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Fractional investment fund manager, DomaCom will crowdfund buying land and and developing a $4.3 million bioHub in the northern NSW town of Casino.
Once the $4.3 million for the land and the development costs is raised, Brisbane-based bioHub developer, Utilitas, will sign a 10-year lease to operate the bioHub.
The rental income generated is expected to give investors an annual eight percent yield.
Arthur Naoumidis, DomaCom CEO said this is an exciting opportunity to merge a socially responsible energy investment in rural Australia with a projected healthy yield for investors.
“For a minimum investment of $2,500, investors can participate in the development of a bioHub project that will service the energy needs of the local sewage wastewater treatment plant, industries and communities in and around Casino, one of Australia’s major beef centres," he said.
“Every year Australia produces enough sewage, agricultural and processing residuals to power more than one million homes.
“Utilitas has a target of 100 bioHubs in 100 regional centres by 2025, and we are excited to be part of this energy project of the future.”
Fiona Waterhouse, Utilitas founding shareholder and CEO said the bioHub developer sees the DomaCom “partnership” as an integral part of the capital raising needed to unlock the development of this kind of useful infrastructure across rural Australia.
“At a time of rising energy costs across Australia, Utilitas is offering an environmentally sound service to rural Australia where our bioHubs use well proven, safe and reliable technology to convert organic waste and waste water into electricity, gas and fuel, create local fertiliser and other useful bioproducts,” she said.
“These plans can safely and reliably capture and utilise energy and nutrient from this waste that typically would have to be disposed at an economic and environmental cost.
"Demand for our bioHubs is being driven by three key factors – growing demand for food, increasing energy costs, and supply risks.
“Casino is an excellent example of how this energy technology can work to benefit a rural community.
“This northern NSW town of about 12,000 people is the regional hub of a large cattle industry, and, as a consequence, the sheer size of biomass from abattoirs and farms in this fertile beef region makes it an ideal location for a bioHub.”
Utilitas uses tanks to digest organic waste and convert it into electricity.
They have one plant operational under private ownership in Queensland treating animal waste, which generates sufficient energy to power 235 homes.
They have designed more than 5MWe (5,875 homes equivalent) of private projects including in New South Wales treating abattoir waste.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

DomaCom crowdfunding to build northern NSW bioHub

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The national vacancy rate is at 2.4 percent up from 2.2 percent in May driven by a jump in Sydney vacancies, according to SQM Research.
SQM Research this week announced the number of national residential vacancies was 78,314 rental homes in June 2017.
Vacancies rose in Sydney to 13,215 in June, up from 11,153 in May, giving a vacancy rate of 2.1%.
That compares to 1.8% the previous month.
In Melbourne, the vacancy rate rose to 1.7%, easing off a 7-year low level of 1.5%, helping to alleviate the shortage of rental properties in that city.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/19/Chart-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/19/Chart-1.jpg" alt="">
The vacancy rate edged higher to 0.7% in Hobart, up from 0.6%.
In Canberra, the vacancy rate rose to 1.2%, up from 1.0% in May.
Elsewhere, the vacancy rose in Perth to 5.0% from 4.8% and in Adelaide to 1.9% from 1.8%.
The vacancy numbers may give some relief to home seekers, though rental markets remain tight in several cities.
This year has been marked by some big falls in vacancies rates in the big cities, but in June we saw more rental stock listed, which should give some relief to renters.
In Sydney, where there was a big jump in June vacancies, there has been some downward pressure on asking rents for houses and units, and also in Canberra, where vacancy rates eased.
Annually, asking rents for houses moderated slightly in Sydney to 2.6% and rents were down by 1.2% over the month to July 12.
The asking rent for a three-bedroom house in Sydney is now $725 while for units it stands at $522. 
Asking rents for units were down 0.2% over the month to July 12, but were up 3.3% over the year.
Annually, asking rents for houses in Melbourne rose 5.9% and rose 0.2% over the month to July 12.
Unit asking rents rose 1.0% over the month to July 12 and 5.8% over the year.
The asking rent for a three-bedroom house in Melbourne now sits at $511 and for units it sits at $401.
In Perth and Darwin, asking rents are still falling due to the mining downturn.
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Vacancy rates rises while rents moderates: SQM

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Preliminary auction numbers down for the fourth consecutive week, according to CoreLogic's latest report.
The property data firm says that however auction clearance rate increases.
The number of homes taken to auction across the capital cities has fallen for the 4th week in a row, with just 1,612 auctions held this week, down from 1,766 last week, although higher than this time last year when 1,391 properties went under the hammer.
The combined capital city preliminary clearance rate increased to 72.4 per cent this week, up from the final clearance rate of 68.4 per cent last week, although this will revise as more results are collected.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-16%20at%2011.07.13%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-16%20at%2011.07.13%20am.jpg" alt="">
The final clearance rate has nudged slightly higher over the last two weeks after reaching a year to date low of 66.5 per cent; it will be interesting to see if this is still the case on Thursday when the final figures are released.
Adelaide and Brisbane were the only cities to see a slight increase in auction volumes this week, while Melbourne had the highest number of auctions scheduled (753).
In terms of preliminary clearance rates, Melbourne was the best performing city with 77.4 per cent of the 667 results recording a successful result, and although this result will revise lower as the final results are collected, it is likely to be stronger than what we have seen in Melbourne over the last month.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-16%20at%2011.07.23%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-16%20at%2011.07.23%20am.jpg" alt="">
Across Melbourne, 77.4 per cent of the 667 reported auctions sold this week.
There were 753 auctions held across the city this week, falling from 818 last week when the final clearance rate was 72.9 per cent, but higher than one year ago when 667 homes went to auction and a clearance rate of 76.1 per cent was recorded.
The West region of Melbourne had the highest number of auctions this week (138), with a preliminary clearance rate of 68.8 per cent.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-16%20at%2011.07.32%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-16%20at%2011.07.32%20am.jpg" alt="">
Meanwhile, the strongest clearance rate was recorded across the Outer East, with 90.9 per cent of the 55 reported auctions clearing, followed by the South East region with a clearance rate of 86.2 per cent.
In Sydney, 600 properties were taken to auction this week with a preliminary clearance rate of 72.9 per cent, increasing from last week, when the final clearance rate for the city was 68.6 per cent across 656 auctions.
One year ago, 470 Sydney homes were taken to auction and the clearance rate was 74.9 per cent.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-16%20at%2011.07.40%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-16%20at%2011.07.40%20am.jpg" alt="">
Looking at the sub-regions of Sydney, the Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury region recorded the strongest clearance rate of 94.1 per cent across 21 auctions, followed by the Eastern Suburbs (84.2 per cent), while the North Sydney and Hornsby region had the highest volume of auctions (84), and recorded a clearance rate of 76.9 per cent.
There were 116 Brisbane homes taken to auction this week, with 87 results reported so far.
The preliminary clearance rate for the city is 44.8 per cent, down from 55.7 per cent last week and lower than one year ago, when 47.0 per cent of the 120 properties taken to auction were successful.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-16%20at%2011.07.47%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-16%20at%2011.07.47%20am.jpg" alt="">
Across the Gold Coast 14 results have been reported so far, with a success rate of 64.3 per cent.
This week, Adelaide saw a preliminary clearance rate of 75.0 per cent, with 36 reported results across a total of 65 scheduled auctions.
In comparison, over the previous week Adelaide’s clearance rate was 59.6 per cent and 54.7 per cent one year ago.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-16%20at%2011.07.58%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-16%20at%2011.07.58%20am.jpg" alt="">
There were 33 Perth auctions this week and so far 18 results have been reported, with 44.4 per cent selling.
Last week 36.4 per cent of the 22 reported auctions were successful.
Canberra’s preliminary auction clearance rate of 72.7 per cent across 39 auctions is higher than both last week, when the final auction clearance rate was 62.7 per cent, and last year (63.3 per cent).
Tasmania saw 6 auctions take place this week and 5 results have been reported so far, with 3 sales.
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Preliminary auction numbers down for fourth week in a row: CoreLogic

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Adelaide has the second lowest movement in property listings compared to 12 months ago, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that Adelaide’s total listings have risen by just 0.6% to 8,116
This is compared to Canberra’s 14.8% growth.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-18%20at%2010.07.37%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-18%20at%2010.07.37%20am.jpg" alt="">
Darwin has the lowest with a 0.2% rise in total listings while Hobart has the biggest decline of total listings with 29.2%.
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-coromandel+valley-125956098">11 Walsh Court</a>, Coromandel Valley (above) has been listed for between $470,000 to $490,000.
Built in 1982 the property was last sold in 2008 for $373,000.
<div>
Another three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-trott+park-125954210">1 Barton Drive</a>, Trott Park (below) has been listed for between $339,000 to $355,000.
Built in 1986 the property was last sold in 2014 for $325,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/18/1%20Barton%20Drive.jpg" alt="">
</div>
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Adelaide sees very slight listing uptick: CoreLogic

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A unique custom-built Humpty Doo, Northern Territory house has been listed for sale at $888,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nt-humpty+doo-125699930" target="_blank">900 Pioneer Drive</a>, the property is built like a house from the Hobbit.
It was last sold in 1999 for $126,000.
The brick smoke house has an expansive internal living quarters with multiple bedroom options with built in water feature in the living areas.
Kitchen is spacious and has modern appliances.
Bedrooms each have their own unique spin including circular portal window or custom shapes.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/18/900%20Pioneer%20Drive-2.jpg" alt="">
One bedroom is surrounded by landscaped gardens and bushlands and has twin built in robes and central vanity.
A central study room or home office is available which can also be converted into an additional living room.
There is a bush pool and outdoor verandah available.
Other features includes multiple carports on the property, swimming pool as well as a shed/workshop with twin carport parking space.
The property is offered through Top End Real Estate agent May Dunlop.
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Hobbit-inspired Humpty Doo house listed for $888,000

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A historic Newtown home has been listed with record setting $5 million plus hopes.
The 131-year-old home at 20-28 Munni Street goes to auction on August 19. 
 The 622-square-metre block is one of Newtown’s largest single landholdings. There is a four-bedroom, three-bathroom house built in 1876.
The house last traded in 1988 for $368,000.
Musician Lara Goodridge holds the record with her recent purchase of a terrace on Watkin Street Newtown for $3.8 million.
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Heritage Newtown trophy home with $5 million hopes

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The median unit price in Brisbane dropped 5.5 percent over the June quarter to $375,000.
Annually, unit prices are down 4.9 percent, the latest Domain State of the Market Report calculates.
Domain Group chief economist Andrew Wilson not at 3.1 percent annual house price growth is still positive, but this is the slowest growth rate recorded since 2013. 
The drop of 5.5 per cent is the steepest fall in unit prices since the December 2000 quarter - and is predicted to continue as supply continues to outweigh demand.
In the Greater Brisbane area, which includes the local government areas of Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redland City and Logan, house prices fell 0.1 per cent
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Region
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Median price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Quarter change
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Year change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Brisbane (C)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$657,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
4.4%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
1.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Ipswich (C)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$371,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
6.3%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
-2.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Logan (C)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$400,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
0%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
0%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Moreton Bay (C)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$445,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
1.4%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
-1.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Redland (C)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$520,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
0%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
-0.4%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
House prices in Ipswich, Moreton Bay and Redland City have all recorded drops, while Logan’s house prices are flat.
Brisbane as a city has performed slightly better, recording a 1.2 per cent rise in house prices. The median is now $657,500.
CoreLogic is not tracking the same decline.
Brisbane has the third highest 12 month home value growth among the capitals, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that in the past 12 months Brisbane’s home value has risen by 4%
The property data firm says that a rise in house values compensates a fall in unit values takes Brisbane’s annual growth rate into 2% in the June quarter.
Melbourne and Sydney take the top two spots with a home value growth of 16% and 13% respectively.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/17/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-17%20at%2012.12.17%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/17/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-17%20at%2012.12.17%20pm.jpg" alt="">
 
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Brisbane unit prices in serious price decline: Domain

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Sydney still has the latest selling units among the capital city markets.
But Melbourne and Canberra are neck and neck in the quickest selling houses, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that the average time that a unit in Sydney stays on the market is 30 days.
Melbourne and Canberra houses are selling in 29 days in the private treaty market.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/12/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-12%20at%2010.34.26%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/12/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-12%20at%2010.34.26%20am.jpg" alt="">
Darwin and Perth are the two capitals where properties take the longest time to sell.
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Sydney units the quickest selling capital city market: CoreLogic

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The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) has banned Perth financial adviser Jason Sean Atkins from providing financial services for a period of three years.
ASIC found that Mr Atkins provided advice to clients to establish a self–managed superannuation fund (SMSF) and use limited recourse borrowing arrangements to fund the purchase of real property that was in breach of the best interests duty introduced under the Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) reforms.
ASIC Commissioner John Price said financial advisers must act in the best interests of their clients.
“ASIC is committed to improving conduct in the wealth management industry and we will act to remove individuals who do not live up to the high standards expected of financial advisers," he said.
ASIC found that in providing advice Mr Atkins had failed to act in the best interests of four clients.
ASIC was not satisfied that Mr Atkins:
<ul>
<li>had identified the subject matter of the advice</li>
<li>a reasonable investigation into the financial products that might achieve  the objectives and meet the needs of the client that would reasonably be considered as relevant to advice on that subject matter</li>
<li>understood what was required of him to comply with the best interest duty.</li>
</ul>
This banning should serve to remind financial advisers of Regulatory Guide 175 Licensing: Financial product advisers – conduct and disclosure (RG 175) which includes guidance on complying with the best interest duty and satisfying the 'safe harbour'.
In particular ASIC highlights the following elements of the 'safe harbour', which are relevant even when a client expresses a specific preference for a particular strategy or financial product;
<ul>
<li>identification of the subject matter of the advice sought by the client (whether explicitly or implicitly); and</li>
<li>if it would be reasonable to consider recommending a financial product:</li>
<li>to conduct a reasonable investigation into the financial products that might achieve the objectives and meet the needs of the client that would reasonably be considered relevant to advice on that subject matter; and</li>
<li>to assess the information gathered in the investigation.</li>
</ul>
ASIC's MoneySmart website has useful information on SMSFs and property.
Mr Atkins has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of ASIC's decision.
Mr Atkins was a former authorised representative of Magnitude Group Pty Ltd (Magnitude), a subsidiary of Westpac Banking Corporation (Westpac) from 11 May 2015 to 11 December 2015.
Mr Atkins was appointed by a corporate authorised representative of Magnitude called Wealth Plus Solutions Pty Ltd.
Prior to this Mr Atkins was an authorised representative of Genesys Wealth Advisers Limited from 14 June 2013 to 8 May 2015.
The banning of Mr Atkins is part of ASIC's Wealth Management Project.
The Wealth Management Project was established in October 2014 to lift the standards of major financial advice providers.
The Wealth Management Project focuses on the conduct of the largest financial advice firms (NAB, Westpac, CBA, ANZ, Macquarie and AMP).
ASIC's work in the Wealth Management Project covers a number of areas including:
<ul>
<li>working with the largest financial advice firms to address the identification and remediation of non-compliant advice</li>
<li>seeking regulatory outcomes, where appropriate, against licensees and advisers.</li>
</ul>
As part of its Wealth Management Project, ASIC has banned 34 advisers from the financial services industry.
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ASIC bans former Magnitude Group adviser over SMSF advice

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Nine separate bulky goods retail properties leased to electronics retailer The Good Guys across four states have sold for a total of $92 million.
The deals were the largest group transactions of its kind in the Australian market this year, according to Savills which negotiated them on behalf of the Muir family.
The properties are located in Victoria (Thomastown, Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat), New South Wales (Caringbah and Ballina), Queensland (Ipswich and Cairns) and Western Australia (O’Connor), and all are leased long-term to The Good Guys, a wholly owned subsidiary of ASX-listed JB HiFi.
Sales range from $5.2 million for the Bendigo property, up to almost $30 million for the Caringbah property.  
Purchase yields range from around 6.25% for the capital city properties up to almost 8.00% for regional properties – compelling returns for a yield starved market.
A Sydney-based investment fund and sell the other properties individually.’’One investment group
Selling agents Clinton Baxter, Nick Peden and Steven Lerche of Savills said the sale had been one of the most anticipated divestment of Australian retail stock in the last 12 months.
"We expected strong interest from private investors seeking individual properties, but were particularly surprised by the numerous portfolio buyers seeking multiple properties across several states,’’ Baxter said.   
“We simply couldn’t satisfy all the portfolio offers due to overlapping property requirements, and ultimately chose to transact 5 of the properties with a Sydney-based investment fund and sell the other properties individually.’’
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/19/Good%20Guys_Thomastown.03.jpg" alt="">
Peden said that the wide price range of the assets, exceptional main road locations in key commercial precincts, attractive rental returns, together with blue-chip tenancy profiles appealed to a wide range of investors ranging from SMSFs, private investors, syndicators and property funds, whether based locally or off-shore.
"With The Good Guys being owned by ASX-listed retail powerhouse JB Hi-Fi Limited, investors feel extremely comfortable with the long-term security of the investment. 
"All properties are in proven commercial locations, with a long history of successful trade” Lerche said.
The properties are all owned by the Muir family. 
Savills will be selling several additional properties also leased to The Good Guys in coming weeks, to complete the divestment.
“Of the original portfolio of properties we have been handling for the Muir family, it was crucial to the process that we finalised the single portfolio transaction before allowing individual properties to be sold. 
Now that has occurred, we are busy transacting the individual properties, with the opportunity offering exceptional value for investors at attractive yields” Mr Baxter said.
The Good Guys was founded in Melbourne’s northern suburbs in 1952, and remained a family owned business until late 2016 when the company was purchased by JB Hi-Fi Limited for $870 million.
The business has grown to be one of Australia’s leading retailers in the sale of white goods and electronics, with an approximate annual revenue of $2.1 billion.
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Savills sell nine properties leased to The Good Guys in $92 million disposal

A trio of Queensland property groups have unveiled plans for a $300 million mixed-use redevelopment of the former Noosa Bowls Club site, a proposal that would deliver more than 200 new homes in one of the Sunshine Coast's most supply-constrained markets.

Kilter Property, Frank Developments and Calile Malouf Investments are behind the plans for the 1.8-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-noosa-drive-noosa-heads-qld-4567">99 Noosa Drive</a>, which would transform the long-vacant site into a new residential precinct featuring 208 apartments, retail, hospitality and public space.

The proposal comes as Noosa continues to grapple with housing affordability and a shortage of permanent accommodation, particularly for key workers. The site's location in Noosa Junction, close to shops, public transport and employment, aligns with the direction of Noosa Council's Housing Strategy, which encourages higher-density housing within established activity centres rather than continued urban expansion.

The draft plans include 48 affordable-by-design apartments and 48 rooming accommodation units aimed at key workers. Around 2,000 sqm of ground-floor retail and food and beverage space would activate the street frontage, alongside a new public town square and landscaped open space.

<img alt="Noosa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dd02f53-1360-4e51-801e-bfd61a6c980e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-26%20at%208.44.34%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=x1iNs3BSMN6Jy7YUwaBZMHRrrKX2hMpy" />

&nbsp;

Frank Developments Founder and Director Frank Licastro said the development would continue the company's focus on architecturally-led residential projects while addressing one of the region's biggest challenges.

"Not only will this project exude a sense of luxury, it will also enhance not only the built environment but also the surrounding community," Licastro said.

"Noosa's success relies on the people who live and work here. Providing well-designed accommodation for key workers is critical to supporting the local economy and ensuring the Shire can continue to thrive."

Kilter Property Co-Founder Huw Williams said the focus was on delivering additional permanent housing while creating a mixed-use destination that benefits both residents and the wider community.

"Our focus is on delivering a well-considered mixed-use project that provides more permanent housing options, supports local workers and businesses, and delivers an exceptional product for the local market," Williams said.

"The redevelopment vision aligns with the long-term evolution of Noosa Junction as a vibrant activity centre, creating a destination that enhances the area's character while delivering significant economic and community benefits."

Calile Malouf Investments, best known for its role in Brisbane's James Street precinct and The Calile Hotel, will bring its place-making experience to the project. The company recently commenced construction on The Calile Noosa hotel and says the residential development will complement its growing investment in the region.

CMI Director Cal Malouf said the aim was to create a walkable precinct combining housing, retail and hospitality while remaining true to Noosa's character.

"We see a similar opportunity in Noosa to deliver a vibrant, walkable destination that combines exceptional housing, hospitality and retail in one integrated project," Malouf said.

Brisbane-based Cavill Architects has been appointed to design the project.

Joel Robinson

Noosa Bowls Club to be redeveloped into mixed-use apartment precinct

One of Brisbane's last major riverfront redevelopment opportunities has taken a significant step forward, with Lendlease selected as the Queensland Government's preferred development partner for the former Visy site in South Brisbane.

The seven-hectare industrial site, positioned between South Bank and West End and 1.3 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, will be transformed into a mixed-use precinct expected to deliver more than 4,000 new homes alongside extensive public open space and riverfront parkland.

The project is one of the largest urban renewal opportunities currently planned in Brisbane and is expected to play a key role in accommodating the city's growing population ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Plans for the precinct include a network of riverfront promenades and boardwalks, new public plazas, parkland, amphitheatre-style gathering spaces and shared pedestrian and cycling links designed to reconnect the long-isolated site with the Brisbane River.

The Queensland Government is targeting delivery of the first homes and key public spaces before the 2032 Games, allowing the precinct to begin contributing new housing and public amenity well before the broader masterplan is complete.

The redevelopment is also expected to support more than 3,000 jobs across planning, construction and ongoing operations.

For Lendlease, the appointment adds another major urban regeneration project to its Queensland portfolio. The developer has operated in the state for more than 70 years and has delivered a number of large-scale mixed-use precincts in partnership with government.

Lendlease Development CEO Claire Johnston said the project represented one of Brisbane's most significant redevelopment opportunities.

"The transformation of the former Visy site represents a rare opportunity to reimagine one of Brisbane's most significant riverfront locations, deliver thousands of much-needed homes, and create long-term legacy," Johnston said.

"In partnership with the Queensland Government, we have the opportunity to create a new riverside destination that will help shape Brisbane's growth and how people experience the city for decades to come.

"This is exactly the type of large-scale, city-shaping development that will provide lasting benefits for Queensland, bringing together housing, jobs and world-class public spaces."

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the riverfront transformation would deliver a thriving new community precinct.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering this golden opportunity to unlock a riverfront jewel for all Queenslanders,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment to reshape a significant slice of Brisbane and deliver lasting benefits – thousands of new homes, and public spaces for all Queenslanders to enjoy well beyond the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – unlike Labor’s plan which would have delivered zero benefits and zero new homes.

“Queensland is well and truly open for business and through partnership with the private sector, we are accelerating delivery while ensuring strong housing, community and economic outcomes."

Early works on the precinct are expected to commence in April 2027.

Lendlease selected to deliver transformative South Brisbane riverfront precinct

Eddy Haddad's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/level-33">Level 33</a> is levelling up its approved Wollongong development, as the coastal city south of Sydney continues to prove popular in the high-density development space.

Level 33, a longtime developer in the Wollongong area, has gone through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority to upsize its approved two-tower development on the corner of Crown Street and Gladstone Avenue, just 100 metres from Wollongong Station.

The developer currently has approval for 252 apartments across two buildings rising to 19 storeys. It is now seeking approval for 33 and 38-storey towers that would deliver 467 apartments, including 67 affordable homes.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bka-architecture">BKA Architecture</a>, the development would comprise apartments above a three-level podium with around 1,100 sqm of retail space, along with basement parking for 448 vehicles.

According to the Urban Design Report by BKA, the proposal has the capacity to "reinforce the precinct's identity by strengthening links between health, education, and transport services, while also contributing to Wollongong's ongoing evolution as a key regional centre."

Wollongong is somewhat in vogue. Between Level 33 and Urban Property Group, the two developers have several thousand apartments planned across the city.

Level 33 is currently delivering Easterly Wollongong, one of its most boutique projects to date with just 21 high-end apartments, as well as Atchison &amp; Kenny, a 329-apartment development due for completion later this year.

The developer plans to redevelop the 13,088 sqm WIN Grand megasite into <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crown-square-216-238-keira-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Crown Square</a>, a new $500 million precinct with nearly 600 apartments. It also has more than 900 apartments planned for the former Bunnings Warehouse site at the intersection of Gipps and Flinders streets.

Urban Property Group is also playing a major role in the city's transformation. Its five-tower Keira Place precinct will deliver more than 800 homes, and it has recently lodged plans for a further 300 apartments near Wollongong Station.

First look: Level 33 upsizes Wollongong apartment towers

Just a week after filing plans for the final stage of its major Keira Place masterplan, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has unveiled another significant housing proposal in Wollongong, this time targeting a prominent site opposite North Wollongong Station.

The developer has lodged a State Significant Development Application for a 38-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-4a-flinders-street-north-wollongong-nsw-2500">4-4A Flinders Street</a>, around one kilometre north of the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place precinct</a> currently taking shape on the edge of the CBD.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b6428f1-6405-4038-8476-897de440e90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium.png?VersionId=QLqEvK0OuCEwRC47oHNftrw2B1YqaHF8" />

Designed by Studio.SC, the proposal comprises a 38-storey mixed-use development containing 303 apartments, including 45 affordable housing units, alongside 174 co-living residences. The scheme also includes ground-floor retail space, extensive landscaping and public domain improvements.

Studio.SC noted in the proposal it "outlines a vision for a landmark transit-oriented mixed-use development centred around North Wollongong Station, designed to support the city’s future growth while responding to the NSW Government’s housing and planning reforms."

The architecture firm said the proposal responds to the opportunities and constraints shaping future growth within the 400-metre catchment of the station and represents "a coordinated and future-focused approach to urban intensification, contributing to the long-term evolution of North Wollongong as a connected, walkable and high-density station precinct."

The site occupies a strategic corner bounded by Flinders Street, Station Street, Stafford Street and the Princes Highway, directly opposite North Wollongong Station.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7863adad-1f71-4022-b850-f44b252738fd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium%20a.png?VersionId=WsU7av0g8_8R2tGHWxgHeFSlhu7yeY1V" />

The proposal follows Urban Property Group's recent submission for the second and final stage of Keira Place, which would deliver a further three buildings comprising 657 homes opposite Beaton Park. It builds on the first stage, which features 150 apartments across two towers and recently commenced construction.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said breaking ground on the first stage marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/urban-property-group-unveils-trio-of-towers-for-next-stage-of-new-wollongong-precinct-keira-place">Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place</a>

First look: Urban Property Group plans next major Wollongong tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/arada">Arada Australia</a> has wasted little time expanding its ambitions in Campsie, lodging plans for a second major project in the rapidly transforming town centre just months after unveiling its three-tower One Campsie proposal on Beamish Street.

The UAE-backed developer has now taken aim at one of the suburb’s most strategically positioned sites, filing a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/10-north-parade-campsie-nsw-2194">33-storey mixed-use tower</a> at 10 London Street and 43 North Parade, directly opposite the future Campsie Metro Station. The proposal is currently on public exhibition and represents another significant vote of confidence in Campsie's emergence as one of Sydney’s key transit-oriented growth centres.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the development would deliver 156 apartments above a podium containing retail and commercial space, creating a new residential and commercial gateway to the town centre. The scheme also includes a four-level above-ground parking podium and a dedicated residential amenity floor featuring wellness and recreation facilities. At least 10 per cent of the apartments would be allocated as affordable housing for a period of 10 years.

The proposal occupies a 1,631 sqm site bounded by London Street, North Parade and Dispensary Lane, immediately adjoining the future Metro station precinct and just metres from Beamish Street’s retail and dining strip. According to the Urban Design Report, the project seeks to deliver "a great place that prioritises human-scaled experience and provides spatial improvements to the area."

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="175a8324-015b-4856-abe3-ce6f23199fa7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium%20campsie.png?VersionId=742UGwXFhFBX4GEl6wX4PYIWREAgn6il" />

Woods Bagot describes the tower as a key marker within Campsie's next phase of growth.

"Located directly opposite the new Campsie Metro Station on North Parade, 10 London Street is a thoughtfully composed 33-storey mixed-use tower that contributes to the ongoing transformation of the town centre," the Architectural Design Report states. The report says the project is intended to provide "high-quality homes within a vibrant, connected urban environment, while helping define Campsie's future skyline."

A strong emphasis has been placed on the public realm. The ground floor incorporates over 500 sqm of retail space and active frontages along both London Street and North Parade, while the podium is wrapped by extensive landscaped planting intended to soften the building's scale and strengthen the pedestrian experience. The development would also widen surrounding footpaths and improve connections between the Metro station and the broader town centre.

Above the podium, residents would have access to more than 1,400 sqm of communal amenities, including a pool, gym and landscaped recreation spaces. A distinctive green-wall treatment extending across four podium levels forms a major architectural feature, helping differentiate the project within the emerging high-density precinct.

The tower's design is closely tied to the broader Campsie Town Centre Master Plan and the arrival of Sydney Metro. The Urban Design Report notes the proposal "directly supports the Campsie Town Centre Master Plan by delivering new homes in a location explicitly identified for growth, improved accessibility, and high-quality urban renewal." It adds that the project contributes to the master plan's vision for a strengthened town centre supported by thousands of new homes around the future Metro station.

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfd17654-253e-489a-bade-6278d63db412" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/base%20campsie.png?VersionId=3roJPMQGs36dazpkhvpvbDDP73Ld.Ica" />

The application follows Arada Australia's recently lodged One Campsie project at 124–142 Beamish Street and 16–18 Ninth Avenue, where the developer is seeking approval for 346 apartments across three towers rising 24, 32 and 39 storeys. Together, the two proposals would cement Arada Australia as one of the most influential developers shaping Campsie's future urban form.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-arada-files-for-trio-of-apartment-towers-in-campsie-town-centre">First Look: Arada Australia files for trio of apartment towers in Campsie town centre</a>

Arada Australia entered the Australian market in 2024 and has rapidly assembled a significant development pipeline across Sydney. Alongside its Campsie holdings, the developer is soon to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wattle-green-2-fishburn-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Wattle Green</a> in Castle Hill, and has expanded its local operations following its acquisition of construction firm Roberts &amp; Co.

Located around 14 kilometres south-west of the Sydney CBD, the site sits at the centre of one of Sydney's fastest-changing middle-ring precincts. The Metro conversion of Campsie Station, combined with Canterbury-Bankstown Council's master planning framework, is driving significant residential intensification around Beamish Street and North Parade, with thousands of new homes expected over coming decades.

Staff reporter

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