Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

commercial projects

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Alastair runs through this week's news highlights - <a href="/news/traditional-residential-developers-cash-in-on-yarras-300000sqm-commercial-boom">City of Yarra and it's large commercial pipeline</a>, the Gold Coast's proposed ferry service and the Hurstbridge Line project proposal from the Victorian Government.

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urban.com.au

Weekly Podcast: Episode 26 - City of Yarra's commercial project pipeline

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GUEST OBSERVER
The Deloitte Access Economics “Investment Monitor” provides a detailed snapshot of Australia’s investment project pipeline. The database contains details on 1,205 investment projects valued at $20mn or more, as at June 2017. Here we provide an update of the key results.
Note, the full value of a project is included in the investment pipeline until the project is either completed or deleted. This differs from official estimates of the “work pipeline”, which is work outstanding on projects under construction.
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<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-31%20at%2011.18.46%20AM.png" alt="">
The Investment Monitor estimates the total project pipeline to be $745bn at present. That is a $47bn decrease on March and $78bn below the level of mid-2016.
Project completions totalled $73.5bn in the quarter, dominated by the $61bn Gorgon LNG project.
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<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-31%20at%2011.19.37%20AM.png" alt="">
New projects added to the database were worth $24.3bn, of which $9.8bn entered at the definite stage (under construction or committed). The public sector (including PPP’s) accounted for $12.5bn of the new projects, which are mostly transport initiatives, with a combined value of $9.6bn.
Mining sector projects now account for $300bn of the investment pipeline, $82bn below a year ago. This will fall further as work on the 3 remaining mega gas projects (worth $92bn) is completed by mid-2018. The total includes $189bn of potential mining projects (those under consideration or possible). Miners appear unlikely to embark upon another round of investment despite recent higher commodity prices given rising supply and uncertain demand.
The upswing in public investment continues, centred on transport projects, led by NSW and Victoria. The overall pipeline of transport projects is $232bn, including $190bn of public projects. Definite public transport projects total $110bn currently, a $60bn increase on two years ago. This includes a $12bn rise on three months earlier. The 2017 round of annual state budgets included commitments to new initiatives, particularly in Qld. 
Mining projects
The mining sector project pipeline has moderated as a number of the major gas projects have been progressively completed.
(Note, mining-related projects can be included in other sectors, e.g. transport &amp; storage.)
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-31%20at%2011.20.27%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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The total project pipeline for the sector is $300bn, down from $363bn at the start of the year, with the completion of the $61bn Gorgon LNG project in WA. The pipeline for the mining sector peaked at $478bn at the end of 2012.
The majority of mining projects are currently at the potential stage, at $189bn, up from $169bn at the end of 2015. The rebound in commodity prices from the lows of late 2015, early 2016 has contributed to more projects being considered for possible development. However, it is uncertain how many and how soon any of these projects will advance to the definite stage.
We are of the view that the recent run of higher commodity prices will not lead to another round of investment in mining projects, against the backdrop of rising supply and uncertain demand.
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<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-31%20at%2011.21.33%20AM.png" alt="">
Mining projects currently under construction or committed total $111bn. This is dominated by oil &amp; gas projects, at $94bn, of which 3 remaining large projects have a combined value of $91bn, on which work is scheduled to be progressively completed by mid-2018.
Shell’s Prelude $12bn floating LNG platform, which recently arrived in Australian waters, is expected to start production in 2018. The $34bn Wheatstone LNG project in the Pilbara WA, is facing delays, with work now expected to be completed in the June quarter 2018. The Ichthys $45bn project in the Northern Territory has also been delayed and is now expected to be finished in March 2018.
Recall that the 3 major gas projects in Qld were completed from mid-2015 through to the second half of 2016. Together the Curtis, Santos and Origin projects were valued at $66bn.
In the oil &amp; gas industry, there are $41bn worth of potential projects. This is dominated by 3 projects, each valued at more than $10bn, namely: the BHP, Exxon Mobil Scarborough floating platform; the 4th train at Gorgon; and the Greater Sunrise floating platform.
In the coal industry, the project pipeline is valued at $85bn, up from $67bn at the end of 2015. The value of coal projects under construction or at the committed stage is $10bn. It is the pipeline of potential coal projects that has grown of late, to $74bn currently, up from $54bn at the end of 2015. The largest coal project under consideration is the $22bn Adani Carmichael project in the Galilee Basin.
The metal ores industry has some $6bn worth of projects under construction or committed, while there are $71bn of potential projects, up a little from $67bn at the end of 2015. 
Non-mining
The pipeline of non-mining projects has grown over the past two years, rising to $401bn currently. This is $29bn above the level of two years ago, including a $4bn increase in the past year.
The project pipeline is evenly split between definite projects (those under construction or at the committed stage), at $198bn currently, and potential projects, at $202bn.
Notable is the progression of projects through to the definite stage. Relative to two years ago, the value of definite projects has jumped by $56bn, increasing from $143bn to $198bn, while the value of potential pipeline has declined by $27bn.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-31%20at%2011.22.26%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-31%20at%2011.22.26%20AM.png" alt="">
The non-mining sectors include transport &amp; storage; services; and “other”. Services is comprised of: trade; accommodation; finance; community services; and mixed use. The “other” grouping includes: utilities; manufacturing; and agriculture.
The capital intensive transport sector dominates the pipeline of non-mining investment projects, accounting for $232bn of the $401bn total. The transport project pipeline has increased by $25bn over the past two years as investment in the sector has increased. See below for a detailed discussion of transport projects.
The pipeline of “other” non-mining projects has also seen a lift over the past two years, up $7bn, centred entirely on utilities, to be $63bn currently.
For the service sectors, the past two years have been mixed. Over this period, the total project pipeline declined by $3bn to $106bn, with gains in the retail &amp; wholesale sector and in ‘mixed-use’ offset by declines in accommodation and finance.
Of the $106bn project pipeline for services, the majority is at the definite stage, $58bn currently (which is $3bn lower than two years ago), and with $47bn in potential projects (unchanged from two years ago).
In the accommodation area, including hotels and resorts, a positive story is around the advancement to the definite stage of a number of projects. Investment in the sector is increasing in response to relatively strong population growth and rapid growth in international tourism and international students. Projects under construction or committed are valued at $5.9bn currently, some $3bn above the level of two years ago. The pipeline of potential accommodation projects declined during this period, down $7bn to $13bn.
For offices, the value of projects under construction is $16.2bn, up $2bn on the previous quarter. There are $5.1bn worth of projects under consideration. Prospects are for further projects to advance to construction as office vacancy rates move lower, on positive net absorption, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. 
Transport projects
Investment by the public sector has been trending higher over the past couple of years. This is centred on an upswing in infrastructure spending as state governments across the nation commit to new projects, particularly in transport. The fiscal pressures of earlier years have receded and some states are making better use of their balance sheets.
The pipeline of transport &amp; storage projects, across the private and public sectors, is $232bn in total. This is $25bn above the level of two years ago and is unchanged from mid-2016.
For private projects, the investment pipeline has stabilised in recent quarters at $41bn, some $5bn below two years earlier. This is down from the highs of 2012, of around $54bn, a figure boosted by mining related projects.
Transport projects are concentrated in the public sector, with a pipeline of $190bn, which is $30bn higher than two years ago and in line with the level of 12 months earlier.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-31%20at%2011.23.19%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-31%20at%2011.23.19%20AM.png" alt="">
The majority of public transport projects are at the definite stage (under construction or committed). Definite projects total $110bn currently, a $60bn increase on two years ago. This includes a $12bn rise on three months earlier. The 2017 round of annual state budgets included commitments to new initiatives, particularly in Qld.
Prospects are for additional transport projects to advance to the committed stage in coming years. The pipeline of potential public transport projects is still sizeable at $80bn, albeit down from $110bn in mid-2015.
NSW has been leading the way. Some $80bn in transport projects are in the pipeline in the state, up $24bn on two years ago. Of these, $55bn are definite projects, up $21bn on two years ago, including a $4bn increase in the past year. The majority of these projects are in Sydney, as the city attempts to reduce congestion.
Victoria is also boosting investment in transport, particularly in Melbourne. The pipeline of definite projects now stands at $24bn, a rise of $3bn on a year ago and $19bn on two years earlier. This includes the $10.9bn Melbourne Metro rail project which is to begin work in 2018. The pipeline of potential project for Victoria stands at $17.4bn, including the $10bn North East Link and the $5.5bn Western Distributor project, both of which could potentially begin work in 2018.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-31%20at%2011.24.17%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-31%20at%2011.24.17%20AM.png" alt="">
In Queensland, investment is also on the rise. The pipeline of definite projects is now $19bn, some $13bn above the level of two years ago, including a jump of $7bn in the past three months following the June state budget. Notably, the state government has now committed to the $5.4bn cross river rail link, with construction expected to start early in 2018. 
State by state
The investment project pipeline on a state by state basis is heavily influenced by the mining investment downturn (WA, Qld &amp; NT) and by the public transport upswing (NSW &amp; Vic, as well as SA).
In the mining state of WA, definite projects total $70bn, down from $129bn three months ago with the completion of Gorgon. This figure will move lower by mid-2018, with the completion of Wheatstone and Prelude, together worth $46bn.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-31%20at%2011.25.26%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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In Qld, definite projects are at $44bn, up from a low of $36bn at the end of last year, boosted by a lift in public investment. Still this is well down from the high of $122bn in mid-2013 which included the 3 major gas projects.
In NSW, the pipeline of definite projects has climbed to $79bn, a $22bn increase on two years ago, centred on a $21bn lift in public transport projects.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-31%20at%2011.26.28%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-31%20at%2011.26.28%20AM.png" alt="">
In Victoria, the pipeline of definite projects is at $42bn, a rise of $16bn on two years ago, including a $19bn increase in public transport.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-31%20at%2011.27.13%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/31/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-31%20at%2011.27.13%20AM.png" alt="">
In South Australia, the value of definite projects has risen to $12bn, a near $2bn increase on a year ago and $6bn higher than two years ago. Public transport projects account for $3.8bn of the $12bn in total definite projects, while public and PPP projects across other sectors account for a further $4.0bn. 
Andrew Hanlan is senior economist for Westpac and can be contacted <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-hanlan/3/222/430" target="_blank">here</a>. 
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