An entity directed by HSN's Rafi Assouline and Rebel Property's Allen Linz has filed plans for an impressive new precinct in Woolloomooloo.

The major mixed-use development would transform a prominent William Street site into a new residential village anchored by affordable housing and a large public park.

The proposal, submitted as a State Significant Development Application, covers 164-172 and 174-194 William Street, a 6,398 sqm site between Forbes Street and Dowling Street on the southern edge of Woolloomooloo.

Designed by fjcstudio in collaboration with Bangawarra, Studio Bright and Tribe Studio Architects, the scheme would deliver 227 apartments across four residential buildings ranging in height up to 18 storeys, alongside retail space, public domain improvements and a new publicly accessible park.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0eb59b7c-914a-4a5c-b849-3a56749f5e93" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.18.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=mxM6EEqeoLjrCiTlCzTKTvzpKuh6kSkH" />

It's another design scheme for Rebel, who took <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-rebel-property-group-takes-woolloomooloo-precinct-to-nsw-government">concept plans to the NSW Gov late last year</a>.

The latest plans will be a mix of 167 build-to-sell apartments and 60 affordable apartments, with the affordable housing component representing 15 per cent of the project's gross floor area. The apartment mix includes 12 one-bedroom, 53 two-bedroom, 89 three-bedroom apartments and 13 penthouses, while the affordable housing component would comprise 42 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b3d4553-8a8c-4af5-aa8c-519ffb1e28c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.20.12%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_Yb6ibN7eDnOtQjCNDK2eviORa4qzgv." />

Rebel Property is seeking to take advantage of the NSW Government's infill affordable housing bonus provisions under the Housing SEPP, which provide additional floor space and height in exchange for the delivery of affordable housing for a minimum of 15 years. The planning pathway allows a 30 per cent increase in floor space ratio and building height where 15 per cent of the development is dedicated to affordable housing.

&nbsp;

At the centre of the development is a 1,356 sqm sunlit public park designed to become a new community gathering space at the gateway to Woolloomooloo. The park would be complemented by a network of pedestrian laneways connecting William Street with the surrounding streets, improving permeability through what is currently a largely impermeable block.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="257af931-a393-4007-8c6d-7219796df58d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.20.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KAHy94GrhaReFsWTGDKfy39EDJ8gEEv4" />

The design team says the public domain has been heavily influenced by the site's topography and Aboriginal cultural heritage, drawing on the escarpments, gullies and landscape characteristics that historically defined the area before urbanisation. The landscape design has been developed in partnership with First Nations consultancy Bangawarra.

The project would be delivered across four separate buildings. The William Street East and William Street West buildings, designed by fjcstudio, would contain the majority of the apartments. Melbourne-based Studio Bright has designed the Forbes Street building, while Tribe Studio Architects is responsible for the Dowling Street building.

Rebel had secured approval for the concept plans late last year.

Joel Robinson

First look: HSN, Rebel, advances Woolloomooloo precinct plans

A locally heritage-listed furniture showroom on Water Street is set to become the centrepiece of a new mixed-use residential development as local developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/keylin-group">Keylin</a> seeks approval for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lotus-on-water-street-290-water-street-fortitude-valley-qld-4006">Lotus on Water Street</a>, a 15-storey project on the Fortitude Valley side of Spring Hill.

The proposal spans 290 Water Street and 137-141 Warry Street, combining several properties into a 2,869 sqm site that sits between Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill and the rapidly evolving Victoria Park precinct. Keylin's plans would deliver 132 apartments alongside new retail, hospitality and commercial space, while retaining and repurposing the historic Brunswick Home Furnishers Showroom that fronts Water Street.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/jackson-teece">Jackson Teece</a>, Lotus on Water Street comprises a 12-storey residential tower rising above a three-storey podium and communal rooftop terrace. The development includes 76 apartments classified as multiple dwellings and a further 56 units proposed as short-term accommodation, designed to be flexibly used as either accommodation or permanent residences. The apartment mix comprises six one-bedroom, 54 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom homes.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9822bb79-6c49-49c9-95ba-319e8c8d81c3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20front.png?VersionId=ioW8zbN4UVebbLetTFuv92t.HkdgfR5e" />

Residents would have access to an extensive rooftop recreation level spanning more than 1,200 sqm of communal open space. Plans include a pool, gym, sauna, infrared sauna, yoga area, library, private dining room, barbecue facilities and landscaped entertainment spaces, making the rooftop the project's largest shared amenity offering.

At street level, the proposal focuses on the adaptive reuse of the heritage buildings along Water Street, where 518 sqm of retail and commercial space is planned across shop, office and food and drink outlet uses. A permeable residential lobby would be positioned between the retained heritage buildings, creating a pedestrian connection between the historic streetscape and the new tower behind.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="269cf3e0-7d13-48bf-a318-05a00deb5c10" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20podium.png?VersionId=DLXmTCLsp6GOcLpQ0h.0z7wKCw59EhN_" />

The heritage retention strategy is central to the scheme. The development application notes that the Brunswick Home Furnishers Showroom and adjoining heritage buildings will remain, with only non-significant structures on the site earmarked for removal under a previously issued Heritage Exemption Certificate. Levels one and two of the new podium are recessed behind the heritage façades to maintain their prominence within the streetscape.

Jackson Teece has drawn inspiration from the site's manufacturing history when designing the podium. The planning documents state that the façade incorporates perforated metal screening that references the woven and rattan furniture historically produced on the site. Cascading and climbing plants are integrated throughout the podium to soften the building's presentation and screen parking levels behind. The landscape strategy also informs the project's name, Lotus on Water Street, drawing on the historic Spring Hollow waterholes that once ran through Spring Hill and the blue water lilies associated with Meeanjin, Brisbane's traditional name.

The proposal also incorporates the neighbouring property at 141 Warry Street, currently occupied by a healthcare service. The existing building would remain, with nine dedicated parking spaces allocated within the new development to support its ongoing operation. In total, Lotus on Water Street proposes 117 car spaces, including 110 resident spaces and seven visitor bays, alongside 100 bicycle spaces.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70cf07bc-4fd8-4e70-92dd-be8b21c4e4f0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20site.png?VersionId=txlxrJImM0Sm_vTzHVKh5DDUkyL_CiiA" />

The site sits within the Spring Hill East Precinct of the Spring Hill Neighbourhood Plan and is positioned around 650 metres from both Fortitude Valley Station and Exhibition Station. It is also within walking distance of the King Street precinct, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston Quarter and Victoria Park, which is earmarked to become a major venue precinct ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Planning documents describe the location as a key gateway between Spring Hill and Fortitude Valley and highlight the area's increasing importance as new transport infrastructure and Olympic-related investment reshape Brisbane's inner north. The development team argues the project will contribute additional housing supply while activating a section of Water Street that has historically received less investment than other parts of the Valley.

Keylin has become increasingly active across Brisbane and southeast Queensland, assembling sites in strategic inner-city locations. They are currently selling and delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/oria-spring-hill-447-gregory-terrace-spring-hill-qld-4000">Oria Spring Hill</a>, just over 140 apartments due for completion in 2027.

Keylin plans heritage-led Lotus on Water Street apartment development in Fortitude Valley

Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

Australian Capital Territory

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Asbestos is a terrifying substance that should be avoided at all costs – and real estate agents are being warned not to underestimate their responsibilities in this area.
This has never been so evident as in the dialogue surrounding Mr Fluffy houses. The name sounds innocuous enough, however the properties are anything but, with Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency chief executive Peter Tighe recently calling for all these properties to be demolished.
Meanwhile, Canberra-based real estate agents have been warned that they may see themselves subject to fines if they do not advise potential buyers about the homes that are affected by Mr Fluffy asbestos – that is, around 1,000 residences in Canberra that had loose amosite asbestos installed by Mr Fluffy in the late-60s and 70s.
Mr Fluffy was an insulation installation company that saw the federal government act to remove the asbestos from 1988 to 1993, but did not manage to clear the properties.
Recently, the Real Estate Institute ACT chief executive Ron Bell was on 666 ABC Canberra saying that agents could face hefty fines – up to $1.1 million – for not telling prospective purchasers about the presence of asbestos.
"We've commissioned lawyers to prepare a whole list of questions and statements that agents will ask in their property management agreements and their sale agreements to say 'Do you know if this has been a Mr Fluffy house? Has asbestos been removed?'," Bell told the radio station.
"These questions will be incorporated into agreements in the very near future."
The properties do have certificates, meaning that the government knows which properties they are, however the government will not release a list of the homes – despite Bell’s requests.
Attorney-General Simon Corbell is quoted as saying that many property owners would not want their properties to be stigmatised as a Mr Fluffy property.  Bell conceded that it would affect a property’s price.
Comments on the Fluffy Action page has some commend Bell’s efforts to encourage agent disclosure, but fear the effect on the value of a property they purchased when unaware of the asbestos.
“That disclosure is vital but distroys [sic] the value of the homes (I wouldn't have bougth [sic] this house). It's not our fault we didn't know. Is the government going to buy our house for market rate or are we expected to take the massive financial hit? It isn't fair that the current owners got stuck when the music stopped. We shouldn't pay for the governments [sic] inaction over the years,” notes one comment.
“I was shocked that after owning my home for more than 10 years that it is a Mr Fluffy house. While the first inspection cleared my house, the second found a fibre in our bathroom. I would like to know what the Government deems to be an acceptable level of risk for all of the residents of the Mr Fluffy homes. As I am pretty sure that if any of these official lived in these houses the response would be swift. We purchased this home with the intention of raising our family and it was to provide a nest egg for retirement. Both of these things will not occur and we are now forced to look at purchasing another home that will provide my young family with a safe place to live while the Government plays politics with our lives and our bank balances,” comments another.
Property Observer reminds property managers and landlords that all people can be affected by the dangerous health implications of asbestos – including your tenants.
Just Think Real Estate’s <a href="/expert-insights/investing/asbestos-is-a-silent-killer-and-our-ignorance-is-putting-people-in-danger">Edwin Almeida has been particularly vocal about the dangers for tenants around asbestos</a>, and the responsibilities of the agents. If the concept of your tenant becoming ill isn't enough (it should be), then bear in mind that there is the potential for a lawsuit in the future. While Asbestos Check suggests to tenants that they <a href="https://www.asbestostesting.com.au/news1/renting-a-house-in-canberra-may-have-mr-fluffy/" target="_blank">might want to get their own asbestos inspections undertaken</a>, property owners might just want to ensure your tenants are not at risk, and disclose where appropriate.
Even better, you may want to consider renovating the property and ensuring it is safe - the government has recently waived the disposal fees for those wanting to renovate their Mr Fluffy contaminated houses, which should save renovators thousands of dollars.
"The government has made the decision to waive these fees following recommendations from the Asbestos Regulators Forum, and is part of a suite of measures to address the future management of loose-fill asbestos," announced Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations, Simon Corbell, today.
"This is a significant measure as contaminated waste would normally attract a fee of $75 to $150 per tonne.  A standard three or four bedroom family house could generate between 50 to 150 tonnes of waste, even more depending on the level of contamination, so this could amount to a savings from about $3,500 to well over $10,000 for a knockdown rebuild.
"It is important to note that it is only the disposal fees that are waived. Homeowners are still responsible for demolition and haulage charges involved in getting the material to West Belconnen."
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Real estate agents could face $1.1 million fine for not disclosing Mr Fluffy asbestos

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Canberra developer Terry Shaw’s buying syndicate has paid $63.75 million for five plots in <a href="/news/act/act-government-to-sell-campbell-section-5-development-site">the Campbell development</a>.
The Australian Financial Review reports that Shaw intends to begin marketing apartments at the Campbell master-planned development in early 2015. The inner-city sites have been approved for residential, retail and commercial uses. Masterplans for a boutique hotel on the sites have also been approved.
Shaw, reportedly backed by Asian investors, purchased the sites from the ACT government’s Land Development Agency at auction. He told The Australian Financial Review that 500 apartments could potentially be delivered at the site over the next four to seven years, and he intends to start marketing apartments early next year. The Campbell development plots, with a total land area of 6.4 hectares, have a reported potential end value of $300 million.
The sites range from 2095 square metres to 7020 square metres. A $15 million sum was reportedly paid for the largest site, with capacity for 205 residences. The buying syndicate purchased a 5719 square metre, 103 dwelling capacity plot for $13.5 million and paid a further $14.5 million for a 4257 square metre site with capacity for 110 dwellings. The 5719 square metre and 4257 square metre site both have approval for hotel development.
The smallest two sites purchased have the capacity for 110 dwellings in total and were purchased by the consortium for $9.75 million and $11 million each.
The total $67.5 million sum paid by Shaw’s SHL Developments at Wednesday’s auction was well over initial expectations of $40 million to $45 million. The Australian Financial Review reports that around 200 people attended the auction, with 29 registered bidders. 
Shaw is also the managing director of the Englobo Group, a property developer that has completed more than $1 billion worth of residential projects.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

All five Campbell, ACT sites purchased by Terry Shaw’s consortium

Three ACT budget changes to know: Stamp duty cut, land tax changes, over 60s home bonus

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The ACT government and internet service provider iiNet are the latest in a growing number of telcos, as well as state and territory governments, to announce the rollout of public Wi-Fi programs.
The joint iiNet-ACT government initiative will see 300 Cisco outdoor wireless access points in high traffic areas, with 400 access points set to be rolled out in businesses across Canberra as part of a network called CBRfree.
The initiative also includes a 12-month Wi-Fi trial on five Action Canberra buses, with a further rollout under consideration, depending on passenger response.
The first stage will be rolled out across Civic by October, with further rollouts in Belconnen, Dickson, Woden, Tuggeranong, Bruce, Manuka-Kingston, Gungahlin, Weston Creek and key tourist hotspots to be completed by June 2015.
The initiative is the latest in a growing trend of telcos, state and territory governments announcing public Wi-Fi rollouts.
In March, the Victorian government announced a free public Wi-Fi program around the <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/36012-victorian-premier-says-free-wi-fi-program-for-melbourne-s-cbd-will-help-boost-businesses">Melbourne, Ballarat and Bendigo CBDs</a>, followed by a $40 million to program to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/growth/innovation/victorian-state-government-to-invest-40-million-in-mobile-blackspots-free-wi-fi-country-trains/2014040812075">provide free Wi-Fi services on key V/Line train services</a>.
Aside from the ACT network, iiNet operates a free public Wi-Fi service in the Adelaide CBD called AdelaideFree, which sees an average of about 200,000 unique users each month.
Meanwhile, iiNet’s rival, Telstra recently announced a $100 million public Wi-Fi network for its broadband customers, with businesses <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/technology/telstra-asks-small-businesses-to-hand-over-their-wi-fi-for-hot-spots/2014052112351">offered the opportunity of hosting a hotspot</a>.
It follows recent research from Telsyte showing Australia’s mobile broadband market grew by just 3% in the year to December, with many customers preferring to <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/42003-growing-use-of-wi-fi-and-smartphone-tethering-slows-wireless-broadband-growth">connect their laptops and tablets to Wi-Fi networks</a>.
Telsyte senior analyst Alvin Lee told StartupSmart the rollout of public Wi-Fi networks is increaingly popular with operators, government and local communities as the number of devices capable of using the technology grows.
"Wi-Fi networks provided by local businesses will potentially increase foot traffic and keep customers around for longer," Lee says.
"Wi-Fi can also be strategically positioned by operators or businesses to enable enhanced customer analytics and providing location-based services or targeted advertising."
This story originally appeared at <a href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/">StartupSmart</a>.
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New business opportunities as ACT and iiNet jumps on the free Wi-Fi bandwagon

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The chilly Canberra dwelling price conditions were officially confirmed with the capital city's home values recording the only drop across the nation during the first quarter of the year.
The latest data shows from the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) shows Canberra prices were down by 0.1%, with the mean price in Victoria ($557,100) overtaking the ACT ($553,900) which was back in fourth place.
 The lowest mean price in the March quarter was in Tasmania ($309,400) and the mean price of residential dwellings in NSW ($643,300) remaining the highest in the country followed by WA ($597,700).
The index, which includes houses and attached dwellings, had Sydney heading residential property price increases, up by 2.3% in the first quarter. Melbourne followed with 2.1% growth while Brisbane recorded an increase of 0.8%.
The director of RPPI at the ABS, Robin Ashburn, said while the quarterly growth in Sydney had slowed by around half from the December quarter, throughout the year house prices in Sydney had risen 16.6% and attached dwelling prices had risen 13.7% - both the largest annual rises of all cities. "For the weighted average of the eight capital cities, the RPPI rose 1.7% in the March quarter 2014. The index rose 10.9% over the previous year, the largest annual increase since the June quarter 2010. 
"Canberra was the only city to record a fall in the RPPI (–0.1%). "The rise in prices has contributed to a rise in the total value of residential dwellings to $5.1 trillion in the March quarter 2014. The average value of Australia's 9.3 million residential dwellings was $546,500," said Ashburn. 
The average price of a residential dwelling across Australia is $546,500, up 8.8% annually, with Westpac senior economist Matthew Hassan saying the housing market was moderating after its very strong 2013 finish.
"Momentum has softened a little bit in early 2014 and we expect the market to slow over the course of this year," Matthew Hassan told AAP.
His comments came as home prices grew by 1.7% over the March quarter, with 10.9% growth over the past year, according to the ABS index.
Meanwhile the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) says the latest housing finance figures reflect a stabilising market.
The figures for March 2014 show, in trend terms, that the number of owner-occupied finance commitments decreased by 0.1%, following increases of 0.1% in both February and January and this is the first fall since May 2012.
If refinancing is excluded, in trend terms for March, the number of owner-occupied finance commitments fell by 0.2% – again the first drop since May 2012.
REIA President, Peter Bushby noted increases were recorded in Queensland, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory with ACT having the biggest rise, up 1.2%. South Australia’s fall of 0.5% was the country’s largest.
“In trend terms, the number of commitments for the construction of new dwellings climbed 1.7%,” Bushby continued. “However the purchase of new dwellings fell by 1.4% and the purchase of established dwellings decreased by 0.3%.”
The value of investment housing commitments again increased but by a more moderate rate of 0.4% in March, following three years of consecutive monthly increases.
“The proportion of first home buyers in the number of owner-occupied housing finance commitments increased marginally to 12.6% compared to 12.5% in February and the low point of 12.3% in November 2013. This is still dramatically lower than the long-run average proportion of 19.9% and continues to be of concern.”
“The March 2014 lending figures indicate a stabilising market, which together with a Budget tonight which is expected to cut government spending, signal a period in which interest rates should stay low,” concluded Bushby.
Picture courtesy of Simon Yeo/Flickr/<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a>.
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ABS ranks Canberra back in fourth place after March quarter dwelling price drop

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Canberra dwelling values dropped 1.1% last month, the weakest property market among Australia's capital cities.
It also ranked the weakest in dwelling values across the capitals during the past three month, with a 0.2% quarterly gain against a combined 2.6% gain across all capitals.
It also ranked as the weakest over the past year.
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Source: RP Data-Rismark Index
With an estimated 40% of the country's public service located in Canberra, the city is understandably on edge on budget eve.
BIS Shrapnel economist Angie Zigomanis forecasts cuts will have a very negative influence on the Canberra/ACT property market for the next few years, including investors who will be hit by departing tenants in its sizeable rental market. 
There were points to the current emerging scenario last July when the then Shadow Treasurer, Joe Hockey suggested that then might be a good time to sell Canberra housing, noting that home prices could be pushed lower by a Coalition government. 
“There is a golden rule for real estate in Canberra – you buy Liberal and you sell Labor,” he said.
He did not specify that this result would be due to cuts to the public sector that were being promised by then Opposition leader Tony Abbott after the September election.
House prices in the territory eased when John Howard made big cuts to the public service in his first term of government, falling by around 7% over two years on the back of the lower employment and confidence.
Property Observer uncovered a dozen resales during the early years of the Howard government which were lower than their prior purchases, many of which were bought during the Hawke-Keating recession. John Howard's government was elected in March 1996 with the first Peter Costello budget delivered in August 1996.
12 property sales in Canberra in 1997 showing price drops:
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<li>3 Mialli Place, O'Malley sold in 1995 for $561,500 and resold in 1997 for $520,000.</li>
<li>27 Mawson Drive, Mawson sold in 1993 for $402,000 and resold in 1997 for $379,000.</li>
<li>1 Blaxland Crescent, Griffiths sold in 1994 for $345,000 and resold in 1997 at $308,000.</li>
<li>17 Harkness Street, Monash sold in 1992 for $165,550 and resold in 1997 for $155,000.</li>
<li>8 Hedley Street, Hackett sold in 1992 for $177,000 and resold in 1997 for $173,500.</li>
<li>7 Discovery Street, Red Hill sold in 1991 for $202,500 and resold in 1997 for $189,000.</li>
<li>11 Traynor Court, Melba sold in 1994 for $149,950 and resold in 1997 for $143,500.</li>
<li>8 Hunter Street, Yarralumba sold in 1994 for $607,500 and resold in 1997 for $605,000.</li>
<li>39 Jackie Howe Crescent, Macarthur sold in 1992 for $285,000 and resold in 1997 for $275,000.</li>
<li>19 Novar Street, Yarralumba sold in 1993 for $290,000 and resold in 1997 for $278,000.</li>
<li>21 Beagle Street, Red Hill sold in 1992 for $385,000 and resold in 1997 for $330,000.</li>
<li>55 Archibald Street, Lyneham sold in 1992 for $152,500 and resold in 1997 for $143,500.</li>
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Of course the silly spin this year is that politicians are expected to share the burden, no doubt arising from last October when the departing former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd joined the loss takers.
The former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and wife Therese Rein paid $2.175 million for their home in leafy Yarralumla, Canberra in 2010.
Listed for sale at $2.25 million through the Peter Blackshaw agency in May, it sold at $2 million.
Set in the prestige suburb behind electric gates, with double lock up car accommodation, the house (pictured below) was described as sophisticated and luxurious.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may31rudd]}
The contemporary Mueller Street house was bought after departing The Lodge so as their son, Marcus, could finish his schooling.
The five-bedroom, four bathroom house is set on 936 square metres which traded at $778,000 in 2005.
Back in 2011 Canberra was within cooee of again matching Sydney’s median house price, according to the RP Data-Rismark index.\
The 2011 gap for houses was $12,625, with Sydney’s house median at $561,625 and Canberra’s house median at $549,000.
Sydney's median house price is now at $802,000, and Canberra house price median at $560,000, so the gap is now $242,000.
Much of Canberra's then strength came as household incomes in Canberra are among the highest in the nation.
Canberra’s average equivalised disposable weekly household income was put at $1,101 in recent ABS data - about 30% above the national average.
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Howard government era Canberra property price falls tipped in Abbott budget fallout

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A light rail network from Gungahlin to Civic, which was promised in 2012, has seen work commencing on the first stage with contruction to begin in 2016, according to Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell.
Consulting firms Arup, CBRE, Tract, Brown Consulting and Purdon Associates have been appointed to undertake the project, with eight submissions received during the tender process from both national and international companies.
"It is also important for us to begin investigations on where future stages of this network will go, which includes Russell, Canberra Airport, the Parliamentary Triangle, Kingston, Woden, Erindale, Tuggeranong, Belconnen, Kippax, Lanyon, Weston Creek and Molonglo," said Corbell.
Options will be explored in the master plan for the citywide light rail network, and public consultation will also be heavily explored later in the year.
Capital Metro Agency currently are focusing on the Capital Metro Stage One, from Gungahlin and the City, with the ACT government investigating the future potential extensions.
The draft light rail masterplan will be completed by early 2015.
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Canberra light rail construction commences but future stations still up for debate

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It's been billed as the biggest Canberra commercial property asset to hit the market in years.
The ACT government is preparing to sell the Campbell section 5 development sites in the city’s north - the biggest auction in Australia's capital city since 2007. 
The sites have the potential to accommodate development projects with an end value of about $350 million.
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The government’s Land Development Agency has appointed CBRE and Raine &amp; Horne Commercial to separately auction the five sites which have masterplan approval for residential, retail and commercial uses plus a boutique hotel, parkland and walking paths.
The sites will go under the hammer on June 11.  
"We have already fielded strong preliminary interest from local and interstate developers in what is one of the most significant Canberra development offerings to be listed for sale in decades”, CBRE’s Canberra managing director Andrew Stewart.
The five sites, some with frontages onto Constitution Avenue, have a total land area of 6.4 hectares. They range in size from 2,095 square metres to 7,020 square metres, and offer opportunities for mixed use, residential and commercial development, with two sites identified as suitable for a hotel.
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ACT government to sell Campbell section 5 development site

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A new variation to the Territory Plan in the ACT, commenced recently, has reduced the potential building heights proposed for some areas.
This includes land around Allawah Court, Currong Apartments and Bega Court, which Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell, notes is now reduced to 12 storeys from the original 15 storeys, as a result of the potential negative impact on nearby residents. This is under Variation 308.
It also looks to revitalise aged public housing stock in Braddon and Reid. Much of the area under the change is occupied by public housing stock.
"This redevelopment will reduce reliance on the motor vehicle for new residents and promote the use of public transport, cycling and walking as alternative transport," he said.
"As well as higher density residential development the variation includes a requirement for a minimum of 5,800 square metres of space for community facilities to be provided on the site," he said.
"Variation 308 also contains provisions to encourage small scale community uses on the site to meet the convenience needs of residents and to ensure the street frontages are active and vibrant."
This came after much discussion in the local community over fears that the higher level residential developments could cause anti-social behaviour in public housing properties.
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