Strategic government planning will be crucial in addressing the ongoing supply/demand imbalance in Brisbane’s residential market, as new supply continues to lag.

That’s one of the conclusions from a new CBRE market analysis, which highlights positive fundamentals but ongoing challenges for both the Brisbane and broader South East Queensland residential market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5479]

While 5,600 apartments and townhouses are projected to be completed in Brisbane this year – up from an average of 3,500 in the five years to 2024 – CBRE Research Director Craig Godber said this figure had been somewhat inflated by project delays, which had shifted some anticipated 2024 completions into 2025.

Godber noted that recent completion levels were also well below the peak period in 2016 and 2017 when annual additions averaged around 12,500 units and townhouses.

“Brisbane's residential market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with demand outstripping supply," Godber said.

"Strategic planning by the State Government is crucial in addressing this imbalance and ensuring sustainable development."

Godber noted that low supply levels had translated into an extended period of low vacancy rates, with Brisbane’s metropolitan vacancy being at or below 1.5% since early 2021 and hitting 0.9% as at March this year.

These tight market conditions are evident across all city precincts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149098 project_image_fid=330588]

Looking ahead, adjusted additions between 2025 and 2029 are forecast at 23,200 dwellings, or 4,600 per annum, with 60% of these expected to be concentrated in Brisbane’s inner city.

“Brisbane’s low vacancy rate highlights the urgent need for additional residential supply and the forecasted growth in dwelling completions is a positive step towards meeting this demand,” Godber said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=3770]

CBRE Metropolitan Investments Director Will Carman said Brisbane’s population expansion and strong demand fundamentals were driving interest in city development sites, but he noted that developer attitudes were shifting.

“As construction pricing continues to climb, developers are becoming more discerning. The focus has shifted toward delivering high-quality, well-located residential communities that can withstand market pressures and meet long-term demand,” Carman said.

He also noted the issue of affordability, with Brisbane’s median house price having crossed the $1 million mark.

“This reflects not only the city’s strong fundamentals and sustained demand, but also the growing challenge of affordability - particularly for first-home buyers. This price growth underscores the importance of strategic planning and quality development to meet evolving market expectations,” Carman said.

Developer focus shifts to high-quality, well-located residential communities that can withstand market pressures and meet long-term demand, new CBRE analysis shows

Joel Robinson

Challenges and opportunities in Brisbane’s residential market as supply lags

Not only is growth in Brisbane’s unit market lasting longer, it’s also getting stronger.

In August, unit values climbed a further 1.3 per cent, one of the strongest monthly results the Queensland capital has recorded in 2025, pushing the median unit value beyond $740,000, according to Cotality’s latest Home Value Index.

Over the rolling quarter, unit values surged 3.9 per cent, and are now 11.1 per cent higher year-to-date,&nbsp;making Brisbane the strongest-performing capital city unit market in the country.

The city’s apartment sector is also comfortably outpacing detached housing in 2025. House values rose 1.2 per cent in August to reach a median of $1.04 million, but quarterly growth was softer at 2.9 per cent, with an annual gain of just 7.3 per cent.

This widening divergence highlights the relative affordability of apartments and the intensifying demand for medium-density housing amid constrained supply,&nbsp;a trend reshaping Brisbane’s property market.

&nbsp;

<h2>What happened in Brisbane’s off the plan apartment market in August?</h2>

It was a busy month in Brisbane's off the plan property market, with new projects coming to the market, new projects and approved, and some hitting major construction milestones.

&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> revealed its debut Brisbane apartment development to the market, starting to take expressions of interest for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/symphony-south-brisbane-21-23-cordelia-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Symphony</a>&nbsp;in South Brisbane.&nbsp;

The 138-apartment development, part of Sherpa’s affordability-focused Flourish brand, is located near Fish Lane and aims to deliver quality homes at more accessible price points.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=3444]

Symphony’s one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will start from $655,000, with eligible first-home buyers benefiting from Queensland’s new stamp duty exemptions.&nbsp;

Over 1,400 sqm of communal amenity, including workspaces, rooftop pool, wellness centre, and private dining, will support a lifestyle-driven community.&nbsp;

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/sherpa-opens-pre-release-for-debut-brisbane-apartment-development-symphony">Sherpa opens pre-release for debut Brisbane apartment development, Symphony</a>

Two new project launches in the same month is something Brisbane hasn’t seen in years. Joining Symphony at launch was <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/banksii-east-brisbane-169-wellington-road-east-brisbane-qld-4169">BANKSII</a>, a 72-apartment development rising opposite Raymond Park in East Brisbane

To be developed by joint venture partners <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/core-property-partners">Core Property Partners</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vector-property">Vector Property</a>, BANKSII has been designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mas-architecture-studio">MAS Architecture</a>&nbsp;to reinterpret and integrate the flow of the&nbsp;native Banksia flower into the architecture.

The rooftop will include a suite of wellness amenities including a pool, sauna, gym, and alfresco spaces.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5476]

&nbsp;

With the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, The Gabba, and Cross River Rail all within walking distance, BANKSII is poised to benefit from Olympic precinct investment in the lead-up to 2032.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/banksii-sales-launch-in-booming-east-brisbane-apartment-market">BANKSII sales launch in booming East Brisbane apartment market</a>

August saw major construction milestones achieved both in and out of the city.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia" target="">Sekisui House</a>&nbsp;celebrated the completion of the Uno building at West Village, unveiling its largest apartments, up to 347 sqm internally, as part of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-allere-collection-west-village-mollison-street-west-end" target="">The Allere Collection</a>.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=5698]

Positioned in one of Brisbane’s most mature masterplanned precincts, the new residences target the undersupplied upper end of the market, offering rooftop gardens, pools, and pet-friendly amenities like the Paw Pavilion.&nbsp;

The Uno tower follows strong interest in its sold-out sister building Duo, due for completion in late 2025.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/sekisui-house-unveils-allere-unos-largest-apartments-as-building-completes">Sekisui House unveils Allere Uno's largest apartments as building completes</a>

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/rochedale-qld-4123">Rochedale</a> in Brisbane’s south, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/metro-property-group">Metro Property Group</a> also marked a key construction milestone at Citrine Townhomes, with stage one now in the defects phase and full completion of all building works.&nbsp;

Stages one and two are fully sold out, while the recently launched stage three has just 10 four-bedroom homes remaining, priced from $1.125 million.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136295 project_image_fid=2663]

Across the three stages, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/citrine-townhomes-rochedale-311-gardner-road-rochedale-qld-4123">Citrine Townhomes</a> will deliver 90 three and four-bedroom homes with landscaped resident amenities, including a pool and BBQ area.&nbsp;

Settlements for stage one are expected to commence from October 2025.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-stage-of-townhouses-at-citrine-rochedale-reaches-completion-milestone">First stage of townhouses at Citrine Rochedale reaches completion milestone</a>

Builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mcnab-developments">McNab</a> is expected to launch its new West End project after receiving development approval from the Brisbane City Council in August.

The new development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/tannery-residences-439-montague-road-west-end-qld-4101">The Tannery Residences</a>, will see the historic Dixon's Tannery reimagined into a 10-level apartment building that will&nbsp;integrate the original 19th-century building into a resident wellness hub dubbed The Retreat, featuring a sauna, plunge pools, gym, Pilates studio, and co-working areas.&nbsp;

<img alt="McNab secures approval to transform West End's Dixon’s Tannery into The Tannery Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/McNab%20The%20Tannery_Render_09.jpg?VersionId=Ucpd19J0ABOpzetZ.BsyYmS_x2N2QV_g" />

The 81 residences, ranging from two to four bedrooms, will be complemented by expansive rooftop amenities, including a pool, dog-friendly zones, and outdoor dining.&nbsp;

McNab plans to begin construction in Q3 2025, with completion expected by late 2027.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/mcnab-secures-approval-to-transform-west-ends-dixon-s-tannery-into-the-tannery-residences">McNab secures approval to transform West End's Dixon’s Tannery into The Tannery Residences</a>

&nbsp;

One of the largest applications the local council has seen in years hit the new apartment pipeline in August.

Verso Development filed plans for Toowong Central, a $1 billion precinct across three towers delivering 1,100 apartments to Brisbane’s undersupplied inner-west.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<img alt="$1 billion Toowong Central to deliver 1,100 apartments to undersupplied Brisbane market" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/architecture.png?VersionId=G7zTAAtY9Nj3muYKNSFxD_dzEWMqRn3X" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/kerry-hill-architects">KHA</a>, the scheme includes short-term accommodation and a civic plaza, and aims to reclaim <a href="Toowong">Toowong</a>’s identity with subtropical urbanism and integrated public realm outcomes.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/1-billion-toowong-central-to-deliver-1-100-apartments-to-undersupplied-brisbane-market">$1 billion Toowong Central to deliver 1,100 apartments to undersupplied Brisbane market</a>

City Beat August 2025: Brisbane unit values surge again in August, as two new apartment developments launch to market

Summit &amp; Ridge, the fourth stage of Sekisui House Australia's Sanctuary in Wentworth Point, secured a flurry of sales at its recent launch.

More than 80 per cent of purchasers of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/summit-ridge-at-sanctuary-wentworth-point-14-16-hill-road-wentworth-point-nsw-2127">Summit &amp; Ridge</a>&nbsp;were owner occupiers, underlining the strong demand from buyers looking to live within the new&nbsp;riverfront community. Over 40 apartments were sold valued at $46.5 million within three hours of the launch event, with an average price of $1.107 million.

“Buyers appreciated the larger layouts in this stage and the sense of space Summit &amp; Ridge offers,"&nbsp;said Matthew Landa, Senior Sales Executive – Apartments &amp; Mixed-Use Developments.

"The combination of generous apartments, exclusive amenities and unique position on the Parramatta River peninsula helped with sales. Many told us they could picture themselves living here, it is a place that feels established, green and connected, yet private."

The launch drew interest from local buyers within a 5km radius, as well as repeat purchasers from previous Sanctuary stages, with 15 per cent of buyers upgrading their property portfolio through Sekisui House Australia’s Rewards Program. Purchasers also came from the Lower North Shore, Oatlands and the Inner West, highlighting the project’s broad market appeal.&nbsp;

<img alt="Summit &amp; Ridge at Sanctuary, Wentworth Point" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1166d1aa-e075-429c-a1f4-4861cad140e3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/2417_TheSanctuary_02_EXT_Podium.jpg?VersionId=E37Ym7TBhQX4VFKnFNDwccSiDLp81KZA" />

Comprising 488 apartments across Summt (39 levels), and Ride (32 levels), the first sales release focused exclusively on one and two-bedroom residences, priced from $720,000 to $1.3 million. One-bedroom apartments were popular, with purchasers valuing their limited supply, pricing and uninterrupted views across the Newington Nature Reserve, Parramatta River and picturesque views across the Blue Mountains.

Summit &amp; Ridge enjoys an enviable position on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/wentworth-point-nsw-2127">Wentworth Point</a> peninsula, the only built environment north of Hill Road, surrounded by water and a nature reserve. The project’s Neighbourhood Green, a 1.5-hectare landscaped parkland running through the heart of Sanctuary will also open soon.

The towers by acclaimed architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">TURNER</a> are defined by organic, sculptural forms that frame views, guide movement and enhance the connection between nature and the city, a design approach that ensures Summit &amp; Ridge will become a striking architectural marker within Sydney’s skyline.

<img alt="Summit &amp; Ridge at Sanctuary, Wentworth Point" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="49e681c8-af8e-4623-aa60-7573acaade7e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/CGI1.png?VersionId=EkqjP9veHDeZaSeXkN8p1aOUW79nLdVv" />

Summit will feature resident-only amenities on level 29 including a resort-style pool and sauna, while Ridge offers an outdoor cinema, sunset bar and dining space on level 23. At the base of Ridge, a 110-place childcare centre will further support growing families, reinforcing the masterplan’s focus on lifestyle and community.

The interiors in the project by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/henderson-co">Henderson &amp; Co.</a>, were inspired by the “natural elegance” of Sanctuary’s landscape setting, with efficient Japanese design principles enhancing space and light throughout the homes. 
&nbsp; 
“The fact that sales were achieved so quickly shows the strength of demand for quality, well-designed apartments in Sydney,"&nbsp;Landa added.

"Owner occupiers in particular see the long-term value of being part of a master planned community delivered by Sekisui House Australia, and that trust has been a major driver behind this success."

Sales momentum was further supported by the current downward trend in interest rates, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

<img alt="Summit &amp; Ridge at Sanctuary, Wentworth Point" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="31591500-e65c-44d6-aa48-35310a7bd45b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/HERO_CASE%20STUDY%20A_1.jpg?VersionId=DiE.Zk1g8Rfb1fRmMMe_0r6oa55oYsAb" />

The recent completion of the third stage of Sanctuary, Laguna &amp; Glade,&nbsp;has further reinforced purchaser confidence, giving buyers a first-hand view of Sekisui House Australia’s build quality and design execution.

Nearby amenities include Marina Square Shopping Centre, Wentworth Point High School, ferry terminal, train station and the future Parramatta Light Rail.&nbsp;

Three and four-bedroom apartments will be released at future launches. &nbsp;Construction is anticipated to commence in Q4 2025 and completed by Q3 2028.

Every apartment in Summit &amp; Ridge will carry a 4 Gold Star iCIRT rating, an independent NSW Government-backed accreditation for integrity, capability and financial stability, giving buyers confidence they are investing in a home built to last.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144917]

Owner occupiers drive $46.5 million launch success at Summit & Ridge, Wentworth Point

Plans to transform the former VicRoads site in Kew are progressing with four shortlisted developers invited to submit their proposals for the site.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/riverlee">Riverlee</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lendlease-development">Lendlease Development Pty Ltd</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac Group</a> and a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a>-led consortium have been invited to participate in the Request for Proposal (RFP) process to deliver much needed housing at 60 Denmark Street, Kew.

Acting Executive General Manager Housing, Nemesia Kennett, said the RFP stage follows a strong response to the initial Expression of Interest (EOI) campaign.

"Denmark Street, Kew, presents a unique development opportunity which has attracted high caliber developers well qualified to transform the site,"&nbsp;Kennett said.

“Each shortlisted developer brings a depth of expertise and proven track record in delivering quality housing projects, achieving excellence in design and community outcomes. We’re looking forward to seeing the shortlisted developers' proposals and understanding how they will deliver the best outcomes for the community if successful."

Local views and priorities for the site were captured in a Community Aspirations Report that will guide the next stage of the development process.

"The report found overwhelming community support for redevelopment of the site and recognition of the urgent need for more homes in Kew,"&nbsp;Kennett added.

“Feedback also highlighted opportunities to revitalise public areas, improve walking and cycling connections, create more green open space, and celebrate the site's heritage, including its rail history and Wurundjeri cultural stories.”

Development Victoria will continue to communicate with the Boroondara Council and the local community throughout the transaction process.

A preferred development partner will be confirmed in 2026, following a thorough assessment of proposals.

Developers shortlisted to deliver housing in Kew

Builder-developer ALAND has drawn back the curtain on its first city-focused new apartment development.

The North Sydney development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a>, is the first time the company has ventured this close to the city, having previously completed thousands of apartments predominantly in Sydney's west, and more recently in Gosford.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> acquired the prime North Sydney site, spanning Walker and Hampden Streets just down the road from the Victoria Cross Metro station, for $240 million in June.

Now they've unveiled the new project, a mix of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments across a 30-level building designed by Rothelowman.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6384]

The Walden will capitalise on the site’s front-row position on the eastern fringe of the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> CBD, which offers uninterrupted Sydney Harbour views stretching from the Sydney Harbour Bridge all the way to Sydney Heads.

The main tower will be flanked by a small four-level amenity building known as The Pavilion, offering exclusive resident-only amenities including a dedicated concierge service, a sauna and private wellness studio, a gymnasium and fitness studio, a resort-style rooftop pool and sundeck.

There will also be a&nbsp;residents’ lounge, private dining and a wine cellar, and co-working facilities with an on-site meeting room and boardroom.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6382]

ALAND Founder Andrew Hrsto said the company knew they could create something "iconic" with The Walden when they saw the site.

&nbsp;

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic – being the last development with a view offering this exceptional.

“We identified the attributes and quality of the site as being perfectly aligned for ALAND – and we feel that this off-market acquisition is a perfect opportunity to showcase our craftmanship and expertise through a truly unique offering."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Hrsto pointed to ALAND’s longstanding development expertise as a significant benefit in delivering a positive outcome for The Walden.

“Being a fully integrated development and construction business with a highly experienced team, we have the benefit of in-house experts across the development spectrum, from acquisitions, design, planning, and construction, to sales, marketing, property management, through to building management.

“As one of Australia’s largest private development and construction groups, we’ve been in operation for 23 years, with a Gold Star iCIRT rating and a 100 per cent delivery success rate across numerous masterplanned and mixed-use projects – and we’re very much looking forward to bringing this expertise to The Walden and contributing to the ongoing revitalisation of North Sydney."

The Walden is the latest development in Sydney to have the 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy by Resilience Insurance, protecting buyers from any structural or waterproofing-related issues for 10 years post-completion.&nbsp;

Demolition of existing structures on The Walden site has already commenced through specialist civil contractor Moits, with the aim of completing preparatory ground works by the end of 2025, ahead of construction commencement in early 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND unveils The Walden, North Sydney's latest luxury apartment development

Local Government

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The NSW Government has announced that the local government elections will be held on Saturday, 4 September 2021.
It follows the decision to postpone the September 2020 council elections for 12 months because of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the health and safety of candidates, voters and NSW Electoral Commission staff. 
The NSW Electoral Commissioner made the request to postpone the elections.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said current councillors will continue to hold their civic offices until the rescheduled local government elections are held on 4 September 2021.
“Local government elections are a vital part of the democratic process, ensuring local councils are accountable to their local communities,” Mrs Hancock said. 
“The decision to postpone elections was not taken lightly and was made to provide certainty for councils and communities across the State.”
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NSW Government announces 2021 local government election date

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The NSW Government is considering reforms to cap the number of boarding rooms allowed in a boarding house development in low-density residential zones.
The cap with be a maximum of 12 per site.
Anthony Roberts, The Minister for Planning, said the changes had been drafted in response to concerns from communities about local impacts of some boarding house developments.
“Tough rules already exist governing the development of boarding houses to ensure they are only approved where they are close to public transport, compatible with council rules on density and building height, and where there’s adequate additional parking.
“We have listened to the community and councils and what we’ve heard is that they want more limits placed on these developments in low density areas.
He said the limit on boarding house developments in the R2 zone would address community concerns about amenity impacts, such as overlooking, overshadowing and loss of on-street car parking.
Labor introduced a boarding house State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) in 2009, but never imposed a room limit. 
“Establishing a maximum number of boarding rooms per site in low density zones will help to better manage any amenity impacts of boarding house developments on adjoining and nearby properties.”
Mr Roberts said the Affordable Rental Housing State Environmental Planning Policy (ARHSEPP) had already been amended earlier this year to address concerns about off street parking.
“The AHRSEPP was originally introduced in 2009 to increase the supply and diversity of affordable rental and social housing throughout NSW. 
“However, it’s clear that the size, scale and proliferation of boarding house developments in the R2 zone is not in line with what was envisaged when the ARHSEPP was introduced.
“We already made changes in June this year, in response to community concerns, to increase car parking standards to 0.5 spaces per boarding room in all locations.
“The proposed changes we are releasing today support the Government’s commitment to keep listening and to make sure communities are at the heart of planning policy,” he said.
The community is invited to comment on the proposed amendments which will be on exhibition from 28 November to 19 December 2018.
For more information <a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/affordablerentalhousingsepp" target="_blank">click here.</a><a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/vq0gCJyBy2tqBpAvtVHgiM?domain=planning.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/vq0gCJyBy2tqBpAvtVHgiM?domain%3Dplanning.nsw.gov.au&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1543452549674000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEIsFj_FRyzheqg4UvRC--AdN5_9w"> </a>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

NSW government set to impose room limits for boarding houses in low density zones

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NSW local councils are being encouraged to work with property owners who have unpaid rates to get on payment plans instead of taking ratepayers to court.
The State’s 128 councils collect more than $4 billion in rates each year which fund roads, footpaths, libraries, parks and swimming pools. 
Council actions to recover debts for unpaid rates make up 30 per cent of Local Court civil matters.
"More than 80 per cent of these claims involved amounts less than $2,000 and a high proportion were settled, paid or written off by councils before judgement,” Attorney General Mark Speakman said.
Local Government Minister Gabrielle Upton and Attorney General Mark Speakman released new Debt Management and Hardship Guidelines and called on all councils in NSW to review their policies and procedures to treat ratepayers more fairly.
The guidelines promote a range of strategies and actions councils can use to help ratepayers pay on time including:
<ul>
<li>·         a ‘stop the clock’ approach to suspend debt recovery, legal action and interest accrual while a ratepayer’s hardship application is awaiting determination or while they are complying with a payment plan;</li>
<li>·         tailored plans and flexible payment options including weekly, fortnightly and monthly instalments;</li>
<li>·         promoting Centrepay as a voluntary way for people to pay their rates directly from their Centrelink payments;</li>
<li>·         discounts to provide incentives for prompt payment in full;</li>
<li>·         greater discounts for pensioners facing hardship;</li>
<li>·         options for ratepayers to receive their rates and pay their rates electronically; and simplified rates notices including information in relevant languages.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/content/debt-management-and-hardship-guidelines-0" target="_blank">The guidelines</a> have been issued by the Office of Local Government under the Local Government Act.
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New debt collection measures as council rate debt recovery make up 30 per cent of NSW Local Court civil matters

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Victoria's Minister for Local Government, Marlene Kairouz, has introduced the new Local Government bill 2018 be which, if passed, will repeal some legislation relating to local governments and amend other acts.

The new bill would repeal the City of Greater Geelong Act 1993, amend the City of Melbourne Act 2001, the Local Government Act 1989 and the Victorian Grants Commission Act 1976.

Spring Street is characterising the new bill as one that lifts the standards of governance in councils across the state and makes councillors more accountable to ratepayers.

According to a state government media release, the Local Government Bill 2018 will:

<blockquote>
Give the Minister for Local Government the power to suspend individual councillors who pose a significant threat to the governance of a council for up to a year

Clearly define sexual harassment under the Councillor Code of Conduct and introducing the power to remove councillors for serious sexual harassment

Allow mayors serving two-year terms to be ousted from their roles, following a motion moved by at least three-quarters of all councillors in office

Include new measures to ensure service charges levied by Councils do not exceed the cost of those services
<cite>Victorian State Government media release</cite>
</blockquote>

The legislation will also require councils to start laying out budgets in the same way as state and federal governments do - provide forward estimates which extend out to 4 years.  This is an Australian-first.

Mayors will be required to annually report how councils are tracking against the new four year budgetary plans.

Consultation on the new legislation has been <a href="https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/our-programs/local-government-act-review">underway for three years</a> however the emphasis on defining sexual harassment has obviously taken on more zeal in light of the scandal with the former Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Robert Doyle.

On top of the four year council plans and four year council budgetary process, councils will also be required to devise a long-term community vision, a ten year financial plan and a ten year asset plan.

"We want councils focused on the long-term and these changes will help them do exactly that," the minister said.  “We are bringing this Act into the 21st century – helping make councils more accountable and focused on the needs of their communities.”

Lead image credit: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:South_Melbourne_Townhall.jpg">Wikipedia</a>.
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Alastair Taylor

Victoria's new local government bill introduced to state parliament

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Most local governments in Greater Perth are poor planners, while slow processing times at the state also hold up local projects, according to a new report by the Property Council of Western Australia.
The report, Benchmarking Greater Perth Local Governments, which measures the planning performance of local governments in 29 of Greater Perth’s councils, highlights a lack of strategic and statutory planning amongst councils.
“The results of our benchmarking report are generally disappointing with only two councils – the Cities of Melville and Belmont, showing a high level of planning performance,” Property Council WA executive director Lino Iacomella said.  
After the self-assessment by the 29 local governments, they were benchmarked against five elements of a best practice planning framework including: strategic planning; statutory planning; delegation of planning approval to professionals for determination; timeliness of processing planning applications and performance reporting. 
“A local planning strategy sets out a vision for the type of development that is needed in order for an area to grow and prosper. A good strategy is produced or reviewed at least every five years. The best local planning strategies are those that are developed in consultation with the community  and ultimately get implemented as there is already a level of community buy-in.”  
The report also highlights concerns at the state planning level. Many of the local governments, that took part in the self-survey, said that the Department of Planning and Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) are unable to process planning documents in a timely manner.
The report said that local governments would have done better had the Department and WAPC were more efficient.
“Ultimately, many communities are being let down by the poor planning performance of their council. These councils need to raise their game to ensure that communities can grow and thrive and build a vibrant Western Australia.”
Of the 29 councils surveyed, key findings from the report include:
• Only two councils – the Cities of Melville and Belmont, have a high level of planning performance.
• Only seven councils surveyed have a local planning strategy that is less than 5 years old.
• Only three councils have a local planning scheme that is less than 5 years old with the average age of council schemes being 14 years old.
• Only three comprehensive scheme reviews have been completed by the City of Armadale, City of Cockburn and City of Kwinana.
• On average, 95 percent of all applications are being delegated to planning officers.
• 88.5 percent of applications are being processed within the required timeframe of 60 days.
• Only two local governments publicise indicators of local planning performance.
• Only 24 percent of local governments believe that the Department of Planning and WAPC could meet required processing timeframes.
The report suggested that while WA’s councils were good at processing development applications with 95 percent of applications being delegated to planning officers and 88.5 percent of applications being processed within the necessary timeframes, strategic planning was not up to the mark. It suggests the councils to focus on improving the way they report on their local planning performance. 
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