Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

First look: Winx billionaire’s beachfront Surfers Paradise apartment development greenlit

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

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings is rapidly approaching and the focus is very rightly on the sacrifices made by those involved.
Much has been made of how the ANZAC spirit shaped the Australian identity. But Gallipoli and the broader conflict also shaped the Australian economy and financial markets.
The most immediate impact of the war on the Australian economy was the disruption to international trade. The slump in exports was shortlived as the war effort geared up. But the weakness in imports persisted for the duration. Imports of manufactured items were particularly hard hit.
The need to replace imported goods gave a significant boost to Australian manufacturing. The steel industry and chemicals are key examples. Production of iron ore rose by 150% during the war years. And crude steel production jumped by 1,200%. The value of chemical production lifted by 88%. Companies that now dominate the business landscape such as BHP rode the wave.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2015/04/24/soldier%20april%2024%20one.gif" alt="" width="363" height="342">
The difficulties of trading with Europe saw a re‑orientation of Australia’s trade towards Asia. About 10% of exports went to Asia pre War. This proportion reached 19% by war’s end. Old trading patterns resumed post War. But this tilt towards Asia provided a taste of things to come.
Isolation provided a form of protection for Australian industry. One outcome was a demand for “protection” to continue. Tariffs pre date WWI. But the Tariff Board was set up in 1921 and the Greene Tariff of that year substantially increased protection. The “infant industry” and “national defence” arguments for protection held sway. While production and employment benefited initially, this policy approach did contribute to weak productivity outcomes and some of the structural impediments that the economy is still working through.
Australia’s strong focus on immigration is allied to the defence theme. Immigration virtually ceased during the War years. But the Federal government vigorously promoted migration to Australia when the War finished. Assistance schemes were put in place. These schemes were mainly targeted at British migrants. But interest from Italy and Greece picked up and Australia took the first steps down the multicultural path.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2015/04/24/soldier%20april%2024%20two.gif" alt="" width="359" height="337">
Agriculture was the largest sector within the Australian economy. And the rural sector was required to make a significant contribution to the war effort. Governments responded to war needs by seeking orderly marketing through statutory marketing authorities. The first Australian Wheat Board appeared at this time. When policy makers sought to unwind some of these arrangements after the War they found strong support for maintaining formal marketing arrangements backed up by government legislation. As they evolved, many of these schemes came to adversely affect the efficiency of resource use.
Wars are expensive – in treasure as well as lives. And paying for the War wrought some significant changes in fiscal policy and financial markets. Public debt rose from 75% of GDP in 1913 to 123% by 1918. Today’s budget deficits and debt burdens look modest by comparison.
Capital markets in London were difficult to access. And the Government financed the war effort through a series of loans from the public. The War Loan Bonds and the Peace Bonds administered by the Commonwealth Bank were a significant step in the formation of Australian capital markets. These activities and the other demands of a war time economy contributed to the Commonwealth Bank taking on the responsibilities of a central bank. The Reserve Bank of Australia evolved from these central banking activities. The RBA’s success in promoting financial stability and economic activity is now a key underpinning of our economic wellbeing.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2015/04/24/soldier%20april%2024%20four.gif" alt="" width="352" height="331">
The government also paid for the war in other ways, the ramifications of which are with us today. The state governments raised most of the revenue prior to the war, including income tax. Federal revenues were mainly from customs and excise duties. But a number of new taxes were in place by the end of the war. These included a federal income tax first levied in 1915/16 and a major revenue source today. The increasing reliance on income taxes and increasing centralisation of tax collections dates from that time. The debate about how to share that revenue and the need to reform the taxation system continues today.
Peace is also an expensive business for governments. The desire to build a country fit for heroes had some ramifications that are still playing out. A War Service Homes Scheme providing 45 year loans at favourable rates began in 1918. The long history of government policy to encourage home ownership was underway. And the Australian love affair with housing has been with us ever since. A Soldier Settlement Scheme was set up to create jobs for returned servicemen and open up land to agriculture. A significant investment in infrastructure was required. And while the scheme struggled to meet its objectives, the infrastructure put in place still provides a significant economic benefit.
A related theme was the acceleration in technological development that accompanied the war. Few would have imagined in 1914 that Qantas would emerge as a commercial airline in 1920!
One trend that might have amused the larrikin Australian soldier of legend at Gallipoli was the drop in sporting attendance during the war. Crowds at the VFL Grand Final did not reach pre‑War levels until 1925!
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2015/04/24/soldier%20april%2024%20three.gif" alt="" width="356" height="335">
On a more sombre note the War also required a very necessary and deserved lift in Government spending on social welfare. The dark side of war is only too apparent in the spending on war, service and disability pensions which increased by a factor of 23 in the ten years from 1916. The development of the modern welfare system was underway.
A broader financial theme was unfolding behind this domestic government finance and financial market story. The US was a net debtor in global capital markets at the start of the War. And a large net creditor by the end. The centre of economic gravity was shifting from Great Britain to the United States. The centre of global financial markets was shifting from London to New York.
The war also influenced economic thought. Politics and economic directions differed sharply. But the central bank focus on controlling inflation that we see today, for example, had its genesis in the hyperinflation that damaged economies such as Germany after the War. Much of the thinking of the great economic minds, such as Keynes, was shaped by their experiences of war and its aftermath.
Lest we forget.
Michael Blythe is chief economist at CBA.
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MichaelBlythe-eUBDwaTLJ5

ANZACs, the economy and soldier settlement: Michael Blythe

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It's been 100 years since the landing at Gallipoli, so I thought that I'd pay tribute to those who I knew or know that are serving their countries or had to live through wartime.  
Reflecting on these stories reminds me of how lucky we are to be living in such a peaceful and free country. It gives me inspiration to keep working hard to achieve my goals and dreams.
My Dutch father was a young man of about 17 during the second World War. He was captured by the enemy and taken by train to work in Germany. He was only a teenager but he escaped by jumping off the train in France and walking all the way back to Holland. It took him weeks and he lived on next to nothing. His determination carried him home. Then he was captured again and made to work in the horrible concentration camps where so many people were killed. He somehow escaped and again made his way back to Holland.
He served time in the Dutch Marines and was stationed in Indonesia for a while before receiving shrapnel injuries which left him deaf in one ear. Dad then immigrated to Australia from Holland after World War II ended, I think a lot of people wanted to get as far away from the atrocities they'd experienced. 
When I stated investing in property it made dad proud. He’d done well from various entrepreneurial businesses and building his own home. Paying just $12,000 for a big block of land and only another $50,000 or so to build our family home years ago, they made a pretty penny when they sold it.
Dad passed away in 2013 and so this Anzac Day I think of my dear dad.
Another person I'd like to talk about was one of our clients. Alison and her husband are both in the Australian Army and we managed a granny flat development for them whilst they were both serving in Afghanistan.
During her time away Alison endured some horrific things; in late August 2012, five fellow Australian troops died.
We were so proud to have members of the Australian Army as clients and are grateful for their work overseas serving Australia.
Here's what Allison had to say: "We asked the Property Bloom team if they would be able to project manager with both of us in a war zone and they were incredibly supportive. Harry and I were both based in Tarin Kowt and had semi-reliable access to internet, e-mail, scanning and printing facilities. Through perseverance, patience and understanding form the Property Bloom team, we were able to continue to progress our Granny Flat project. Not only were Property Bloom understanding when we were unresponsive for a couple of days, or when the turnaround time for signing paperwork was more than a month, but whenever the news of a tragedy in Afghanistan hit the Australian media, Jo and her team would send us messages of support and condolences. This support meant as much to us as the project management service they were providing for our development."
As you can imagine, developing property from a warzone is a challenge but would have been near impossible without the help of a project manager (PM). The more obstacles we faced, the more our PM rose to the occasion to help us. We are so grateful - not only because they have helped us secure and develop a fantastic property, but also because they are professional and incredibly genuine people.”
I really cherished the updates we would get from Alison occasionally when she had email access and was amazed at some of the conditions she had to endure including no running water for days, how is a girl to wash her hair!  But what amazed us the most was the huge commitment to continuing their property investment journey that Alison showed by being able to continue with her project with all the other distractions she would have experienced in Afghanistan. 
So this Anzac Day I am also thinking about Alison and Harry who are safely back on Aussie soil again and working on their next development project.
This Anzac Day I am grateful for all we have here in Australia and to say thank you to those who fought for it and to remember those who sadly lost their lives for us.
Lest we forget.
<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au" target="_blank">www.propertybloom.com.au</a>
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Tributes to those who inspire me: Jo Chivers

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Rental rates would be driven upwards if negative gearing benefits were removed, the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) claims.
The real estate industry lobby has criticised recent comments from Labor Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen, who flagged that the party may wind back negative gearing benefits if it comes to power.
REIQ chief executive Antonia Mercorella believes negative gearing increases the supply of affordable rental properties.
"Investors help maintain supply to the rental market and a strong supply also ensures rental affordability is maintained," claims Mercorella.
"In Queensland more than a third of our population is in rental accommodation, so it's crucial that supply is maintained for this large section of the community.
"If private rentals were drastically reduced this would place enormous strain on the limited resources in public housing.
"It would also serve to drive up rents in remaining limited stock," she says.
Mercorella cited a "surge" in rents when the Hawke government removed negative gearing benefits between 1985 and 1987.
"We saw rental affordability plummet in Sydney and Melbourne when negative gearing benefits were quarantined."
Her claim mirrors those made by Treasurer Joe Hockey recently on ABC's Q&amp;A.
"You saw a surge in rents and those people who were paying rents are usually - not always, but usually - people that can't afford in many cases to buy their own homes," Hockey said last month, of the 1980s negative gearing changes.
However, his claims were refuted by economist John Daley of the Grattan Institute, who said the rental increase was confined to Sydney, which could have been attributed to an undersupply of property.
"But look beyond Sydney and rents were dead - barely moved in Brisbane, didn't go up very far in Melbourne, didn't go up very far in Adelaide," Daley said on the show. The varied performance of rents across Australia "made you suspect very strongly that the race memory we have of abolish negative gearing, that rents will go up, is a race memory built on Sydney," he said.
Mercorella, however, believes there is still reason to draw evidence to support negative gearing from the 1980s.
"Sydney and Melbourne are our bellwether states, and they lead the property market trends, so we know with absolute certainty what will happen if we do this again – it will destroy rental affordability and place enormous  strain on the public housing system as investors desert property as an asset class," she argues.
She cites the Queensland government's Housing 2020 report, published in 2013, which details plans to scale back public housing, encouraging residents to consider social housing "transitional".
According to the REIQ, investors make up 34% of owners in the residential market.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Don't abandon negative gearing REIQ tells Labor's Chris Bowen

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When looking for an affordable purchase, many prospective buyers find themselves forced to look further out from the inner city.
CoreLogic RP Data has gathered the cheapest five suburbs within 10 kilometres of the capital city CBDs, for both house and unit markets.
The expensiveness of Sydney's suburbs is immediately apparent, with an almost $700,000 difference between the median price of its cheapest inner city suburb for houses, Turrella, and that of Hobart's cheapest inner city suburb, Clarendon Vale. In Sydney, all the cheapest suburbs for houses were close to the airport, south of the city. The unit market was more varied.
<img src="/images/2015/04/23/core-april-23-one.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2015/04/23/core-april-23-two.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic RP Data
CoreLogic RP Data research Cameron Kusher noted that units are cheaper than houses in all the most affordable inner-city markets.
"In the more expensive cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin and Canberra it has become difficult to secure houses close to the city at relatively affordable prices," said Kusher.
"Given buyers are willing to pay an entry level premium – we anticipate this trend will continue over the coming years."
Kusher attributed high inner-city prices to better infrastructure and amenity, including hospitals, schools, transport and retail centres.
"Furthermore, the better schools are often also located around the inner city suburbs. As a result, demand for housing in these areas is typically much higher resulting in the cost also being higher," said Kusher.
Bellfield, in Melbourne's north, is the cheapest suburb for houses, with a median price of $582,573. The renovated brick home below, at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/38-wimpole-crescent-bellfield/Property-Details-buy-residential-8635282" target="_blank">38 Wimpole Crescent, Bellfield</a> (pictured below), sold in December for $506,000, after being listed with a price guide of $620,000.
The two bedroom house sits on a 605 square metre plot.
<img src="/images/2015/04/23/bellfield%20april%2023%20one.jpg" alt="">
The cheapest inner-city unit market in Australia is unsurprisingly located in Hobart. Glenorchy, which is north of the CBD, has a median unit price of just $199,303.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-tas-glenorchy-118154447" target="_blank">1/13 Sunlea Place in Glenorchy</a> (pictured below), a two bedroom unit, sold for $190,000 in December.
<img src="/images/2015/04/23/glenorchy%20april%2023%20one.jpg" alt="">
Earlier this year, it was advertised to rent at $270 per week. If the vendors secured a tenant at that price, the property would be yielding 7.4%.
Note: This article originally mistakenly referred to 38 Wimpole Crescent as 38 O'Keefe Street. The error has now been amended.
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Not much under $250,000 in Australia's most affordable mainland inner city suburbs: CoreLogic RP Data

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The Canadian fund manager, Ivanhoé Cambridge has partnered with Blackstone Property Partners Asia to buy a 25% stake in Liberty Place, a 42-storey office and retail Sydney tower.
Liberty Place at 161 Castlereagh Street includes 60,176 square metres of office space and 4,425 square metres of retail. 
The $240 million property, which houses the headquarters of ANZ Bank, was sold by LaSalle Investment Management. 
The GPT Group has a 50% share and ISPT holds 25%. 
The acquisition is the first direct investment in Australia's commercial property market by Ivanhoé Cambridge, which holds assets worth more than A$44 billion. 
"Ivanhoé Cambridge continues to explore the possibilities of increasing our investments in Australia and in other parts of the Asia-Pacific region in 2015," said Rita-Rose Gagné, executive vice president for Growth Markets for Ivanhoé Cambridge.
This week a major Queensland pastoral holding <a href="/news/canadian-pension-funds-buys-sir-graham-mccamley-farms">sold to Canadian pension fund interests</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Canadians keep coming for Australian commercial property

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Melbourne and Sydney office markets could benefit from potential further interest rate cuts, according to a new report from Savills. 
The <a href="https://publications.savills.com.au/WorldOfficeYieldSpectrum/" target="_blank">Savills/Deakin World Office Yield Spectrum Report</a> compares 43 cities across Asia, Europe, the US and Australia on market yields, accretion and risk, and offers buyer profile and price breakdowns.
<img src="/images/2015/04/22/sav-april-22-one.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://publications.savills.com.au/WorldOfficeYieldSpectrum/" target="_blank">Tony Crabb, the national head of research in Australia</a>, said the world capital markets continue to see large amounts of capital inflows and commercial property markets remain a popular home.
"Despite variable economic fundamentals around the globe, capital continues to chase some generous returns. Local operators continually cite a lack of fundamental support for some pricing," said Crabb.
"Nevertheless, the competitive tension to place capital remains."
<img src="/images/2015/04/22/sav-april-22-two.jpg" alt="">
Crabb said that Australia's tow largest office markets could stand to gain from future interest rate cuts.
"If the Reserve Bank of Australia is successful in stimulating growth in the non-resources side of the economy, then the office markets in both Melbourne and Sydney should be the beneficiaries of stronger tenant demand," he wrote.
"Signs of this were seen in the last six months of 2014 and Savills Research expects this trend to strengthen in 2015.
"Incentives are currently prevalent in the Australian CBD office markets in order to attract tenants into vacant space.
"These large levels of incentives are reflected in the difference between market and effective yields and can be seen in the charts. Incentives account for between 150 basis points and 340 basis points gap between market and effective yields." 
<img src="/images/2015/04/22/sav-april-22-three.jpg" alt="">
Crabb concluded globally, commercial property yields in particular continue to look attractive. 
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Office markets could benefit from rate cuts: Savills

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Centuria Property Funds has  acquired a 50% sub-leasehold interest in 8 Central Avenue, Australian Technology Park (ATP) in the newly formed Centuria 8 Central Avenue Fund No.2.
The $110 million purchase gives Centuria full ownership of the Redfern building, after it acquired an initial 50% in December 2013 at a purchase price of $99.62 million. 
Built in 2010, the property is located 2.5 kilometres south of Sydney’s CBD, in one of Sydney’s key emerging precincts with major tenants including Pacific Magazines, Seven Network and the NSW state government.
Centuria's Jason Huljich said the new fund will open for investment in early May.
Centuria Property Funds has over $850 million of property under management in 15 unlisted property funds.
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Centuria doubles its Redfern Australian Technology Park stake

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The Hong Kong billionaire Tony Fung intends to backdoor list his newly acquired Canberra Casino.
It will be done through the rare-earths explorer Discovery Resources, which is changing its name to Aquis Entertainment.
The Australian Financial Review reports a $2 million capital raising at 20¢ per share will take place, giving Tony Fung's company an 89% share in the listed entity.
Fung purchased the Canberra Casino in December last year for $6 million.
It has 39 gaming tables.
Fung is seeking a casino licence at the Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort.
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Hong Kong billionaire Tony Fung to list Canberra casino: reports

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Two heritage-listed office buildings at the Paris end of Collins Street, Melbourne have been listed for sale through Savills agent Clinton Baxter.
At 10-12 Collins Street, the five storey Victor Horsley Chambers, dates back to 1924.
The Georgian Revival building offers retail and office space.
Next door at 14-16 Collins Street is the five storey 1912 Chanonry office building.
Victor Horsley Chambers traded at $900,000 in 1971.
Chanonry last traded for $300,000 in 1971.
Both buildings, owned by private investors, are in the same block as the Melbourne Club.
They both have redevelopment potential.
"This is the ultimate location for property ownership within Melbourne, quite possibly Australia, with most properties being exceedingly tightly-held and often owned for generations," said Savills' Clinton Baxter, who is handling the properties with colleague Nick Peden.
The offering of two neighbouring office buildings at the prestigious Paris end of Collins Street in Melbourne’s CBD, could fetch a combined $35 million or more.
All leases are subject to six month termination clauses, providing the successful purchasers with a range of options which may include refurbishment, repositioning, owner-occupation or total redevelopment of the properties
Offers close with Savills 28 May.
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Two Paris end of Collins Street office offerings

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The 129-131 Parramatta Road, Concord development site has been given a $4.2 million asking price having failed to sell at is scheduled 16 April auction.
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-nsw-concord-501497303" target="_blank">There is approval for 16 units</a> for the shop-top site set 500 from Strathfield Station.
JLL agents Blair Peterken and Dylan McEvoy have the listing. Some 90% of the apartments will be two bedrooms.
The site was consolidated in 2013 at a $1.6 million cost. 
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