<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/smith-by-valli-collingwood-224-228-smith-street-collingwood-vic-3066">Smith Collingwood</a> is a new boutique apartment development bringing a refined, design-led approach to one of Melbourne’s most established inner-city neighbourhoods.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pandolfini-architects">Pandolfini Architects</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/lisa-buxton-interiors">Lisa Buxton</a>, Smith by Valli sits on iconic Smith Street and comprises just 22 residences tailored toward owner-occupiers seeking a more considered style of apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367540]

The design of Smith focuses on a north-facing orientation across all residences, a relatively uncommon feature in dense inner-Melbourne settings. Each apartment has been planned to maximise natural light and outlook, alongside a material palette defined by warm tones, custom joinery, and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances.

The development comprises a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with pricing currently ranging from just under $1 million to around $4.85 million for the premium penthouse-level residences, reflecting growing demand for luxury owner-occupier product in Melbourne’s inner urban market.

Residents will also have access to a private rooftop garden designed as an elevated retreat above the city, &nbsp;featuring curated landscaping, veggie boxes, intimate seating areas and spaces for relaxed gatherings. Sustainability has also been integrated into the project through a 7-star energy rating and two secure bicycle facilities for every residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367529]

Smith by Valli sits in the heart of one of Melbourne’s most established retail and hospitality strips, within walking distance of venues such as Falco Bakery, Carnation Canteen and Alimentari, alongside parks and everyday services. With a Walk Score of 99, the location reinforces the project’s positioning toward buyers prioritising walkability and access over car dependency.

With only a limited number of residences, Smith reflects growing demand for smaller, highly curated apartment developments that prioritise design quality, liveability, and connection to neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140747]

Joel Robinson

Smith by Valli delivers a refined collection of luxury residences to Melbourne’s inner north

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>’s 640 Bourke Street stands as a testament to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s ability to bridge its storied past with a bold vision for the future.&nbsp;

Rising above the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley building, the development reflects a broader shift toward adaptive reuse in the city, where historical assets are retained and reinterpreted as part of new residential development.

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> incorporates the Eliza Tinsley building as its foundation, housing a grand gallery and lobby space that serve as both a functional and symbolic centrepiece. The heritage façade informs the tower’s design, creating a connection between Melbourne’s past and its contemporary skyline.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365684]

Above this historic base, the 68-storey tower will deliver just over 600 residences, a notable reduction from earlier schemes, reflecting a deliberate move toward larger-format apartments and a stronger owner-occupier focus.

Unlike traditional CBD developments that prioritised investor stock, 640 Bourke Street has been repositioned to respond to changing buyer expectations.

"The discussion was all around making 640 Bourke Street the best residence to live in, to be much more focused on the people in the building rather than people looking at the building," Marsland explained.&nbsp;

This shift is evident in the development’s interiors, which emphasise practical luxury with spacious layouts, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.&nbsp;

“What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Lauren Sheldon, Far East Consortium’s Director of Sales and Marketing, said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365687]

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang added, "We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."&nbsp;

Amenities spanning more than 3,000 sqm across multiple levels further reinforce this focus on resident experience. These include a pool, gym, co-working areas, and a range of hospitality-inspired spaces such as a whisky lounge, library, and private dining rooms, many drawing reference from traditional bathhouses and Melbourne’s laneway culture.

"We wanted to make both the pool and the gym area to be absolutely destinational, and when you traverse across to these spaces, there is a gentle familiarity to the beautiful notions of the hammams and the Roman baths, a gentle nod to history," Chang noted.

At street level, the project contributes to the ongoing transformation of the western CBD, with upgrades to Langs Lane and the introduction of retail, hospitality, and gallery spaces designed to activate the precinct and strengthen its connection to the surrounding city fabric.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

The location places residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, and the Docklands waterfront, positioning the development within a rapidly evolving inner-city neighbourhood.

"We believe it's the best site left in the city of Melbourne," Craig Williams, Executive Director at Far East Consortium, said.&nbsp;

640 Bourke Street is Far East Consortium’s 14th building in Melbourne’s western CBD.

"A very elegant designed building. It's going to be a Melbourne statement for many, many years to come."

One-bedroom apartments are priced from around $640,000, with 640 Bourke Street targeting completion in 2029.

Renders shown are Artist's Impressions correct as of May 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Heritage-led design anchors Far East Consortium’s 640 Bourke St, Melbourne

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD Group</a> has set a new residential price record in Queensland with the $30 million sale of the penthouse at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-burleigh-88-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">ONE Burleigh</a> development in Burleigh Heads.

The sale equates to around $37,500 per sqm.

The two-level, 800 sqm penthouse, featuring five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five car spaces, and a private infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was acquired by a Gold Coast-based entrepreneur, highlighting continued demand for ultra-premium beachfront product.

Selling agent Freddie Tehle of PRD Burleigh Heads said the result reflects tightening supply of high-quality, large-format apartments in Burleigh.

“There’s very limited opportunity to secure this level of scale and absolute beachfront position in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Burleigh Heads</a>,” Tehle said.

“Buyers are increasingly seeking apartments that genuinely replace a standalone home, and this penthouse delivers that with its size, privacy, and direct ocean frontage.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323057]

The sale comes as construction progresses on ONE Burleigh, a boutique development of 17 full-floor residences at 88 The Esplanade, scheduled for completion in early 2027.

Developed by MAYD Group and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mas-architecture-studio">MAS Architecture</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/sici-design">Sici Design</a>, the project has been positioned as a collection of house-sized beachfront apartments, each occupying an entire floor with around 381 sqm of internal and external living space.

When construction commenced, MAYD director Todd Mould pointed to the long-term resilience of premium coastal real estate as a key driver behind the project.

“Real estate, particularly at the premium end, remains one of the most resilient and proven long-term investment avenues,” Mould said.

“Our ambition is that anyone who buys a MAYD-built product can genuinely feel the care, craftsmanship and commitment we bring to every detail.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323055]

Each residence has been configured with four bedrooms, multiple living zones, a private office, and expansive ocean-facing terraces. Interiors draw on a restrained material palette, including travertine stone, timber joinery, and integrated premium appliances.

Interior designer Sici Design said the approach was to reflect the project’s coastal setting through both materiality and spatial planning.

“ONE Burleigh is our vision of luxury living, designed to bring the essence of Burleigh Heads' vibrant coastal beauty into an unparalleled residential experience.”

Residents will have access to a suite of wellness-focused amenities, including pools, sauna facilities, and dedicated relaxation spaces, reflecting a broader shift toward lifestyle-driven apartment design on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323052]

The project occupies a southern Esplanade site with uninterrupted beachfront frontage, an increasingly rare offering in Burleigh Heads, free from the Norfolk Pines that line much of the coastline and often limit direct ocean outlook.

Mould said the design intent was to balance that outlook with a sense of retreat.

“Living at ONE Burleigh is about how your day naturally unfolds, morning light across the ocean, coffee on the balcony, and being in Burleigh but elevated above the noise.”

The result further reinforces Burleigh Heads’ emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held and supply-constrained beachfront markets, where boutique, owner-occupier-focused developments are increasingly setting new price benchmarks.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146358]

MAYD Group sets Queensland record with $30 million penthouse sale at ONE Burleigh in Burleigh Heads

Apartment developers in the Gold Coast are finding new, creative ways to differentiate themselves from competing projects, as new supply starts to flow through up and down the Coast.

Developer BIG Projects brought in the renowned Sydney-based design studio YSG Studio to craft the interiors for The Frederick, BIG Projects' new Mermaid Beach project and YSG Studio's first move into the multi-residential development space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5346]

It was a strategic move for BIG Projects to bring in a Sydney eye to the development.

“Our role is to give our design partners the space and freedom to explore,” says Matt Barrett, Director of BIG Projects.

“We wanted YSG Studio to capture the essence of Nobby’s, to design a building that embraces life, light and connection, while creating a genuine sense of place.”

There are only 39 apartments in The Frederick, including a striking beach house, just 100 metres from the booming Nobby Beach precinct.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5347]

Yasmine Ghoniem, Director of YSG Studio, says their vision&nbsp;for The Frederick "reinvents coastal living."

“Nobby’s has such an iconic energy, it’s one of those rare pockets of the Gold Coast where the community, the beach, and the streets all feel connected,” Ghoniem says.

"Responding to the neighbouring coastline, soothing curves add a relaxing regional overlay, while unique detailing really sets it apart. It’s a place that feels lived in from the moment you step inside.”

A standout feature of The Frederick is its rooftop terrace, an uncommon inclusion for a boutique, low-rise building, where amenity is typically concentrated at ground level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5360]

Positioned to capture panoramic views from the hinterland to the ocean, the rooftop has been designed as a series of intimate zones. It includes a pool, sauna, sun decks, workspaces and dedicated entertaining areas.

“The rooftop was conceived as a collection of spaces where residents can unwind and connect, an extension of the Nobby’s lifestyle,” Barrett says.

Architecture for the project was led by Plus Studio, with landscape design by LDG Landscape Architecture.

SRQ Projects Director Nick Clydsdale, who is handling sales at The Frederick, says the majority of enquiry is coming from South East QLD and Victorian buyers who have been actively searching between Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach for some time.

"They’ve reviewed a number of projects, however this one has stood out for its unique detailing and compelling design,"&nbsp;Clydsdale says.

Site demolition is slated for this month, with construction commencing soon after. BIG Projects is targeting a late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110588]

Sydney’s YSG Studio makes Gold Coast multi-residential debut with BIG Projects at The Frederick

Melbourne-based property developer ALTA Property has this week achieved planning approval for the adaptive re-use of a former commercial tower into a $200 million, 169-apartment project at 10 Queens Road, one of the last developable sites along the Albert Park Lake-fronting boulevard.&nbsp;

Set within one of Melbourne’s most sought-after precincts and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser and Partners</a>, the illustrious building will offer unparalleled views across Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne CBD.&nbsp;

The mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom residences will be complemented by a ground-floor amenity featuring private dining, a lounge bar, gym and wellness spaces, co-working, outdoor communal gardens, and retail.&nbsp;

The 17-storey building is a masterclass in adaptive re-use, with the existing commercial building’s façade, shell and internal structure to be retained, before high-end residences are built from the ground up in a newly built Albert Park facing addition to the building.&nbsp;

Sitting atop the building will be two 320+sqm penthouses with private rooftop terraces, which are expected to be priced between $9 - $11 million.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa11211b-5581-43f9-940c-fc84d30a0e61" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/C_04.png?VersionId=Yhf5p_1EgGDu_zOIMFgvA8Ug8j3sTFQs" />

Architecturally, the building will feature a curved, geometric façade that celebrates and elevates the existing structure, with warm, muted tones which were selected to extend the materiality of the existing building rather than contrast it.&nbsp;

Interiors will bring together three metre high ceilings with waffle concrete in some spaces, natural timber, granite and Australian materials, culminating in crafted, generous and considered spaces that are defined by authenticity.&nbsp;

The adaptive re-use means that the Queens Road project will be a sustainability led, high-quality finished product, with a 62% saving in carbon emissions by re-using the existing structure rather than knocking it down and rebuilding.&nbsp;

ALTA Property was launched by Nigel Givoni in 2023, bringing over 25 years of experience in multi level residential delivery.&nbsp;

Melbourne’s property market growth is currently led by apartments. According to RPM VIC Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report (April 2026), units are outpacing houses, especially in the middle ring suburbs where median prices hit $757,500 – a four-year high that represents 2.9 percent growth quarter-on-quarter.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="647e13d7-b4bc-433a-9bc9-fe3c3dd4f2ec" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/V_06.png?VersionId=ou4NUCWUgA3NAy.6CQJlEdKX50j3dOk6" />

For ALTA Property Founder Nigel Givoni, this performance speaks to the confidence he has in the Melbourne market.&nbsp;

“Queens Road represents a rare opportunity to continue to shape our presence in the Melbourne market.,"&nbsp;Givoni says.

"With a considered project team and a premier site along one of the city’s most sought-after boulevards, we look forward to contributing to the fabric of this established address.

“Other Australian markets are getting a lot of attention, but I believe the depth of value in Melbourne is being overlooked. The fundamentals are strong, population growth is steady and, based on our preliminary conversations with a leading builder, construction costs are beginning to normalise, creating further opportunity."

Givoni says the project is a&nbsp;highly considered example of adaptive re-use, delivering quality, high-end residences, premium hotel-inspired amenities and an architecturally striking façade, all achieved without the need to remove the existing structure.

"We are really looking forward to the market’s response,” he said.&nbsp;

ALTA Property to deliver $200 million Queens Road apartment tower

Prominent New Zealand apartment and hotel operator, <a href="/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>, is offering up a prime investment opportunity for Australians to purchase off the plan in one of the world’s most popular ski destinations.

They recently took to market Mountain Oak Queenstown Apartments, in the growing precinct of Remarkables Park in Frankton, near the airport and at the foot of The Remarkables - the mountain range the locals like to call “The Remarks”.&nbsp;

Sydney investors have shown interest in the one, two and three-bedroom apartments that secure high-season occupancy six months over the year, primarily over summer and winter months.

They average 90 per cent occupancy across their portfolio over January, February, March, August, November and December, while shoulder season months of April, July, September and October are still occupied 70 per cent of the time, with the growing appeal of Queenstown becoming not just a hotspot for the snow, but a lifestyle destination.

Even in the low seasons of May and June, occupancy levels reach around 40 per cent.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Safari’s Safari Hotels arm can also manage the holiday letting for an investor, from the listing on holiday accommodation websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com to the cleaning and maintenance of the investment. They’ve been in the short stay management business for 15 years and offer 24/7 support for investors, an important convenience benefit for any overseas investor

Another major drawcard for Australians is that New Zealand doesn’t have a stamp duty policy - so the entry price of NZ$639,000 (AU$586,000), is all that is payable on completion.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Safari is starting construction of the 141 apartments in Q2 this year, with a two-year build estimated to complete in mid-to-late 2027.<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="15" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXczFpFAb7WuA6f4f9TtKWcqXyNwR8qqtakWv352ERkpqNlP3KwIo8YKxw67jZNHfpjEGIZGv5MQTbnvLZwNt8iu9IVdOrswOjCvBZ4zhSoOOLrpt6etVEZTN1gkBho0r_R72zdHNA?key=yq3daOanqHSb88QFd8jGYKdb" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" />​

The apartments will feature modern amenities and contemporary designs with expansive windows capturing sweeping views of The Remarkables mountain range.&nbsp;

Interiors are equipped with modern finishes, premium appliances, and secure electronic key-locked doors, ensuring a comfortable living experience for residents and guests alike.

With its strategic location near Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort, as well as key retail and dining precincts such as Market Street, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and Remarkables Market, Mountain Oak offers a strong proposition for investors seeking high rental yields and capital appreciation in one of New Zealand’s most sought-after locations.&nbsp;

Queenstown’s sustained demand for visitor accommodation and rental properties is underpinned by a shortage of housing options, attracting both local and international buyers.

Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
The Consumer Price Index – the main measure of inflation in Australia – rose by 0.5% in the September quarter, in line with expectations. In seasonally adjusted terms the CPI rose by 0.3%. The annual rate of headline inflation lifted from 1.6% to 1.7%. The Aussie dollar was unchanged against the greenback in response.
The Reserve Bank monitors three measures to derive the underlying inflation rate. The trimmed mean rose by 0.4% in the September quarter (1.6% annual); the weighted median rose by 0.3% (1.2% annual) and the CPI less volatile items rose by 0.8% (1.9% annual).
Overall, underlying inflation rose by around 0.5% in the quarter and by around 1.5% over the year. Market goods and services less volatile items rose by 0.8% in the quarter (biggest rise in almost four years) to be up 1.8% on the year.
International holiday travel (+6.1%), tobacco (+3.4%), property rates &amp; charges (+2.5%) and child care (+2.5%) recorded the most significant price gains. The most significant offsetting price falls this quarter are automotive fuel (-2.0%), fruit (-3.1%), and vegetables (-2.5%).
What does it all mean?
Inflation remains contained. The headline annual inflation rate has bottomed, but it is creeping, rather than leaping, towards the Reserve Bank’s 2-3% target band. That is more than we can say about ‘underlying inflation’ which solidly remains near 1.5%.
Headline inflation may be boosted by the drought effects on food prices in coming quarters. Higher home prices may serve to lift some price measures in the ‘Housing’ grouping. Wage growth may remain low but it is still outpacing prices. And with productivity growth near zero, the positive real wage growth may be applying some upward pressure on prices – especially in the services sector.
The Reserve Bank has indicated that rate cuts are still possible. But the language from the policymakers suggest that they are very reluctant rate cutters from here. Rates are low enough and the rate cuts have actually been having the opposite to the desired affect – spooking Aussie consumers. And there is evidence to support the ‘gentle turning point’ view of the Reserve Bank. Unemployment fell last month and home prices are again barrelling higher in Sydney and Melbourne. 
The Reserve Bank is expected to wait until at least February 2020 to decide if more interest rate stimulus is required.
Craig James is the chief economist at <a href="https://www.comsec.com.au/default.aspx" target="_blank">CommSec</a>. 
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Inflation rate creeps towards RBA target zone: CommSec

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
Environment Minister Sussan Ley yesterday announced a 10-yearly review of Australia’s national environmental laws. It could not come at a more critical time, as the environment struggles under unprecedented development pressures, climate change impacts and a crippling drought.
The laws, formally known as the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/about" target="_blank">EPBC</a> Act, have been in place for 20 years.
Announcing the review, Ley <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/29/review-of-federal-environment-laws-will-cut-green-tape-and-speed-up-approvals" target="_blank">said it would “tackle green tape”</a> and reduce delays in project approvals. She said the laws must remain “fit for purpose” as our environment changes.
Serious declines in most biodiversity indicators strongly suggest the laws are not fit for purpose. Some <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/csp2.117" target="_blank">7.7 million hectares of endangered species habitat</a> has been destroyed since the Act was established and the lists of threatened and endangered species <a href="https://soe.environment.gov.au/theme/biodiversity" target="_blank">continue to grow</a>.
The review should ensure Australia’s environmental law achieves what it was designed to do - protect our precious natural places.
The list below reflects the EPBC Act priorities of 70 environmental lawyers and practitioners who were polled by the National Environmental Law Association. Collectively, they have more than 500 years experience of the Act’s operation.
1. Independent decisions with clear criteria
Under the laws, proponents of activities likely to have big impacts on so-called “matters of national environmental significance” must get federal approval. The minister or a representative makes this decision and, in the overwhelming majority of cases, grants approval.
This approval power should be vested in an independent body to take the politics out of decisions. Criteria for deciding on approvals should be clearer, including thresholds for when applications must be refused on environmental grounds.
2. Take stock of cumulative impacts
A search of the EPBC Act will not find any reference to cumulative impacts, or the need to consider whether approval of one proposal is likely to lead to a raft of new projects being proposed. There is little scope to consider cumulative impacts that might happen in future — only when a new proposal constitutes the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
The Act must do better at considering both how proposed activities and future plans will interact, and the background processes of environmental change and decline.
3. Provide funds for proper enforcement
Improving the content of the Act is one thing, but monitoring, compliance and enforcement are critical. There is little point imposing tough conditions if no one is there to ensure they are met. This demands an ongoing sustainable funding base that is not dependent on political budget priorities.
4. Better data and transparency
Access to information about environmental decisions is essential for good governance. Not all documents and decisions are publicly available. It is very difficult to track down detailed aspects of approval conditions – for example, the detail of the groundwater management and monitoring plan for the Adani coal mine. This is especially important when the department’s capacity to oversee compliance is so constrained.
The Act should consider the need for public registers of all documents and data collected as part of decision-making and monitoring processes, including decisions, approvals, conditions, offset locations, compliance reports and monitoring data.
5. Expand scope of national environmental impact assessment
Commonwealth involvement in environmental approvals is limited to specific “matters of national environmental significance”. Land clearing and climate change are not included in the list of such matters, and are usually considered under state laws.
This means activities that may damage native vegetation or lead to rising emissions are only scrutinised under federal law if they might affect other things, such as threatened species or world heritage places.
Also, the Act only seeks to protect water resources when the proposed project is a large coal mine or coal seam gas venture. New triggers are needed to require federal assessment and approval for all activities that might significantly affect water, native vegetation and climate change.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/299143/original/file-20191029-183116-1ihooo4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Rare black cockatoos in Victoria. The number of threatened species has grown while the EBPC Act has been operating. THREATENED SPECIES RECOVERY HUB
6. Deal with land clearing
Habitat loss is recognised as the primary driver of species decline in Australia. Rates of land clearing <a href="http://www.publish.csiro.au/PC/PC17001" target="_blank">have increased dramatically</a> in recent years, despite the operation of the Act.
Stronger protections are needed. These must prevent further clearing of vegetation types that are not adequately conserved in Australia’s system of protected natural areas. In cases where a proponent plans to offset damage caused by their project by restoring land elsewhere, construction should be delayed until work has begun on the restoration project and conservation benefits are occurring.
7. Make strategic assessments truly strategic
Conservation planning and environmental assessment are complex. Major new initiatives can involve interacting influences and trade-offs. The Act’s so-called <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/protection/assessments/strategic" target="_blank">“strategic assessment” process</a> to some extent accounts for this — for example it might consider development plans across a region, rather than project-by-project.
But strategic planning must occur for a wider range of activities that may have long-term impacts on conservation: for example, the Tasmanian government’s desire to open up the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2013-08-06/mining-in-the-tarkine/4863892#history" target="_blank">Tarkine region to further mining</a>. The planning must also better consider spatial conflicts and account for future change.
This list is just the tip of the law reform iceberg, but addressing these priorities would be a good start. With only one environmental law expert and no environmental scientist on the newly announced panel, it remains to be seen how these priorities will be addressed, if at all.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/126021/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
Jan McDonald, Professor of Environmental Law, University of Tasmania.
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/our-nature-laws-are-being-overhauled-here-are-7-things-we-must-fix-126021" target="_blank">original article</a>.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Protecting the places we love: here are seven ways our nature laws must be fixed

<html><body>
All nine 7-Eleven servos on Burgess Rawsons auction day card have sold under the hammer.
They had nine properties on the ticket across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory which sold for a combined $40 million.
Each of the properties offered for sale came with a brand new 12 year lease to 7-Eleven.
The day opened with a strong $5.75 million for a 7-Eleven service station in Liverpool, west of Sydney (pictured top).
Bidding opened at $3.5 million for the 4,235 sqm Elizabeth Street property and sold 10 minutes later with a knockout $20,000 bid.
The sale represented one of the lowest yields of the day, near 3.8 per cent.
A $3,925,000 Clyde sale on Parramatta Road was next before the biggest sale of the day, in ACT's Braddon opposite Telstra's HQ.
The Mort Street property sold for $7.1 million on a 4.1 per cent yield. It has a net income of $291,997.
The near 20 minute auction saw bidding begin at $5 million.
The strongest yield was achieved on the last property to go under the hammer, a freestanding Pacific Highway 7-Eleven in Marks Point. The $4 million sale represented a yield of six per cent.
 
</body></html>

All nine 7-Eleven servos sell at bumper Burgess Rawson auction day

<html><body>
CPI has risen in line with market expectations for September, according to the latest figures from the ABS.
The 0.5 per cent gains, described by many as "soft", were down from 0.6 per cent in the June quarter. 
"Despite the price falls for fruit and vegetables this quarter, the drought is impacting on the prices for a range of food products," ABS chief economist Bruce Hockman advised.
"Prices rose this quarter for meat and seafood (+1.7 per cent), dairy and related products (+2.2 per cent) and bread and cereal products (+1.3 per cent)." The CPI rose 1.7 per cent through the year to the September 2019 quarter. This follows a through the year rise of 1.6 per cent to the June 2019 quarter.
"Annual inflation remains subdued partly due to price rises for housing related expenses remaining low, and in some cases falling in annual terms. Prices for utilities (-0.3 per cent) and new dwelling purchase by owner-occupiers (-0.1 per cent) both fell slightly through the year to the September 2019 quarter, while rents (0.4 per cent) recorded only a small rise," Hockman noted.
 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/30/Headline%20CPI.jpg" alt=""> Source: James Foster @JFosterFM
The RBA prefer to measure core inflation, which eased to 1.4 per cent.
"No signs of an inflation breakout," Indeed APAC economist Callam Pickering suggested.
Westpac had forecasted 0.6 per cent in the September quarter, which even with that figure higher than the market forecasts, would be inline with their prediction for another rate cut before year end.
"While the RBA has been talking mostly about the unemployment rate in recent months, every CPI report is important for its forecasts which are updated just after the release," Westpac's Justin Smirk said.
"A core CPI reading in line with our expectations should keep markets pricing in a reasonable risk of another rate cut before year-end."
Alex Joiner, economist at IFM, said the figures were in line with RBA's data, which might give them another quarter to asses the data.
CommSec's Craig James says the headline inflation rate is creeping, rather than leaping, towards the Reserve Bank's two to three per cent target band.
"The Reserve Bank is expected to wait until at least February 2020 to decide if more interest rate stimulus is required," James said.
 
 
  
 
  
</body></html>

CPI rises 0.5 percent in September quarter, in line with forecasts

<html><body>
An apartment block in Woollahra has been sold for $7.2 million.
Set on a level 695 square metre block, 3 Trelawney Street comprises of five units.
It included a three and a half-bedroom townhouse, two three-bedroom units, and two one-bedroom units.
The two-storey complex was left to St Luke’s Care and The Garvan Research Foundation in the will of the late owner, Martha Danos.
The property was built in 1948.
The median sale price of individual units in Woollahra is $1.19 million, with a median rental yield of of $700 per week.
Bob Guth, from BradfieldCleary, sold the property.
Earlier this week $14.66 million was paid for two Edgecliff Road apartment blocks.
They had a total of 24 x 1 bedroom units with 12 in each building offering a total NSA: 1,291 sqm internal area.
The total land area was 1,100 sqm.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Trelawney Street, Woollahra apartment block sold for $7.2 million

<html><body>
The Exchange on Port Melbourne’s Bay Street, close to the Melbourne CBD, has been listed for sale. 
The 39 Bay Street property, located on the corner of Bay Street and Rouse Street, is offered on a WALE of close to seven years.
It comes with street-side dining and a 3am general (late night) license attached.
Formerly home to Molly Blooms, the property has been operated as a pub for over a century.
CBRE Hotels, has it listed in conjunction with CBRE Melbourne Strip Retail Investments. 
The two-story building is fully leased to the Australian Venue Co (AVC), which operates about 150 venues across Australia and New Zealand.
The Exchange hotel is being sold with almost seven years to AVC remaining on their current term, providing annuity income, a 6-month bank guarantee and rental growth through to April 2026 with an additional 5x5 year options taking the lease term to 2051 with all options. 
It is listed with an anticipated yield range of over 5% for its onsite auction on November 29.
 
</body></html>

Port Melbourne's The Exchange Hotel listed for sale

<html><body><div class="storysegment3 segmentContentFull">
St Kilda’s former Greyhound Hotel razed site has been listed for November 22 auction.
CBRE has been appointed by failed developer Steller’s receiver KordaMentha.
Steller bought the 911sq m corner site at 1 Brighton Road for $7.5 million in 2017.
It has three street frontages with permit approval for a seven-level building with 34 apartments and three shops.
Set opposite St Kilda Town Hall, CBRE’s Mark Wizen told the Herald Sun he expected to attract offers “in excess of $5 million”.
The 163-year-old pub was demolished despite a bid for heritage protection.
Its Art Deco-style facade which was built over the original in the 1930s disqualified the venue from heritage listing.
</div></body></html>

CBRE tips $2.5 million loss for Stellar's St Kilda Greyhound Hotel site offering

<html><body>
Popular craft beer bar Ze Pickle has snapped up a 10-year lease, with 2x5-year options in Noosa Heads.
Located at 5 Sunshine Beach Road, it sits on a 506 square metre land parcel that was the site of a KFC restaurant for more than 30 years.
The property was marketed and leased by Ray White Commercial Noosa and Sunshine Coast North agent Paul Butler in conjunction with property ponsultant Louisa Blennerhassett.
Mr Butler said the KFC that was previously in place had closed the site after it opened a drive through restaurant in Noosaville.
“We had strong interest in the property due to it being one of the only freehold opportunities available locally and it having strong street presence,” Mr Butler said.
Ms Blennerhassett said it was decided to move forwards with Ze Pickle, which had a “cult-like following”.
“They have been looking for Sunshine Coast sites for some time and are aiming to open in the coming weeks,” Ms Blennerhassett said. 
“We were very pleased to be able to assist the owner, also a Noosa local, to secure a quality concept for the site. The restaurant will be open in time for the busy summer trade, and their signature style is sure to be popular.”
 
 
</body></html>

wdavis-8cCN98p7xp

Ze Pickle takes bite out of Noosa with 10-year lease

<html><body>
Real estate investment trust company Dexus has issued a response to criticism that two of its subsidiaries exhibited “unreasonable and disappointing” behaviour that led to the administration of competitor Grocon’s subsidiaries.
Grocon's subsidiaries took Dexus to court in February this year to set aside statutory demands from Dexus to pay its alleged debts.
The two companies have historically had a rocky relationship, with legal disputes over finances spilling into the public eye in recent months.
In the response, Dexus asserts that;
1) Grocon has had debts outstanding to Dexus and a funds management partner for more than three years relating to a lease of premises at 480 Queen Street, Brisbane.
2) Grocon entered into several binding agreements to repay the debt owed and had not complied with these, despite repeated requests to do so and Dexus granting extensions to the scheduled payment dates.
3) Dexus issued statutory demands on Grocon seeking to have the debt paid and Grocon challenged these in court alleging abuse of process. It should be noted that Dexus did not commence proceedings against Grocon.
4) Dexus is following, and intends to continue to follow, the court’s direction (next hearing is scheduled before the Federal Court of Appeal on 22 November 2019). Dexus expects judgment to be handed down soon after the hearing.
5) The outcome of this process has no negative impact on Dexus’s market guidance1 for the 12 months ending 30 June 2020 to deliver distribution per security growth of circa 5%.
 
 
 
</body></html>

Dexus shoots back at competitor after criticism

<html><body>
The Mariner’s Cove Retail Village, and Marina in Main Beach are being offered to the market.
The sale is being made by the Sunland Group.
The asset is located adjacent to the 5-star Palazzo Versace Hotel, also delivered by Sunland Group in 2000, and opposite the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort.
Sea World theme park is located 1.8 kilometres north of the site.
Spanning 3.95 hectares, the waterfront site comprises the Mariner’s Cove Retail Village with a net lettable area of 4,278 sqm, and the 102-berth Mariner’s Cove Marina.
The Managing Director of Sunland Group, Sahba Abedian, said the decision to take the Mariner’s Cove precinct to market follows the completion of The Spit Masterplan, released in May.
“Capital from the sale of the site will be redeployed to Sunland’s growing south-east Queensland portfolio of residential land, housing, apartment and integrated retail developments, in line with our core business.”
The international expressions of interest campaign, managed by James Branch and Mark Witheriff of Knight Frank will close on 28 November 2019.
The Mariner’s Cove Retail Village is the largest coastal strip development on the Gold Coast.
</body></html>

Latest Investing Insights

Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Investing Insights

Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News