<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

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Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

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Knight Frank has predicted that UK house prices will not reach their 2007 peak until 2019, making it the longest housing market recovery on record.
Transactions levels have roughly halved since the last market peak in 2007, according to Knight Frank.
Transaction levels are currently 35% below the 20- to 30-year average, and Knight Frank predicts transaction levels will rise by only 2% in 2013, remaining well below peak levels until 2020.
Knight Frank expects no price movements in central London next year, due to tax changed weighing on the market.
Head of Frank Knight’s UK residential research Gráinne Gilmore says this is due to first-time buyers and those further up the housing ladder struggling with tighter mortgage lending rules.
“The fundamentals suggest that a further correction in prices is needed, as the relationship between average earnings and average house prices is well above the long-term average.
“Some five years after the start of the financial crisis, the housing sector in the UK still does not bear the hallmarks of a fully functioning market,” says Gilmore.
This forecast does not come as a surprise, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/overseas/uk-housing-market-wont-recover-to-pre-gfc-levels-before-2020-pwc/2012071755626" target="_blank">PricewaterhouseCooper predicted in July this year </a>that the UK housing market will not return to pre-GFC conditions before 2020.
The PwC report predicts that UK house prices will be up by more than 30% in 2020 compared with 2007. However, this would be 7% below peak levels when inflation is taken into account.
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UK house prices will not fully recover until 2019: Knight Frank

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Restaurateurs Matthew And Irene Sen have listed their recently built North Bondi home designed by Luigi Rosselli. Its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/192-hastings-parade-north-bondi/Property-Details-buy-residential-4663007">the 2011-built house </a>that's also been available at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/192-hastings-parade-bondi/Property-Details-rent-residential-4622845">$4,000 a week </a> rental.
The original intent of the home was even far grander, with initial approval for a three storey house with pool, however, according to the Luigi Rosselli website, the project was a child of the global financial crisis when <a target="_blank" href="https://luigirosselli.com/Hastings-Parade/">scaled back to two storeys to meet the changing expectations of the clients</a>.
The 420-square-metre Hasting Parade block on the clifftop Ben Buckler peninsula cost $915,000 in 1998.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom house was built with an "experimental attitude" to materials with its design intended to last in the extreme coastal environment.
It comes with a custom corrugated concrete façade.
The architects note their experimental attention to craft was also explored inside through the hand-woven cane screen surrounding the stair that enlivens the large family room and kitchen.
It's listed through Ric Serrao at Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay for December 12 auction.
Another Raine &amp; Horne listing on the clifftop is the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/doublebaybondibeach/properties/249134">the unrenovated 172 Hastings Parade</a> with approval for a second floor, which has been scheduled for November 29 auction.
The last luxury Hastings Parade sale was sold through Ric Serrao for $8.2 million in 2010 of a 2007-built house designed by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.grantamon.com/index.php?section=47">Grant Amon Architects</a> with inspiration from early modernists, Neutra and Schindler.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Slightly scaled-down North Bondi Luigi Rosselli-designed trophy home listing

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Beachlife, the forsaken luxury Mollymook holiday apartment complex, has been listed for receivership sale through Westpac after the developers failed to secure sufficient holiday home buyer interest.
The vacant 8,500-square-metre block is the former site of<a href="https://www.cramerproperty.com/new/#/datalive_02_01_42" target="_blank"> a planned 79-unit apartment block </a>on the south coast of New South Wales.
The project did not proceed after the developers failed to secure sufficient bank funding following the dramatic downturn in the second-home market after global financial crisis.
The receivers have moved after developer Peter Leffrey's Davocsh Pty Ltd had the vacant project site listed last December. It did not sell.
Davocsh had bought the site over 2006 and 2007 for a $7,425,000 total and planned to build an ambitious three-block luxury complex.
Plans for the site were originally approved in December 2007 and have been reactivated following  demolition of parts of the site.
Marketing for the campaign began in 2010 but was halted three months later by Davocsh. The concept became unstuck given banker lending hesitation on the ambitious <a href="/news">Mollymook</a> project.
Cramer Properties, which was marketing the units, managed to sell around five apartments in the three months, including the most expensive one in the building.
Off the plan prices for units originally ranged from $390,000 to $1.6 million through Cramer.
Interest in the units came primarily from empty-nesters in Canberra and Sydney looking to retire.
The plans for the project allow for three low rise buildings with 20 two-bedroom units, five two-bedroom + studies, 52 three-bedroom units, two three-bedroom penthouses, and 154 parking spots.
Section 94 contributions of $181,000 have been paid as well as long service levies of $88,480.00 but no water or sewer section 64 contributions have been paid to date. The current amount estimated as payable is $764,000 as at 1 July 2012.
“Often with receivership sales there’s been a cashflow issue potentially, in some instances there’s money outstanding with various parties. All those items are unpaid,” says Knight Frank agent Peter Krieg.
Krieg declined to disclose a price guide for the property or any other relevant information.
The land is 350 metres from the beach and has three street frontages.
The site is made up of several titles bought in 2006 and 2007 Davocsh which was co-directed by by Peter Leffley and Janine Treacy.
In 2006 Davocsh bought 56 Ocean Street for $3 million.
In 2007 Davocsh bought 54 Ocean Street for $1.625 million, 58 Ocean Street for $1.9 million and 1 Shepherd Street for $900,000.
The total cost of the land was $7,425,000.
Krieg told Property Observer he thinks the past acquisition sale prices are irrelevant.
The land is zoned 2(b2) which is intended to “provide for a variety of life styles by the provisions of areas for residential flat buildings to minimise the conflict with detached housing and to identify opportunities for motel development”.
If the buyer wanted to move away from a block of units, alternative uses indicated by the marketing include medium-density development including residential and holiday use, a mixture of townhouses and villas with potential of 25 three-bedroom or 35 two-bedroom townhouses subject to council approval.
Marketing for the property suggests the region will experience strong growth over the next decade, driven by retirees and leisure visitation.
The property is being sold by Knight Frank agent Peter Krieg and LJ Hooker agent Gary Cox.
Expressions of interest closed yesterday.
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Mollymook apartment development Beachlife listed in receivership sale

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Corio Villa, the landmark 14-room Geelong home, has now been listed with a declared asking price of $5.85 million.
It's been unsold since initially listed in August with vague $5 million-plus hopes through Wilsons listing agent Guyon Wilson.
Set above Corio Bay at <a href="https://www.wilsonsre.com.au/property/geelong/889/">56 Eastern Beach Road</a>, its one of Australia's only surviving buildings to be made from pre-fabricated cast iron.
Manufactured in Scotland, the home was shipped to <a target="_blank" href="/news">Geelong</a> in boxes. Corio Villa was manufactured in Edinborough in 1855 by iron founder Charles D Young and Co. from designs by Bell and Miller, architects and engineers.
William Gray, colonial land commissioner, ordered the villa, but he died in 1854 prior to arrival of the portable house shipment.
Instead wool washing merchant Alfred Douglas acquired the crates for a small sum and erected the villa in 1856 overlooking Corio Bay.
Most of the decorative work echoes the pattern of the rose, and the thistle of Scotland.
Corio Villa is considered by heritage authorities as of paramount international significance not just in Geelong but to the history of industrial technology and the 19th-century British aesthetic movement.
Prefabricated residences were often imported in the 1850s to satisfy housing demand during the gold rush boom, Heritage Victoria notes.
It has its many original character features including intricate leadlight windows, plaster roses and cornices, detailed timber ceiling and wall panelling, plus ornate marble fire places.
It's been listed for the first time since 1945 by the McAllister family, who've owned it for three generations. They have hired out the property for occasional weddings and functions.  The house sits on 375 square metres of the 2,885-square-metre block.
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Geelong's Corio Villa listed with $5.85 million asking price

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Pet-owners in Queensland could face higher rental bonds than regular tenants if options in a new discussion paper are passed.
If the option of one extra week's rent is passed it will join WA where pet owners can be slugged with an extra $260 in bond to pay for fumigation sometimes required when pets move out. The WA pet charge limit was upped from $100 in 2011.
The Queensland government has released a discussion paper on tenancy laws to review changes to legislation introduced in 2008.
The paper introduces many options to for review including increasing the bond required for tenants with pets, or tenants moving into houses that are fully furnished or have a swimming pool.
The discussion paper lists four main areas of concern – balancing stakeholder interests, streamlining service delivery, reducing red tape and technical and minor changes.
The review is not examining the procedures and practices of QCAT or public housing policies and procedures.
Some other options <a href="https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/About-the-RTA/Legislation/Review-of-the-RTRA-Act" target="_blank">the paper</a> looks at include:
<ul>
<li>Increasing deposits for fully furnished property and those with pools</li>
<li>Ensuring tenants have a fee-free way of paying rent</li>
<li>Outlawing key deposits</li>
<li>Increasing bond amounts for caravan tenants</li>
<li>Increasing the window agents have to inspect properties to three hours</li>
<li>Reducing frequency of inspections for long term tenants</li>
<li>Removing immediate eviction provisions for rooming accommodation providers</li>
<li>Ensuring lessors can only end a tenancy for specific grounds</li>
<li>Remove short term tenancies which currently allow tenancies without paperwork for up to 42 days for moveable dwellings.</li>
<li>Giving lessors permission to charge the full water consumption cost regardless of water efficiency of the property</li>
</ul>
Housing and Public Works Minister Bruce Flegg says the laws are due for a review.
“The last review of tenancy law was in 2006-07, which introduced some significant changes and it is now appropriate to consider how effectively those changes have worked,” Flegg says.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) says it welcomes a review of tenancy laws by the state government but says the review it should be expanded.
REIQ chief executive Anton Kardash says the review could better streamline the residential tenancy transaction process.
“In a tenancy relationship it’s important both parties, namely the tenant and landlord, understand their rights and obligations and that these are fairly balanced,” he said.
“Additionally, we welcome the opportunity to clarify the responsibilities of a property manager which at times are onerous and poorly defined.
“It is disappointing to note however, that the review does not extend to the procedures and practices of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).
“The Institute, in consultation with its members, is aware of inefficiencies relating to QCAT procedures and inconsistencies in decision making and as such would encourage the State Government to widen the scope of the review.”
“We want to hear the views of tenants, landlords, agents, park managers and rooming accommodation providers on important issues that affect them and whether the options in the discussion paper will address these issues.
‘We need to ensure the Act is balanced and there are no legislative barriers to improved service delivery by the RTA.”
The 2013 deadline for submissions is January 2.
 
<ul></ul>
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Queensland tenants with pets face higher rental bonds under mooted tenancy laws that follow WA’s lead

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As the population continues to grow, and the sprawl of suburbia grows along with it, the City of Perth and the people who live there are starting to feel the strain. How often do we find ourselves in bumper-to-bumper traffic, just trying to get home from work? That is, really, where the problem lies. We do not live where we work; we commute long distances many times without a reliable public transportation system. The prices of inner-city and inner-suburban housing is rising to the point where many Perth families are moving to the outer suburbs as a solution, causing traffic problems, stress and time wastage.
Why is urban sprawl a problem? Many people cannot immediately see why living far from where they work is a problem. But just think about it, as fuel costs rise, it will cost more for the average individual to get from point A to point B. In addition to this, roads, amenities and other services must be provided to these lower populated suburban areas. To provide for this sprawl, the State and cities are spending countless millions of dollars each year to increase the amount of services in suburbs that in today’s traffic, can be hours away, and people have no choice but to move to the outer suburbs because of the rising cost of living. With such a small amount of property available in the city, the rents in Perth have gone out of control, as the demand for accommodation nearer popular amenities rises. What do we do? Before the mining and population boom, people were more likely to live closer to where they worked and the services they used. This meant if you worked in the city, you lived in the city, and it made perfect sense. Local councils in Perth are still blocking the development of multi-story accommodation, which is adding to the sprawl problem as they don’t all have the same rules when it comes to zoning. Doing away with the 30 councils in favour of a few larger ones with a uniform approach to urban infill would be more in line with the state government’s 2031 and Beyond plan. Building apartments in and near Perth city provides quality housing for that larger number of people that are moving here every day. With populations rising, we cannot continue to sprawl to the point where one community blends into another, making the main roads into Perth part of the traffic chaos instead of using the land positively. Gentrification, or the revitalization of cities, provides a means for people to live and work comfortably. Workers spend less money on fuel and transportation and the city becomes a destination for WA people to live and work.
The new proposed MAX light rail system will go a long way to ensuring that parts of the city are rejuvenated, and that nearby suburbs are once again favoured for investment and to live in. The demand for housing near public transportation has always been a great investment opportunity for savvy buyers, and those wanting to invest in the future of their city, as more transport generally equals less traffic, more retail and business opportunities as well as accessible accommodation, thus reducing the cost of living.
James Limnios is the CEO of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.limnios.com/">Limnios Property Group</a>, is a City of Perth councillor, and is very passionate about real estate and political issues in Perth, WA. You can connect with James on <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/jameslimnios">Twitter</a>,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://plus.google.com/111490789069514581435"> Google Plus </a>and on his <a target="_blank" href="https://jameslimnios.blogspot.com/">blog</a>.
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jlimnios-VjcR2kLZWQ

Perth inner-city living needs an upgrade

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<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">
The Point Piper peninsula finally has a fresh prestige property listing, albeit being offered distinctly off market.
It's the Edwardian-era harbourfront house of John Piven-Large, which last traded in 1991 when it was a duplex. It's now a restored four-bedroom house with one-bedroom self-contained apartment with a 30-metre private tidal beach.
The low-key liquor industry entrepreneur owns the Centennial Vineyard at Bowral, having made his fortune when Fosters bought Cellarmasters for $160 million in 1997, with Piven-Large having an estimated 45% stake in the pioneering  wine direct marketing company.
It's been listed by Ray White Double Bay agent Elliott Placks, who's apparently been telling interested parties that it could be expected to sell for somewhere between its near neighbour benchmarks.
Just two doors along sits Routala, which was bought for a then record $28.7 million in 2007 by the hedge fund director Gordon Fell and his wife, Pip, and two doors the other way is the long-listed <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/altona-the-point-piper-harboufront-officially-listed-at-%24us569-million/2012091156517" target="_blank">Altona, which comes with $55 million-plus hopes </a>and record-setting pedigree.
But with Sydney's priciest property market, <a href="/news">Point Piper, </a>having been paralysed since even before the global financial crisis, finding comparable prestige sale pricing is difficult for sellers and buyers alike.
And the peninsula is overflowing with very dated, overpriced unsold offerings.
Altona has been for sale, on and off, for five years, the closest to sale at $56 million when the Lowy family bid was rejected by Deke and Eve Miskin in 2007. Title Tattle well recalls the Lowys first inspected the property just after the actor Russell Crowe looked, but decided it was not right.
What's affectionately known as the HPM house has been for sale on Wolseley Road for three years or so. It was in 2009 when it was listed with $60 million hopes. Its the six-bedroom waterfront residence of the late Peter and Ruth Simon, who established the electrical switch manufacturers HPM Industries. The Simons bought the property from the late FAI chairman Larry Adler for $12 million in 1996. The vast five-level concrete house stands in the most verdant patch of Wolseley Road, neighbouring Duff Reserve.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/ron-medich-seeks-%2440-million-plus-for-harbourfront-point-piper-home/2012050754580" target="_blank">Ron and Odetta Medich house</a> remains listed currently with a renewed marketing campaign through LJ Hooker Double Bay agent Bill Malouf.
Headhunter Julia Ross has had several attempts to sell her Point Piper hillside offering, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/artists-patricia-piccinini-and-peter-hennessey-get-sweet-deal-selling-in-fitzroy-title-tattle/2011112552545" target="_blank">Villa del Mare</a>. The Wolseley Road offering was discreetly put on the market in 2011. The trophy residence has $40 million-plus hopes through Ken Jacobs of Christie's Great Estates and LJ Hooker Double Bay's Bill Malouf. The limestone palazzo sits on a 1,508-square-metre block. The house was designed by architect Chris Tsioulos when built in the late 1990s by the developer Nati Stoliar. It’s almost certain to sell to Chinese buyers.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/point-pipers-most-prized-leslie-wilkinson-home-listed-for-about-%2430-million/2012030153649" target="_blank">One of Professor Leslie Wilkinson’s most prized Point Piper houses </a>remains listed for sale by the retired shirt maker-cum-property developer Charles Scarf and his wife, Maria. The 1959 Wentworth Street property was the second-last of Wilkinson’s house designs. It was listed in March 2012. It last traded when bought from the then low-profile expatriate businessman Richard Wiesener for $8.25 million – which was 1992's highest sale. The neighbouring property had been bought for $6.5 million for its tennis court in 1989, and it took the estate to 2,717 square metres. The original house reportedly cost $350,000 in the 1970s. 
Point Piper's most recent house sale was in June when <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/george-snow-sets-sail-from-deauville-point-piper-after-19-years/2012060454985" target="_blank">Deauville, the 1935 five-bedroom harbourfront residence</a> with direct frontage to Lady Martins Beach, reputedly fetching about $13.6 million when bought by the Haifer family. The Longworth Avenue house went to June 2011 auction when it was passed in at $16.1 million through Ben Collier and James Dack at McGrath, in conjunction with Bart Doff of Laing + Simmons Double Bay, who were seeking $17 million plus. It was finally sold through Double Bay agents Brad Pillinger and Elliott Placks by the property developer and yacht racing identity George Snow and his wife, Sabrina, who bought it 19 years ago for $3 million.
The developers Bob and Margaret Rose sold their Point Piper villa on extended settlement terms last November through Christies International agent Ken Jacobs and LJ Hooker agent Bill Malouf for $15 million. It was bought from Andrew Potter, who owns one of the pricey Sienna, Point Piper apartments.
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John Piven-Large seeks to push through Point Piper prestige property sales paralysis: Title Tattle

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Construction has commenced on the Wertheim Square apartments in Lend Lease’s Studio Nine development in Richmond.
Prices in the inner-Melbourne block currently start at $649,000 for a two-bedroom unit measuring between 80 square metres and 96 square metres.
Previously prices for two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments started at $655,000.
The <a href="/news">Richmond </a>apartments will be new buildings on the historical site, given earlier offerings within the project were conversions of an older building.
The master-planned community will pay homage to its iconic industrial and broadcast past. The site is a former piano factory, then the Heinz canning factory, and then a broadcast studio.
Construction of the project is due to finish in late 2013 to early 2014.
Lend Lease was previously offering 10% annual returns on deposits paid for apartments.
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Construction begins at Studio Nine

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Manufacturing is the largest industry in the Queensland mining hotspot town of Gladstone, according to ABS statistics.
Manufacturing jobs account for 17% of all jobs in the Gladstone local government area, compared with just 3.36% for mining.
Though not strictly mining jobs, many of the manufacturing work in Gladstone stems from mining in nearby areas.
Construction is the second biggest industry, accounting for 13.8% of jobs, followed by retail at 9.48%. Next is transport, postal and warehousing at 7.71% and professional, scientific and technical services at 7.25%.
The major manufacturers in Gladstone are QAL, Rio Tinto Yarwum, Boyne Smelter and Ausproof.
Gladstone is reaping the benefits of the mining boom, says Purcell's line boring and engineering managing director Terry Purcell.
"There is heaps of mining work coming into this town – fabrication and machining," Purcell told The Gladstone Observer.
“Gladstone is traditionally an industrial city, so there is a lot of manufacturing to support that.
"We are centrally located between Surat and the Bowen basin."
He says his business manufactures new and old components primarily for the mining industry such as ruck trays.
"(Manufacturing is) to take a bit of raw material and turn it into a machine or fabricated component."
He says Gladstone’s manufacturing industry isn’t the biggest in the country but it is well placed to service mining needs.
"In the true sense of manufacturing, I think there is a lot more down in Victoria and NSW. They can get it done for cheaper because of lower wages,” Purcell says.
"There will always be a manufacturing industry here if [mining companies] can't wait and need it right now. Skilled tradespeople are hard to find."
<table width="451" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="289">
<col>
<col width="98">
<col>
<col width="64">
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="66">
<td width="289" height="66">Industry</td>
<td width="98">Percentage of workers employed (%)</td>
<td width="64">Rank</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Accommodation and food services</td>
<td align="right">5.94</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Administrative and support services</td>
<td align="right">2.49</td>
<td align="right">14</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Agriculture, forestry and fishing</td>
<td align="right">1.55</td>
<td align="right">17</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Arts and recreation services</td>
<td align="right">0.49</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Construction</td>
<td align="right">13.76</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Education and training</td>
<td align="right">6.27</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Electricity, gas, water and waste services</td>
<td align="right">2.58</td>
<td align="right">13</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Financial and insurance services</td>
<td align="right">1.10</td>
<td align="right">18</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Health care and social assistance</td>
<td align="right">6.39</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Inadequately described/Not stated</td>
<td align="right">2.72</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Information media and telecommunications</td>
<td align="right">0.36</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Manufacturing</td>
<td align="right">17.00</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Mining</td>
<td align="right">3.36</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Other services</td>
<td align="right">3.40</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Professional, scientific and technical services</td>
<td align="right">7.25</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Public administration and safety</td>
<td align="right">3.93</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Rental, hiring and real estate services</td>
<td align="right">1.82</td>
<td align="right">16</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Retail trade</td>
<td align="right">9.48</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Transport, postal and warehousing</td>
<td align="right">7.71</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Wholesale trade</td>
<td align="right">2.44</td>
<td align="right">15</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Source: ABS
For more on investing in Gladstone, download the free Property Observer eBook: <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-gladstone-investment-keys-to-one-of-the-nations-most-talked-about-hotspots" target="_blank">Gladstone - Investment keys to one of the nation’s most talked-about hotspots.</a> 
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Most jobs in Gladstone come from manufacturing

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Lawyers for Academy Award-nominated actor Toni Collette and her musician husband, David Galafassi, are due in court today given the couple are being sued over their failure to settle on an alleged $6.35 million Paddington terrace purchase.
The further directions hearing into the matter has been scheduled in the NSW Supreme Court equity division.
Last October the couple reputedly signed a contract to buy a double-fronted Paddington terrace from Susie Kelly, the co-founder and owner of Industrie clothing with her husband, Nick.
The Stewart Street house <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/actor-toni-collette-and-muso-david-galafassi-fall-for-the-charms-of-contemporary-inner-city-paddington/2011110752250">was snapped at an undisclosed price </a>– but understood to be slightly more than $6 million quite early in its October marketing campaign by McGrath agent Ben Collier.
The Paddington terrace over has since been been resold for $5.5 million, so the entertainment industry couple now know the $850,000 quantum of the claim against them, having been sued over their alleged failure to settle on their once intended $6.35 million purchase.
Designed by architect Anthony Gill and completed in 2009, the five-bedroom, four-bathroom house on a 360-square-metre block sold to the couple for a record for the southern side of Oxford Street, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Paddington</a>.
Consisting of two classic Victorian terraces combined into a palatial single residence, the contemporary tri-level family retreat had been reinvented after the merger of two terraces costing $2.15 million in 2003 and $1.865 million in 2005.
The entertainment industry couple's plans went awry after they struggled to find a buyer of their <a target="_blank" href="/news">Bronte </a>house.
Their 1885 Bronte weatherboard cottage that cost $4.4 million in mid-2009 had been tipped to sell for around $3.5 million through its McGrath Estate Agents listing agent Bethwyn Richards, but struggled to find a buyer.
Collette and Galafassi changed their minds on the Paddington purchase when they instead bought back at Bronte <a rel="nofollow" href="/news">reputedly from the buyer of their own house</a>.
The Kellys bought on Kutti Beach at <a target="_blank" href="/news">Vaucluse </a>last March for $15.5 million.
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