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Nine new planning schemes have been announced for all councils in the picturesque Cradle Coast region in Tasmania.
This is part of the government's planning reform program that aims to deliver contemporary and more consistent planning schemes across the state, Urbanalyst reports.
Tasmanian planning minister Bryan Green said on Wednesday the region was the first in the state to have consistent new planning schemes that would focus on reducing costs and barriers to job-creating developments and housing through streamlined planning systems.
The new process has worked elsewhere. "Launceston, which was the first council in Tasmania to implement a new planning scheme, has already seen millions worth of investment unlocked and we want to see that happening around the state," Mr Green said.
Each of the nine councils in the Cradle Coast Region -- Burnie, Devonport, Central Coast, Latrobe, Waratah-Wynyard, Circular Head, West Coast, Kentish and King Island -- submitted draft interim planning schemes last December and, after amendments, they were adopted.
The Tasmanian Planning Commission says this is the first step in the assessment process under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993. The schemes will be exhibited and representations can be made to the respective planning authority.
"Whether developing on King Island, Devonport, Burnie, Queenstown or Smithton, these reforms will minimise costs for builders and developers by increasing the consistency, clarity and certainty of the planning system," Mr Green said.
In other areas of Tasmania, the minister has declared planning schemes for the Launceston, Northern Midlands, Break O'Day, George Town, West Tamar and Meander Valley local government areas.
"It is important that our planning laws keep pace with the expectations of local communities and potential investors. The government is delivering the most important planning reforms we have ever seen and we will continue working with all councils,’’ Mr Green said.
"We now have a single planning template for the whole state, a new code for residential development which is cutting costs and speeding up approvals, and new regional land use strategies."
More information is available from the <a href="https://www.planning.tas.gov.au/" target="_blank" title="Tasmanian Planning Commission">Tasmanian Planning Commission website</a>.
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Tasmania announces new planning zones for Cradle Coast Region

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More diverse international investors in Turkey - combined with growing demand from a wealthier population - have led to an increase in property purchases in October, and, in some areas, a tighter supply of stock. This is <a href="https://www.spotblue.com/turkey-property-news/20495/demand-at-home-and-abroad-property-agent-spot-blue-ready-to-take-on-more-stock/" target="_blank">according to UK based Turkish property agency Spot Blue International Property</a>.  
The prominence of Gulf and Russian investors in today’s Turkish property market, which is already popular with British and European buyers, means demand for quality second homes in coastal resorts, as well as investment property in Istanbul, is on the rise.  
Increasing home ownership levels – both second homes and primary residences - among Turkish people are also boosting the market. This has led Spot Blue to launch a drive to find more properties to sell and expand the listings of homes for sale on its website, <a href="https://www.spotblue.com/" target="_blank">www.spotblue.com</a>.  
“We’re especially keen to boost our portfolio of mid-to-upmarket properties in the popular second home resorts of Bodrum, Kalkan, Alanya and Fethiye,” said director at Spot Blue Julian Walker. “Meanwhile, Istanbul is currently the buzz word among international investors, especially those from the Gulf where Turkey has recently held centre stage at the Cityscape Dubai show, and we’ve had steady business there in recent months.  
‘’So, we’re looking to work with new, reputable developers who have solid product in desirable parts of the city, which we can market to our international client base.”  
Unsurprisingly, strong interest continues to drive house price growth in Turkey. Statistics released in October by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey show that from January to July this year residential prices rose month-on-month by an average of 1.23%, with the highest monthly increase being recorded in February (1.38%) and lowest in January (1.13%).  
Year on year house price growth has been even more significant, increasing consistently each month since April when it was 12.09%, to reach 12.9% in July. In Istanbul, property prices for new projects on the European side of the city grew by 1.48% month-on-month in August, while on the Asian side this figure was 2%, according to the REIDIN-GYODER New Home Price Index.  
“Turkey is a liquid market on the rise,” said Walker. “This contrasts heavily with the over-supplied, depressed state of other popular destinations in southern Europe, where many vendors asking unrealistic prices have had to play a painful game of catch-up when they do decide to drop their price. With this in mind, right now at Spot Blue we’d welcome new stock that ticks the right boxes.”  
Reassuringly for property buyers, Walker said Spot Blue was one of a few Turkish property firms in the UK that runs due diligence reports on developers before deciding to work with them. Spot Blue’s company reports check not only that a developer is legally registered, but also when it was registered, who its directors – past and present – and senior staff are, its development history and completion status, and its annual profits.
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Turkey's property market in overdrive as agency launches stock campaign

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By completion in about 2025, Docklands is expected to have attracted $17.5 billion in private sector investment.
The whole precinct, on around 200 hectares, and with 44 hectares of that being water, offers a mix of uses including residential, commercial, retail, dining and leisure. It attracts millions of visitors each year.
Construction started in 1997, and, when complete in around 2025, it is tipped to be home to 20,000 residents and 60,000 workers. It will almost double the size of the former Melbourne central business district.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/10/11/dock]}
Photos: Stephen Taylor
Many people will be surprised to learn that Docklands comprises the area from Spencer Street in the east to the Bolte Bridge in the west, Footscray Road in the north to Lorimer Street in the south. It covers the waterways of Victoria Harbour and three kilometres of Yarra River frontage.
But it’s not all sweetness and light, with Docklands occasionally mired in controversy during its formative years. Many commentators have criticised perceived planning blunders and have labelled the precinct as being ‘’without soul’’. The failure of the observation wheel at Harbour Town exacerbated problems, especially for nearby traders.
A lack of public transport even prompted a Melbourne City Council director of projects in 1999 to criticise the disconnection of the precinct to the CBD, claiming that the lack of transport links, particularly pedestrian, meant Docklands was "seriously flawed".
The problem worsened in 2005 when the pedestrian link between Lonsdale Street and Docklands, proposed in 2001, was cut from the final design of the Southern Cross station development due to budget blowouts.  The Age called this a "wasted opportunity".
In 2008, the City of Melbourne released a report which criticised Docklands' lack of transport and wind-tunnel effect, lack of green spaces and community facilities.
In 2009, Neil Mitchell, writing in The Age, declared Docklands a planning "dud". Then the Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle, who has been openly critical of Docklands, chipped in claiming it lacked any form of "social glue".
In 2010, VicUrban's general manager David Young acknowledged that Harbour Esplanade "doesn't stack up". Kim Dovey, professor of architecture and design at the University of Melbourne, added that Harbour Esplanade was "too big" and claimed that Docklands was "so badly done" that it required a "major rethink".  
Despite this local criticism, Sydney travel writer Mal Chenu, in 2009, described Docklands as "the envy of Sydneysiders".
Wow, that’s a good recommendation anyway.
Key Docklands features include:
<ul>
<li>
Southern Cross Station at the gateway to Docklands provides easy access for metropolitan commuters and regional visitors on V/Line
</li>
<li>
Five city trams as well as the free City Circle tram and free tourist shuttle bus to Docklands via Flinders, Collins, Bourke and La Trobe streets
</li>
<li>
Four bike trails
</li>
<li>
Easy access to the traditional CBD via the Bourke Street pedestrian bridge, Flinders, Collins and La Trobe streets
</li>
<li>
Ferries, charter boat services and corporate cruising vessels drop off and pick up in Victoria Harbour
</li>
</ul>
One person who took advantage of living in Docklands went on to become president of the 180-member community association. A sprightly Roger Gardner (pictured below), in his late 60s, made the move with his wife from Strathmore, in Melbourne’s north, after seeing an advertisement in their local paper. That was eight years ago and they haven’t looked back since.
<img alt="gardner-oct-11-one" height="324" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/10/11/gardner-oct-11-one.jpg">
Roger Gardner. Photo: Stephen Taylor
‘’We thought then that, ‘this is nice’ and we are glad we made the move,’’ Mr Gardner said. ‘’We love living here and can see it’s getting better all the time as improvements take place.’’
Moving into a ‘separation’ apartment, where bright living areas are separate from the two bedrooms, they have two balconies and eye-catching views. ‘’It’s lovely, especially at night.’’
Property prices are stable since being affected by the GFC in 2009, and as more apartments are built. Still, when things settle down, capital growth is tipped.
Obvious attractions are the restaurants - all with their own food specialities and price levels.
‘’We have proximity to the CBD with the twist of being on the water, having good public transport, a high level of activity – especially at weekends – and great water views. Then there’s the football stadium.
‘’Residents are a mix of all age groups, quite a lot of young people but generally balanced. Many seem to be used to living in high-rise buildings.’’
With his president’s hat on, Mr Gardner lobbies the Melbourne City Council and Places Victoria to fix shortcomings and suggest improvements. These have included speaking out against excessive development - including the proposed hotel on the Waterfront City Piazza - overshadowing, raising transparency in planning, ensuring adequate sunlight and countering wind tunnels, increasing open space and larger gaps between buildings.
Building ‘’cramming’’ is an issue. ‘’At the moment we have 10 high-rise buildings being built in an area of 400 metres by 150 metres. That’s the sort of thing we are up against and want redressed.’’
‘’We are also against serviced apartments which we believe planning minister Matthew Guy is about to legislate against. And we also want to increase the amount of parking.’’
The failure of the Observation Wheel has been a disaster for traders in the Harbour Town commercial precinct. And, unfortunately, there’s no relief in sight until March next year. At present the level of customer inquiry is not adequate for retailers and many are just holding on.
A school would be good too! Plans are in hand and tenders called for a 700-pupil school at Docklands which will attract young families – perhaps the cohort most required for a living, breathing suburb.
Another project that would improve living in Docklands is a ferry service from Federation Square around to NewQuay. A new visitor centre is planned for The Esplanade and a linear park with trees and gardens will separate Etihad Stadium from Victoria Harbour. A new park – Western Park - will also be built at the end of Docklands Drive to address the issue of a lack of open space.
From a corporate point of view Docklands has realigned the centre of Melbourne, Mr Gardner said. Major companies such as National Australia Bank, ANZ, Bureau of Meteorology, Myer, National Foods, Ericsson, Costco and Bendigo Bank are just a few of those based there.
‘’Being on the water is especially nice. We live in a building with about a third of residents owning, a third renting and a third short stayers.’’
Mr Gardner is now a Docklands local; proud of what’s been done in his neighbourhood.
‘’When everything settles down it will be much better – a great place to live.’’
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Docklands: Finding its feet after a difficult conception

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Leading figures in the retirement property industry say there needs to be more transparency in the sector to attract institutional investment now and in the long term.
Tim Russell, managing director of Retire Australia, said the sector was a poor performer that was being held back by not having a large, publicly listed, sector-specific company in which to invest.
“Some of the institutional capital that has been attracted to the sector has been let down by poor performance,” Russell told UK Property Week in a recent issue.
“Capital is still attracted [to the sector] but there are issues around pricing and transparency.”
According to Russell, the biggest opportunities will come when one of the larger operators lists.
“I hope we will have a large, listed, sector-specific operator in the next few years, as that will increase transparency for investors,” he said.
Russell compares the Australian retirement landscape with that of New Zealand, where he says several large sector-specific operators are on the public market — and all of which, he says, trade at a premium to their asset values.
However, Russell is hopeful that a large retirement operator will list in the next few years, noting that FKP Property Group is considering spinning off and listing its retirement arm and that the interest shown in the small-cap Ingenia shows the appetite is there.
A big challenge for the operators in the sector is moving from providing accommodation and maintenance to also providing care packages.
Derek McMillan, chief executive officer of Australian Unity’s retirement living, said there was great opportunity economically for retirement villages to provide care packages because of the concentration of numbers at each village.
He added that this would give operators another source of income and smooth out bumpy cash flows as a result of having a model that only really made money when units were resold.
He hopes the new federal government will ‘’cut some of the red tape’’ that prevents retirement village operators from providing care.
“It was very frustrating with the last government,” McMillan said. “While they had a philosophical approach towards improving access to care … they made a lot of noise but there was no real movement.”
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Greater transparency in retirement property industry required to attract institutional investment: Retire Australia

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The state government’s latest planning blueprint, Plan Melbourne, launched today, is investigating the establishment of a third airport in Melbourne’s south-east.
This comes in light of predictions the southern and eastern regions of Victoria are projected to grow by up to one million residents up to 2050, bringing the population catchment of a local airport up to around three million, the same as south-east Queensland.
An airport in the south-east would complement the new Port of Hastings and be a key part of a planned Integrated Economic Triangle, linking transport and economic infrastructure to the intermodal transport hubs in Melbourne’s north and west.
Minister for Planning Matthew Guy said the region’s population growth of one million by 2050 meant seriously considering an airport to serve Gippsland and the south-east.
“An airport (there) would serve one-third of Victoria’s population including the 300,000 residents of Gippsland. It would have the benefit of improving transport connections and the potential to link up with future rail access,” he said.
The Shire of Cardinia has identified locations between Koo Wee Rup and Lang Lang as potential sites.
“After identifying a preferred location, we can investigate a process for private sector investment in the development of a new airport in this corridor,” Mr Guy said.
“Cardinia has done some very positive work on this possibility, and sees the employment benefits for the south-east as well as Gippsland.”
No changes are envisaged for the Moorabbin or Tooradin airport operations, which are primarily based around flight training.
“We need a more integrated approach to planning and development which includes land use, transport, plus social and community infrastructure,’’ Mr Guy said.
‘’Underpinning Plan Melbourne are key initiatives to increase business productivity and social and economic participation for Melburnians. These involve a pipeline of city-shaping projects and service improvements that will address major gaps in freeway, rail and road networks, develop tram and bus networks, and improve cross-city traffic movements and freight flows.
“As part of Plan Melbourne, we will facilitate an integrated land use and transport plan that will recognise the creation of an integrated economic network that will be delivered by 2050.”
The Integrated Economic Triangle will connect the Hastings-Dandenong corridor with the Hume corridor to the north and the Wydham-Geelong corridor to the south-west. The network will include:
·    an expanded central city;
·    the Port of Hastings;
·    the East West Link and the North East Link;
·    the Melbourne Metro project that will connect Dandenong and Sunbury,  and
·    the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road that will connect Geelong and Avalon  with the Hume Freight Corridor.
“This network will ensure that people across metropolitan Melbourne will have easier access to Geelong, Gippsland and the Hume Corridor,’’ Mr Guy said.
‘’The transport connections will provide for greater flexibility for people travelling to work and more options for the use of freight in our state.”
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Third airport mooted for Melbourne

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Buyers should be able to pinpoint reasons why a particular property will appreciate in value and, if they can’t, they should give it a miss.  
Perth property researcher Gavin Hegney, founding director of LMW Hegney, says this is particularly relevant now as many older buyers – often through their SMSFs - base their retirement incomes on, hopefully, rising property values.  
Presently, growth in the self-managed super funds and their frequent use as property-buying vehicles – perhaps in over 70% of transactions - has prompted some commentators to say they are helping create a property ‘bubble’.  
While property investing is an acknowledged ‘super’ strategy, it can only be judged on the income a property generates and its increase in value over time.  
Mr Hegney says that, to generate a decent income, a property has to have a good reason to grow in value. Investors should be able to identify that - or those - reasons before buying.  
‘’My thoughts are not so much the volume, but that often the SMSFs are buying the wrong types of properties,’’ he said.  
‘’Regardless of the ownership of the property, be it in a private name or a SMSF, its financial success relies on one thing: that the property goes up in value and that, when combined with the rental return, that it creates wealth for the owner or beneficiaries over time.  
‘’History has shown that, to create wealth during the early and mid section of the property cycle, there must be a realistic and identifiable reason why a property will increase in value, and the owner must have a best guesstimate as to what that value should be.  
Mr Hegney said experience and research can help identify these points.  
He said significant developments in most capital cities will have a knock-on effect on the values of property in surrounding areas. For instance, in Sydney it may be the effect of the Barangaroo development and its flow-on effect to specific pockets of Sydney, or, in Perth, it may be the City Link and waterfront developments and their knock-on effects.  
‘’There are numerous examples in most cities which simply require an identification of major changes and then an answer to the question: ‘What would this property be worth if this new development or infrastructure was in place?’  
‘’One concern I do have is where a SMSF simply buys a new apartment that has very little identifiable reason to increase in value, and then holds onto that property for 10-20 years .  
‘’Typically, that new apartment of, say, $600,000 becomes worth, say, only $450,000 as a 20-year-old apartment in today’s dollar terms.  
‘’That difference in value must be made up in value terms, plus a reasonable growth factor as well, before the owner of the new apartment creates real wealth.  
‘’If it has a real location reason to increase in value it may be worth buying, but, without it then the prospect of real growth may be very difficult.’’  
Mr Hegney said this situation ‘’becomes very interesting’’ considering that SMSFs today control about $200 billion in property investments with gearing of around $2.4 billion.  
‘’If they decided to gear up then this sector could increase over 100-fold in today's dollars. Let’s hope most of them get it right.’’    
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SMSF investors should be able to pinpoint reasons for property rises before they buy

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Figures from SQM Research reveal that the level of residential property listings around the nation fell during September, with national stock levels down by -3.4% to 342,979.
 <img src="/images/stories/2013/10/03/sqm-research-oct-3-chart.jpg" width="470" height="136" alt="sqm-research-oct-3-chart">  
Month on month, all capital cities recorded declines except Hobart, which rose slightly by 0.6%
Year on year, the country also recorded a decline in stock, falling by –3.7% nationally, with every capital city recording yearly falls, besides Darwin, which recorded a substantial yearly increase of – 8.9%.  
Sydney continues to take the lead in yearly declines with a staggering -17.6% decrease since September 2012.  
SQM Research is an independent property research house which specialises in providing accurate data to the property industry.  
The company believes Sydney will lead the housing market recovery, as it’s poised for 15-20% increases in house prices (as outlined in the recent edition of SQM’s Housing Boom and Bust Report 2013/2014).  
SQM Research, however, point out that, during September, two weekends of events affected the market place – the federal election in the first week and the AFL Grand Final in the last. During the federal election in August 2010 there was also a dip in stock levels, making it a likely contributor to a decline in stock during the spring selling season.  
SQM managing director, Louis Christopher says, “no doubt September’s supply was affected by the election. Normally, listings rise for that month due to the start of spring selling campaigns.  
‘’What this means is that the level of online residential sales listings will lift in October and November, due to seasonality but also in part due to vendors waiting for the election to be over.’’
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Residential property listing fell during September: SQM Research

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About 14 hectares of land in the North Ryde station precinct are in line for a shakeup of their residential, commercial, retail, community and recreational uses.
This comes as the NSW government pushes ahead with plans for $17 million in infrastructure works to create a ‘’vibrant new community hub’’.
The works will include rezoning up to 85,000 square metres of land for 2,500 houses, 125 student apartments and 6,000 square metres of retail space. Up to 1500 jobs could be created.
Residents will have access to more than 2.4 hectares of parks and open space, cafes and restaurants with outdoor dining, and cycle paths and community facilities.
Department of Planning and Infrastructure director general Sam Haddad said the final rezoning plans incorporated changes highlighted by community consultation. He said the community would have a say on detailed construction plans as they are lodged.
"We have delivered an outcome at North Ryde in line with key elements of the new planning system by working with the community and local council to deliver sound planning for growth and infrastructure informed by three-dimensional imagery," Mr Haddad said.
"Importantly, the community's feedback has been incorporated into the final plans, as shown by last month's announcement that the current Tennis World site south of Epping Road has been removed from the scheme altogether.’’
Mr Haddad said the North Ryde Station Urban Activation Precinct will provide new homes and jobs close to existing infrastructure and other employment areas, such as Macquarie Park, Macquarie University, Chatswood and the CBD.
"It will also take advantage of the Government's $550 million upgrade of the M2 and the $8.3 billion North West Rail Link," he said.
Local real estate agents agree the project is beneficial – as long as it’s well implemented.
Ray White North Ryde principal David Jarvis said success of the project would depend on ‘’what gets passed’’ to the final stages and becomes reality. ‘’Units above the station?’’ he queried. ‘’Enough car parking?’’
‘’We’ve seen before where grand plans fizzle because of lack of good planning – especially parking.’’
But with quality housing planned for an expected influx of new residents, Mr Jarvis, whose firm manages 600 rentals, said he may write to landlords urging them to ‘’lift their game’’ in anticipation of increased competition when the new housing stock is built.
He said owners of unrenovated 1970s units, especially, will find the going tougher. Mr Jarvis said there had been ‘’hardly any development’’ in North Ryde or Macquarie Park since the early 1980s. But now things are moving – and prices, too. In a recent sale, a three bedroom brick veneer in North Ryde, rented for 10 years, with original kitchen and bathroom, was expected to fetch $975,000-$1 million when auctioned. It went for $1.65 million.
The attractions for newcomers are more jobs in the area, the Lane Cove tunnel, and proximity to the university. Many buyers are coming from Chatswood and Willoughby and the inner west, such as Balmain. Mr Jarvis said they wanted blocks of 600 square metres for under $1 million.
Managing partner Greg Smith, of Gilmour and Smith property agents in Ryde, said he could see ‘’no downside’’ to the North Ryde station precinct development, which would improve the pool of quality housing and apartments. ‘’They will be well accepted,’’ he said.
‘’There is already a property pool out there, with many canny buyers ‘landbanking’ for up to 30 years. They now stand to reap the rewards with higher block prices coming through the proposed different zonings.’’
Mr Smith said well priced blocks would reinvent the area and create a great living environment. Modern, well designed apartments at reasonable prices would attract residents. ‘’Many overseas buyers are already moving in, often with their children attending the university. They bring money into the area and that helps keep property prices high.’’
Other features of the development:
<ul>
<li>$17 million in transport upgrades for the precinct, a pedestrian and cycle bridge across Delhi Road, widening Delhi Road at North Ryde station and upgrading nearby intersections;</li>
<li>A reduction in maximum building heights around the station from 106 metres to 92 metres to reduce visual and overshadowing impacts;</li>
<li>Allowing child care centres in additional locations to better cater for the needs of young families in the new community; and</li>
<li>Removing small government-owned parcels of land adjoining Bundara Reserve.</li>
</ul>
Up to $6 million in funding is being made available under the government's Precinct Support Scheme for public domain and community infrastructure works associated with the precinct.
UrbanGrowth NSW, the government's development arm, recently bought most of the land in the precinct from other government bodies. It will coordinate development on the land. Applications will be lodged later this year and construction begun in mid-2014.
NSW Planning and Infrastructure minister Brad Hazzard said the North Ryde precinct was ‘’a great opportunity to create a vibrant and active community with good access to public transport for local residents and workers”.
He said the government was committed to working closely with the community and the City of Ryde to progress the plans.
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North Ryde due for shakeup

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Plans for a new light rail project in Newcastle, NSW, and the transformation and renewal of the city centre, are a step closer with the contract for early scoping studies awarded to local firm GHD.
NSW treasurer Mike Baird said the light rail project came about through a $340 million investment in the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/newcastle-port-to-be-sold-off-with-boost-to-local-infrastructure-from-proceeds-nsw-budget/2013061862377" target="_blank">long-term lease of the Port of Newcastle</a>. Works are expected to start early next year.
The contract was awarded through a closed competitive tender process targeting firms with expertise in light rail, engineering, and multi-modal transport projects, as well as those with local knowledge and experience.
And no one could be happier than new MP Tim Owen, who says the works – and the new light rail system - will revitalise the town’s economy, improve commuter access and connections and boost the amenity of the CBD.
‘’It will be exactly what the city needs,’’ he said. But it’s been a long process.
‘’We had a heavy rail line down the main street for 100 years linking the harbour and the old coal-fired power station. It was ugly, polluting, inefficient and it divided the city.
‘’As part of the $1.3 billion Newcastle Urban Renewal Scheme a lot of money has been spent on improving the waterfront and it looks beautiful.
‘’I argued that the next step should be to open up the city and make the necessary changes by choosing the best urban renewal scheme.
‘’I said we should get rid of the heavy line which is ugly and divisive and install the light rail to connect the city to the harbour and improve our residential and retail areas - and that’s what we are going to do.’’
Lord mayor Jeff McCloy said light rail was not just about moving people around the city: ‘’It has the potential to regenerate the city and make it grow exponentially, so in a few years you have a new more vibrant city,’’ he said.
‘’Even the announcement of light rail has created excitement within Newcastle’s investment and property communities with a number of derelict buildings demolished and proposals on the board for new hotels and mixed use residential/commercial/retail projects.
‘’We’ve also seen new restaurants, cafe and retail shops pop up in Hunter Street, our Main Street.
‘’In Newcastle, light rail is planned in the context of urban design for better people mobility, key node precincts, and improved liveability.
‘’I envisage people being able to leave their apartment on the harbour, jump on the light rail, and be at their favourite restaurants in minutes with no parking issues.’’
Planning and transport news source Urbananalyst reports that the contract followed one of many planning workshop between key government agencies and Newcastle Council.
State Transport Minister, Gladys Berejiklian, is reported as saying GHD would undertake a detailed analysis of the best location for a new transport interchange, best alignment for a light rail route, and opportunities for future connections to link the light rail to surrounding areas.
The government says GHD's Newcastle team has a solid beckground in light rail, having helped plan and deliver Sydney's Light Rail Future, the Inner West Light Rail Extension as well as Adelaide's Inner Rail Network study.
Ms Berejiklian said Transport NSW would soon be seeking two more specialist firms to join the project, including an engineering company, to help with truncation of the heavy rail line.
Another tender will be for engineering and operation services, where the contractor will examine the engineering, urban design, operational environmental and functional requirements for building and operating the light rail system.
"Consultation will play an important role in the decision-making process for Newcastle Light Rail and we will involve stakeholders, including businesses, community groups, industry, residents and transport experts," she said.
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GHD awarded scoping studies contract for Newcastle light rail project

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A Chinese developer has grabbed a slice of the growing housing market in St Leonards, on Sydney’s lower north shore, by buying an historic three-storey commercial building - with residential potential - for $3.75 million.
This is the first time the property, at 28 Chandos Street (pictured below), has changed hands since 1973 - the year it was built. Selling agent John Simpson-Morgan, principal of Raine &amp; Horne St Leonards, said the original owner, Myrna Pty Ltd, had decided the time was right to recoup some capital gains from its 40-year old commercial asset.
<img alt="1" height="312" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/10/03/1.jpg">
“The building was ground- breaking at the time, as it was innovative to demolish the two cottages that were on the site and build a modern commercial building,” Mr Simpson-Morgan said.
“Now, with the trend to convert commercial space back to housing, it’s fair to say the real estate market has come full circle.”
Mr Simpson-Morgan says that since 1995, when the NSW government instructed local councils to encourage development in inner city areas close to train stations, around 7,000 apartments have been developed from former commercial space in St Leonards.
“The first sites were the commercial/industrial buildings along the railway line, purchased and developed by Meriton,” Mr Simpson-Morgan said.
“Mirvac followed with developments on Christie, Oxley and Lithgow streets, while Winten Property Group bought commercial/retail buildings adjacent to St Leonards station and built 600 apartments at The Forum and Forum West.”
In the mid-2000s, Asian developers followed suit, buying up obsolete commercial buildings in Atchison and Chandos streets to build high-rise residential towers.
“Over 20 such commercial/industrial buildings have been demolished and/or converted in St Leonards, with more in the pipeline,” Mr Simpson-Morgan said.
“In the not-too-distant future it’s fair to expect that a few of St Leonards’ original commercial/industrial buildings remaining on Atchison, Chandos, Herbert streets, and the Pacific Highway, will make way for residential developments.”
The agent said the decision to convert commercial real estate near railway stations was a sensible decision that has also improved the quality of infrastructure and amenities servicing the St Leonards precinct.
“We’ve had a major upgrade of St Leonards station, along with the beautification of Atchison, Chandos and Herbert streets,” he said.
“There is also a Coles supermarket in St Leonards now and a major increase in the numbers of cafes, swimming pools and gyms in the area.
“St Leonards is an attractive place to live, particularly for young professionals who need to live close to the major business centres, such as the CBD, North Sydney and Chatswood, but still crave a contemporary lifestyle.”
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Chinese developer snaps up historic three storey St Leonards commercial building

The Victorian Government has secured the passage of the Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026, introducing a suite of reforms aimed at improving consumer protection and confidence in the apartment market.

Resilience Insurance, Australia’s leading Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) provider, has welcomed the move.

The LDI elements of the Bill passed with bipartisan support and now moves to the Legislative Council where debate and passage are expected later this month. It represents a significant milestone in the national shift toward stronger, longer-term protection for apartment buyers.&nbsp;

The reform would deliver practical benefits across the housing system. Apartment owners will have stronger protection if major defects emerge, developers and builders will have a clearer quality framework to work within, and the State will reduce the risk of serious building failures becoming a long-term financial and social burden for households, communities and government.&nbsp;

LDI helps support apartment delivery while providing stronger protection for buyers and encouraging better construction outcomes.&nbsp;

Resilience LDI provides apartment owners with 10 years of insurance-backed cover for major structural defects from completion, with direct claim access to the insurer. This means owners are not required to first pursue developers or builders through costly legal action before accessing protection.&nbsp;

Resilience Insurance has been operating in Australia since 2022 and has already insured hundreds of development projects covering many thousands of apartments across Australia.&nbsp;

At approximately 1.8 per cent of build cost, it is a cost-competitive alternative to the traditional two per cent Strata Bond, bond while delivering significantly broader and longer protection.&nbsp;

“The Victorian Lower House vote shows that reforms like this succeed when they are practical, evidence-based and supported by industry," says Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

"Victoria is moving quickly on a reform that will make a real difference for apartment buyers, while supporting better building outcomes and greater confidence in apartment delivery.

“This is step one. We look forward to the Bill completing its passage through the Legislative Council and to working with government and industry to implement the framework effectively.”&nbsp;

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI): Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Consumer-first: Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cost advantage: At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Market leader: Resilience Insurance is the first approved LDI provider in NSW.</li>
</ul>

The Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026 has passed the Victorian Lower House, putting Victoria on track to become the first state to legislate an industry workable LDI framework as a formal alternative to the Strata Building bond. 

Joel Robinson

10-year Latent Defects Insurance for new apartment buyers set to land in Victoria

Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368853]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available.

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

Stephen Taylor

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