allotments
Murray is one of Australia's most experienced cattlemen.
With annual average rainfall ranging between 600-900mm, it was currently running approx 3,000 Angus cows, 2200 weaner calves and 300 yearlings/bulls.
NSW-based Growth Farms is headed by David Sackett who manages assets on behalf of a global network of high net worth individuals, family office and institutional clients.
It was established in 1999 by Angus Taylor and his brother Richard .
It has investments in sheep and cattle, cotton, sugarcane, winter crops with farms totalling more than 100,000 hectares.
 
 
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Growth Farms buys on Kangaroo Island from billionaire Kerry Stokes

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Two Australian Chinese-language papers devoted their weekend front pages to an open letter backing exiled billionaire property developer Huang Xiangmo, whose permanent residency was cancelled for reasons including character grounds in early February.
<p data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen-6236702_632="1550404332083" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6236702_632="1550404332083" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6236702_632="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6236702_632="1">It says the Morrison government's decision to cancel Mr Huang's residency was outrageous and calls for it to be overturned.
The letter appears to be a paid ad.
The letter, which appeared on the front pages of the Sing Tao Daily and Australian Chinese Daily and inside a third, the Daily Chinese Herald on Saturday.
<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/2019/2/18/Chinese-papers.jpg" alt="">
They came with 128 community groups protesting the decision to effectively bar Huang from Australia after the Australian Secret Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) advised he was "amenable to conducting acts of foreign interference".
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The letter features a smiling photo of Huang atop an image of the Australian flag.
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<div class="_1lC_G">The letter says Mr Huang is an innocent philanthropist and businessman, and that any member of the Chinese community in Australia could share his fate which sees the media and politicians using information from the security services to demonise Huang.</div>
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Huang has calledAustralia's actions those of a "giant baby".
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Billionaire property developer Huang Xiangmo gets front-page local support against ban

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The Reserve Bank assistant governor Christopher Kent says the recent depreciation in the Australian dollar has been "helpful" at a time where inflation remains weak and the economy is still using up spare capacity.
“While the exchange rate is still within the relatively narrow range of the past few years, the recent depreciation is helpful at the margin given that there remains spare capacity in the economy and inflation remains below target,” Reserve Bank of Australia Assistant Governor Christopher Kent said in a speech in Melbourne last Friday hosted by FX provider XE.
<div class="hardwall" data-position="2">The address traced the fluctuating outlook in recent months as “modest revisions” to global economic growth and inflation combined with greater attention to downside risks from central banks and investors.</div>
<div class="hardwall" data-position="2"> </div>
<div class="hardwall" data-position="2">"After a lengthy period of relative stability, global financial markets have been more volatile over the past few months.</div>
<div class="hardwall" data-position="2"> </div>
<div class="hardwall" data-position="2">"The incoming data from around the end of 2018 was associated with a tightening in financial conditions: global equity prices declined; corporate credit spreads widened; issuance of corporate debt eased; and volatility picked up across most markets.</div>
<div class="hardwall" data-position="2"> </div>
<div class="hardwall" data-position="2">"And in the space of only a couple of months, the market's expectations for monetary policies changed markedly and there was a notable downward shift in yield curves."</div>
<div class="hardwall" data-position="2"> </div>
<div class="hardwall" data-position="2">Kent noted local money markets switched their assessment of the next move in the cash rate to “more likely to be down than up.”</div>
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<div class="hardwall" data-position="2">Earlier this month Governor Philip Lowe tempered the bank's more optimistic language when the RBA kept the cash rate at a record low 1.5 per cent for a 30th month, but dropped its longstanding prediction that an improving economy meant the next move was likely to be upwards.
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A$ adjustment assisting economy: RBA's Christopher Kent

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The Mantra MacArthur hotel and adjacent midtown parking station situated on Northbourne Avenue in Canberra has been listed for sale.
The Mantra MacArthur is one of Canberra's newest accommodation offerings, providing 176 guest rooms with a restaurant and bar, conference, gym, retail tenancies and 62 underground car parking spaces.
Located adjacent to the new MacArthur light rail stop, the hotel is currently leased to Mantra Group, a subsidiary of AccorHotels, providing a secure income stream, with opportunity for trading upside through additional turnover rent.
The Canberra accommodation market has seen growth in both occupancy and average daily rate (ADR) over the previous four years, with full year revenue per available room (RevPAR) growth of over 4% in 2018 compared to 2017, according to the listing agents, JJL Hotels &amp; Hospitality Group and Savills Hotels.
"With excellent real estate fundamentals, certainty of income and several value-add opportunities, the sale of the Mantra MacArthur and Midtown Parking Station presents a coveted investment opportunity in one of Australia's best performing markets," said Andrew Langsford, Vice President of JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group.
"Canberra's outlook for continued economic growth, together with the ability to acquire an asset with diversified income streams in a strategic location amongst Canberra's best demand drivers will attract stong interest from both domestic and international investors," said Michael Simpson, Managing Director of Savills Hotels.
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Mantra MacArthur hotel in Canberra for sale

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GUEST OBSERVATION
This week, an animal rights charity, Aussie Farms, unveiled an interactive map of factory farms, slaughterhouses and other “animal exploitation” facilities across Australia.
The group’s <a href="https://map.aussiefarms.org.au/" target="_blank">website says</a> the map "is an effort to force transparency on an industry dependent on secrecy. We believe in freedom of information as a powerful tool in the fight against animal abuse and exploitation".
The map – which also encourages visitors to upload photographs or videos obtained at the properties – drew ire from some farmers and politicians. National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson called it a “<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-22/aussie-farms-map-sparks-outrage-from-farmers-and-ag-minister/10736006" target="_blank">gross invasion of privacy</a>” and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/when-does-activism-turn-into-terrorism/10734448" target="_blank">told the ABC</a> it bordered on “terrorism”. She also said Aussie Farms should be stripped of its charitable status.
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud was equally unimpressed, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-22/aussie-farms-map-sparks-outrage-from-farmers-and-ag-minister/10736006" target="_blank">calling the map</a> an “attack list” for activists. He said it posed biosecurity and other personal risks by encouraging vigilantes to break into properties.
So what does the law say about publicising materials like the map, or airing footage that may have been obtained when trespassing on private property?
Footage obtained through trespass
The law is somewhat ambivalent when it comes to trespassing on property to photograph and film the conduct of landowners. Trespassing itself is only one factor to be weighed up by the courts in determining whether to protect farmers’ interests.
Courts will only ban the use of footage obtained from private properties as a last resort. They will do so only if the trespasser acted in a manner that the average citizen would regard as unfair, and if the owner would suffer irreparable harm if the publication were to go ahead. 
The leading case on this subject is the 2001 case <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://eresources.hcourt.gov.au/showCase/2001/HCA/63" target="_blank">ABC v Lenah Game Meats</a>. Activists had placed a hidden camera without permission inside a factory in Tasmania’s Lenah Valley. They later retrieved the camera, which contained evidence of cruelty to brush-tail possums being processed for export.
On objection from the meat processors, a lower court granted an injunction, banning the ABC’s 7.30 Report from airing it on the show. The ABC appealed to the High Court.
The High Court lifted the injunction. It decided that although the footage had been filmed without the owners’ permission and involved a trespass, it was more important for the evidence of animal cruelty to be screened.
The public interest in witnessing greater transparency into suspect meat processing methods trumped the interests of a private business trying to shield its practices from public scrutiny.
What about just punishing trespassers?
So, if they cannot stop the publication, can the farmers targeted by Aussie Farms punish the trespassers privately through the courts?
Farmers can sue for damages (compensation), but they would need to find the actual trespassers and be able to quantify their losses, both of which may be difficult.
Also, what if the people supplying the footage were not trespassers but whistle-blowing employees? There is no joy for farmers here either, because there is no trespass.
Can farmers stop someone who is simply filming over the fence? The law does not assist landowners here either. We go back 80 years to find a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/cases/cth/HCA/1937/45?stem=0&amp;synonyms=0&amp;query=title(Victoria%20Park%20Racing%20and%20Recreation%20Grounds%20Co%20and%20Taylor%20)&amp;nocontext=1" target="_blank">High Court decision</a> that says the rights of an occupier or owner don’t include a right to prevent neighbouring occupiers from looking over the fence, or filming from adjacent land.
What about <a href="https://theconversation.com/drones-finally-get-mps-talking-tougher-on-privacy-laws-29197" target="_blank">filming from drones</a>? The old law was if you owned the land, you owned the sky. This is no longer the case. <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Social_Policy_and_Legal_Affairs/Drones/Report" target="_blank">The rule today</a> is you “own” the land and sky to a depth and height only for your reasonable use and enjoyment of the land.
Unless the drone is a persistent nuisance, there is no remedy for breach of privacy.
What about revealing personal details?
But surely there must be a remedy for farmers whose personal details, such as names, addresses and maps of their properties, can be found online? Well, no, not unless the farmer can establish, under defamation law, he or she suffers an injury to their character by that publication. 
The test is: does that website, in naming people who it asserts may be cruel to animals, hold them up for contempt or ridicule, and harm their reputation in the eyes of right-minded observers? It’s not an easy case for farmers to win, because few people are going to think less of farmers just because they are slaughtering meat for the market.
The defendant may argue a right-minded person would give some leeway for primary producers in putting food in the marketplace, so the activists’ information-spreading exercise can’t be defamatory.
And if there was clear evidence of cruelty, the activists have a defence against a claim for defamation because what they were saying was true.
One would hope a constructive dialogue will emerge out of this that will usher in a world of best-practice farming. This should improve the live animal export business, which remains perpetually under a cloud. But it’s unlikely the use of the term “terrorism” by the critics of Aussie Farms is an ideal start for any such dialogue.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/110279/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;">
Rick Sarre, Adjunct Professor of Law and Criminal Justice, University of South Australia
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/animal-activists-v-private-landowners-what-does-the-law-say-110279" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Animal activists v private landowners: what does the law say?

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Mackay Sugar’s final tonnage for the 2018 crushing amounted to 4.67 million tonnes compared to 4.97 million tonnes in 2017, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) rural report. 
The report suggests the Percentage of Recoverable Sugar (PRS) was 14.3 compared to 13.37 in 2017.
Dry conditions, through the growing season adversely impacted yield but assisted sugar content.
The price of sugar is low at US$0.29 compared to the most recent peak of US$0.49 in October 2016.
"As had been the case in recent years due to mill break downs, there is no stand over cane," said the HTW report. 
"Growers are now more confident in milling operations and are looking forward to a better crop in 2019.
"In addition to this, Mackay Sugar has received a non binding indicative proposal for recapitalisation from German-based sugar manufacturer Norzducker AG which could result in capital improvements to mills."
Cane farm sales continue at a steady pace, the HTW update noted.
Recent sales activity around the Kuttabul area north of Mackay has occurred due to well established local growers acquiring additional areas. Values remain stable.
<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/2019/1/14/blue%20ribbon%201.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-cropping-qld-chelona-7972306" target="_blank">Blue Ribbon</a>, a 487 acre cane farm at Cehlona recently sold for $2.65 million (pictured above).
Located eight mintues to Mackay being South of Mackay, the home comes with three bedrooms plus office, rumpus room, open plan living and kitchen.
Other features of the property include grey water dam, fertile sandy loam soils, and three bay shed.
<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/2019/1/14/septimus.jpg" alt="">
Another 345 acre <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-cropping-qld-septimus-7966990" target="_blank">dress circle cane farm in Septimus</a> was sold for $1.7 million in October 2018 (pictured above).
Situated 12 minutes to Mirani, it comes with three separate farms for avocados, macadamias and R2E2 mangoes.
Other features include two three bedroom homes, old lowset cottage, and three bay steel shed. 
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Mackay cane farm sales continue at a steady pace: HTW rural

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Construction Equipment Australia (CEA) have committed to a 12-year lease on a new $27 million facility in Leppington, a suburb in south-west Sydney.
The Australian machinery distributer will be leasing a space within the Bringelly Business Hub being developed in Joint Venture by Charter Hall and ESR CIP, a wholly owned subsidiary of ESR.
The facility is set on a total of 22,000 square metres, comprising a combined gross lettable area of 7,763 square metres.
It will house a workshop, warehouse and operational areas, including 1,575 square metres for a showroom space.
Hylton Taylor, Chief Executive Officer for CEA, said "the prime locale of the facility will allow CEA to play a key role in providing construction machinery to the projects contributing to the fast-paced development of Western Sydney".
The design and procurement of the facility has been overseen by specialist supply chain and property consultancy firm, TM Insight.
The firm will also project manage the construction of the building and help with the transitionary period.
ESR Australia CEO Philip Pearce stated: “ESR is please to secure a customer of the quality of CEA as the first commitment to Bringelly Business Hub, which is planned to be a landmark park in a growing precent of south Western Sydney with a built out area in excess of 80,000 square metres with end value of circa $120 million.”
The warehouse is aiming to achieve a five-star energy rating through use of solar technology, water recycling and responsible resourcing of materials. 
CEA expects the facility to be operational in October 2019.
 
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CEA commit to 12 year lease in new $27 million Leppington facility

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Moe is the cheapest Victoria locality to purchase a unit, according to a recent Investar report.
The property investment firm says that a one bedroom unit or studio has a median price of $60,000.
This is followed by Wodonga with $69,000 and Traralgon with $110,000.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/1/24/cheapest%20vic.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/2019/1/24/cheapest%20vic.jpg" alt="">
It appears many of the options are in retirement villages.
A one bedroom unit located in the Moe Retirement Village is on the market with a price guide of 60,000 (pictured below).
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-moe-127408234" target="_blank">14/48 Haigh St</a>, the one bedroom unit features private courtyard with clothes line.
<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/2019/1/24/moe%201%20.jpg" alt="">
Another single bedroom brick veneer unit in the same village was sold for $50,000 in last year (pictured below).
The unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-vic-moe-124324898" target="_blank">45/48 Haigh Street</a> features fully self-contained kitchen with electric cooking, combined bathroom and laundry, and electric heating.
<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/2019/1/24/moe%203.jpg" alt="">
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Moe the cheapest Victorian locality for units: Investar 

Sydney developer Hyecorp's roots on the Lower North Shore stretch back three generations, and that deep understanding of the market continues to shape where and how it develops today.

From high-rise towers to boutique apartment projects, the family-run developer has built its reputation by focusing on a part of Sydney it knows intimately. Founded by Michael Abolakian in the early 1990s, Hyecorp is now led by his sons Stephen, Troy and Patrick.

Stephen Abolakian, joint managing director alongside Troy, has spent more than two decades in the business, overseeing development, planning, finance, marketing and sales.

Abolakian says the developer's disciplined focus on where it chooses to operate has been, and continues to be, one of Hyecorp's greatest strengths.

“We know the buyer profile exceptionally well,” Abolakian says.

“The demographics between places like Willoughby, Chatswood, St Leonards and Roseville are very similar. There are nuances between suburbs and projects, but culturally and from a buyer perspective, there’s a strong overlap.”

That buyer has historically been overwhelmingly owner-occupier driven.

Unlike many Sydney apartment developers that have traditionally relied heavily on investor demand, Hyecorp’s projects have typically attracted downsizers, upsizers, rightsizers and family owner-occupiers seeking long-term homes rather than short-term investments.

“Historically, investors have been a much smaller portion of our demand profile,” Abolakian says.

“We design for owner-occupiers. We don’t design for yield, we design for comfort, amenity, family living and long-term usability.”

That philosophy extends well beyond apartment layouts.

From landscaping and communal gardens to shared amenities and circulation spaces, Hyecorp’s developments are designed around how people actually live, something Abolakian believes has become increasingly important in Sydney’s apartment market.

“There was probably a period where having an approved project in market was enough,” he says.

“There wasn’t as much competition and if you built it, buyers would come. That’s no longer the case.”

“There’s more supply in the pipeline now, particularly with TOD precincts and low and mid-rise reforms opening up opportunities across Sydney. Buyers have more choice, so if you get the product wrong, they’ll simply go elsewhere.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=311393]

The shift has forced developers to become more sophisticated in how they approach apartment design, particularly as owner-occupier expectations continue to rise.

For Hyecorp, that means thinking beyond who the buyer is today and designing for who they may become in five or 10 years' time.

“People buying now often aren’t moving in for several years,” Abolakian says.

“You might have a young couple buying today, but by the time they move in they may have children, older children, or changing lifestyle needs. You’ve got to think about how families evolve.”

That thinking also shapes Hyecorp’s approach to amenity, which positions wellness at the forefront.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362634]

While resort-style facilities have become increasingly common marketing tools across Sydney apartment developments, Abolakian says the challenge is ensuring amenities are genuinely usable and appropriate for the scale of the project.

“If amenities are done right, they can materially improve the living experience,” he says, adding however that if you&nbsp;overdo it or get it wrong, you can end up with facilities nobody uses that simply create ongoing strata costs.”

That balance is something Hyecorp is aiming to strike with projects like Roseville Avenue, one of the group's upcoming Lower North Shore developments, which Abolakian describes as bringing a resort-style living experience into a metropolitan setting.

“It’s about creating something that feels special without being excessive,” he says.

“Good gardens, quality apartments, thoughtful amenity. Creating that resort feeling in a metro location.”

<img alt="Hyecorp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13c4c0f3-b1b7-44cf-9344-0b3d1d07797a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-02%20at%2012.14.57%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=9OLWjyj2bYkDV35F78WJnyMSPfc2bJ2z" />

The focus on owner-occupier product comes as Sydney’s apartment market continues to navigate a difficult development environment.&nbsp;For Hyecorp, maintaining an in-house operating model across construction, sales, marketing and development management has become increasingly important in navigating that environment.

“We’ve always believed in keeping a lot of the process in-house,” Abolakian says.

“It creates efficiencies, but it also creates quality control. You can make faster decisions and ensure the end product stays aligned with the original vision.”

Despite the challenges, Abolakian believes demand for quality owner-occupier apartments across Sydney remains strong beneath the surface, particularly across established Lower North Shore suburbs where downsizers continue to seek new housing options close to existing communities.

“There are definitely people waiting,” he says.

“Once some of the broader uncertainty settles, whether that’s the global environment or some of the local economic noise, I think the right projects will perform very strongly.”

Hyecorp currently has three residential developments on the market across Sydney’s Lower North Shore.&nbsp;Audrey, St Leonards, positioned opposite Newlands Park, is nearing completion and preparing to welcome its first residents, with the project now almost sold out.

Hyecorp has also recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celine-chatswood-37-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Celine Chatswood</a>, an architectural tower, while continuing to deliver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet Roseville</a>, a more boutique scale of development with just 34 apartments.

Joel Robinson

Why Hyecorp continues to back Sydney's Lower North Shore apartment market

South East Queensland’s apartment market is entering a new phase defined by rising prices, constrained affordability, and mounting pressure on the construction pipeline, according to RPM Group’s latest SEQ Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report.

The May 2026 report highlights a widening divide between what buyers can afford and what developers can viably deliver, with detached house prices continuing to push more buyers toward apartments across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

RPM says Brisbane’s median house price has reached around $1.5 million, accelerating the shift toward higher-density housing as buyers are increasingly priced out of the detached market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=356540]

Median unit prices rose across all three major SEQ markets in the March quarter. Brisbane City recorded the strongest annual growth, with median unit prices climbing 21 per cent to $862,000, while the Gold Coast reached the highest overall median at $950,000, up 17 per cent year-on-year. The Sunshine Coast followed at $870,000, representing annual growth of nine per cent.

RPM noted the affordability gap between houses and units remains significant, with detached homes commanding premiums of 67 per cent in Brisbane and 68 per cent on the Gold Coast relative to apartments.

The report suggests this price disparity is increasingly consolidating buyer demand within the apartment market, particularly among downsizers and owner-occupiers.

“Demand is real. Supply is moving. But they’re operating on different timelines and the gap between what’s being built and what buyers can afford is the defining tension in this market right now,” RPM Queensland and NSW Managing Directors Peter Neale and Clinton Trezise said in the report.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366230]

While approvals and commencements are strengthening, RPM argues the delivery pipeline remains constrained by construction costs, labour shortages, and extended build timelines.

Apartment approvals across Queensland increased 86 per cent over the year to February 2026, reaching 12,682 approvals, the highest level recorded since 2016. Brisbane overtook the Gold Coast as the state’s most active apartment approval market, with nearly 5,000 apartments approved over the past 12 months.

Unit commencements also strengthened considerably, rising 48 per cent year-on-year to 5,453 commencements in the December 2025 quarter, the highest level since 2018.

However, RPM’s research found apartment delivery timeframes have expanded sharply compared to the previous cycle. Projects are now averaging around 30 months from approval to completion, compared to roughly 20 months a decade ago.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367515]

The number of units under construction has climbed to approximately 31,530 dwellings, nearing the previous 2016 peak, though projects are remaining in the pipeline for considerably longer.

Construction costs continue to weigh heavily on feasibility. RPM found the average apartment construction cost in Greater Brisbane reached $630,000 per dwelling in 2025, exceeding both Sydney and Melbourne. Coastal Queensland markets, including the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, were even higher at an average of $817,418 per apartment due to the prevalence of larger premium product.

The report also points to increasing pressure from Olympic-related infrastructure spending ahead of Brisbane 2032, with labour competition expected to intensify over the next several years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370960]

ANZ Associate Director of Property Daniel Gradwell said the underlying demand drivers across South East Queensland remain strong, supported by interstate migration, downsizers, and population growth.

“The challenge is bringing enough supply to market to meet that demand, and nothing on the horizon makes that straightforward,” Gradwell said.

RPM’s analysis found the affordability challenge is becoming more pronounced in the new apartment market itself, with only three per cent of surveyed new apartments priced below $1 million.

Instead, the market is increasingly concentrated in higher price brackets, with the most common new apartment price band across SEQ sitting between $1.5 million and $1.75 million. Around half of all new apartment stock surveyed is priced below $2 million.

The report suggests developers are not necessarily avoiding lower price points by choice, but because current construction economics make delivering affordable apartments increasingly difficult at scale.

Rental conditions also remain tight across the region. Median rents for one-bedroom apartments rose 12 per cent in Brisbane over the past year to $580 per week, while Gold Coast one-bedroom rents increased nine per cent to $630.

Despite rising rents, RPM noted bond lodgements have generally trended downward over the past five years, indicating more apartments are being absorbed by owner-occupiers rather than retained as investor-held rental stock.

Looking ahead, RPM expects projects targeting the mid-market owner-occupier segment between $1.25 million and $2 million to remain the most viable part of the market, while premium projects in highly constrained coastal or riverfront locations continue to attract demand.

“Construction costs are rewriting the feasibility rulebook across Greater Brisbane, and with little relief in sight, only projects in the right price band, right location, and with presales secured early will make it through,” the report concludes.

SEQ apartment demand outpacing affordable supply as construction timelines stretch: RPM

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.

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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>

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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, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, 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.

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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.

Staff reporter

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