Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

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Staying in an Airbnb in New South Wales has been declared an illegal act, Fairfax Media reported today.
But a spokesperson for the Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said the reports that it is illegal to stay in short-term rental accommodation was incorrect. 
There is no ban on any kind of accommodation.
The NSW Government advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has been very clear.
As per the public health orders, people must stay home with the exception of a number of circumstances including work and to provide care.
The NSW Government acknowledges that in these circumstances the provision of short-term accommodation is often critical, particularly for our frontline health workers.
“It isn’t illegal for them to advertise the property but guests couldn’t get there without breaking the law,” one commentator advised.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Airbnb not made illegal in NSW amid tighter COVID-19 regulations

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Yesterday, the NSW Government announced six months of council rates relief for those who have lost their home or small business in the recent bushfires. 
To relieve those impacted by the recent bushfires of financial burden, residents that have lost their homes and small businesses will soon be able to take their council rates notice to a Service NSW centre with the Government will covering the costs. Those that have already paid their rates will receive a refund. 
Deputy premier and minister responsible for Disaster Recovery, John Barilaro, and minister for local government, Shelley Hancock, said the funding is part of the NSW Government's commitment to do all it can to help local communities recover and rebuild from the devastating bushfires. 
Mr Barilaro says, "Bush fire affected communities will not have to pay rates on a home which has been lost in the fires."
"The last thing our communities need right now is more financial stress, which is why the NSW Government is doing everything to ease the burden by funding council rates and picking up the bill for the clean-up, at no cost to owners," he explains.
"Regional communities, emergency services, volunteers and our farmers have been outstanding throughout the fires, and we need to be as vigilant in recovery as they are in the face of disaster."
Mrs Hancock said the NSW Government will cover the full cost of council rates for the third and fourth quarters of this financial year for residents and farmers who have lost their homes, and business owners whose properties have been destroyed beyond repair by bushfires.
Mrs Hancock syas, "The impact of the bushfires is truly unprecedented with the tragic loss of more than 2, 400 homes in NSW
"That's why the Government will fund council rates relief for anyone who has lost their home or small business in the bushfire crisis."
 
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Council rates relief for bushfire affected communities

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<div>The value of housing finance commitments continued to rebound in November, to be up 18 per cent since the election.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The rebound has overwhelmingly been driven by homebuyers to date, although investor finance has begun to increase as well, to as 12-month high. Owner-occupier lending, ex-refi, was up 10 per cent year-on-year, with financing increasing every month since May, and the pace of increase at a 2-year high.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/1/20/NSW%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/1/20/NSW%201.jpg" alt="">
</div>
<div>Despite the rebound in investor activity, it's still down year-on-year, but nearly 30 per cent higher than at the trough (h/t James Foster Macro).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The number of first homebuyer commitments dipped in November, ahead of the deposit scheme which commenced on 1 January 2020. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/1/20/NSW%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: </div>
<div> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/1/20/NSW%202.jpg" alt="">
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
The owner-occupier rebound was driven by a 28 per cent increase since May in New South Wales. Victoria (up 17 per cent) and Queensland (up 17 per cent) have also posted a solid rebound.
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/1/20/NSW%203.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge: </div>
<div> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/1/20/NSW%203.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Overall, activity is on the rise, while existing homeowners are finding ways to pay down debt faster. Robust wages is growth the missing piece of the puzzle, of course.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.</div>
</div>
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Housing rebound led by NSW homebuyers: Pete Wargent 

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The latest ANZ/ Property Council Survey has revealed improved confidence in NSW property industry.
Due to a strengthening residential market and better growth expectations, there is overall a more positive outlook. 
NSW property industry confidence has increased by eight index points from 116 to 124 over the quarter and has increased may five index points over the 12 months to March 2020. A score of 100 is considered neutral. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/1/16/3_NEWS_Property%20Confidence.png" alt="" width="531" height="349">
Source: <a href="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2095495/_Research%20Team/ANZ%20Survey/2020%20March%20quarter/Chartbook%20-%202003%20FINAL.pdf?__hstc=213300875.79fa69bde41474af79871c79d92bea5b.1579136563697.1579136563697.1579136563697.1&amp;__hssc=213300875.1.1579136563697&amp;__hsfp=4014726355&amp;hsCtaTracking=2ade8377-ab3a-4cd6-ae15-875aa9d77b24%7C4a7af820-7d84-4e19-a239-07b53c04c9ce" target="_blank">2020 ANZ/Property Council Survey Chart Book, MAR QTR.</a>
Political uncertainty in the first half of 2019 and changes in the banking and financial sector which, as shown in the graph, saw a significant drop in confidence. Meanwhile, the last six months have shown a more positive outcome with an increase in confidence across the industry, an improved outlook for the residential market and major investment into the economy via large infrastructure projects underway across NSW.
 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/1/16/3_NEWS_Property%20Confidence%20Monthly.png" alt="" width="701" height="479">
 
Property Council NSW executive director, Jane Fitzgerald said the growth of some confidence in the residential market is a positive sign for the state economy, and with better growth expectations across this sector and better availability of finance for housing.
"We hope to see continued growth in confidence.
"Though we are seeing more positive signs, we must not forget that overall housing approvals and construction forecasts remain slow across the state, and this continues to have an impact on housing supply and affordability.
"The recent announcement by the NSW Premier that planning reform will be a major focus for the government in 2020 comes at a critical time, with the state economy slowing and housing approvals weakening following a significant period of growth. 
"Planning reform and the impact of the existing regime of property fees, taxes and charges across local and state government are still critical issues for the property industry, and we welcome the NSW Government's commitment to focusing on these reforms in 2020. 
"We must continue to be vigilant - we need a better planning system that will provide greater certainty for the community and industry to enable our state to grow well, while supporting investment and better productivity, more jobs and more affordable housing." 
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NSW property industry confidence improves, ANZ survey

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The NSW Government has announced plans to transform the state’s planning system.
Speaking at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) State of the State address, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes outlined the Government’s plan to boost the timeliness, certainty and transparency of the state’s planning system.
“The current system does not give investors certainty – some planning proposals are taking years to determine and there are too many layers of bureaucracy – which is unacceptable,” Berejiklian said.
“Under the new reforms, we will deliver the simplest and most effective planning system in Australia that creates thousands of jobs and improves the way people live and work, right across the state.”
Stokes said a series of reforms would be introduced to the planning system over the coming months to slash assessment time frames, reduce red tape and fast-track projects in high growth areas.
“This is about demystifying and restoring confidence in the planning system so we can get on with the job of delivering fantastic new places right across NSW,” Stokes said.
“We have already made significant changes to the planning system over the past few years and these changes will keep driving our state forward.”
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NSW Government announces overhaul of state planning system

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Local tradies will get the maintenance jobs at their local public schools, with a new online system for businesses by the NSW Government.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell launched the platform to ensure local businesses, particularly in regional parts of the state, were better supported.
Some 25,000 opportunities to quote for work are expected to be generated, with an estimated total value of $50 million.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the 2019-20 NSW Budget provides more than $620 million to clear the school maintenance backlog in all public schools by July 2020, bringing the total maintenance investment to more than $1.3 billion over five years.
It will be the first time in the state’s history that the school maintenance backlog will be wiped to zero., Mitchell said.
“Through this new e-Tendering system, local tradies will be given more opportunities for the uptake of local jobs, and schools will be able to work alongside trusted community-based businesses,” Mitchell said. 
The contract to manage the new system has been awarded to Hipages Group Pty Ltd, with an initial term of three years.
The new platform will be fully operational early next year, following a staged roll-out and specific department additions to the current hipages platform.
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NSW school repair e-tendering system launched

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Return and Earn is encouraging all NSW residents to help set a record for the number of eligible drink containers returned during National Recycling Week (11-17 Nov) for their local government area. 
More than 5 million bottles and cans are returned every day – the equivalent of 2 containers for every NSW household. 
“We are challenging NSW residents to put their local area on the recycling map by returning as many eligible drink containers as they can through their local return point for the week,” Janelle Neath, Acting CEO of Exchange for Change, scheme coordinator for Return and Earn said today. 
“We’d like to see all of NSW involved and if you haven’t returned and earned before, this week is the perfect time to set yourself a new habit that’s a win for the environment and your wallet,” she added. 
The latest Return and Earn figures for the first six months of the year show Blacktown, Central Coast and Canterbury-Bankstown local council areas as leading Return and Earners. 
All Return and Earners are encouraged to post photos and stories of their recycling efforts during National Recycling Week tagging #returnandearn #nationalrecyclingweek. 
To avoid queues, check <a href="http://www.returnandearn.org.au/" target="_blank">returnandearn.org.au</a> for peak times or use an automated depot - these can be faster than reverse vending machines plus there’s no need to sort glass from plastic or cans. 
Each container deposited into one of 640 plus Return and Earn return points statewide is diverted from landfill and recycled into a new product while earning the consumer 10c for each return.
 
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NSW's residents urged to take on Return and Earn National Recycling Week challenge

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The NSW Government is working to remove the levy on asbestos waste to make it easier and cheaper to lawfully dispose of asbestos waste.
Environment Minister Matt Kean has released the NSW Asbestos Waste Strategy 2019-21, which aims to reduce the illegal and improper disposal of asbestos waste.
The strategy was developed following research which showed that asbestos waste accounts for up to eight per cent of illegally dumped waste across NSW. 
“Illegally dumped asbestos poses a threat to human health and our environment and results in significant clean-up costs,” Mr Kean said.
“The safe and lawful management of asbestos waste is a priority for this Government and that means making legal disposal of asbestos waste easier and cheaper."
“To do this, we will work to increase the number of facilities which can lawfully receive asbestos waste and make it cheaper to dispose of asbestos by removing the waste levy on separated, bonded and wrapped asbestos waste up to 250kg," he added.
The maximum penalties for illegal dumping of asbestos in NSW is $2 million for corporations and $500,000 for individuals.
NSW waste facilities that accept household asbestos from the public are listed by region <a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/KGGhCr818vhXwoxXu7wD5j?domain=epa.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/KGGhCr818vhXwoxXu7wD5j?domain%3Depa.nsw.gov.au&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1572993128536000&amp;usg=AFQjCNG2wu2ttpSK-KcpyS4I1unO1Z14Qw">here.</a>
The community is invited to view the strategy <a href="https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/waste/industrial-waste/asbestos-waste-strategy" target="_blank">here</a>.
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New rules planned for NSW asbestos waste removal

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NSW first home buyers looking for the quickest path to purchasing are targeting the Sydney's outer suburbs and the Central Coast.
The latest figures shows Liverpool is the most active suburb over the past two years for first home buyer acquisition, followed by Campbelltown, Kingswood, Camden and Westmead.
The figures also show Riverstone is the most active suburb over the past two years for first home buyer construction. Riverstone is 48 kilometres north-west of the Sydney CBD, in the Blacktown local government area, part of the Greater Western Sydney region.
NSW FHBs have saved more than a billion dollars in stamp duty under the NSW Government’s Housing Affordability Strategy over the past two years. 
More than 67,800 home buyers having taken advantage of the opportunity to save up to $24,740 in stamp duty when purchasing their first house or apartment.
The scheme eliminates stamp duty for FHBs purchasing a new or existing property valued up to $650,000 and provides stamp duty savings for purchases of homes valued between $650,000 and $800,000.
The First Home Owner Grant of up to $10,000 is available for new housing constructions valued up to $600,000, or for land and a new construction you intend to build valued up to $750,000.
The share of first home buyers entering the NSW property market has increased from 17% to 27.5% from July 2017 to July this year, according to ABS lending data.
In July there were 2,580 FHB finance commitments which was the largest monthly number since January 2012.
Generally FHBs are looking to enter the market making sacrifices in regard to location or size and condition of improvements.
"Despite this, there are still fundamentals that will attract these buyers," the valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW) noted recently," the valuation firm stated. 
"The main fundamental for FHBs in Western Sydney is the same as for upgraders and prestige buyers - location, location, location!"
While that won’t necessarily mean close proximity to the Sydney CBD, it will still mean proximity to services and transport.
Western Sydney FHBs are generally buying property sub-$650,000. 
"For that sort of money, you are buying a modern two- bedroom unit in a north-western suburb such as Castle Hill, or a detached house in the outer west suburbs such as Blacktown or Penrith," the valuation firm said. 
"Being close to motorways and rail, but not too close, is key for commuting western Sydney residents."
Affordable property with close proximity to shopping and transport for the sub-$650,000 range will generally be medium to high density real estate.
The HTW report suggest FHBs with a little more to spend, and with the need or want for a house on a good size block of land, seek opportunities available in the middle ring of Sydney. 
The inner-city FHBs - typically being sub-$1 million - are also looking for proximity to lifestyle amenities. 
This market purchases one and two- bedroom units, often without parking in older to semi-modern complexes in average condition. 
The dream of home ownership currently sees a trend among FHBs to buy a small apartment with the aim to trade up within five years, according to the Genworth First Home Buyer Sentiment Report.
Despite the many hurdles, FHB levels are set to remain up because of government incentives. But they compete for similar properties with investors who often have more borrowing power because of the equity they have in other property.
CoreLogic has noted there may be a sense of urgency from FHBs to enter the Sydney market, as they foresee affordability deteriorating.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

NSW first home buyers targeting Sydney's outer suburbs and Central Coast

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GUEST OBSERVATION
In the absence of federal policy, states are pursing their own renewable targets.
Australia’s primary federal renewable energy target – to have <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/climate-change/government/renewable-energy-target-scheme" target="_blank">33 terawatts of renewable energy by 2020</a> – has essentially been achieved. There is much uncertainty as to what is next.
In the absence of a new national target, the states have been leading the way and <a href="https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/resources/project-tracker" target="_blank">driving renewable energy</a> in Australia. Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland between them have invested some A$20 billion into building 11,400 megawatts of generation capacity.
While the states have worked admirably to advance renewable energy – and federal energy policy has long been politically toxic – there is a clear cost to pursuing many fragmented policies instead of a unified vision.
Our research, modelling the effect of state versus national renewable energy targets in the National Energy Market system found there was little difference in the overall cost, but that states without strong renewable targets tended to miss out on investment.
We need national thinking
<a href="https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/uploads/9a3734e82574546679510bdc99d57847.pdf" target="_blank">Most jurisdictions</a> have net zero emissions targets by 2050. States also have ambitious but achievable shorter-term renewable energy targets and programs.
There are plenty of arguments for states pursuing their own renewable energy targets, not least because they can fill the policy vacuum left at the national level.
States are responding to the immediate need to replace retiring power stations and can explore innovation with greater ambition. It makes perfect sense for states to compete to attract jobs and investment.
But Australia’s federal government has a <a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement" target="_blank">domestic and international obligation</a> to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels. National policies are more efficient, can harness better resources across our diverse geography and maximise returns for the whole system.
What’s more – as many column inches have pointed out – strong federal policy improves investment certainty and reliability, lowering the cost of inevitable infrastructure upgrades. And those upgrades can be better integrated into our existing national electricity system if the building (and money) doesn’t stop at internal borders.
To provide some insight and help move the debate forward, the University of Melbourne, Monash University and the <a href="https://www.energy-transition-hub.org/" target="_blank">Australian-German Energy Transition Hub</a> have collaborated on research that was presented at an <a href="https://www.wemcouncil.org/wp/icem/" target="_blank">international conference</a> in Denmark earlier this year.
Quantifying the difference
We simulated two scenarios: first, that all states implement polices to achieve their respective renewable energy and net zero emissions targets by 2050.
The second scenario assumed a national target would be used to result in the “same outcome” of 100% renewable energy by 2050.
The model calculates required energy investments with 5-year increments from today to 2050, including considering the existing generation currently operating. The model simultaneously optimises the mix of generation, transmission and storage to minimise the total system cost from 2020 to 2050.
A key difference in results is where and when new generation is built. Under the state-driven approach, unsurprisingly, investment shifts towards states with more ambitious targets.
The two figures below show how state-based targets drive more investment into Queensland than would be the case under a national target scheme.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286465/original/file-20190731-186819-1j9zsem.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286465/original/file-20190731-186819-1j9zsem.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
(Spatial distribution of renewable generation)
Broadly speaking, under a national target, we see more efficient use of renewable energy and associated resources. NSW – with net zero 2050 target but no interim renewable energy target – would get a greater share of the renewable energy investment.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286469/original/file-20190731-186814-1rk0hzu.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286469/original/file-20190731-186814-1rk0hzu.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
(Change in energy generation %)
NSW would consistently see substantially more investment under a national target scheme. This would be around 20% more generation in the 2030s in NSW, and up to 20 terawatt-hours more energy generated in the years 2030 to 2045.
The rollout of “where and when” to build new renewable and other generation to replace ageing fossil fuel power plants also impacts heavily on the sequencing and timing for major transmission upgrades across the NEM – especially interconnectors between states.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286470/original/file-20190731-186792-142o7z3.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286470/original/file-20190731-186792-142o7z3.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
(Transmission networks modeled)
The graph shows that under a state target based approach we build more transmission infrastructure earlier than under a national approach. Under a national target approach, we would end up building more transmission infrastructure – albeit later.
Again, broadly speaking, we would build more generation at renewable energy resource-rich areas such as NSW which happen to be near major demand centres like cities. This would delay the need for some infrastructure spend.
What about system reliability and energy costs?
The good news is it appears under either a state-based or a national target approach the outcome in 2050 is similar. The difference in total system costs is only about 1% higher in the state-based targets scenario – so, virtually nothing.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286460/original/file-20190731-186797-1csnld1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286460/original/file-20190731-186797-1csnld1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
(Evolution of electricity generation – total system)
State-based renewable energy targets lead to redistribution of renewable investments in favour of the states with a mid-term renewable energy target.
In the Australian context, the current state-based renewable energy targets have no impact on undermining power system reliability and virtually negligible impact on pushing up power prices.
Perhaps NSW should take particular note – as it would appear that it would benefit greatly from either a national target approach or an interim state target for itself.
The debate about state versus national approaches to energy policy has been going for the past 30 years and no doubt will be around for another 30. In the meantime, we need a stronger hand on the transition tiller or we will waste precious resources and time, and likely have major unintended consequences.
Scott Hamilton, Strategic Advisory Panel Member, Australian-German Energy Transition Hub, University of Melbourne. 
Changlong Wang, Researcher, The Energy Transition Hub, University of Melbourne. 
Roger Dargaville, Senior lecturer, Monash University.
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/we-need-a-national-renewables-approach-or-some-states-like-nsw-will-miss-out-121192" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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