Sydney developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/odus">ODUS Property Group</a> is continuing to expand its local Gold Coast development pipeline, filing plans for a new 40-storey tower in the Southport CBD.

Odus, which bought two luxury Main Beach projects, now La Mer and Le Reve, to make its move into the booming Gold Coast apartment market, has secured its third site. But it is tweaking the plans for a previously proposed 50-storey skyscraper, now seeking to deliver 40 storeys.

The project, dubbed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/80-marine-parade-74-80-marine-parade-southport-qld-4215">80 Marine Parade</a>, sits on a prime&nbsp;2,032 sqm amalgamated corner site at 74–80 Marine Parade and 4 Welch Street, across the road from the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. It will have unobstructed, never-to-be-built-out views to the east given its position opposite the Broadbwater Parklands.&nbsp;

The plans are for 316 apartments, ground-floor retail, and resort-style resident amenities. The project sits within Precinct 1 (Central Business District) of the Southport Priority Development Area, where high-density residential and commercial development is actively encouraged.

BGD, ran by Bayden Goddard and the architecture firm behind Le Reve, has revised the original concept plans, substantially reworking the built form. Basement parking has been replaced by an expanded podium designed to improve functionality while reducing the tower's overall visual impact.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Odus Property Group plots landmark 40-storey tower for Southport's Broadwater gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0f13d065-2cf5-45ec-aa17-1a03754d93d8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Southport%20da%202.png?VersionId=.9QS2n7kBc_U3PyaI247uOyNSXIqnXSE" />

The tower rises above the eight-storey landscaped podium with a distinctive architectural language defined by sweeping arches, integrated greenery, bronze-toned glazing, and a sculptural rooftop crown.

The development will comprise 104 one-bedroom apartments, 208 two-bedroom apartments, and four four-bedroom penthouses across levels 9 to 36. Apartments are designed to accommodate both permanent residents and short-term accommodation within the same building.

A double-height lobby and reception will anchor the ground floor alongside a 23 sqm food and drink outlet, activating the Marine Parade frontage.

Parking will be accommodated within the podium, providing 288 vehicle spaces and 74 bicycle spaces, accessed from Welch Street.

<img alt="First look: Odus Property Group plots landmark 40-storey tower for Southport's Broadwater gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7528b91-2c47-4094-98b3-5eecbacc0041" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Southport%20da%20podium.png?VersionId=efF5oWs4T9PDvxJwJEDHu5kSQ5eE3IBy" />

Residents will have access to an extensive suite of amenities spread across multiple levels. A podium recreation deck will include a swimming pool, spas, sauna, steam room, cinema, residents' lounge and children's games room, while a second wellness level near the top of the building will feature a gym, co-working spaces, reading room, dining areas and communal kitchen. Extensive podium landscaping wraps the building to soften the built form and strengthen its interface with the surrounding streetscape.

The planning report notes the project responds directly to Southport's ongoing urban transformation.

"Consistent with much of Southport, the surrounding area is undergoing significant transition, with many older low-rise developments progressively being redeveloped for higher-intensity urban outcomes, as envisaged within Precinct 1."

It also states that the proposal "will contribute to a defined and legible eastern gateway to the Southport CBD, reinforcing the area's high-density urban character while maintaining a strong visual connection to the adjoining public open space network."

<img alt="First look: Odus Property Group plots landmark 40-storey tower for Southport's Broadwater gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b9fdebd-4b35-400b-a287-6bd1cdbcdb1b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Southport%20da.png?VersionId=4LG35XR5mfir7jvG2TShtQx.utMLYBxu" />

Located opposite the Broadwater Parklands, the site enjoys immediate access to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Australia Fair Shopping Centre, TAFE Queensland Southport campus, the G:link light rail corridor and Southport's established commercial precinct. The location places future residents within one of the Gold Coast's fastest-evolving mixed-use centres, where numerous high-rise residential projects are reshaping the CBD skyline.

Odus is headed by development professionals Byron Sakha, Jarrod Younan and Sebastian Younan. The Younans also head family-owned builder Nazero Constructions, established in the 1960s.

They are currently delivering La Mer, 24 luxury apartments on Main Beach Parade, and Le&nbsp;Rêve, on the same street but on the prized beachfront side of the sought-after strip.

Joel Robinson

ODUS plans landmark 40-storey tower for Southport's Broadwater gateway

A boutique collection of just 10 residences could become the catalyst for the next phase of renewal along the southern end of Surfers Paradise Boulevard, with new plans laid for a mixed-use tower designed to transform a long-vacant site.

The proposal for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/3098-surfers-paradise-boulevard-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">3098 Surfers Paradise Boulevard</a> has been conceived as more than a standalone residential project. Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the development aims to spark the revitalisation of what the design team describes as the "South Boulevard" precinct, creating an active streetscape with retail uses at ground level beneath a collection of full-floor luxury residences.

The application, by PR Property Holdings, an entity directed by the Brisbane-based Ryan and Petrovic families, seeks approval for a 17-storey, 62.2-metre mixed-use development on a compact 427 sqm site between Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Appel Street.

The project will comprise just 10 apartments, including eight full-floor residences and two duplex apartments, positioned above a two-level retail podium. Three podium parking levels will accommodate 26 vehicle spaces, while a recreation deck is proposed on Level 4.

<img alt="First look: PR Property Holdings plans boutique apartment tower to kickstart Surfers Paradise's 'South Boulevard' revival" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46cfa37d-5051-4449-8d8e-6724f8ca0d59" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_8.png?VersionId=e7UkeV1eTZAC2lXhdq72E3jpUbwiFD2t" />

Rather than pursuing apartment volume, the proposal focuses on large-format homes with a slender tower form intended to maximise outlooks while limiting visual bulk.

BDA Architecture said the proposal has been designed to become an urban renewal catalyst for the precinct.

"The ambition of 3098 Surfer's Paradise is that it provides the catalyst for incremental infill redevelopment and upgrade of what is coined the 'South Boulevarde' of Surfers Paradise which connects to the beating heart of Cavill Avenue."

The architects added: "An incremental approach to development that provides quality ground plane interface, human scale design, integrated subtropical landscape and semipublic permeable frontage can over time entirely upgrade a precinct."

The architecture adopts soft curves, articulated balconies and a slender tower profile rising from a human-scaled podium. The design report describes the project as delivering "bespoke residences of enduring distinction, sculpted with precision and quiet sophistication," with a focus on timeless coastal architecture.

The application also includes retail tenancies addressing Surfers Paradise Boulevard, reinforcing the site's role as an active mixed-use destination rather than a purely residential address. The planning report states the combination of the podium, landscaping and active frontage is intended to strengthen the pedestrian experience while contributing to the evolving character of the boulevard.

The site occupies a prominent position in the southern section of Surfers Paradise, directly opposite the G:link light rail corridor and within walking distance of Surfers Paradise Beach, Cavill Avenue, the Nerang River and Bruce Bishop Car Park. It is currently vacant, having previously accommodated a single-storey commercial building that was demolished in 2022. The planning report notes the surrounding area is characterised by a mix of commercial buildings and residential towers, with unlimited building height provisions applying under the Centre Zone.

The proposal also replaces an earlier 2022 approval for a restaurant and bar on the site, instead introducing a permanent mixed-use development that combines retail activation with boutique residential living.

Boutique apartment tower to "kickstart" Surfers Paradise's 'South Boulevard' revival

One of Hervey Bay's best-known waterfront landmarks could undergo its biggest transformation in decades, with plans lodged to redevelop the Hervey Bay Hotel &amp; Resort into a four-tower mixed-use precinct combining apartments, retirement living, a new hotel, wellness facilities, retail and an expanded hospitality offering.

The proposal seeks approval to redevelop the 8,981 sqm site at 249 Esplanade, Pialba, transforming much of the existing 1980s-era hotel and resort into a staged masterplanned precinct while retaining the Hervey Bay Hotel as its centrepiece.

Rather than a conventional apartment project, the proposal has been designed as four distinct towers delivered across four stages, each with a different role within the precinct.

<img alt="First look: Four-tower transformation planned for iconic Hervey Bay Hotel site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89db2163-cdf2-484e-90a0-9804ece86a31" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Pialba%20da%201.png?VersionId=JsYhCwLtFk2p72uhjPQBqQ57.vWoIPeB" />

The largest hospitality component sits within Stage Two, which combines a refurbished tavern, sports bar, gaming lounge, bottle shop, lobby café and wellness facilities beneath a new 52-room hotel and 55 apartments, including 30 dual-key residences. The tower rises 14 levels above the Esplanade and includes gym, spa and wellness facilities together with more than 260 car spaces.

Stage One introduces a retirement living component comprising 69 retirement apartments alongside communal facilities, while Stage Three delivers 59 apartments overlooking the Esplanade. Stage Four includes a retail tenancy at ground level with a further 45 apartments above. Collectively, the masterplan provides 228 apartments across the four towers in addition to the new hotel accommodation.

Urban Planet Town Planning Consultants, acting on behalf of Herbay Pty Ltd, says the redevelopment builds on the long-standing role of the hotel within the Fraser Coast community.

"The Hervey Bay Hotel is an iconic use (notwithstanding the current format) and the retention for this facility in the community as an effective and successful business will advance the goals of the Planning Scheme," the town planner noted in its planning documents.

<img alt="First look: Four-tower transformation planned for iconic Hervey Bay Hotel site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cca3617b-693f-40e2-8fa3-f609c2c95d00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Pialba%20da%202.png?VersionId=8.hhkMuikoiLvoD6ei655Pj9mTKob4xV" />

The planning report argues the redevelopment responds to demand for greater housing diversity, additional tourism accommodation and expanded hospitality offerings within Hervey Bay's established urban area, rather than continued greenfield expansion.

"The delivery of contemporary services in the form of hotels, dining opportunities and short-term accommodation will be the cornerstone of the proposed development and does have a significant community outcome in the retention and expansion of existing services."

The masterplan has been prepared by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/oge-group-architects">OGE Group Architects</a> and features three basement parking levels beneath towers rising to around 14 storeys, creating one of the largest integrated mixed-use developments proposed for the Fraser Coast. The design also incorporates gym and wellness facilities, communal recreation areas, retail space and new landscaped public interfaces across the four street frontages.

The site occupies a prominent waterfront block bounded by the Charlton Esplanade, Thomas Street, Watson Street and George Street, immediately opposite the foreshore and within walking distance of Hervey Bay's city centre, Wetside Water Park and surrounding commercial precinct. The existing Hervey Bay Hotel &amp; Resort currently occupies the site, with buildings dating largely from the 1980s.

First look: Four-tower transformation planned for iconic Hervey Bay Hotel site

The transformation of the Gold Coast’s CBD of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southport-qld-4215">Southport</a> is underway with the official commencement of one of the area’s first ‘next generation’ towers, the $200 million Maris residences.

More than 250 onsite and offsite workers will deliver the project being delivered by Malaysian company <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mrcb">MRCB International</a> and its build partner, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">Binah</a>.

The start of construction by Binah follows an exceptionally strong sales campaign, with more than 90 per cent of apartments sold since its market launch less than a year ago.

The project has attracted predominantly local buyers and downsizers, many of whom who live and work in the CBD or the nearby Health and Knowledge precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372756]

The commencement of construction was marked by an official sod turning ceremony on site today (Friday, August 7).

MRCB International CEO Ravi Krishnan said MRCB was delighted to be playing a part in the transformation of the Southport precinct.

“We’re very aware of the importance of Southport as the CBD hub of the Gold Coast and the need for high-quality residential facilities for locals who live and work in the area,” said Krishnan.

"Across Southeast Queensland, new apartment supply remains constrained, particularly in established precincts with infrastructure and amenity already in place. Projects like Maris are increasingly critical in meeting that demand, especially on the Gold Coast and in the city's CBD precinct."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350661]

Binah's Managing Director Khalil Hafza said the company was delighted to be constructing Maris in its first foray into the Gold Coast market.

“Binah has been in Queensland for some time but we are very pleased to be given the opportunity to construct a project of such magnitude on the Gold Coast,"&nbsp;Hafza said.

“Some 250 on and off-site tradespeople and consultants will work on Maris over the course of the next two years bringing significant economic benefits to the Gold Coast community.”

Maris will deliver 192 residences across 20 levels. The project forms part of an Australian and New Zealand development pipeline by MRCB now exceeding $1.6 billion in gross development value, alongside a growing portfolio of projects globally.

The company also commenced construction on its $600 million 26 Vista residences in Surfers Paradise last year, following strong sales momentum, with over 70% of residences sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372760]

Positioned next to the Broadwater in the Southport CBD, Maris will sit directly opposite the Broadwater Parklands light rail station and within easy reach of retail, dining and lifestyle precincts, placing residents at the centre of one of the Gold Coast's most connected and rapidly maturing urban centres.

Maris will offer a full suite of resort-style residential amenities, including a pool, gym and sauna, along with a rooftop level featuring decks, lounges and dining and yoga areas that command sweeping views across the Broadwater and out to the ocean.

Construction at Maris is anticipated to be completed in 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134403]

MRCB and Binah mark start of construction on $200m Maris Residences in Gold Coast CBD

To say Frank Licastro is keen on Wyandra Street, the small 400m strip that straddles Teneriffe and Newstead, would be an understatement.

Licastro, who runs Frank Developments, first jumped onto the street with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/ducale-teneriffe-33-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">Ducale Teneriffe</a>, just 26 apartments at 33 Wyandra Street.

With those apartments heading towards construction completion later this year, Frank went again just a few doors down with the recent launch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/murano-teneriffe-37-wyandra-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Murano House</a>, a further collection of 41 apartments at 37 Wyandra Street.

Now Licastro is planning his third building on the strip.

Frank Developments has submitted plans to Brisbane City Council for a considerably larger 147-apartment project across an amalgamated 1,928 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/22-40-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">22-40 Wyandra Street</a>, which also runs through to Wyatt Street.

The Cavill Architects-designed proposal, on the opposite side of the street to Ducale and Munro House, will rise to 22 storeys at its tallest point, stepping down towards Wyandra Street as the building transitions between the higher-density Newstead skyline and the lower-scale character of Teneriffe.

<img alt="Frank" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fe60dd88-c9f1-495c-b918-ddfd5dbae504" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-17%20at%207.57.08%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=0cxIChr_1aSNoE3K3VbVl8qNyENf4a90" />

The plans comprise just two one-bedroom apartments, with the project overwhelmingly geared towards larger apartments. There will be 80 two-bedroom apartments, 58 three-bedders, six four-bedroom apartments and a single five-bedroom residence.

The apartment mix continues the owner-occupier focus Frank has pursued across its recent inner-Brisbane developments.

There will be 222 resident car spaces and seven visitor spaces across four basement levels, along with 166 bicycle spaces.

Cavill has approached the architecture as a transition between two very different parts of inner Brisbane.

The site effectively sits on the dividing line between Newstead's high-density mixed-use precinct and Teneriffe's medium-density residential area, something that has heavily influenced the massing of the building.

Rather than presenting as a single 22-storey tower, the building steps up from a 13-storey form towards Wyandra Street to its taller 22-storey element towards Wyatt Street and Newstead. The design documents describe the taller component as the "backdrop massing", with the lower form creating the transition towards Teneriffe.

The architecture itself also changes as it rises.

At the lower levels, Cavill has drawn from Teneriffe's heritage buildings and the tuff stone found below ground, before shifting towards a more contemporary Newstead-inspired tower expression with continuous balconies higher up.

<img alt="Frank 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3c6953c7-f65c-4ca5-bba0-08c1782b72af" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-17%20at%207.56.33%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NxHPok5FY.omKhxPVqVWIN9ONqfoQV53" />

Frank is also proposing a significant amount of resident amenity throughout the building rather than concentrating everything on one recreation level.

Amenity terraces are proposed at levels 13 and 16, before another major rooftop terrace at the top of the building. The plans show a pool terrace and landscaped outdoor spaces, with shaded outdoor rooms, tree planting and protected "City Rooms" incorporated into the shared areas.

At street level, the project will also seek to open up the connection between Wyandra and Wyatt streets.

A currently constrained pedestrian laneway along the northern boundary would be expanded, while a double-height "City Room" would be created on Wyandra Street. A separate two-storey outdoor arcade would run through the site from Wyandra Street to Wyatt Street.

The ground floor plans also show food and beverage tenancy space alongside the residential lobby, lounge, office and landscaped public areas.

Cavill says the intention is to create a more generous and heavily landscaped Wyandra Street frontage, with weather protection and public spaces designed to encourage people to spend time at street level.

Frank has been busy across Brisbane and the Gold Coast in recent years, with two ultra-luxury projects under construction in Surfers Paradise, as well as several projects in the pipeline across New Farm and Hamilton in Brisbane.

&nbsp;

First look: Frank Developments triples down on Teneriffe's Wyandra Street

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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Property investors who stake their income on the performance of mining towns need to be aware of a variety of factors that might impact their properties, from new mines to the international resource markets. 
Those investing in coal mining towns will no doubt be interested to know that the price of thermal coal has dropped 51% since July 2011, according to Australian Ethical Investment - and the company's international equities trust portfolio manager Nathan Lim thinks the trend is likely to continue. 
According to Lim, the reasons coal is struggling are largely "secular", not cyclical. 
There are nine factors Lim thinks are driving the resource's slowdown:
<ol>
<li>
"Global production isn't coming off-line fast enough" Lim claims that in Australia, around "40% of all seaborne coal is unprofitable". In order to fulfill prior shipping commitments, producers are forced to sell the resource at a loss. However, Lim believes the problem will self-correct, once demand picks up or producers run out of money. 
</li>
<li>
Japan's consumption is up... but it won't continue With many of its nuclear power plants out of action, Japan has increased its consumption of coal, pushing up prices, Lim explains. But the push is only temporary, with nuclear power plants to restart and an increase in the use of solar energy. 
</li>
<li> "Electricity consumption in the developed world has either stopped growing or is in outright decline" According to Lim, the weakened position of the global economy has cut power consumption, but he also believes increased energy efficiency and "behavioural changes" are behind the decrease in demand. 
</li>
<li>
"Domestic coal is not so welcome at home anymore" Lim believes that the United States' increase in coal exports over the past decade is the result of more stringent legislative requirements for power plants, which lead some owners to close their facilities. He predicts another set of closures after new US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)rules on mercury come into play in March 2015, degrading demand further. "This coal is finding its way into the international coal markets further expanding the gap between supply and demand," explains Lim. 
</li>
<li>
New carbon emission legislation for existing power stations The switch to natural gas from coal is a big feature in new EPA legislation targeting carbon emissions from power stations. Given the low price of natural gas, Lim predicts the legislation will lead to more coal-fired power plant closures, and effectively restrict new coal fired plants from being constructed. He believes even more coal will enter the international markets as a result.  </li>
<li>
EU greenhouse gas emission targets "For its next decadal goal, the EU has targeted a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2030," explains Lim. "Amongst the highest emitting fossil fuels, coal will continue to be friendless in Europe." 
</li>
<li>
"A more punitive price on carbon will make the EU’s goal more easily achievable" Lim predicts that although carbon prices have been "distorted by unintended policy decisions", eventually policy makers will find the "right" structure. "When this happens, we expect the cost of coal pollution will dramatically increase the cost of coal-fired electricity and allow other, low emission technologies to better compete," Lim claims. 
</li>
<li>
India's new Prime Minister appears to favour renewable energy According to Lim, India's new Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "very much pro-solar", with a history of supporting renewable energy. "Calling for solar power to bring electricity to 400 million people is ambitious without equal," notes Lim. "This goal tacitly recognises that India has failed to bring its people out of energy poverty using conventional methods." 
</li>
<li>
China plans to ban coal-fired power from Beijing by 2020 Though some claim that the move is a token one given China's total coal consumption, Lim suggests that China is continuing its practice of "experimentation" before it comes to a decision. "It is more instructive that China is taking such extraordinary steps to deal with air pollution that high emitters should heed the warnings coming from the government," states Lim. "Ordinary Chinese citizens are fed up with the pollution and coal is an obvious target for their frustrations. Given that China is also experimenting with carbon pricing, are the world’s biggest producers of solar power (and a close second or third in wind) and have made pollution abatement a priority, we might be seeing the beginnings of a major structural shift in China’s generation mix."</li>
</ol>
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

The nine reasons coal towns will continue to struggle: Australian Ethical Investment

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Five office buildings have been sold by Golder Associates across three states, securing almost $20 million, in an effort to take advantage of a "hot commercial market" and to sell non-core assets.
The employee-owned company provides independent consulting, design and construction services.
The buildings, in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia have seen Golder Associates lease back their premises, achieving 9.2% yields.
Colliers International portfolio coordinator, Rob Joyes, said that the Austerra Holdings Portfolio, which was sold on behalf of Golder Associates, was handled by a number of selling agents including Jock Murray, Ian Thomas, Chris Veitch, Jay Beattie and Nick Dowling.
The 212-216 Draper Street, Cairns, two-level office building sold for $1,425,000. It had an NLA of approximately 590 square metres and attained a 9.1% yield.
In MarOochydore, Queensland, 55 Kingsford Smith Parade, a two-level office and laboratory building, sold for $1.75 million. It was on a 9.25% yield, and included NLA of approximately 540 square metres on a 728 square metre site.
Toowoong, Queensland, 611 Coronation Drive included a freestanding two-level office building that sold, with vacant possession, for $5.1 million. It had a total NLA of 1,779 square metres and included 37 car parking bays.
A refurbished three-level office building at 124 Pacific Highway, St Leonards (pictured above) in New South Wales secured $9.6 million and a 9.2% yield. It had an NLA of approximately 2,124 square metres and total land of 1,232 square metres.
Their last offering, a South Australian office, warehouse and laboratory on 199 Franklin Street, Adelaide, sold for $1,825,000 with vacant possession.
“A number of major corporates are selling their real estate to put the money back into their operating business and we think this trend is going to continue,” said Joyes, of what he considers to be a trend of owner-occupier commercial sellers.
“One of the great benefits of a sale and leaseback transaction is the ability for the owner-occupier to increase their financial flexibility,” he said.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Golder Associates sells five office properties for nearly $20 million in total

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The maximum rental available for permanent CBD car spaces have been said to have stalled across Australia, notably in line with a marginal change in office vacancies. However, the situation is expected to worsen in Brisbane and Perth, according to Savills Australia.
The Savills’ Quarter Times reports data has looked at rent achievable on car parks across the country.
{plotalot id="21"}
In Melbourne, car space rentals saw some upwards movement from a maximum of $600 per space per calendar month to the end of June 2013, to $700 this year – a 17% increase.
Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney remained static at $375, $600 and $800 respectively. Perth also saw no change, at $765, despite reporting one of the strongest increases in office vacancies across the mainland – of 2.7%.
The end of the mining boom may negatively impact car park rentals in Brisbane and Perth, explained Savills national head of research Tony Crabb.
Brisbane’s state government staff cuts may also exacerbate any downturn, along with a trend of businesses moving to the city’s fringe, said Crabb.
He also noted that the city’s office vacancy rate currently tops those of the mainland capitals, at 14.7%.
Perth’s rents have also been stable over the past 18 months, but Crabb expects this to alter soon.
“However, as with the other key non-mining state, Brisbane, we do expect some negativity over the next 12 months given the dramatic rise in office vacancy,” he said.
While in Melbourne, the strength has come about due to government changes.
“The Melbourne market, for example, has been largely influenced by a 2006 state government congestion levy on both public and private car parking spaces within Melbourne CBD as well as a virtual cap placed on the number of car spaces approved in new buildings in and around the CBD,” he explained.
Sydney’s lack of growth was noted to be as due to the GFC, however an upward trend is expected by Crabb over the next 12 months.
Adelaide is expected to remain stable for the next 12 months. Rents may, however, be altered by a proposed new $750 per space levy bill currently before parliament.
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Future looks bleak for Brisbane and Perth car park rentals: Savills

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The Brisbane-based residential developer Devine has announced a pre-tax profit of $5.6 million for the six months to 30 June, well up on the $6.9 million loss for the previous corresponding period.
Managing director David Keir said a turnaround had been achieved and that prospects were good.
“The company expects to deliver a full year result of $10 million to $11 million profit before tax,” Keir said.
“Residential market conditions are continuing to improve in the company’s key operational regions of South East Queensland and Victoria.”
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The period was characterised by good trading performances across the company’s land development operations and an improved operational result from the homes business, the company notice advised.
Although they noted the South Australian residential market was "continuing to face challenges in a post-stimulus environment".
Its development operations and the constructions business reported:
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Land settlements of 392 allotments, with 85% of the full year settlement forecast either settled or subject to contract 
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314 housing construction commencements, with 80% of the full year target already commenced or subject to contract 
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Apartment sales of 97 apartments; including the pre-public release success of Mode at Newstead and the closing out of Hamilton Harbour with only one apartment of the 660 developed to be sold. Hamilton Harbour: only one apartment unsold DoubleOne 3: now nearing 90% sold Mode at Newstead: 70% sold or reserved prior to public release
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Sale of the company’s 50% interest in the Parramatta apartment opportunity capitalising on the value uplift since acquisition 
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Practical completion of the Devine / Investec DoubleOne3 apartment development to enable settlements to occur from July 2014 
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Growth of the Devine Constructions work-in-hand to $179 million with the award of the Westmark Milton contract for Walker Corporation (277 apartments) 
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Cashflow surplus of $41.8 million for the six months, a strong improvement on the prior corresponding period. 
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Its majority shareholder Leighton Holdings has recently announced that it was seeking to sell its half shareholding in the company.
The ASX announcement advised during the period to June 2014 the company undertook and achieved the following outcomes:
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Asset sales delivering more than $70 million to Devine were achieved as part of the capital recycling program with all assets sold at or above book value; 
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A detailed review of the Company’s business strategy and subsequent implementation of key outcomes; 
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Interest bearing debt reduction of $60 million resulting in a gearing level of 16% at June 30; 
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Accelerated trading levels across many of the Company’s projects; 
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No interim dividend has been declared. 
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South East Queensland conditions improving, but South Australia soft: Devine

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<h1><img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/56051/width668/q2sg9fzf-1407484075.png" alt="" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.3em;"></h1>
Charis Palmer  is deputy business editor at The Conversation
Emil Jeyaratnam is multimedia editor at The Conversation.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/30272/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="line-height: 1.3em;">
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>.
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How exposed are Australian banks? The infographic that explains Australian banks' exposure to commercial property

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A five year lease of 1,466 square metres of additional space has been agreed to at 20 Windmill Street by Dentsu Aegis Network (Aegis).
Aegis had already been occupying 4,578 square metres over three floors at the site. Savills Leasing's Jonathan Kearins brokered the extension deal.
Rents are understood to be circa $580 to $700 per square metre net at 20 Windmill Street. Next door Barangaroo rents are said to be $900 to $1,100 per square metre net.
Aegis’ current lease was due to expire in March 2015.
“It was an excellent result for both the tenant and the landlord that this additional floor became available for lease,” said Kearins.
The building is called Bond One and is an A grade office building built in late-2008, including 9,150 square metres of space and 175 car spaces.
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Aegis leases additional Walsh Bay office space

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The 100 diner East Brunswick premises of Helenic Republic have been listed for sale.
The initial price guidance was around $1.9 million for the 20 August auction.
It is just the premises for sale as the popular 273 square metre eatery will continue to trade after a newly signed 10-year lease.
The 340 square metre property is at 434 Lygon Street.
It has been listed by Made Establishment through the Killen Thomas agent John Camilleri in conjunction with <a href="https://www.fitzroys.com.au/property/8757/sale/434-lygon-street/brunswick-east-vic-3057/investment-(retail)" target="_blank">Chris Kombi at Fitzroys</a>. 
Hellenic Republic, with its new 10 year plus 5 and 5 year lease, is offered returning $120,000 per annum plus outgoings and GST 
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It comes with a wide corner frontage of about 10 metres to Lygon Street and 35 metres to Stewart Street 
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Made Establishment is jointly owned by celebrity chef George Calombaris, restaurant entrepreneur George Sykiotis, and steel industry barons Joe Calleja and Tony Lachimea.
The property traded at $824,000 in late 2007 when bought by George C Pty Ltd and Cerberos Pty Ltd.
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George Calombaris' Hellenic Republic, Brunswick East premises for sale

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The Mona Vale Hotel is being offered for sale.
<a href="https://www.monavalehotel.com.au/index" target="_blank">The hotel</a> has been owned by the Fernwood consortium for the past two decades, attracting about $10 million in sales per annum.
It is listed through Ray White Hotel's Asia Pacific director, Andrew Jolliffe, and Mike Wheatley, director of hotels for Knight Frank.
It is being marketed as a "truly large-format hotel built over multiple levels and situated at one side on busy Pittwater Road, which connects the entire northern beaches, and on the other side the hotel shares a boundary with a major shopping centre and the Mona Vale retail precinct".
The hotel has a 500 person capacity first-floor bar, function room and balcony.
It has a 600 people live band venue called The Attic with shows in the past including Wolfmother, Dappled Cities Fly, The Celibate Rifles, Sneaky Sound System, The Goons of Doom, and Dave Graney.
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Mona Vale Hotel listed for sale

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Last week Melbourne got to show off its café culture to some new friends – 12 rescue cats.
<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/41989-hello-kitty-australia-s-first-cat-cafe-to-launch-in-melbourne" target="_blank">Australia’s first cat café</a> opened in the heart of Melbourne and the novel idea has struck a chord with customers, with the café booked out for the next few weeks.
Cat cafes are hugely popular in countries such as Japan and a number of European cities, where people who cannot own a pet due to their small apartments and long working hours can still enjoy animal affection.
Owner Anita Loughran and her partner raised over $20,000 through crowdfunding and overcame a series of unique challenges to get their small business off the ground, including <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people/42610-cat-cafe-lands-on-its-feet-after-social-media-uproar">a social media stoush</a> and finding a landlord happy enough to house 12 cats on the premises.
Loughran also struggled with Australia’s strict health and safety laws, which initially prevented her from serving food and drink with the cats.
The café is now able to serve food and drink downstairs, which patrons can take upstairs when they pet the cats.
Loughran sat down with SmartCompany to tell us how the journey has been so far.
{qtube vid:=8fiNLblE-7M}
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.SmartCompany.com.au" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Playing cat and house: Australia’s first cat café opens in Melbourne

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NAME: Shammi Liang<img src="/images/2014/08/13/liang-aug-13-one.png" alt="" style="float: right;"> 
POSITION: Analyst 
COMPANY: Savills 
OFFICE LOCATION: Melbourne
How long have you been in the industry?
Three years including property management at IronFish and now as an analyst in the research department at Savills 
What’s happening in the area you specialise in? 
As a research analyst my role involves all commercial property sectors most of which are experiencing unprecedented investment, especially foreign investment. This is despite a perceived weakness on the occupancy side of all sectors currently. 
Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?
The most interesting property I have worked on was a mixed development in Footscray as I was part developer/investment advisor, part  planner, part engineer, part architect and part sales person. It was interesting to experience different roles, try new things and experience the challenges in different parts of the property development process. 
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?  
As in most positions in this industry, time management, communication and organisational skills, people skills and attention to detail are essential. 
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? 
I enjoy a challenge and that may come via a variety of avenues. I like to think that I can enjoy most tasks. 
Where would you invest a spare $750,000? 
I am not an investment advisor but my own research suggests well located, inner suburban, apartments have growth potential, but do your research. 
Which football team do you support?
 I don’t really have a passion for Aussie Rules, however my colleagues would like me to support Richmond. 
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget? 
 iPhone and the Savills App. 
How do you use social media?
 I use Facebook, Wechat, and twitter for friends and family.
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