The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

Joel Robinson

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

Abadeen has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for one of Mosman's largest apartment developments in recent years, seeking approval to transform the former Honeysuckle Garden and Midas site on Military Road into a 100-apartment mixed-use development.

The SSDA, lodged with investment partner Phoenix Property Investors, proposes around $230 million worth of new housing on the prominent <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/494-516-military-road-mosman-nsw-2088">494-516 Military Road</a> site.

The proposal comes as Mosman Council continues to progress its recently endorsed Masterplan, which identifies the precinct for increased housing density while maintaining the suburb's established character.

Designed by DKO Architecture, the development would comprise 100 apartments above ground-floor retail, with a rooftop wellness precinct including a gym, sauna, entertaining areas and landscaped communal spaces.

Rather than pushing to the full 12-storey height identified in Council's Masterplan, the proposal ranges between five and nine storeys, stepping down towards Hale Road. A tenth level would accommodate resident amenities rather than additional apartments.

The project has been designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and young professionals through to families and local downsizers looking to remain on the Lower North Shore.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dada03f-5b4c-43ba-ba62-2868add31440" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.57.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7LBy0B.Jo8_iWAFJsClcV7Q3UnXrv49r" />

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock.

"The apartments have been designed as genuine long-term homes, with efficient floorplans that maximise usable living areas, generous storage, natural light and strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces," Brown says."

"We've focused on creating homes for a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and growing families through to downsizers who want to remain in Mosman."

The rooftop wellness offering forms a key part of the proposal, with residents set to have access to a gym, sauna, outdoor entertaining spaces, communal dining areas, landscaped gardens and a multi-use recreation court overlooking Sydney Harbour.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d37c2d6b-583a-4a0f-b7a9-9f46b893d2f4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.58.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=FPoa5FCm2RtzjhAh2w5FTWJbV6GHfY8D" />

DKO drew heavily on the site's natural and cultural history, undertaking a Connecting with Country process with local Aboriginal Elders to inform the architectural and landscape design.

Senior Associate Matthew Ritchard said the design sought to create a building that responded to both the site's landscape and its cultural significance.

"The architectural language of the project is a deep expression of Connecting with Country, where the materiality and colour palette serve as a bridge between the site's geological history and its future as a residential sanctuary."

The proposal also retains the site's established blue gum tree as the centrepiece of the communal landscaped gardens, while introducing activated retail fronting Military Road to strengthen the connection between Mosman and Cremorne villages.

If approved, the project would deliver 100 new homes within walking distance of shops, public transport, schools and local amenities, adding to the limited pipeline of new apartments on the Lower North Shore.

<h2>Project Snapshot</h2>

Project: Honeysuckle Garden Redevelopment

Address: 494-516 Military Road, Mosman

Developer: Abadeen and Phoenix Property Investors

Architect: DKO Architecture

Lead Architect: Matthew Ritchard

Value: $230 million

Residences: 100 apartments

Key features:

<ul>
	<li>
	Ground-floor retail
	</li>
	<li>
	Rooftop wellness precinct
	</li>
	<li>
	Gym and sauna
	</li>
	<li>
	Outdoor entertaining and BBQ areas
	</li>
	<li>
	Landscaped communal gardens
	</li>
	<li>
	Multi-use recreation court
	</li>
	<li>
	Retained mature blue gum tree
	</li>
	<li>
	Connecting with Country design process
	</li>
	<li>
	Harbour, CBD and Balmoral views from upper-level apartments
	</li>
</ul>

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock

First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman

The wave of apartment proposals sweeping through Mosman shows no signs of slowing, with another major residential development lodged through the NSW Government's State Significant Development pathway.

Developer First Quadrant Properties, which recently completed Willoughby Grounds and has several projects in planning across the North Shore, has unveiled plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cove-on-ourimbah-40-56-ourimbah-road-mosman-nsw-2088">Cove on Ourimbah</a>, a 63-apartment development on Ourimbah Road, adding to the growing pipeline of projects reshaping one of Sydney's most tightly held harbour suburbs.

The proposal would consolidate nine properties at 40-56 Ourimbah Road into a part eight, part nine-storey apartment building, continuing the momentum created by the NSW Government's accelerated planning pathways that have seen several significant developments emerge across Mosman over the past 12 months.

Designed by Doroch Architects, the project would deliver 63 apartments, resident wellness facilities including a gym, pool and sauna, landscaped communal spaces and basement parking, while using recessed upper levels, generous setbacks and extensive planting to reduce the perceived scale of the building.

<img alt="First look: First Quadrant Properties eyes nine-storey Mosman apartment project under State Significant pathway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32ee68e4-141e-4a10-8f83-48e961a5e71e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Ourimbah%20Road%2C%20Mosman%20a.png?VersionId=CUeILFc6APlwXPc.iplElbxHvREKwjig" />

Doroch Architects said the building had been designed to reinforce Mosman's established character.

"The building's aesthetic is grounded in the existing residential character of Ourimbah Road and the broader Mosman context," the architect noted in the planning documents submitted to the NSW Government.

The design adopts a contemporary material palette of natural stone, textured concrete and brown concave metal cladding, complemented by integrated planters and deep balconies. The podium incorporates softened curved concrete forms, while increased setbacks have been provided adjacent to the heritage-listed property at 60 Ourimbah Road to create a more sympathetic transition.

The site sits around 330 metres from Mosman Town Centre, placing it within the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy area, where increased residential density is being encouraged close to shops, transport and services.

The proposal follows a string of major apartment projects lodged or declared State Significant in Mosman in recent months, including Abadeen's 100-apartment Honeysuckle Garden redevelopment on Military Road and several other developments across Awaba Street, Redan Street and Muston Street from the likes of Time &amp; Place, HELM and Prosker Property.

&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/time-place-to-take-on-mosman-apartment-market">Time &amp; Place to take on Mosman apartment market</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-abadeen-plans-100-apartments-on-former-honeysuckle-garden-site-in-mosman">First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Another major apartment proposal signals Mosman's development boom

A new State Significant Development Application (SSDA) could reshape a prominent vacant site in Gosford's CBD, with Ming Tian Real Property proposing a mixed-use precinct that combines affordable housing, retail activation and a new public plaza.

The proposal for 43-45 Beane Street and 2 Keevers Lane would deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/43-45-beane-street-gosford-nsw-2250">two-building development</a> comprising a 26-storey residential tower and a five-storey affordable housing building above ground-floor commercial space. A key focus of the project is the delivery of dedicated affordable housing alongside new public domain improvements designed to transform Keevers Lane into a more active urban destination.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/tony-owen-partners">Tony Owen Partners</a>, the development would provide 130 apartments, including 20 affordable housing dwellings managed by a registered community housing provider for at least 15 years. The market housing component comprises 110 apartments across a mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences, while the affordable housing includes six one-bedroom, 13 two-bedroom and one three-bedroom apartment. The proposal also incorporates 416 sqm of ground-floor retail, three basement levels accommodating 140 car spaces, 42 bicycle spaces, communal open space and extensive landscaping.

<img alt="First look: Ming Tian Real Property plans landmark affordable housing tower for Gosford city centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9b858791-9060-4ee7-9178-44cb9e640a85" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Beane%20Street%20b_0.png?VersionId=_jbY0mqPEs7.jBZxozR7d6T4u85FoPmb" />

The affordable housing component has been distributed across both buildings, with four apartments located within the main tower and a dedicated five-storey building delivering a further 16 affordable homes. The project also includes 12 adaptable apartments and 24 dwellings designed to Silver Level Liveable Housing Guidelines.

The architectural design draws inspiration from Indigenous storytelling.

"The design is based on the indigenous motif of the Rainbow Serpent," Tony Owen Partners said in the Design Verification Statement.

"The Rainbow Serpent is a traditional totem of coastal eastern Australia. It represents natural forces, creation, change, and rebirth and is often associated with bodies of water. This motif can be seen in the undulation of the balconies rising on the building," Tony Owen Partners said in the Design Verification Statement.

Beyond the residential offering, the proposal seeks to revitalise the surrounding public realm, particularly Keevers Lane.

"The ground floor streetscape includes a commercial and dining precinct which will significantly improve the amenity of the area. This strategy transforms a currently inhospitable laneway into a thriving centre of urban renewal and day and night time activation to compliment the new adjoining UNC facilities," the architects said.

<img alt="First look: Ming Tian Real Property plans landmark affordable housing tower for Gosford city centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36b0ca6b-af15-424c-81db-9f3049c07b0c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Beane%20Street%20podium.png?VersionId=QCAv7bCitrg3zIGZUHI2z_HR8qVfKbp1" />

The Environmental Impact Statement notes that the project aims to "improve the provision of diverse housing options within Gosford City Centre, enhancing the mixed-use precinct by delivering high quality residential development, whilst concurrently providing a diverse range of housing choices through the provision of affordable housing, which is in growing need within the Gosford City Centre."

The site occupies approximately 2,070 sqm in the Gosford city centre, around 250 metres from Gosford Railway Station and within walking distance of Gosford Hospital, Mann Street's retail precinct and the University of Newcastle's Gosford campus currently under construction. The currently vacant site previously received approval for a lower-scale residential development, with the new proposal leveraging the NSW Government's in-fill affordable housing pathway to increase density while introducing dedicated affordable housing.

First look: Rainbow Serpent inspires bold new Gosford apartment tower

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bottega-property-group">Bottega House</a> has secured council approval for its first Brisbane project - a $270 million luxury residential development on an absolute riverfront site in leafy St Lucia.&nbsp;

The 15-storey project, known as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-lucia-by-bottega-house-180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">St Lucia by Bottega House</a> , will occupy a prime north-facing site at 178-180 Macquarie Street, directly fronting the Brisbane River in the established inner-west suburb known for its rowing clubs, golf courses and sprawling University of Queensland campus.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House will feature a suite of amenities including dedicated wellness spaces, a mineral pool and cold plunge. The project has been positioned to attract affluent owner-occupiers seeking high-quality, house-sized apartments.&nbsp;

Bottega House has been set up by co-directors Nick Malloch, Louis Mennes and Craig Marsh.

Malloch said the project drew inspiration from its Brisbane River setting and leafy inner-west surrounds, while responding to the demands of discerning locals looking to transition from freestanding homes into apartment living.&nbsp;

"With an expansive river frontage and lush green surrounds, we knew we had to create something special that reflects the natural beauty of the location while offering residents masterfully crafted homes," said Malloch.&nbsp;

"Our intent was to complement the project's quiet, private setting by introducing residences that offer a calm retreat and sanctuary from the everyday. The result is a harmonious blend of architecture, interiors and amenity that emphasises wellbeing, comfort and beauty without excess."&nbsp;

Malloch added that project consultants had been carefully selected in alignment with Bottega House's commitment to care, quality and attention to detail. The design team includes architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, interiors practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/urbis">Urbis</a>.&nbsp;

Three-bedroom apartments are expected to start around $5 millio. Selling agents Keenan &amp; Byrne said the pricing strategy for the project was anticipated to achieve upwards of $25,500 per square metre.&nbsp;

The project's development approval this week follows the success of Bottega House's inaugural Queensland project - a 22-storey collection of full-floor sky homes at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast which included the sale of a two-storey penthouse at a record price for a beachside residence.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House is expected to launch to market in November, with construction anticipated to be completed mid 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151826]

Bottega House to make Brisbane debut with St Lucia riverfront apartment development

Fmaily Finance

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GUEST OBSERVER
The weekly ANZ/Roy Morgan consumer confidence rating rose by 1.6 points (1.4 percent) to 116.4 in the week to March 13 –the highest reading since November 2015. 
Confidence is up 5.1 percent over the year and above the average of 111.4 since 2014.
The estimate of family finances over the next year was up from +28 to +35 – the highest reading since January 2010.
<a href="/images/2016/03/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-15%20at%204.55.08%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/03/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-15%20at%204.55.08%20PM.png" alt="">
New vehicle sales: New vehicle sales fell by 0.1 percent in seasonally adjusted terms in February to be up by 5.1 percent on the year. Sales of SUVs (418,691) hit record highs in annual terms and accounted for a record 45.1 percent of combined passenger car and SUV sales in the year to February.
Reserve Bank Board in wait and see mode: “Over the period ahead, new information should allow the Board to assess whether the improvement in labour market conditions was continuing and whether the recent financial turbulence presaged weaker global and domestic demand. Members noted that continued low inflation would provide scope to ease monetary policy further, should that be appropriate to lend support to demand”.
The lending and consumer confidence figures have implications for finance providers, retailers, and companies dependent on consumer and business spending. The RBA Board minutes provides insights on the interest rate outlook.
What does it all mean?
The Aussie dollar is holding near US75-76 cents; job security is strong; interest rates are stable; and petrol prices are low. So what’s not to like? Sure the sharemarket has been volatile, but Aussie consumers seem resigned to the fact that is a “normal” situation. And they are looking through the volatility, realising that our economy, and more importantly their finances are in good shape.
The good news for retailers is that consumers are seemingly looking forward to the next year with a healthy level of optimism. The estimate of family finances over the next 12 months has lifted to the highest levels since January 2010 – essentially at the height of the commodity boom. In addition consumers continue to believe it is a good time to buy a car, fridge, washing machine or television. Certainly retailers don’t seem to be in a rush to lift prices, so affordability is good.
It may be that the recent long weekend holiday in a number of states and territories as well as the upcoming Easter long weekend may have artificially boosted the level of euphoria amongst households. However the fundamentals are still sound. No doubt the upbeat economic data over the last few weeks coupled with a stronger Australian dollar is a key factor in supporting sentiment.
There were no surprises in the Reserve Bank Board minutes. The decision to keep interest rates on hold in early March was accompanied by virtually a carbon copy of the statement from the prior month’s RBA Board meeting. And the minutes are essentially singing from the same hymn sheet.
The Reserve Bank minutes make it clear that the focus is likely to be on more timely data over the next couple of months, to gauge how the economy is tracking.
<a href="/images/2016/03/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-15%20at%204.57.35%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/03/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-15%20at%204.57.35%20PM.png" alt="">
There was no real mention of the Australian dollar. However given that the currency has remained persistently high in the last couple of weeks it may be a topic of conversation in upcoming speeches by Reserve Bank officials.
The data on new vehicle sales merely confirms the industry estimates made by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries earlier in the month. The key message is that record car affordability, low interest rates and a stronger job market are serving to drive vehicle sales.
Of note, sports utility vehicles (or four-wheel drive vehicles) remain the ‘new black’. While sales of ‘ordinary’ passenger cars fell by almost 7 percent in February compared with a year ago, SUVs lifted by almost 11 percent over the year. In fact over 418,000 SUVs were sold over the past year – a record high. 
One in three new vehicles sold in Australia is a SUV. And almost 45 per cent of combined SUV and passenger cars sold are SUVs.
What do the figures show?
Consumer confidence
The weekly ANZ/Roy Morgan consumer confidence rating  rose by 1.6 points (1.4 percent) to 116.4 in the week to March 13. Confidence is up 5.1 percent over the year and above the average of 111.4 since 2014. 
Three of the five components of the index rose in the latest week:
The estimate of family finances compared with a year ago was up from +6 to +10;
The estimate of family finances over the next year was up from +28 to +35;
Economic conditions over the next 12 months was down from -1 to -2;
Economic conditions over the next 5 years was down from +10 to +7;
The measure of whether it was a good time to buy a major household item was up  from +31 points to +32 points.
New car sales:
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) new vehicle sales fell by 0.1 percent in seasonally adjusted terms in February after rising by 0.4 percent in January. Passenger car sales rose by 0.8 percent, while sales of sports utility vehicles fell by 0.6 percent and sales of “other” vehicles (includes utilities, panel vans, cab chassis, goods carrying vans, rigid trucks, prime movers, non-freight carrying trucks, and buses) fell by 1.1 percent.
New vehicles sales were up by 5.1 percent over the year . Passenger car sales in January were down 6.8 percent over the year while SUVs sales were up by 10.8 percent and “other vehicles” were up by 8.4 percent.
In rolling annual terms, a record 1,163,684 new vehicles were sold over the year to February. Sales of SUVs (418,691) hit record highs in annual terms, while annual sales of other vehicles stood at a 2-year high of 235,112.
Sales of passenger vehicles stood at a 15ó-year low of 509,881.
SUVs accounted for a record 45.1 percent  of combined passenger car and SUV sales in the year to February.
Reserve Bank Board minutes
The key quotes from the Board minutes:
International conditions: “Growth in Australia's major trading partners had remained a little below average in year-ended terms and commodity prices were still significantly lower than they had been a year earlier.
Meanwhile, global financial markets had been volatile in the aftermath of the Bank of Japan's decision to implement negative interest rates and generally there appeared to be more uncertainty about the direction and potency of monetary policy in the major jurisdictions. However, given the usual lags in the data, it was still too early to assess whether the bout of financial market volatility since the turn of the year foreshadowed or would lead to a weakening in global economic conditions.”
Job market: “Leading indicators of employment had increased further and were consistent with employment growth in the months ahead. Wage growth had remained at quite low levels.”
Housing:  “Conditions in the established housing market had eased somewhat since September 2015, in part reflecting the effect of supervisory measures implemented in that year. In addition, after rising for some time, the growth in aggregate housing credit had stabilised over the past six months or so, with a significant easing in growth in lending to investors.”
Monetary policy:  “Members judged that there were reasonable prospects for continued growth in the economy and that it was appropriate to leave the cash rate unchanged at an accommodative setting. Over the period ahead, new information should allow the Board to assess whether the improvement in labour market conditions was continuing and whether the recent financial turbulence presaged weaker global and domestic demand. Members noted that continued low inflation would provide scope to ease monetary policy further, should that be appropriate to lend support to demand.”
What is the importance of the economic data?
The ANZ/Roy Morgan weekly survey of consumer confidence  closely tracks the monthly Westpac/Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index but the former measure is a timelier assessment of consumer attitudes and is now closely tracked by the Reserve Bank.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics  provides seasonally adjusted and trend estimates of industry data. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries  releases estimates of car sales  on the third business day of the month. The figures highlight the strength of consumer spending as well as conditions facing auto &amp; components companies.
The Reserve Bank releases minutes of its monthly Board meeting  a fortnight after the event. The minutes give a guide to Reserve Bank thinking on interest rate settings.
What are the implications for interest rates and investors?
CommSec doesn’t expect any change in the cash rate for the foreseeable future. Underlying inflation remains at the bottom of the 2-3 percent target band but should lift over 2016.
<a href="/images/2016/03/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-15%20at%203.46.28%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/03/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-15%20at%203.46.28%20PM.png" alt="">
The recent lift in the Australian dollar has already garnered the interest of the Reserve Bank and may dominate discussion at the next Board meeting. Last week Deputy Governor Phillip Lowe said the Reserve Bank would prefer to see the currency lower.
If the Reserve Bank was to cut rates it would be because of global factors – certainly not domestic considerations.
Savanth Sebastian is an economist for <a href="https://www.commsec.com.au/" target="_blank">CommSec</a>
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