Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Palmera Residences fly out the door as sales pass $400 million

National property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has appointed BINAH as its construction partner for Quartet, its new Brisbane apartment development in the undersupplied suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>.

Located just two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and moments from key 2032 Olympic precincts, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet</a> will deliver 131 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments priced from $1 million to $4.2 million, combining elevated design with a wellness-focused lifestyle offering.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Goldfields’ Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan Thompson, said the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">BINAH</a> marked an important milestone for the project.&nbsp;

“Bringing BINAH on board as our construction partner will allow us to bring our vision for Quartet forward with a team that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality residential projects,” Thompson said.&nbsp;

“We’ve taken a considered approach to progressing the site because we wanted to deliver the whole package. Buyers ultimately back great developers, great projects and great builders, and with Quartet, we’ve made sure all three line up.

“People want certainty, they want to know the project will be built, that the homes will be delivered as promised, and that the developer stands behind the quality of what they create. That’s something Goldfields has built its reputation on over many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

BINAH’s Managing Director, Khalil Hafza, said the company was proud to be partnering with Goldfields to deliver Quartet.&nbsp;

“Quartet is an exciting project to bring to life, particularly given the level of detail in the residences and the extensive rooftop amenity planned for the building,” Mr Hafza said.&nbsp;

“Our focus is on delivering a high-quality build that brings that design vision to life and creates homes residents will enjoy for many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

The facilities at Quartet have been feared towards the roof, with a&nbsp;25 metre lap pool, spa, sauna and cold plunge, and a communal barbecue area and alfresco.

Town planning was designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by Melbourne-based architecture firm Cera Stribley.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/cera-stribley">Cera Stribley</a> Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Dom Cerantonio, said the project responds to both its riverside setting and Brisbane’s evolving urban character.&nbsp;

“Quartet has been designed to sit comfortably within its riverside context, offering a refined take on urban living through well-planned, generously proportioned residences that will stand the test of time,” Mr Cerantonio said.&nbsp;

“An emphasis on natural light, natural textures and carefully selected finishes from timber and marble to premium appliances, creates calm, considered interiors designed for comfort and long-term liveability.”&nbsp;

Construction of Quartet will commence in July 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Construction to commence on 131-residence tower designed around wellness-focused living

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

The first partnership between national developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> and Adelaide-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> has made a strong start, with the pair securing $21 million in unconditional sales at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-four-four-hutt-adelaide-144-hutt-street-adelaide-sa-5000">One Four Four Hutt</a>&nbsp;on the edge of the Adelaide CBD.

Over a third of apartments have been snapped up in the boutique 44-apartment project on the corner of Hutt Stret and Wakefield Road. Local downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in Adelaide's tightly-held southeast quarter have been the most prominent purchasers.

The DKO-designed, mixed-use development is one of the few new apartment projects in the precinct, an area where new housing supply has remained limited despite continued demand from buyers wanting to stay close to the CBD, Victoria Park and Adelaide's established east-end amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375378]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

"The level of early commitment reflects the confidence local buyers have in the Hutt Street precinct," Dendrinos said.

"Many purchasers are long-term east-end residents who love the area and want to stay connected to the neighbourhood. They recognise the value of a well-designed, well-located development.

"Our partnership with Otello has been central to this success, and the number of unconditional sales at this stage only strengthens our confidence in the South Australian market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375379]

Otello Director Daniel Harris said the sales result also highlighted the lack of new apartment opportunities within the Hutt Street precinct.

"One Four Four Hutt has clearly resonated with buyers, with strong early sales reflecting both the appeal of the Hutt Street corridor and the lifestyle on offer," Harris said.

"The activated ground-floor retail has also been a key drawcard, with purchasers responding to the vision of a more vibrant and connected streetscape, not just the residences themselves."

One Four Four Hutt will deliver 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of penthouses, above a ground-floor retail offering designed to further activate the Hutt Street precinct.

Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year, with completion anticipated in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151233]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

Fortis makes Adelaide debut with Otello as One Four Four Hutt records strong early sales

Events

<html><body>
Who better than the firm responsible for the majority of Melbourne's current crop of tall towers to host an evening of discussion on and surrounding the matter. To mark Elenberg Fraser's move to their new CBD offices, the avant-garde architecture firm will host an event next Wednesday evening, in conjunction with Apartments.com.au.

The central discussion topic will be the PANS-OPS height ceiling and its implications for Melbourne. Also subject to discussion are the various projects Elenberg Fraser have on their books and how PANS-OPS is applied to each.

Lending his expertise on the evening will be guest speaker Ian Thompson of air traffic management solutions firm Thompson GCS Pty Ltd. Unfortunately fellow guest speaker Adrian Salmon from DTPLI has had to withdraw from the event.

<h2>Event details</h2>

Join us for a fireside chat in the new offices of Elenberg Fraser with special guest star:

<dl>
<dt>Ian Thompson</dt>
	<dd>Thompson GCS Pty Ltd</dd>
</dl>
<dl>
<dt>What is PANS-OPS and how does it work?</dt>
	<dd>Date: Wednesday 22 October, 6:00 - 8:00pm</dd>
	<dd>Location: Elenberg Fraser – Level 1/160 Queen Street, Melbourne.</dd>
</dl>
The event is open to all individuals and Apartments.com.au have a healthy number of seats available for the event on a first come, first served basis.

<h2>Registrations closed</h2>

Thank you to all those who have registered, our allotment of seats have been taken up quicker than anticipated. Registrations for Wednesday evening have closed and those who have secured tickets will be notified.
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

Urban.com.au and Elenberg Fraser present: A conversation on PANS-OPS

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There are very limited spaces available for architects, developers and project managers to attend a tall buildings seminar in Melbourne’s CBD next week.

“Skyscraper Trends In Melbourne: From Super Skinny To ‘Prefabulous’” is part of Meinhardt’s imagin8 seminar series and is presented in partnership with Apartments.com.au.

Melbourne has become a hotbed for tall building development, with the Planning Minister dubbed ‘Mr Skyscraper” following a raft of development approvals. So what’s next?

<ul>
<li>Where are the hotspots for new towers?</li>
	<li>What is the market looking for?</li>
	<li>How do we optimize development sites, maximize floor plates and improve returns?</li>
	<li>How can we build better, faster and more safely?</li>
</ul>
The speaker line-up includes Andrew Leoncelli, Managing Director – CBRE Residential Projects and ex-Melbourne Demon, George Argyrou, Managing Director and co-founder of builders Hickory Group and Jon Brock, Meinhardt’s National Director of Land Development.

The event, on Wednesday 1st October at 4.30pm, will be held at Meinhardt’s 501 Swanston Street offices and is free to attend.

The last remaining spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis.

To register your interest, email Justin.farmer@meinhardtgroup.com with your name, company and contact details. More information can be found at http://practicalimagination.info/imagin8/skyscraper-trends-in-melbourne-from-super-skinny-to-prefabulous/

UPDATE: Friday 26/9/14 11am:  Justin reports that all seats have now been filled - thank you to everyone who has expressed an interest in attending.
</body></html>

Alastair Taylor

Meinhardt and Urban.com.au present a seminar on skyscraper trends in Melbourne

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We're back for the final day of the <a href="/tag/prefabaus-conference-2014">PrefabAUS Conference 2014</a>.

Today's schedule sees presentations on next generation manufacturing, a case study on medium-density planning in South Korea, lessons from the automotive sector and rounding out the conference will be a panel discussion on growing off-site construction in Australia and New Zealand.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="800px" scrolling="auto" src="//v.24liveblog.com/live/?id=1266105" width="100%"></iframe>

Lead image credit: <a href="http://www.unitisedbuilding.com/" target="_blank">unitisedbuilding.com</a>
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PrefabAUS Conference - Day 2

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Today marks the first day of formal proceedings at the <a href="/tag/prefabaus-conference-2014">PrefabAUS Conference 2014</a>. Yesterday, myself and co-editor Mark Baljak along with 80 other delegates, were treated to a tour of four different sites around Melbourne and its periphery. They included the Hickory Group's factory, the Modscape display suite, Salesian College and the Library at the Dock.

The conference schedule is very busy and includes multiple speakers and different topics of discussion. From Project case studies including The Maloney Group's One9 development - <a href="/news/one9-hall-street-moonee-ponds-34-apartments-5-days" target="_blank">where a 10 level apartment building was assembled on site in five days</a> - to lessons from the automotive sector and a look at the economics of the off-site construction industry, the next two days are bound to be informative and thought-provoking.

From today (9am until 4pm) and <a href="/news/prefabaus-conference-day-2">tomorrow (9am until 3pm)</a>, we'll be covering the conference as it happens in the embedded live blog below.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="800px" scrolling="auto" src="//v.24liveblog.com/live/?id=1266020" width="100%"></iframe>
</body></html>

PrefabAUS Conference - Day 1

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The <a href="http://www.impa.org.au/" target="_blank">Inner Melbourne Planning Alliance</a> (IMPA) presented a public forum titled "City in Crisis?" earlier this evening.

A free event, it was held at the Deakin Edge theatre at Federation Square from 6pm until 7:30pm, consisting of a panel of speakers and a Q&amp;A session.

<h2>The questions of concern</h2>

<ol>
<li>What mechanisms will be in place to ensure the design quality and diversity of new residential developments and the associated public spaces that are critical to their success?</li>
	<li>To what extent will the proposed plans provide the amenities needed to service high density communities of the future, including schools and hospitals, public transport or jobs for a future smart economy?</li>
</ol>
<h2>The panelists</h2>

<dl>
<dt>Geoffrey London</dt>
	<dd>Victorian State Government architect</dd>
	<dt>Leanne Hodyl</dt>
	<dd>Melbourne City Council</dd>
	<dt>Robert Larocca</dt>
	<dd>RP Data</dd>
	<dt>Monique Sasson</dt>
	<dd>Independent Property Analyst</dd>
	<dt>Ashley Williams</dt>
	<dd>Evolve Development</dd>
</dl>
Speaker presentations and audience and panel Q&amp;A were moderated by Peter Mares.

<h2>As it happened</h2>

<iframe frameborder="0" height="800px" scrolling="auto" src="//v.24liveblog.com/live/?id=1265724" width="100%"></iframe>
</body></html>

Public forum, City in Crisis?

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PrefabAUS, the peak body for Australia's off-site construction industry, has announced the dates for its inaugural conference. To be held at Rydges Swanston Street on the 11th through to 13th of August, the 150 delegate event will feature an influential line-up of national and international speakers and cover all approaches to off-site construction, from commercial to residential and across all key infrastructure sectors including health and education.

Writing in a newsletter sent out to subscribers, PrefabAUS CEO Sarah Backhouse says "as the off-site construction sector begins to expand rapidly, this Conference is timed to bring together key representatives from all related areas for the first time; from architecture, engineering, manufacturing, material supply, property development and construction, universities, government agencies and client representatives".

List of speakers:

<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://www.findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/display/person617608" target="_blank">Dr Masa Noguchi</a>, ZEMCH and The University of Melbourne</li>
	<li>
Steve Hayden, ACT Government</li>
	<li>
<a href="http://www.prefabnz.com/About/People/" target="_blank">Pamela Bell</a>, CEO of PrefabNZ</li>
	<li>
Associate Professor Haeyoon Yoo, Seongsil University, South Korea</li>
	<li>
<a href="http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/comment/in-profile-tai-hollingsbee-from-ghd" target="_blank">Tai Hollingsbee</a>, Sustainability and Performative Design Group at GHD, Australia</li>
	<li>
<a href="http://constructionedge.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/bio.pdf" target="_blank">David Chandler</a>, Construction Edge</li>
	<li>
Damian Moloney, <a href="http://www.themoloneygroup.com/" target="_blank">The Moloney Group</a>
</li>
	<li>
<a href="https://humanities.curtin.edu.au/about/humstaff/research.cfm/P.Newman" target="_blank">Professor Peter Newman</a>, Curtin University</li>
	<li>
Mark Albert, <a href="http://www.mtmauto.com/history" target="_blank">MtM</a> and Linsey Siede, <a href="http://www.asea.net.au/" target="_blank">Automotive Supplier Excellence Australia</a>
</li>
	<li>more speakers will be confirmed in the coming weeks.</li>
</ul>
On the afternoon of Monday August 11th, optional factory tours and project visits will be offered. Tuesday August 12th the Conference gets underway in full swing from 9am to 5:30pm with a drinks and networking session from 6pm. At 7:30am on Wednesday 13th, the PrefabAUS Annual General Meeting will be held and open for members to attend and then the final session of the conference will be held from 9am to 3pm.

<a href="http://www.prefabaus.org.au/join-prefab/" target="_blank">PrefabAUS members</a> are offered a generously discounted rate to attend the conference with early bird rates set at $600 and from June 16th the full rate of $800 kicks in.

Non-member rates start at $1,400 and from June 16th the full rate of $1,600 applies.

Interested parties who would like to participate in the conference are invited to contact PrefabAUS CEO Sarah Backhouse: <a href="mailto:sarah@prefabaus.org.au">sarah@prefabaus.org.au</a>.

PrefabAUS is a member of the Apartments.com.au Industry Hub.
</body></html>

PrefabAUS announces inaugural conference dates

<html><body>
As part of Melbourne Knowledge Week in November 2013 Apartments.com.au presented the public forum "Guiding Melbourne's Urban Growth".  

The question we invited each presenter to respond to:

<blockquote>
If Melbourne is to fulfil its own motto of gaining strength as it grows, planning policy must shift away from the auto-centric low-density suburban growth patterns of the past.  Cities which encourage diverse human interaction through policies which enable increased residential and employment densities benefit from increased localised economic and social activity. With the great Australian dream of owning a home becoming increasingly unattainable where spiralling congestion and travel distance to employment and services offset the lower prices of new fringe suburban development, how can Melbourne make medium and high-density living more attractive to individuals and families at a price they can afford?
</blockquote>

Today we feature the presentation given by Sarah Backhouse.  Sarah is an architect, designer, educator, researcher and currently holds the CEO position at <a href="http://www.prefabaus.org.au" target="_blank">prefabAUS</a>.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="285" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/84283102" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="100%"></iframe>

<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://vimeo.com/84283102">Urban.com.au - Guiding Melbourne's Urban Growth: Part 4 - Sarah Backhouse</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user19840635">The Video Agency</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.

Sarah Backhouse in her own words.

"As a global phenomenon, cities are facing growing population pressure. In response, we need to rethink our cities as the demands for smarter land use increases. We will also need faster and leaner ways to construct our future cities, in order to minimise disturbance to existing communities that can arise during long construction projects. This suggests change to the form of our current urban environments and how we build them.

"It is normal for us to fear change however knowledge and education are powerful means of dispelling doubt or resistance. Housing Expos have long been employed in Europe to explore and address ‘big issues’, be it new density models or construction innovation. Such Expos are frequently built as permanent communities, yet open to the public for a period of time before being handed over to owners or tenants. They offer a tangible experience of new design or construction ideas, and provide places that people can feel, touch and understand. The time for such Housing Expos has come in Australia, so that we can refocus public debate and help shift discussions from the position of NIMBY to QIMBY.

"At <a href="http://www.prefabaus.org.au/" target="_blank">PrefabAUS</a>, we are working hard to demonstrate that 21 century prefabricated building technologies are an important part of construction innovation, and offer permanent quality solutions. A greater uptake of prefabricated building elements or whole buildings is important for decreasing construction time frames and construction waste while increasing construction quality, productivity and affordability. Building prefabrication also has a vital role to play in advancing Australia’s manufacturing sector.

"Part of our future vision is to participate in such Housing Expos. Our industry has some legacy issues to contend with - many that stem from prefabrication’s past association with temporary buildings – and collaboration in such Housing Expos will allow us to display the talent of home grown manufacturers, constructors, designers, and innovators who are leading the way with projects such as: aspirational homes that are delivered to difficult or remote locations 99% complete; 21st century modular classrooms that are 3D sustainability textbooks for our children; and multi-residential apartment buildings assembled on site in a matter of days.  We have reached the tipping point, we have the capabilities, and we are ready to embrace the future."

The editors of Apartments.com.au would like to thank Sarah for sharing her perspectives and similarly would like to thank The State Library of Victoria team and our partners at <a href="http://www.thevideoagency.com.au/" target="_blank">The Video Agency</a> for filming the entire event.
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GMUG 2013: Sarah Backhouse on density, prefabrication and the future of cities

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During November Apartments.com.au presented Guiding Melbourne's Urban Growth ('GMUG 2013'), an event as part of Melbourne Knowledge Week 2013.  Today's article focuses on the presentation given by William McDougall, Principal and Public Transport practice leader at global consulting firm <a href="http://www.globalskm.com/" target="_blank">SKM</a>.  

<blockquote>
If Melbourne is to fulfil its own motto of gaining strength as it grows, planning policy must shift away from the auto-centric low-density suburban growth patterns of the past.  Cities which encourage diverse human interaction through policies which enable increased residential and employment densities benefit from increased localised economic and social activity. With the great Australian dream of owning a home becoming increasingly unattainable where spiralling congestion and travel distance to employment and services offset the lower prices of new fringe suburban development, how can Melbourne make medium and high-density living more attractive to individuals and families at a price they can afford?
</blockquote>

<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Gotham, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Each of the invited presenters were asked to respond to the above question, drawing on their expertise and views from within the Urban Industry and here is William's presentation.</div>

<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Gotham, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div>

<div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/84362525" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="100%"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://vimeo.com/84362525">Urban.com.au - Guiding Melbourne's Urban Growth: Part 5 - William McDougall</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user19840635">The Video Agency</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.

<blockquote>
In my presentation I was highlighting that we urgently need to accommodate change and flexibility in urban planning for Melbourne (and elsewhere), perhaps more than ever before. The main reasons for this are to ensure that we can take full advantage of technological and social change – which are both expected to accelerate enormously – instead of assuming some sort of ‘business as usual’ (which is jargon for ‘no change’) when we’re predicting the future and trying to plan for it.

The example I quoted (which is just one of many) – autonomous vehicles – is quickly becoming the hottest topic in transport. All the major vehicle manufacturers are developing self-driving capabilities and collaborating with Google and its competitors in the process. With this industry investment, self-driving cars will be a reality very quickly. Initially this will be in high-end models but eventually in all new cars, and even in modular form to retrofit into existing vehicles. The traffic efficiency, safety and social benefits are potentially enormous and we must ensure that our urban planning and regulatory systems facilitate, rather than obstruct, their progress.

Coupled with revolutionary changes in transport energy sources and efficiency (electric vehicle technologies in particular), and integration with fast-changing internet and social networking technologies, a new paradigm of automated, efficient and smart transport systems will evolve rapidly from this groundswell.

 - William McDougall, January 2014.
</blockquote>

The editors of Apartments.com.au would once again like to thank William for taking time out his Friday night to share his perspectives and similarly would like to thank The State Library of Victoria team and our partners at <a href="http://www.thevideoagency.com.au/" target="_blank">The Video Agency</a> for filming the entire event.
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GMUG 2013: William McDougall on future transport trends for cities

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Today we're pleased to announce further details on 'Guiding Melbourne's Urban Growth' - a free event presented by Apartments.com.au and held as part of Melbourne Knowledge Week 2013.
On Friday 1st of November from 6:30pm a panel of five speakers will be giving their thoughts and insight in answer to the following:
<a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/KnowledgeMelbourne/Pages/KnowledgeWeek.aspx" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/imgad.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 250px;"></a>
<div>
	If Melbourne is to fulfil its own motto of gaining strength as it grows, planning policy must shift away from the auto-centric low-density suburban growth patterns of the past. Cities which encourage diverse human interaction through policies which enable increased residential and employment densities benefit from increased localised economic and social activity. With the great Australian dream of owning a home becoming increasingly unattainable where spiralling congestion and travel distance to employment and services offset the lower prices of new fringe suburban development, how can Melbourne make medium and high-density living more attractive to individuals and families at a price they can afford?
</div>
 
<div>
	 </div>
The speakers
Sarah Backhouse - CEO of prefabAUS www.prefabaus.org.au
William McDougall - Transport Planner/Principal at Sinclair Knight Merz www.globalskm.com
Adam Borowski - Development Manager at Small Giants www.smallgiants.com.au
John Carfi - CEO Residential at Mirvac Group www.mirvac.com
Laurence Dragomir - Urban Designer and Apartments.com.au writer 
 
Laurence will provide a synopsis of Fishermans Bend, and as part of his talk will present the only available renders with all planning applications to date included, plus a few other surprises.  A preliminary low resolution sneak peek is seen below
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image1_36.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A sign of things to come within Fishermans Bend?"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_36.jpg?itok=1XHUZI-2" title="A sign of things to come within Fishermans Bend?" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
Each speaker will give a 10 minute presentation and following the presentations an audience Q&amp;A session will be held.
The venue is the Village Roadshow Theatrette at the State Library of Victoria.  Entrance is from La Trobe Street entrance 3 (not the main entrance fronting Swanston Street) - click <a href="http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/floormap_entrance_2011.gif" target="_blank">here</a> to see a map of entrances.
Guiding Melbourne's Urban Growth is a free, but ticketed event - to attend, simply click the link below, book and print your ticket and present it upon entry.  Doors open at 6:20pm and we anticipate finishing the Q&amp;A session at 8:15pm
* Please print out your ticket and bring it with you on the night - we will not be admitting anyone without a valid ticket.  
If you can't make it or the session is all booked out by the time you read this - never fear!  Our video partners <a href="http://imageination.tv/" target="_blank">IMAGEination</a> will be filming the entire event and we'll publish the videos in the following week.
As always, enjoy!
 
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Guiding Melbourne's Urban Growth - presented by Urban.com.au

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<div class="sixteen columns content">
This weekend saw the conclusion to the visual arts spectacular that is the <a href="http://gspf.com.au/" target="_blank">Gertrude Street Projection Festival</a>, a description of which is taken directly from the Festival's website:
</div>

In 2013 The Gertrude Street Projection Festival (GSPF) will celebrate its sixth year of staging inner Melbourne’s most visible and accessible <a href="http://gspf.com.au/about-gspf/#" id="_GPLITA_1" style="text-decoration:underline" title="Click to Continue &gt; by safesaver">free</a> large scale arts festival.

Running from 19 to 28 July, the festival celebrates projection art and lets us see familiar spaces and buildings in new, inspired ways. It’s a collaborative, volunteer effort of artists and traders, residents and community groups all brought together by The Gertrude Association.

For 10 evenings in July and in over 30 sites, the length of Gertrude Street in Fitzroy will be illuminated by the visions of talented projections artists for the Gertrude Street Projection Festival. Buildings, laneways, footpaths and tree trunks will be lit up with site-specific, curated projections which respond to the theme Illuminate. The Festival Hub located upstairs at Gertrude’s Brown Couch boasts an incredible line-up of events, including live music, workshops, master <a href="http://gspf.com.au/about-gspf/#" id="_GPLITA_0" style="text-decoration:underline" title="Click to Continue &gt; by safesaver">classes</a>, panel forums and much more. The Festival’s diverse arts program celebrates and connects our diverse community.

Only recently hearing of the event, Apartments.com.au thought it a good idea to mosey on down and take in the visual feast. What immediately struck those attending was the very friendly atmosphere with an overabundance of young children and tourists attending, certainly more than would generally frequent the area and a sign of the popularity of the Festival. Whilst focusing on the external works, a multitude of bars/galleries also carried internal projections, although once settled in a bar Apartments.com.au members tend to bunker down for the evening...

Regardless a highly impressive evening, one sure to gain far more attention next year round.

All images credited to Alastair Taylor.  Be sure to click the first image below to see the full size!
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