<section data-element_type="section" data-id="b086848">
Fresh off completing its mixed-use Malvern project Malvern Collective, Kokoda Property Group has acquired a prime site on Richmond's Bridge Road.

They are planning a mid-rise residential development with&nbsp;integrated wellness amenities and a vibrant ground-floor retail and dining offering.

The site, at&nbsp;487–495 Bridge Road, spans&nbsp;1,650 sqm with 50 metres of dual frontage across Bridge Road and Palmer Street. It is currently leased to Adairs, and has a large retail building and 20 onsite car parks.
</section>

<section data-element_type="section" data-id="534a164">
Kokoda Property Group’s acquisition forms part of a broader phase of growth in Melbourne, building on momentum from the completion of Malvern Collective and the recent purchase of a Burnley Street site for the developer’s first commercial project.&nbsp;

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating.

“Melbourne is regaining momentum,"&nbsp;Stevens said.

"After a cautious period post-COVID, we’re seeing buyer sentiment stabilise and capital leaning back into well-located, quality projects. Victoria now benefits from deep builder capacity and competitive delivery pricing, creating a rare opportunity to bring design-led inner-city developments to market without compromising on craftsmanship.

“Richmond ticks all the boxes for us – connectivity, culture and everyday amenity – making Bridge Road the perfect address for an amenity-rich, multi-use development."

Envisioned as an “urban lantern” the building will bring a distinctive new presence to Bridge Road with a sculptural retail frontage, designed to honour the street’s heritage character while contributing to its renewal.

Stevens said the acquisition reflects the developer’s commitment to design-led addresses in Melbourne’s inner city.

“Drawing on Richmond’s rich heritage and dynamic character, we’ve envisioned a contemporary building that respects the past while elevating the way people live today. With dual frontages, curated ground-floor spaces, and a focus on wellness, this project will contribute to the neighbourhood’s evolution, appealing to both downsizers and a new generation of professionals.”

Kokoda Property will now progress concept design ahead of a future planning process.
</section>

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating

Joel Robinson

First look: Kokoda secures Richmond site for new apartment development

Gold Coast developer Drew Group is fast approaching sell-out at its Main Beach apartment development, Lagoon Main Beach.

In the last nine months, Drew Group and sales partner Pezet Matheson have secured 31 sales totalling over $75 million, as the two-tower development advances towards completion under the expert eye of Hutchinson Builders.

“Today's buyers are more discerning than ever," Drew Group Managing Director Jon Drew says.

"It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=193023]

Just over 50 per cent of recent&nbsp;sales have been to local buyers, reflecting the deep trust and connection within the Gold Coast community that Drew Group has developed over the years.

Demand has been particularly robust at the top end, with two of the three exclusive penthouses already sold, alongside five sub-penthouses. Only seven apartments remain in Lagoon's Signature Series — one&nbsp;penthouse and six sub-penthouses.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=284864]

Drew Group has also removed the much-maligned sunset clause from all contracts at Lagoon. The sunset clause — although rarely invoked, yet on occasion known to have been — allows developers to take back contracts on apartments should the building not be completed within the timeframe specified in the contract.

Pezet Matheson Co-Director Jayde Pezet says the fact Lagoon is&nbsp;within a year of completion, and has no sunset clause in contracts, provides certainty to buyers.

"This is paramount in the current market," Pezet says.

Drew Group has committed to providing the highest level of security inclusions — none more impressive than the Ubiquity Access Control System, a cutting-edge facial recognition technology that is one of the most state-of-the-art keyless entry systems on the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=190743]

One of the biggest drawcards to Lagoon has been the size of the apartments.

"It is unlikely that any future new development in Main Beach will be able to offer such spacious living at this price point," Drew says.

"Today's buyers are more discerning than ever, carefully evaluating amenities like gyms, spas, workspaces, and beach lockers, along with quality finishes. It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

Lagoon is set to complete construction in mid-2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108747]

Lagoon Main Beach approaches sell-out as local buyers drive $75m in sales

National apartment developer Abadeen has topped out its debut Gold Coast apartment project,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/villea-palm-beach-26-mawarra-street-palm-beach-qld-4221">Villea Palm Beach</a>.

Buyers will move into the $120 million development in early 2026, with builder Emicon now focusing its attention towards the fitout stage of the apartments.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>’s Executive Chairman and Founder, Justin Brown, said topping out at Villea represented an exciting step forward for the company’s national growth and the delivery of a benchmark coastal development.

“Villea Palm Beach represents everything Abadeen stands for — design-led living, premium quality, and the convenience we are bringing for residents to feel part of a perfect beachside community," Brown said.

"It is a particularly special project for us, being our first with spectacular ocean views, just metres from the water and with the addition of ground-floor retail. To reach the top floor is a proud moment, and I am incredibly proud of the Abadeen and Emicon teams for the way they are bringing this project to life for future residents.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336444]

Pierre Saab, Director of builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/emicon">Emicon</a>, said topping out was an exciting milestone and the team is now focused on interiors and detailing.

“This is a fantastic milestone to reach. With the final roof pour complete, we’ve moved into the fit-out stage where the detailing will truly bring Villea to life,"&nbsp;Saab said.

"Standing on the top floor, the team was struck by the stunning 180-degree views of the ocean and all that <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> has to offer — a daily reminder of the exceptional lifestyle this project will deliver.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336441]

Nick Clydsdale, Director of SRQ, who is managing sales and marketing for Villea, said the milestone marks the next phase of the sales campaign.

“With construction now at its highest point, we are excited to kick start the next phase of the campaign off the back of strong sales momentum driven by the local market,"&nbsp;Clydsdale said.

"Villea is a prized offering in the popular suburb of Palm Beach— ideally suited to owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking a convenient and beautiful coastal lifestyle. At the same time, with forecasts pointing to further price growth across the Gold Coast in 2025, Villea offers investors the opportunity to enter early in the upswing cycle."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336442]

&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA</a>, Villea comprises 69 two- and three-bedroom residences with light-filled layouts, premium finishes including timber flooring, Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, and high-performance glazing to maximise comfort.

Many residences capture ocean views, while all benefiting from generous open plan designs and access to shared amenities like a&nbsp;pool, gym, barbecue facilities, and outdoor entertaining spaces, all just 400m from the beach.

A ground floor retail leasing campaign is also underway, with Abadeen set to handpick a curated mix of tenants to enhance the experience for both residents and the wider community.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106840]

Abadeen tops out Villea Palm Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has officially unveiled its vision for a landmark development in Little Bay.

The vertically integrated developer-builder is set to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE</a>, a collection of low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis Architects</a>, comprising 94 apartments.

Targeted at local downsizers, upgraders, nature lovers, and golf enthusiasts, ESTE offers close proximity to Kamay-Botany Bay National Park, Little Bay Beach, and the renowned St Michael’s Golf Club — widely considered one of New South Wales’ top courses.

Many of the apartments, with interiors by Richard Stanisich, boast uninterrupted ocean views — a rare offering in Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=210130]

Residents will enjoy exclusive access to a private rooftop amenity level featuring a heated infinity pool, a fitness centre equipped with the latest TechnoGym technology, and a sauna.

Urban Property Group has taken a careful and considered approach to the design and planning stages, ensuring ESTE delivers an architecturally appropriate and sensitive addition to a suburb that rarely sees new development.

Plans were first submitted to Randwick City Council in late 2022, following concept approval from the NSW Government earlier that year.

Construction commenced in November 2024, with the project expected to top out in Q4 2025 and reach completion in Q3 2026.&nbsp;

Urban was one of the first developers in New South Wales to adopt the sought-after 10-year <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/resilience-latent-defects-insurance">Latent Defects Insurance policy from Resilience Insurance</a>. The policy — that can only be taken out by developers or builders and not by individual apartment buyers — covers any structural or waterproofing defects for a full 10 years post-completion, providing buyers with the most comprehensive protection available when purchasing off the plan.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">What is Latent Defects Insurance and is it bringing confidence to the off the plan apartment market?</a>

SRM Residential will be launching ESTE in the coming months.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Urban Property Group unveils ESTE Little Bay apartments

For the first time, prospective off the plan apartment buyers in Sydney's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/homebush-nsw-2140">Homebush</a> can purchase with the confidence of a 10-year defect protection for their new apartment building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bridge-road-residences-homebush-3-5-bridge-road-homebush-nsw-2140">Bridge Road Residences</a>, the latest development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ventus-group">Ventus Group</a>, is the first new apartment complex in the area to offer the highly sought-after 10-year Latent Defects Insurance, provided by Resilience Insurance.

This policy, which applies to all 80 apartments in the new building on Bridge Road, covers homeowners against&nbsp;structural or design defects defects that may arise within the first 10 years after the building's completion. It can only be taken out by the developer or builder of the new development, and not by individual apartment owners.

Half of the apartments in the building have already been quickly snapped up. Buyers have been attracted by the insurance policy, along with the guarantee of a quality build, thanks to the insurance's Technical Inspection Service. This service involves third-party experts visiting the construction site at least once a month to ensure the building is being properly constructed, making defects highly unlikely.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6989 project_image_fid=2132]

Located on Bridge Road, the development offers a mix of apartment configurations, from studios to three-bedroom apartments.

Apartments have been designed&nbsp;by MX Architects with liveability in mind, featuring open-plan layouts, engineered timber floors, wool-blend carpet in bedrooms, and either ducted or split-system air conditioning depending on configuration.&nbsp;

Many apartments also include north-facing aspects or oversized balconies, enhancing natural light and outdoor usability.

The development includes landscaped communal gardens with a central lawn, shaded seating, and barbecue areas. A rooftop terrace offers views across the city and Sydney Olympic Park. These amenities are designed to provide outdoor spaces for both relaxation and socialising, without increasing maintenance burden.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6989 project_image_fid=2135]

Bridge Road Residences is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Homebush Station and close to major road links including the M4 and M8.&nbsp;

Residents will have immediate access to Rochester Street’s cafes, grocers, and restaurants, as well as retail and dining hubs at North Strathfield’s Bakehouse Quarter, Strathfield Plaza, and DFO Homebush.&nbsp;

The area is also well-served by schools and tertiary institutions, including Homebush Public School and the University of Sydney.

Construction is being led by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/one-way-dc">One Way Development &amp; Construction</a>. They are expecting to complete the build in Q3 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6989]

Bridge Road Residences brings 10-year defects guarantee to Homebush

home

<html><body>
Australian interest rates are currently at <a href="https://tradingeconomics.com/australia/interest-rate">historically low levels</a>. This fact, along with the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-14/imf-forecasts-big-coronavirus-growth-hit/12147818">economic uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic</a>, has left many wondering whether or not now is a good time to take out (or switch to) a fixed rate home loan. Fixed rate home loans are where your loan repayments will be charged at the same interest rate, usually for periods between 1 to 5 years.

There are both pros and cons of taking out a fixed rate home loan. 

Pros:

1. Your interest rate won’t go up if market rates increase 

This means that you’ll be charged less interest than a person with a variable rate home loan, giving you the opportunity to become <a href="/guides/how-to-secure-a-mortgage-free-lifestyle-sooner">mortgage-free sooner.</a> 

2. It can give you repayment certainty

Your repayments won’t change if market interest rates increase. A fixed rate loan can, therefore, be a good idea if your <a href="/expert-insights/buying/resetting-your-finances-during-covid-19-a-financial-coachs-guide">financial circumstances are likely to change</a>. For example, if you’re planning on starting a family or your job may be at risk due to the economic fallout of the coronavirus.

Cons:

1. Higher fees

A fixed rate home loan usually has higher fees than a variable-rate home loan.

2. Break fees

If you want to end your fixed rate home loan before the term expires, there will usually be ‘break fees’ involved. For example, a reason why you might want to end your fixed rate home loan is if you want to sell your home. Variable-rate loans, on the other hand, don’t have break fees.

3. Loan features and flexibility

Some fixed rate home loans limit your ability to make to do things such as:

<ul>
<li>making extra repayments</li>
	<li>
<a href="/news/the-difference-between-offset-and-redraw-mortgage-loans-that-are-right-for-you">redrawing money</a> on your home loan if you need to.</li>
</ul>
       However, variable-rate loans usually have more flexible features such as these.

Before you take out a fixed rate home loan, you should do all of the following:

1. Thoroughly research the market 

There are a huge number of home loan products and loan providers available in the Australian home loan market. If you don’t have time to research the market, you can use the services of a <a href="https://moneysmart.gov.au/home-loans/using-a-mortgage-broker">licensed mortgage broker</a>. 

In addition, if you are switching from a variable-rate home loan to a fixed-rate, it’s important that the benefits outweigh any costs. If you are unsure about this, you should obtain independent financial advice.

2. Understand the comparison interest rate

Lenders usually advertise two interest rates on their loan products: a nominal rate and a <a href="https://moneysmart.gov.au/glossary/comparison-rate">comparison rate</a>. The nominal rate is usually lower, but it doesn’t include the cost of loan fees and charges. The comparison rate, on the other hand, is higher but it does include the cost of most loan fees and charges. 

Always use the comparison rate when comparing loan products. Lenders in Australia are <a href="https://asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/credit/credit-general-conduct-obligations/national-credit-code/">legally required to provide you with the comparison rate</a> before you take out a loan.

3. Negotiate loan fees and features

The Australian home loan market is highly competitive and lenders are always keen for new home loan business from applicants with good <a href="https://moneysmart.gov.au/managing-debt/credit-scores-and-credit-reports">credit ratings</a>. If you have a good credit history, you may be able to negotiate home loan fees and charges with lenders. 

There’s an old saying that ‘you don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate’. If you don’t believe you have good negotiating skills, a mortgage broker can negotiate on your behalf.

 
It’s important to understand that paying off a home loan is a long-term financial commitment. Interest rates inevitably change over time and interest is the major cost associated with home loans. Even a small increase in interest rates can make a massive difference to the amount you’ll pay over the duration of a home loan. Hence, It is crucial that you consider the pros and cons of fixed rate home loans as well as their suitability for your current and future financial circumstances.

 
</body></html>

vivian_48447

Precautions You Should Take Before You Sign up For a Fixed Rate Home Loan

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
A place to call home – very much an attainable proposition according to young Australians 
Young Australians still dream of owning their own home and are actively taking steps towards achieving that goal in 2020, according to new consumer research commissioned by global developer, Lendlease. 
</div>
</div>
<div class="section">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The national survey of 1,005 Australians aged 18-40 years revealed eight in ten dream of owning their own home, with almost half (47 per cent) believing they will be in their own home within the next five years. Overwhelmingly the Australian dream of home ownership is alive and well, with 79 percent optimistic they will own a home in the future. 
Conducted by McCrindle on behalf of Lendlease, the research also found one in six young Australians believe they will be able to buy a home before the end of 2021, and another third are confident they will buy before the end of 2025. 
There was a marked sense of optimism about the coming 12 months, with a quarter of young Australians (25%) believing 2020 is the right time to buy a home. Three in ten (30 per cent) are also more confident they will be able to buy a home in the next 12 months compared to the past 12 months. The survey also found a majority of young Australians (58 percent) would strongly steer towards buying and building a new home, over an existing home (42 percent). 
The motivations for home ownership, according to the survey participants, are having a place to call their own (69 percent), having their independence (52 per cent), a place to raise a family (50 per cent), and the security home ownership provides (49 per cent). 
Saving for a deposit was identified as one of the most challenging obstacles (55 percent) to overcome on the path to home ownership. More than half (54 per cent) surveyed who are yet to purchase their first home are currently saving for their deposit, with one in five “saving hard”. According to the research, the top five ways young Australians are saving for a home deposit are: 
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
1. Cutting back on small expenses (e.g. cafes, eating out, etc.) (45 percent) 2. Saving money with their partner (41 per cent) 3. Opening a specific savings account (36 per cent) 4. Sacrificing a luxury expense (e.g. holiday, new car etc.) (35 per cent) 
5. Starting a side hustle (24 per cent) 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Interestingly, the media-popularised “OK Boomer” sentiment was strong among the survey participants, with 79 per cent believing the challenge of buying a home today is more difficult for their generation than it was for their parents. 
Many young Australians have seriously/somewhat considered purchasing on the fringes of a city (50 per cent), in a major non-capital city (48 per cent), or a regional area (46 per cent), and have brainstormed creative ways to make their home-ownership dream a reality. Gen Z appeared to be more sustainably minded, with 25 per cent more likely to choose their location allowing them to live more sustainably. 
Lendlease’s consumer research comes in response to the federal government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, which was launched in partnership with the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation on 1 January to support eligible first home buyers purchase a home sooner. Supporting up to 10,000 loans each financial year, the initiative will provide a guarantee that allows eligible first home buyers to purchase a home up to a value determined per state.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
There are 10 Lendlease communities across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia that are supporting burgeoning interest in the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme by offering additional incentives beyond the federal government’s 10,000-person cap. 
Lendlease’s bonuses range from stamp duty on land being covered at Calderwood Valley and Bingara Gorge; $10,000 off selected lots at Alkimos Beach, Alkimos Vista, Aurora, Atherstone, Elliott Springs and Harpley; to a $10,000 housewarming gift for properties purchased at Springfield. 
 Matt Wallace, managing director of communities says, “Our new consumer research reveals that 2020 is the year for first home buyers to get into the housing market. Not only are interest rates still near record lows, but first home buyers are able to take better control of their finances with a range of industry initiatives designed to help them out.
"We understand the many challenges facing first home buyers and are ready to help them get their foot on the property ladder. Through several of our communities across Australia we’re offering compelling incentives to fast-track the home-buying process.”
Claire Madden, social trends researcher, demographer &amp; generational expert notes, “Despite Gen Y and Z growing up with the rhetoric of rising housing and living costs, they are showing an optimism and resilience in holding onto the great Australian dream of home ownership.
"Over four in five in our younger generations have the desire to own a home, and almost two in five are extremely or very optimistic that it will become a reality.
"Whilst saving for the deposit is seen by many as the biggest obstacle, these tech-savvy, agile and entrepreneurial generations are switched on to new opportunities and are likely to embrace the home-ownership deposit schemes and find a way to see the dream realised." 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Home ownership dream still alive for young Australians: Lendlease

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
As regional Australian towns face the prospect of <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/plan-c-is-a-problem-a-town-without-ground-water-nears-day-zero-20191022-p53334" target="_blank">running out of water</a>, it’s time to ask why Australia does not make better use of recycled wastewater.
The technology to reliably and safely make clean, drinkable water from all sources, including sewage, has existed for <a href="https://www.applied.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/drinking-water-through-recycling-full-report.pdf" target="_blank">at least a decade</a>. Further, <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/water-reform/national-water-initiative-agreement-2004.pdf" target="_blank">government policy</a> has for a long time allowed for recycled water to ensure supply.
The greatest barrier to the widespread use of recycled wastewater is community acceptance. Research from around the world found the best way to overcome reluctance is to embrace education and rigorously ensure the highest quality water treatment.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/298470/original/file-20191024-31434-187ua6o.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/298470/original/file-20191024-31434-187ua6o.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
In 2006 Toowoomba voted against introducing recycled water, despite extensive drought gripping the area. <a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allanhenderson/2351100815/in/photolist-nQkp38-4zL1mX-aDPpEZ-aDPpLV-fEdSCh-hvcdT7-nQiamA-o7ESdb-fEdQK7-NyMorG-o7Mtex-hvcFhN-nMBXnf-29iZvnt-uobZDu-uEkpLu" target="_blank">Allan Henderson/Flickr</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank">CC BY</a>
Why not use stormwater?
Many people are happy to use recycled stormwater, while being reluctant to cook, drink or wash with recycled household wastewater. But there are technical, cost and supply issues with relying on stormwater to meet our country’s water needs. Stormwater has to be cleaned before it is used, the supply can be irregular as it is reliant upon rain, and it has to be stored somewhere for use.
On the other hand, household wastewater (which is what goes into the sewerage system from sinks, toilets, washing machines and so on) is a more consistent supply, with <a href="https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2011/04/04/from-wastewater-to-drinking-water/" target="_blank">80% or more</a> of household water leaving as wastewater.
Furthermore, wastewater goes to treatment plants already, so there is a system of pipes to transport it and places which already treat it, including advanced treatment plants that can treat the water to be clean enough for a range of purposes. There are strong economic, environmental and practical arguments for investing more effort in reusing wastewater to meet our water supply needs.
This water can be used for households, industry, business and agriculture, greening public spaces, fighting fires, and topping up rivers or groundwater.
The water cycle
Technically, all water is recyled; indeed we are drinking the <a href="https://www.xplorationstation.com/" target="_blank">same water as the dinosaurs</a>. Put very simply, water evaporates, forms clouds and falls as rain, and is either absorbed into the earth and captured underground or filtered through rock and goes back again into oceans and rivers.
When we capture and reuse water, we are not making more water, but speeding up the water cycle so we can reuse it more quickly.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/298473/original/file-20191024-31471-1tnktt1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/298473/original/file-20191024-31471-1tnktt1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Not pictured: the many, many animals and people every drop of water has passed through over millennia. Wikimedia Commons, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/" target="_blank">CC BY-SA</a>
We do already <a href="http://www.awa.asn.au/AWA_MBRR/Publications/Fact_Sheets/Water_Recycling_Fact_Sheet/AWA_MBRR/Publications/Fact_Sheets/Water_Recycling_Fact_Sheet.aspx?hkey=54c6e74b-0985-4d34-8422-fc3f7523aa1d" target="_blank">reuse wastewater</a> in Australia, with many parts of regional Australia cleaning wastewater and releasing it into rivers. That water is then extracted for use by places downstream.
Despite this, there have been significant community objections to building new infrastructure to reuse wastewater for household use. In 2006, at the height of the Millennium drought, Toowoomba <a href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160105-why-we-will-all-one-day-drink-recycled-wastewater" target="_blank">rejected the idea</a> entirely.
However, since then a scheme has been <a href="https://www.watercorporation.com.au/water-supply/our-water-sources/recycled-water" target="_blank">successfully established</a> in Perth. We must examine these issues again in light of the current drought, which sees a number of Australian regional centres facing the prospect of <a href="https://meltwaternews.com/ext/mediac/213698325.pdf" target="_blank">running out of water</a>.
Lessons from overseas
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/298467/original/file-20191024-31453-10p3sbb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/298467/original/file-20191024-31453-10p3sbb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Singapore has had enormous success in reusing wastewater for all kinds of purposes. EPA/HOW HWEE YOUNG
Despite initial reluctance, many places around the world have successfully introduced extensive wastewater recycling. Places such as Singapore, Essex, California, New Mexico, and Virginia widely use it.
Recent research from the <a href="https://www.wsaa.asn.au/publications" target="_blank">Water Services Association of Australia</a>, working with other research bodies, found several key lessons.
Firstly, the language we use is important. Phrases like “<a href="https://www.afr.com/companies/toilettotap-back-on-the-agenda-as-nsw-looks-again-at-recycled-water-20180919-h15kqh" target="_blank">toilet to tap</a>” are unhelpful as they don’t emphasise the extensive treatment processes involved.
The social media and news outlets can play a significant role here. In Orange County, California, wastewater was introduced through a slow process of building acceptance. Influential individuals were enlisted to explain and advocate for its uses.
Secondly, communities need time and knowledge, particularly about safety and risks. Regulators play an important role in reassuring communities. In San Diego, a demonstration plant gave many people the opportunity to see the treatment process, drink the water and participate in education.
We need to go beyond information to deep consultation and education, understanding where people are starting from and acknowledging that people from different cultures and backgrounds may have different attitudes.
El Paso successfully introduced wastewater through strong engagement with the media and significant investment in community education, including explaining the water cycle.
Finally, quality of the water needs to be great and it needs to come from a trustworthy source. The more it happens, and people know that, the more likely they are to feel reassured.
It’s clear the public expect governments to plan and act to secure our future water supply. But we can’t just impose possibly distasteful solutions – instead, the whole community needs to be part of the conversation.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/125798/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
Roberta Ryan, Professor, UTS Institute for Public Policy and Governance and UTS Centre for Local Government, University of Technology Sydney.
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/80-of-household-water-goes-to-waste-we-need-to-get-it-back-125798" target="_blank">original article</a>.
</body></html>

80% of household water goes to waste, we need change: Roberta Ryan

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Combined capital city home values went up 9.8% in the 2014-15 financial year, with Sydney having the strongest capital growth followed by Melbourne.
The latest CoreLogic RP Data Home Value Index found combined capital city home values increased by 43.1% between December 2008 and June 2015.
CoreLogic RP Data researcher Cameron Kusher said since the end of 2008, value growth in Sydney and Melbourne has stood head and shoulders above all other cities.
<a href="/images/2015/07/23/rp.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/23/rp.jpg" alt="">
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
“Over the past three years we’ve seen further growth in home values on the back of a renewed interest rate cutting cycle," Mr Kusher said.
"Since the financial crisis we’ve seen residential unit construction surge to record high levels… despite more units being built, most buyers still show a preference for a detached house.
"As a result of this trend, Sydney and Melbourne are the strongest housing markets for capital growth and we expect this to continue over the coming financial year.” 
<a href="/images/2015/07/23/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-23%20at%203.18.23%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/23/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-23%20at%203.18.23%20PM.png" alt="">
 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

Capital city home values up 9.8% in FY15: CoreLogic RP Data

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The HIA New Home Sales Report, a survey of Australia’s largest volume builders, recorded the first decline for 2015 in May. 
“The four month winning streak came to a modest end in May 2015 with total seasonally adjusted new home sales falling by 2.3%,” said HIA chief economist, Dr Harley Dale. 
“The decline was driven by a 5.1% dip in detached house sales, reflecting weaker monthly demand in four out of the five states surveyed.” 
“This is a softer result at face value, but delving beneath the surface reveals an aggregate profile of healthy new home building conditions in 2015,” Harley Dale said. 
“The mature stage of the new home building cycle primarily reflects further momentum in the ‘multi-unit’ sector, together with persistence of healthy conditions in New South Wales and Victoria.
“New sales of multi-units increased by 7.6% during the month to yet a new record level, with sales volumes up by 26.7% over the three months to May."
In the month of May 2015 detached house sales increased by 3.3% in Queensland, but fell by 2.3% in NSW, 9.9&amp; in Victoria, 5.2% in South Australia, and 8.1% in Western Australia. In the May 2015 quarter, detached house sales increased in NSW (+5.2%) and Victoria (+6.2%). Sales fell over the three month period in SA (-8.1 per cent), Queensland (- 7.5%), and WA (-1.3%).
<a href="/images/2015/06/30/HIA.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/06/30/HIA.jpg" alt="">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

home

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

home

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.