Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

Queensland

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Real estate developer and horse enthusiast Jon Haseler has listed his luxury Teneriffe riverfront in the award-winning Catalina development.
Haseler, who owns leading stud Glenlogan and is the managing director of QM Properties, paid $3,785,000 for the home on the exclusive Macquarie Street riverfront in 2014.
The 490 sqm freehold residence with cutting edge design is one of 23 in the Catalina development.
The three level home with four bedrooms, study, games room and multiple living areas has panoramic views of the river framed by floor to ceiling glass.  
<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/2017/08/15/TitleWA2.jpg" alt="">
Ray White New Farm agents Matt Lancashire and Brandon Wortley have set a September 2 auction. 
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.
 
 
 
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Horse enthusiast Jon Haseler lists in Teneriffe

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A Woolworths-anchored Beaudesert Central shopping centre has been snapped up by a fund manager for $16.85 million in an off-market deal through Savills.
Beaudesert is a town 70 kilometres south of Brisbane and Beaudesert Central is the dominant centre servicing the region. 
Following this deal, Melbourne-based MPG Funds Management has now added the centre to its open ended MPG Retail Brands Property Trust, which now operates 11 retail assets across Australia with a combined value of more than $100 million. 
The transaction reflected an initial yield of 6.5%.
It was brokered by Savills’ Peter Tyson and Jon Tyson on behalf of a private vendor. 
“The MPG Retail Brands Property Trust had been seeking a suitable Queensland asset for the portfolio for some time. The Beaudesert Central acquisition is the first Queensland asset in the fund,” Tyson said.
The shopping centre comprises a single-level, open neighbourhood shopping centre developed in 2007 and is anchored by a 3,279 sqm Woolworths supermarket with 12 specialty tenants. 
The centre sits on a 14,230 sqm site fronting the Mount Lindesay Highway, adjacent to the central business precinct.
MPG managing director Brett Gorman said the Beaudesert Central is located in an area with strong forecast growth, so “it is a great fit for our business”. 
“The other emerging economic driver of the region is the recent catalyst development of the long-mooted in-land port road–rail hub of the Bromelton State Development Area which is now under development. This major project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities going forward,” added Tyson.  
Other recent transactions brokered by Savills this year include SCA’s acquisition of both Mudgeeraba Market and Worongary Town Centre on the Gold Coast for a combined $82.1 million, the sale of Park Village in Brisbane’s west for $35.2 million, and the sale of Pittsworth Plaza for almost $10 million. 
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Beaudesert shopping centre sold for $16.85 million through Savills  

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When Tropical Cyclone Debbie made landfall in North Queensland early in 2017, it led to nearly A$1 billion in insured losses.
Fortunately, there were no deaths or serious injuries where people sheltered in buildings.
We conducted a detailed study into what sort of damage took place during Cyclone Debbie.
This involved taking direct measurements of winds within communities as the storm came ashore.
We then returned after the storm to assess the damage to buildings caused by wind, wind-driven water entry into buildings (water ingress), and storm tide inundation.
We found that buildings designed and constructed using appropriate codes and standards provided safe refuge from Cyclone Debbie’s winds.
However, these regulations did not stop significant volumes of water entering these buildings and causing major financial loss and community disruption.
Unless the amount of water entering buildings is reduced, the cost of severe storms will continue to rise.
The Bureau of Meteorology operates a network of fixed weather stations around the country.
To supplement these fixed sites, we deployed a network of portable weather stations throughout Proserpine, Bowen, Home Hill and Ayr to measure the wind speeds that hit these areas as Cyclone Debbie made landfall.
After adjusting these measurements for their local site conditions, we then related them to the design wind speed prescribed in the Australian wind loading standard, <a href="https://infostore.saiglobal.com/en-au/Standards/AS-NZS-1170-2-2011-R2016--1458609/" target="_blank">AS/NZS1170.2</a>.
For new residential and commercial buildings in North Queensland this is 250km per hour.
Our analysis found that wind gusts at Hamilton Island approached design strength (that is, 90-100% of 250km per hour, as shown in the figure below), Airlie Beach and Proserpine experienced winds at 80-85% of design strength, Bowen around 70%, and Ayr/Home Hill and Mackay less than 50%.
We do not believe that any community experienced wind speeds greater than the 250km per hour a new home should be designed to withstand.
Communities are made up of a mix of buildings. Newer ones are built to current codes and standards, while older ones are not.
Structural details for wind resistance of housing were introduced to building codes in the mid 1980s in response to damage caused by several severe tropical cyclones in the 1970s.
Echoing similar investigations following <a href="https://www.jcu.edu.au/cyclone-testing-station/publications/technical-reports3" target="_blank">these and more recent tropical cyclones</a>, our survey showed that the majority of wind-related failures occurred in older houses.
It again highlighted known issues with inadequate tie-down between battens, rafters and trusses, or between the roof structure and wall, as well as deterioration of structural elements.
Such damage to older buildings remains a problem that will continue to present a risk to life and property unless coordinated structural upgrading or retrofit programs are implemented.
Few contemporary buildings had significant damage where the measured wind speeds were less than 80% of the design wind speed.
Where damage was observed, this was primarily due to the use of incorrect or poorly installed details.
Overall, however, the low level of structural damage to newly constructed buildings was in line with that expected given measured wind speeds.
This shows that where appropriate codes and standards are applied, structural damage can be controlled.
But cyclones can cause plenty of other damage that can still be a problem for people.
We found that internal linings, ceilings and contents (furniture, clothes, and other items) in many hundreds of contemporary buildings were damaged due to wind-driven water ingress.
This occurred irrespective of wind speeds.
Wind-driven water ingress occurs when differential pressure between the inside and outside of a building forces rainwater through windows, doors, louvres, weepholes, vents and even under flashings nominally designed to keep water out.
This ingress occurs in the absence of any structural or building envelope damage and even occurs when doors or windows are closed.
Many people reported mopping up water in front of windows and glass doors during the cyclone.
This practice puts people at risk of serious injury if the windows or doors are broken by debris or wind pressure.
But no definitive codes, standards or guidelines currently exist to help prevent water ingress during severe tropical cyclones.
It is anticipated that damage due to wind driven water ingress will make up a significant percentage of the total damage cost of this event.
It has led to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-31/cyclone-debbie-airlie-beach-proserpine-locals-pull-together/8403684" target="_blank">significant community disruption</a> during repair and recovery, and is clearly a community resilience issue that must be addressed.
As in previous wind events, from the damage we observed it was clear that wind-driven rainwater ingress was a major cause of loss to modern buildings.
Anecdotally, its contribution to the costs of community recovery is increasing.
But, rightly or wrongly, since water ingress is not generally viewed as a life safety issue, codes and standards do not currently control it.
Manufacturer standards, improved design and installation practice and even insurance pricing are possible alternatives.
But we believe further research is urgently required to determine the most appropriate method to address this problem.
For the most part, newer buildings - with correctly designed and installed structural details - resist severe winds better than older ones.
The structural details of all buildings, regardless of age, should be checked following major wind events.
You service your car to protect your family – why not your home?
Matthew Mason is a lecturer in Civil Engineering at The University of Queensland and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-mason-220221" target="_blank">here</a>.
Daniel Smith is a research fellow at James Cook University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/daniel-smith-384423" target="_blank">here</a>.
David Henderson is the Director at CycloneTesting Station at James Cook University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/david-henderson-384425" target="_blank">here</a>.
Debbie Falck is a assistant researcher at James Cook University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/debbie-falck-385708" target="_blank">here</a>.
Geoffrey Boughton is an adjunct Associate Professor at the Cyclone Testing Station at James Cook University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/geoffrey-boughton-384429" target="_blank">here</a>.
All of them are authors for The Conversation.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/79565/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
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Building codes not enough to protect homes against water damage in severe storms

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The ABS has for the first time released new information showing changes in land values, use and cover for the state of Queensland.
It showed that total land in Queensland covered approximately 173.0 million hectares.
IT had a total unimproved land value of $721.5 billion as at 30 June 2016, up 16% from $621.4 billion as at 30 June 2011, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-15%20at%2012.09.39%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-15%20at%2012.09.39%20pm.jpg" alt="">
"The increase in total unimproved land value was largely driven by a 25% increase in the value of Residential land from $415.0 billion in 2011 to $518.7 billion in 2016," said Mike Booth, Director of Environmental Accounts Development at the ABS.
"Similarly Residential land area also increased 18% between 2011 and 2016. This increase in land area was largely at the expense of primary production land use types, including a net increase of 22,087 hectares to Residential land from Livestock Grazing land."
The area of Waterbodies and Wetlands land cover showed an overall decrease of 191,231 hectares (or 18%) and 512,344 hectares (or 48%) between the two intervals 2010-2011 and 2014-2015 respectively.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-15%20at%2012.09.48%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-15%20at%2012.09.48%20pm.jpg" alt="">
"These decreases in Waterbodies and Wetlands land cover are likely related to an overall decrease in total rainfall across these same accounting periods, as reported by the Bureau of Meteorology," said Mr Booth.
Summary data on land use, land cover and land parcels has been produced for Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2s) within Queensland for this publication.
"This data provides users an opportunity to explore stocks and changes in land for small geographical regions," explained Mr Booth.
The publication also presents a Feature Article which accounts for land changes within the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) region.
This information will provide a foundation for the ABS Experimental Environmental-Economic Accounts for the Great Barrier Reef due for release in August 2017.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-15%20at%2012.09.57%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-15%20at%2012.09.57%20pm.jpg" alt="">
QUEENSLAND'S LAND AT A GLANCE
<ul>
<li>The State of Queensland covers approximately 173 million hectares.</li>
<li>Total unimproved land value in Queensland increased by around $100 billion from $621.4 billion to $721.5 billion between 2011 and 2016.</li>
<li>'Residential' was the highest valued land use in Queensland with an unimproved land value of $415.0 billion and $518.7 billion in 2011 and 2016.</li>
<li>'Livestock Grazing' was the most dominant land use type by area in Queensland with 144.2 million and 143.8 million hectares in 2011 and 2016.</li>
<li>'Grasslands' was the most dominant broad land cover type by area in Queensland with 84.6 million and 82.3 million hectares in 2010-2011 and 2014-2015.</li>
<li>'Woodland' was the most dominant detailed land cover type by area in Queensland in 2010-2011 with 35.6 million hectares, while 'Spare Vegetation' was the most dominant in 2014-2015 with 53.3 million hectares.</li>
</ul>
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Forestry lands in decline in residential-focused Queensland

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ASIC has applied to the Supreme Court of Queensland for an order that Octaviar IHH Pty Ltd (deregistered) (OIHH) be reinstated as a company under the Corporations Act 2001 (Act).
It also called for orders to wind up OIHH, Octaviar Investment Holdings (No 3) Pty Ltd (OIH3), Erskine House Developments Pty Ltd (EHD) and Sunleisure Pty Ltd (SPL) on just and equitable grounds (companies).
Each of the companies is a member of the Octaviar Group of companies of which the ultimate holding company is Octaviar Limited (in liquidation) (formerly known as MFS Limited).
ASIC is concerned that OIH3, EHD and SPL are contravening provisions of the Act, including the requirement for a proprietary company to have at least one director.
ASIC has applied for the Court to appoint Andrew Fielding and Helen Newman, of BDO Australia, as joint and several liquidators of the companies.
The matter is listed for hearing in the Supreme Court of Queensland on 22 June 2017.
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ASIC seeks orders to wind up Octaviar Group companies

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GUEST OBSERVER
The REIQ welcomes the State Government’s extension of the First Home Buyer Grant boost until December 2017, however is disappointed that the Government has refused to broaden the grant to include established homes in regional Queensland.
Regional Queensland property markets continued to struggle, with the housing oversupply one of the region’s biggest problems.
We welcome the goal behind the First Home Buyer Grant, which is to stimulate jobs and this measure has been successful in the southeast corner, with the added benefit of additional supply moderating price growth where demand is strong.
However, additional supply in regional Queensland is going to further slow these markets and make any price recovery much longer to come into effect.
The REIQ also welcomes those measures designed to stimulate jobs in regional Queensland, where climbing unemployment is impacting on the community in devastating ways. 
Unemployment destabilises housing tenure and this uncertainty is damaging to the fabric of the community.
The government’s $200 million jobs program, Works for Queensland, delivered over the next two years into regional Queensland, will tackle the need for infrastructure in regional communities and also the unemployment issue head on and we applaud these efforts.
The REIQ was disappointed this government has chosen to ignore advice from a range of experts on abolishing stamp duty.
Stamp duty is an onerous fiscal burden that stifles housing mobility and many experts are in agreement, including the Henry Tax Review, that stamp duty should be replaced.
When the cost of selling your house comes with an additional price tag of tens of thousands of dollars it gives many people pause.
Empty nesters wait longer to downsize and young families wait longer to upsize and this creates inefficiencies in the housing market that are undesirable.
The real estate sector provided a significant revenue stream for the government and employed around 50,000 Queenslanders.
The government should heed the advice of the experts when it comes to the health and well-being of this vital sector in the Queensland economy.
The key pillars that underpin the real estate profession are fragile – jobs figures are soft, wages growth is flat and investors are facing tightened lending criteria.
Real estate is facing considerable head winds and the Government needs to acknowledge these challenges and devise appropriate policy responses to ensure its continued growth,” she said. 
Antonia Mercorella is chief executive officer, REIQ, and can be contacted <a href="https://www.reiq.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Key pillars underpinning real estate profession are fragile: Antonia Mercorella 

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Businessman Michael King, who was recently penalised by Queensland’s top court for what happened to his investors, says he will contest the ruling all the way to the highest court.
The former MFS chief executive has been ordered to pay $177 million in compensation to investors.
In spite of the court’s ruling, King has a job with Hong Kong billionaire Tony Fung retaining him to advise on his property plans, The Australian Financial Review reported.
The Supreme Court of Queensland last week disqualified former officers and the funds manager of MFS Investment Management Limited (MFSIM) from managing corporations for, ranging from a permanent ban down to five years, and imposed total penalties ranging from $90,000 to $650,000.
The court found Michael King along with Craig Robert White, David Mark Anderson, Guy Hutchings and Marilyn Anne Watts to have breached the Corporations Act.
The breaches were committed in relation to their involvement in the misappropriation of $147.5 million of funds that had been held by the managed investment scheme known as the Premium Income Fund (PIF) on behalf of unitholders. The misappropriated funds were used to pay debts owed by other related entities in the MFS Group (which was subsequently known as Octaviar). The MFS Group collapsed in 2008 owing $2.5 billion.
But King was defiant. “This has a very long way to run," King was quoted as saying by the AFR. "I will take this to the highest court in the country."
About his role with Fung,  King said he was “doing advisory work… when and where I am able to, and when I can add value to the process”.
King has helped Fung buy about $100 million in property mainly on the Gold Coast, including the former MFS-owned properties that were sold to Nathan Tinkler, which became part of Patinack Farms.
An Aquis spokesman defended Fung's selection of King. 
"Fung will use who he wants when he wants as advisers," the spokesman said.
Fung, who also owns the Canberra Casino, joined Chinese developer Tandellen and CCCC International Holding to buy a development site at Surfers Paradise last year for $40 million.
He signed a contract to buy the 11,800 sqm, currently owned by Orix, with King's help.
MFS Ltd was a publicly listed company with interests in financial services, travel and leisure and childcare businesses that was based on the Gold Coast.
The listed company quickly rose to become one of Queensland’s largest corporate giants before its collapse. 
Corporate watchdog Australian Securities and Investments Commission launched proceedings against the former MFS company officeholders and a funds manager in 2009.
In late 2009, the securities watchdog started its civil penalty proceeding against MFSM and the four former officers and a funds manager.
The Supreme Court of Queensland held last year that the four former executives and the funds manager of MFSIM had acted dishonestly in their roles.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Former MFS boss Michael King to contest court order of $177 million compensation  

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The south east of Queensland has received good but patchy rain with parts having received up to 100 millimetres recently, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property valuation firm says that the band of rain has extended as far west as St George and Roma however these areas have only seen grass rain and not the high volume harvesting rain that so many had hoped for.
“Most irrigators in the St George region appear to have come up about one watering short, even on reduced plantings.
"It will therefore be interesting to see what effect this will have on yields.
"Picking is now underway, so all have their fingers crossed that it will stay dry for the next couple of weeks or so in order to allow picking to be completed,” the report stated.
It noted recent months have seen some very solid sales particularly within the Condamine region.
"Three that spring to mind that we feel are consistent with the market are the holdings of No. 4 approximately 75 kilometres to the west of Condamine and the aggregation of Woodlands and Karreel, approximately 40 kilometres south west of Condamine.
"Both comprise mixed farming and grazing holdings with the cultivation on each reflecting in the order of $2,200 to $2,250 per hectare.
"We would view this as broadly consistent with the market today; a market that has seen sound to good quality cultivation strengthen by upwards of $500 per hectare over the past 12 to 18 months,” the report commented.
HTW has also noted the mid to late 2016 sale of Cotswold in the same region.
It sold for $14.1 million including approximately $500,000 worth of plant.
It comprises 7,410 hectares of country including some 640 hectares of centre pivot country underpinned by a 1,600 megalitre storage.
Water rights include two unsupplemented entitlements as well as overland flow.
The sale reflected approximately $6,175 per hectare for the irrigation country and around $1,750 per hectare for the dryland cultivation.
This sale is also viewed to be broadly consistent with the market,” the report stated.
In very recent times, market activity appears to have come right off HTW says.
“We anticipate that this is not because the market is lacking confidence, rather it is more to do with a poor start to the season broadly felt by everyone.
"We feel that many potential vendors are holding off until more favourable weather conditions arrive.
"The cattle market is still strong and it will only take a couple of good falls within the farming belt in the next month or two in order for things to turn around,” the report commented.
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South East Queensland rural property sales begin to improve: HTW

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Lateral Properties have finalised the construction of its residential development Teviot Downs, an acreage estate in Greenbank, Queensland.
Built over a decade, this last release completes the 1200 lot community. 
Lateral Properties bought the partially developed 900ha Greenbank site in 2002.
It started selling blocks in July 2003. The estate has been sold over 34 stages, with the last remaining stage selling now.  
The final stage features a total of 47 lots ranging in size from 2,500sqm to 7,000sqm which are selling from $285,000 to $500,000. Over 30 per cent of the stage has already been sold.
“This is the last chance you will get to build a new home in one of Australia’s great acreage estates only 40 minutes to the Brisbane CBD,” commented Clinton Trezise, associate director of residential at Colliers International.
“The introduction of the SEQ Regional Plan in 2005 restricted the further release of acreage homesites, so these types of communities close to Brisbane will soon be a thing of the past,” he said.
Land values at Teviot Downs have recorded strong growth with an average of 10 per cent annual price growth over the last 10 years, due to the scarcity of acreage estates within the greater Brisbane region. 
“In recent years 10 per cent of the sales have been to existing residents of Teviot Downs who are upgrading their homes and re-purchasing in the estate. This is a huge testament to the quality of the development and the friendly established community it is,” Trezise added.
According to Trezise, the majority of buyers in the estate have been 3rd or 4th homeowner occupiers that live within the 10km radius, and are moving from densely populated, growing urban centres for a bigger house and more open space.
In 2005, the project was awarded Queensland’s UDIA Award of Excellence for the Best Parkland Residential Estate.
He noted due to the scarcity of acreage land, this award no longer exists, leaving Teviot Downs as the final recipient.
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Teviot Downs development final release

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New land prices in the south-east corner of Queensland have increased nearly 80 percent over the last 10 years, with the average square metre of new land now costing about $523, according to research from property services group Oliver Hume.
The analysis of new land prices from 2006 to 2016 shows the average block of land has shrunk from 632 sqm to 466 sqm, while average prices have increased from $184,000 to $244,000.
The combination of growing prices and shrinking lots means the average price of a square metre of land in the south east has increased from $291 to $523, or 79.7 percent.
Brinton Keath, Oliver Hume Queensland Joint Managing Director said the increase represented some of the strongest returns from any investment class over the last 10 years.
“If you had acquired an average block of land at a new development in 2006 the same block of land now would probably fetch more than $330,000,” he said.
“The large blocks that were being sold back then are extremely rare these days and would probably attract a healthy premium on top of that.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-16%20at%2010.17.31%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/05/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-16%20at%2010.17.31%20am.jpg" alt="">
Source: Oliver Hume
“As the cost of development has increased over the last 10 years because of things like infrastructure charges, englobo land price increases, construction costs and red and green tape the size of lots have had to come down to maintain affordability.
"There is also increasing demand for smaller blocks which are lower maintenance.
"The research also showed prices for residential land in the south east increased about 6 percent throughout 2016.
"The pace of growth over the last 12 months reflected continued low levels of supply, with limited new land coming on to the market.
“Prices will continue to rise while there is such a shortage of new land coming on to the market.
“Unless governments at all levels can find ways to release more land for sale, prices will continue to rise at above inflation.”
“We expect similar levels of growth in 2017 with the Gold Coast, which is experiencing a major shortfall in new land, set to experience the strongest growth."
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