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.

Joel Robinson

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

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

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>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

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

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Yellow Brick Road would have had to embark on a $50 million marketing campaign over an 18-month period to generate the increase in brand recognition the company has achieved following its close association with Channel 9’s Celebrity Apprentice, according to founder and show host Mark Bouris.
The mortgage and wealth advice business featured in all episodes of the 2011 series, which rated among the most successful new shows for the network, drawing in more than 1 million viewers per episode, culminating in 1.6 million tuning in for the finale on November 21.
Few would argue that Bouris, who also hosted the show, failed to extract the maximum possible leverage from its prime time television slot – for the final challenge contestants were tasked with creating a Yellow Brick Road marketing campaign including a 30-second TV commercial, in-store marketing poster, brochure, cardboard cut-out and a corporate launch event.
Contestants were also gushing in their praise of the Yellow Brick Road business and its staff.
Former Miss Australia Jessinta Campbell described every member of Yellow Brick Road as “passionate, dedicated and devoted to providing their customers with the best financial advice possible”.
It wasn’t enough that comedian and series winner called Bouris a “heavenly man” but she also made Australian prime-time viewers aware that the depth of her respect for him “stems from his passion for helping average Australians, like my family, to carve out a stable financial future, no matter what you earn”.
It seems Australian prime-time television audiences lapped it up.
According to Bouris, enquiries about Yellow Brick Road’s home loans and term deposit products are up 200% above normal levels.
“I really don’t think you could build a national brand in such a short period with a relatively small dollar spend,” Bouris told The Australian Financial Review.
Bouris says he spent around $100 million building the Wizard brand and that it took about three years to build up enquiries to the level of interest currently being experienced by Yellow Brick Road.
Channel 9 acquired a 19.99% stake in Yellow Brick Road for $13 million in September. Bouris is the majority shareholder.
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Celebrity Apprentice saved Yellow Brick Road $50 million: Mark Bouris

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Fletchers, the Victorian estate agency, is set to open its second Queensland office next month.
Its new Gold Coast South office is set to commence operations on December 17, servicing Palm Beach, Elanora, Currumbin Waters and adjacent areas.
It follows the opening of Fletchers’ first Queensland office in Mermaid Beach last year.
“Effectively what has been a very successful opposition [The Professionals] franchise will close its doors on Friday and open on Saturday as Fletchers,” managing director of Fletchers (south east Queensland) Christopher Stear told Real Estate Business Bulletin.
Fletchers, which operates a franchise model with 10 offices in Victoria, commenced operations in 1919.
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Fletchers to open second Gold Coast office

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november17curtin]}
The former home of one of Australia's greatest prime ministers, John Curtin, sold for $710,000 at weekend auction.
<img src="/images/stories/curtinauction.jpg">
The 1906 Brunswick weatherboard came with $600,000-plus pre-auction estimates. Bidding commenced on a $600,000 vendor bid and then another at $610,000 at the auction (pictured above). The opening bidder at $620,000 secured the property, beating off three other potential buyers.
“I think I’d better grab my nervous wife from the car,” the buyer said before being ushered inside to sign the paperwork by W.B. Simpson &amp; Son's Syd Sherrin and Tim Maher.
Curtin lived in the double-fronted Fallon Street from 1912 to 1915, when in his late 20s he was the secretary of the Victorian Timber Workers Union and an organiser for the Australian Workers Union.
He stood unsuccessfully for his first parliamentary election, a state seat, in 1914.
It was the Fallon Street home Curtin returned to after spending a few days in jail in 1914 for protesting against conscription during World War I.
He was elected to Federal Parliament in 1928, became prime minister in 1941 and steered the country through the World War II years until his death in 1945 of a heart attack shortly before peace was declared.
The unrenovated house – which has heritage demolition restrictions – <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/john-curtin-s-melbourne-home-on-the-market-for-first-time-since-1921/2011111652397" target="_blank">has been owned by the McAnally family since 1921</a>, so many of its original period features remain.
It sits on a 463-square-metre block and is of aesthetic significance given the timber ashlar villa comes with fine detailing including the central pediment to the veranda, intact cast iron lacework and paired elongated double-hung sash windows.
It has a hipped painted corrugated iron roof return and a bullnose veranda.
It has red brick chimneys with rendered caps and plinths and paired brackets under the eave line.
The veranda has turned timber veranda posts.
It was a six-room house during Curtin’s rental.
The Creswick-born politician subsequently moved to Brunswick Road and in 1917 left Victoria for a new home with his wife, Elsie, in Western Australia.
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John Curtin's former Melbourne home sells for $710,000

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Forbes magazine has taken a look at Warren Buffett to see what the simple-living billionaire investor pays in property taxes.
He’s lived in <a target="_blank" href="#content">the same house in Omaha, Nebraska</a> for a very long time and pays just $13,859 in annual property taxes.
Forbes did the research after Buffett drew lots of attention to himself a few months ago, saying he paid a very low rate of income taxes as well.
It was not too surprising that Bill Gates, the richest man in the U.S., who is worth $59 billion, has the highest property tax bill for his primary residence.
His home on Lake Washington in the high-end Seattle suburb of Medina, Washington, covering 6,131 square metres, had a 2011 property tax bill of $1.036 million.
Buffett kicked off the debate about the rich and taxes when <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/15/opinion/stop-coddling-the-super-rich?_r=2&amp;adxnnl=1&amp;adxnnlx=1313406012-LdFPV4bCgoJeCCLcFOOFEw">he wrote in the New York Times</a> in August that his federal tax bill was $6,938,744.
“That sounds like a lot of money,” he wrote.
“But what I paid was only 17.4% of my taxable income — and that’s actually a lower percentage than was paid by any of the other 20 people in our office.
“Their tax burdens ranged from 33% to 41% and averaged 36%,” Buffett wrote.
Buffett has lived in the same house in the central Dundee neighborhood of Omaha that he bought in 1958 for $31,500, according to Wikipedia. It is worth about $700,000.
Wikipedia also says he owns a $4 million house in Laguna Beach, California, but the Forbes survey just looked at the principal places of residence.
 
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Warren Buffett pays very little property tax too

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AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick has sold his home in Kew's prestigious Sackville Ward precinct, with the footy player-turned-businessman and his wife Helen Sykes off to South Yarra.
After the opening $2.8 million vendor bid, there was just the one bid of $2,825,000 at its weekend auction through Marshall White agent James Tostevin.
But it sold soon after at an undisclosed price. There had been $3 million plus hopes.
The former Blue, who captained Carlton to premiership victories in 1981 and 1982, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/afl-chairman-mike-fitzpatrick-spends-close-to-%249-million-in-south-yarra/2011062750616">spent about $9 million on a South Yarra house earlier this year</a>.
Fitzpatrick's two-storey, 1920s Kew house came with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, formal sitting and dining rooms, a study, a separate lounge and a family room that opens to a large deck on its 1,179-square-metre block.
Joshua Bong from James Buyer Advocates suggested it was a quiet auction.
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AFL boss Mike Fitzpatrick sells in Kew

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Expatriate Australian billionaire Michael Hintze has spent some small change buying out a Boorowa neighbour for $1,133,000.
It’s the latest NSW property acquisition to his rapidly expanding east coast farming portfolio. Hintze's wealth has been estimated by Forbes magazine at $US1.4 billion in early 20111. Rare with his public pronouncements, Hintze has said he was not just looking for capital gain from the properties. He says he seeks solid returns on production.
The London-based hedge fund founder has amassed one of Australia’s fastest-growing farm portfolios, with acquisitions totalling about 50,000 hectares since 2007.
His private pension fund, MHPF, has spent about $142 million on the land and water purchases.
His latest 327 hectare acquisition, set between Young and Goulburn, was settled last month.
Hintze is the founder and senior investment officer of CQS Management, a London-based hedge fund with assets of $US10.5 billion.
MHPF has been described as "a newly diversified agricultural force taking shape in eastern Australia" by The Land's agricultural writer, Peter Austin. It now has made 15 acquisitions in NSW and recently added <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/sweet-deal-for-michael-hintze/2011060450346" target="_blank">two sugarcane farms in north Queensland</a>, which marked a shift away from its <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/rural/billionaire-michael-hintze-dons-cotton-in-wee-waa-rural-acquisition/2011092651682" target="_blank">weighting towards the southern NSW mixed farming of wool, prime lambs, cattle and winter cropping</a>.
The purchases have been driven by the view that rural land in Australia now represents good value in light of the strong global demand for “soft commodities”. A key strategy of the group has been to aggregate parcels of land where possible to achieve efficiencies of scale and cross-property synergies.
Hintze's buying spree began when he spent $12.5 million for a Breadalbane property in July 2007. Trained as an engineer, Hintze served in the Australian army and started his firm, CQS, in 1999. It is short for "Convertible and Quantitative Strategies". He is a well-known philanthropist, with beneficiaries including the University of Sydney.
His name has been in the British headlines for the past two months given his links to Conservative Party funding.
 
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Billionaire Michael Hintze adds Boorowa farm to rural knapsack

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Former Baywatch babe Pamela Anderson has listed her Malibu house for rental for US$20,000 per week or US$75,000 per month.
Although the listing photos are deliberately washed out and show little but a few splashes of flowers among a sea of white, the listing information on the <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/387082#photos" target="_blank">Vacation Rental By Owner</a> website says it was "designed and decorated by the owner herself, Pamela Anderson, who’s [sic] homes have been featured in many of the top architectural publications".
The main bedroom has a marble open fireplace ("very Pammy," says the listing), HD TV and mountain views, and the other two bedrooms both include HD TVs. It comes with a housekeeping staff, including vegetarian chef - noted animal lover Anderson is vegetarian.
Her own beloved golden retriever features in several of the pictures, and Anderson stresses that the house is pet-friendly: "Of course, pets are allowed to bring their owners… as long as they’re house trained! "
Anderon says she is listing the house for rent because she hasn't been spending much time there lately.
""I'm traveling so much these days and am enjoying a lot more time in my native Canada with my family… I’m finally willing to share my masterpiece – what I’ve co-created with a handful of green architects and designers/inspired by my favorite architect Lautner – this is my humble stab at perfection…it’s a magical spot," she says.
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Pamela Anderson lists her Malibu house for rent for US$75,000 a month

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<img src="/images/stories/wanulla.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Boutique property developers Bob and Margaret Rose have sold what’s considered the best pied-a-terre in Australia. Using limestone from Western Australia, their three-bedroom, four-bathroom Point Piper harbourfront (pictured above and below), listed through Ken Jacobs from Christie's International in conjunction with LJ Hooker Double Bay agent Bill Malouf, was constructed seven years ago.
<img src="/images/stories/wanulla2.jpg">
The French Provincial-style house snugs closer to the harbour than neighbouring residences that are built behind the traditional building set-back.
<img src="/images/stories/wanulla3.jpg">
The Wunulla Road property sale price hasn’t been disclosed, but it’s understood to have fetched about $15 million for the couple, who are building at Darling Point. The north-westerly oriented 582-sq-metre holding comes with views from the Harbour Bridge across to Shark Island and north towards the Heads.
The block cost $5,594,000 in 2000. Its deep-water jetty is shared with the next-door Altona estate.
<img src="/images/stories/villadelmare.jpg">
Title Tattle would have thought the Roses’ house perfect for the downsizing executive headhunter Julia Ross, but apparently she won’t be buying until she sells her Point Piper non-waterfront Villa del Mare (picture above and below), the vast limestone hilltop palazzo on 1,508 square metres. Villa del Mare's $21.5 million non-waterfront price record when sold to Ross by Nati and Miki Stoliar in 2005 was bettered in 2008 when businessman Ben Tilley sold Craig-y-Mor, a neighbouring house on the non-waterfront side of Wolseley Road, for $32.4 million to Jiang Mei, the wife of Zeng Wei, the son of Zeng Qinghong, a former influential vice-president of China.
<img src="/images/stories/villadelmare2.jpg">
Now they say Ross wants more than $40 million through Ken Jacobs of Christie's International and LJ Hooker Double Bay's Bill Malouf. But the marketing campaign – overseen by the spin maestro Max Markson – got off to a shaky start when one local publication compared its envisaged $40 million plus pricing to the supposed $44 million sale of the nearby even more imposing Villa Veneto, which of course sits on the harbourfront, not the hill. Those in the know reckon Villa Veneto’s complicated secretive sale price documentation would show closer to $52 million, which would make Ross's hopes more attainable.
<img src="/images/stories/piccinini.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Artists Patricia Piccinini and Peter Hennessey knocked back $790,000 when their 150-square-metre two-level apartment (pictured above) in the old MacRobertson chocolate factory in Fitzroy went to auction last weekend through Nelson Alexander agent Peter Stephens. The couple paid $410,000 in 2000 for the property. There had been a $780,000 vendor bid placed by Stephens, who was  quoting $780,000 to $850,000. It sold soon after auction at an undisclosed price. It was between 1993 and 1996 when the historic MacRobertson Chocolate factory warehouse, just off Smith Street’s shopping and entertainment precinct, was developed by Barcor Pty Ltd into warehouse shells.
<img src="/images/stories/marci.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Macquarie Group director Laurie Macri and his wife, Christine, are seeking more than $9 million for their five-bedroom South Coogee oceanfront house. The Bunya Parade house has been listed through McGrath agent Bethwyn Richards. It was last sold in 2005 when offloaded by entrenpruer John Singleton and his then wife Julie through McGrath agent James Dack for $7.5 million.
<img src="/images/stories/marci2.jpg">
The three-level palace is a glass, concrete and steel residence, standing on an 800-square-metre clifftop block overlooking Wedding Cake Island, designed by architect Renato D'Ettore for his sister Yolanda and brother-in-law Orazio Camuglia. Title Tattle recalls the house, laden with polished travertine marble, was a 10-year labour of love for Orazio, a former toy importer who gave up his business and took out his owner/builder licence to oversee its construction, completed in 1999. The house received a commendation in the NSW Institute of Architects' Wilkinson Award for 2000. Its international renown was enhanced when the late celebrity snapper Herb Ritts flew in to take photos of the then Hollywood couple Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman for their Eyes Wide Shut promotions at the property.
<img src="/images/stories/beretta.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Channel 7 Sunrise sports presenter Mark Beretta has adjusted his Mosman house price expectations. He’d previously been seeking more than $2 million for the property (pictured above). Beretta has been wholesome in his praise for the Sydney suburb, saying it was a really nice, quiet area that was safe and secure. Beretta, who comes from a family of plumbers, and his wife Rachel have been at the property since 2005 when they paid $1.47 million. More than $1.9 million is being sought through Piers van Hamburg at McGrath Estate Agents. It’s a single storey house on a 610-square-metre block.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/havelock1.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Brick manufacturer Gilbert Habla, owner of Habla Kilns, has listed Havelock House in Hawthorn (pictured above) through Marshall White agent James Redfern, who is seeking expressions of interest of about $3.5 million until November 29.  Habla and his wife, Janie, renovated the house after buying it in 1997. The 1899 house features a reception hall and ballroom. It has six bedrooms, two study areas and five bathrooms.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">The Micos family, whose glass and aluminium company supplies windows to major development companies including Mirvac and Meriton, have snappily sold their three-bedroom Grantham, Potts Point apartment. It was listed with hopes of more than $5.5 million through Jason Boon in conjunction with McGrath North Sydney agent Nigel Mukhi. It occupies the entire third level of the Alex Popov-designed building named The Grantham. There are just eight apartments in the complex.
<img src="/images/stories/cooks.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">The former MP for Newcastle Jodi McKay now wants $800,000 for her Cooks Hill home (pictured above), which was listed for auction earlier this month through Sonia Walkom and Kate Rundle of Walkom Real Estate Newcastle with $850,000 plus hopes. McKay bought the Tooke Street house six years ago from the father of Charlestown MP Andrew Cornwell. The former minister's house also has a state-of-the-art security system with back to base alarm. The house has three bedrooms, a bathroom, a sunroom, study, combined lounge and dining room, kitchen, outdoor eating area, high ceilings and leadlight windows and doors. McKay's partner lives in Sydney, and she has made the move south to renovate a property in the inner west.
<img src="/images/stories/windemere.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">The Collaroy Plateau home (pictured above) of television producer Paula Goodman didn’t sell at its recent auction through agent Jennifer Aaron of Jennifer Aaron Real Estate. It had been expected to fetch $930,000 plus. The four-bedroom house stands on a 782-square-metre Windermere Place block with landscaped gardens and pool. The two-level residence has bush views. On its lower level is a self-contained guest residence that opens on to a terrace. Goodman, who has produced Ladette to Lady and Secret Millionaire, has also featured in more than 50 TV commercials.
<img src="/images/stories/stgeorgeroad.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Architect Michael Spivakovsky and his wife Cheryl have listed historic Edzell House (pictured above), the heritage-protected Elizabethan Revival Toorak residence. Spivakovsky is the son of pianist Jascha Spivakovsky, who held recitals there that sometimes featured Dame Nellie Melba. The 1892 house that overlooks the Yarra River and the city has seven apartments, all with original features such as timber panelling and leadlighting. There are approved plans for a five-bedroom home on the site. Jellis Craig agents Jenny Gillies and Richard James have the listing with expressions of interest closing on December 5. About $9 million is being sought, according to the AFR, while The Age had previously suggested the St Georges Road property could fetch about $11 million. 
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november7toni]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">
Actor Toni Collette's historic Bronte home failed to find a taker at its weekend auction despite its price expectations being almost $1 million less that its $4.4 million last sale price. McGrath auctioneer Scott Kennedy-Green’s attempts to solicit a $3.5 million opening bid failed. It was passed in on a $3.5 million vendor bid.
The 1885 weatherboard cottage on a 750-square-metre block in Bronte Road cost $4.4 million in mid-2009. The couple, Collette and and her musician husband, David Galafassi, are selling their hillside house because the renovation rebuild costings defied property logic.
The rebuild construction tender quotes are understood to have tallied about $4 million, well above the official application with Waverley Council which suggested its revamp cost would be around $2.5 million.
Set privately above the high side of the street, the four-bedroom house is one of the last remnants of the original Bronte Estate.
Given the current top-end market conditions aren’t resplendent with sunshine, its McGrath Estate Agents listing agent Bethwyn Richards had given public estimates she expected the property to sell for about $3.5 million and that Collette and Galafassi were prepared to cop a $900,000 loss.
Before the auction Bethwyn Richards said  seven contracts had been issued.
"We've had more than 80 groups through, so we've been going OK," she added.
 {yoogallery src=[images/stories/november8collette]}
It’s one of three Bronte Road houses currently listed through McGrath. The couple have spent about $6 million in Paddington (pictured above).
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Title Tattle likes to tell readers of property deals as soon as they happen – if not before – so the word is that Miki Stoliar may have recently picked up a Darling Point apartment. No details yet, though it’s suggested it’s been secured in the Bishopscourt apartment complex.
<img src="/images/stories/towersrd.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">And don’t say that Title Tattle told you, but there are reputedly three keen parties looking at 1 Towers Road, Toorak (pictured above and below).  One Towers Road, Toorak, owned by former JPMorgan Australia chairman Brian Watson, has been listed with record-setting expectations. Set on more than 2,000 square metres, the six-bedroom house was once owned by businessman John Elliott.
<img src="/images/stories/towersrd3.jpg">
Its Kay and Burton listing agent Michael Gibson has told industry players he expects the house to attract more than $26 million and set a new Victorian record. Offers are due early next week. The empty-nester Watson family bought the Toorak property in 2001 for $11.1 million, a then record-setting price.
 
 
 
 
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Artists Patricia Piccinini and Peter Hennessey get sweet deal selling in Fitzroy: Title Tattle

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Carmelite nuns have little faith in AGL Energy maintaining the rural tranquillity of Scenic Hills.
The Catholic religious order is concerned the “supportive environment for prayer would be lost with the noise of construction and operation of gas wells nearby and heavy vehicle traffic on local roads”.
“AGL plans to locate up to six gas wells on the Serbian Orthodox property next door to us,” writes Sister Jocelyn Kramer.
The nuns settled in the region more than 20 years ago after the region was made an environmental protection (scenic) zone in 1974. The zoning specifically prohibits extractive industries and mines.
“In contravention of the zoning, AGL Energy Ltd (AGL) has applied to the NSW Minister for Planning to put up to 72 coal seam gas (CSG) wells across Campbelltown's Scenic Hills from Mount Annan to Denham Court,” she wrote.
The nuns are concerned about damage to historic area. They raise its important Aboriginal history and its “rich colonialist heritage”.
They are also concerned about damage to Upper Canal, part of Sydney’s water catchment area, and possible damage to Mount Annan Botanic Garden’s plants and animals.
“The sheer audacity of this proposal epitomises the problem residents have with AGL's  plans for the Scenic Hills.”
“If the NSW Minister for Planning approves AGL's proposal for CSG mining in the Scenic Hills, much of its beauty and tranquillity will be lost forever.”
The group asks that no new licenses are approved until there has been extensive research on the impact of coal seam gas and associated practises and that research has been made publicly available.
“As a religious community, we recognise that economic development is necessary and we welcome research and development into renewable energy sources,” Kramer writes.
“We also believe unashamedly that there are important and enduring assets that money cannot buy, which short-sighted economic developments can irrevocably destroy in their haste to make money for the few.”
The Discalced Carmelite friars are on the same site and echo the calls of the nuns.
“It like we are collateral damage. Our very viability and the viability of this heritage landscape is threatened by a ‘blue-chip’ company determined to exploit the resources under our land,” Father Gregory Burke says.
The friars established the retreat centre in 1967.
He says AGL is deceptive in the way it is dealing with their concerns.
“We have found that they can be very economical with the truth,” he writes.
“It has been asserted to us that certain chemicals are not used. But then we were alerted that by a member of the Legislative Assembly of NSW that in fact these same chemical are used but are called additives.”
He is also unhappy with the approval process for coal seam gas projects.
“That there is no truly independent monitoring of coal seam gas extraction in NSW to ensure that the conditions of approval and safety standards are being fully met is truly a disgrace.”
“Self-regulation has meant that inevitable spills and mishaps have and will continue to be covered up.”
Burke is concerned about the unsatisfactory response of AGL to warnings issued by experts.
“Their response is that of salesmen who dismiss objections by trivialising them rather than dealing with them in a proper scientific manner,” he says.
He says that the AGL officers he has spoken to dismiss any arguments by claiming that the issues in Queensland will not apply in NSW because the geology is different.
“AGL’s sole argument is simply ‘trust us’. They seek to reassure us by stressing that they are a ‘blue-chip’ company with a long history.”
“We are not reassured by this assertion and wonder what it actually means for anyone who is not a shareholder.”
He asks for a full ban on coal seam gas extraction in Sydney’s Metropolitan Area, environmental protection areas and that the proposed Northern Expansion of the Camden Gas Field Stage 3a be dismissed.
 
 
 
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Carmelite nuns have little faith in AGL Energy coal seam gas plans for Scenic Hills

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november25flea]}

The far NSW south coast hinterland retreat of Michael "Flea" Balzary from the Red Hot Chili Peppers has been sold.

But its $1.4 million sale price represented a significant loss on the $1.795 million paid in 2004. The beef cattle farm with four-bedroom homestead had been initially listed late 2010 with a $2.1 million asking price.

Koorabel Park is  a 218-hectare property located in the Mogendoura Valley, approximately 10 kilometres from the town of Moruya on the south coast. The property has a substantial homestead plus a studio and garden shed. Its outbuildings include two sheds, which were once part of the old Mogendoura Cheese factory. There are also cattle yards with full crush and also a very old slab barn. It comes with the Mogendoura Creek flowing through the property.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29679]

Balzary retains a beachfront property at Congo on the far south coast, so the Melbourne-born muso might still be spotted busking with friends outside the Moruya markets.

"Chances are, I'll end up living there permanently," Flea advised a few years back.

It was 1967 when the four-year-old moved from Melbourne to New York when his father, then a customs officer, was transferred. His dad later returned to Australia alone, where he now lives on the outskirts of Canberra.

Koorabel Park was listed through Lilian Brindley at Moruya Tuross Real Estate. The neighbouring Clouts Road farm, Coolooli, a 180-hectare holding, remains listed with a $1.69 million asking price through Raine &amp; Horne Narooma agent Penny Cope. It’s the original 100-year-old home of the Clout family set at the end of Mogendoura Valley.

<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/international/red-hot-chili-peppers-bassist-flea-sells-in-malibu/2011111452346" target="_blank">Flea also recently sold a home in Malibu, California.</a>
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