A who's who of Australian surfing, business and entertainment has emerged on title records following the completion of Esprit Rainbow Bay, the latest boutique beachfront apartment development by former professional surfer Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects.

The completed project has attracted an enviable collection of owners, many with long-standing ties to the southern Gold Coast and the surf culture that has helped define Rainbow Bay and neighbouring Kirra for generations.

Given Gedoun's own background in surfing, it perhaps comes as little surprise that some of Australia's most recognisable surfers have chosen to buy into the development overlooking one of the country's most celebrated stretches of coastline.

Pezet Matheson directors Jayde Pezet and Todd Matheson launched the project in late 2021, and have managed the sales campaign all the way through to its sell-out and recent completion.

<img alt="Esprit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08fc6261-b84e-4b09-8a44-66d3067fd0d1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-29%20at%208.51.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4AOcb6ETZwNUnMPdTtz1B3pZAIB_jgZ2" />

Former world champion Mick Fanning, who grew up in Coolangatta, secured an apartment in 2023. He paid&nbsp;$2.07 million. Last year he sold his Bilinga home for over $16 million.

Three-time world champion Joel Parkinson also purchased in the development, alongside big wave surfer Mark Mathews. Mathews bought the most expensive apartment in the building, spending just over $4 million.

Joining them is Rip Curl founder Doug Warbrick, whose company helped shape Australia's global surfing industry over the past five decades.

The appeal of Rainbow Bay has extended well beyond the surfing community.

International DJ Paul Fisher purchased an apartment through his investment vehicle, YLB Developments, an abbreviation of his trademark phrase "You Little Beauty".

The purchase comes as Fisher and his wife Chloe are developing their own luxury apartment project further north in Palm Beach. Their boutique beachfront development, Pescado, comprises just seven apartments on Jefferson Lane, which start from just shy of $6 million. The couple intend to retain the two-level penthouse as their Australian base between international touring commitments.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy and his wife Wendy have also invested in Esprit, purchasing two apartments after spending decades holidaying on the southern Gold Coast. They also have a luxury apartment in Joe Adsett's Rockpool, less than 400m away from Esprit.

<h2>Boutique project draws owner-occupiers</h2>

Esprit launched in 2021 and sold strongly, with buyers drawn to its boutique scale, beachfront position and contemporary design.

The completed development comprises 94 apartments across 11 levels, offering expansive floorplans designed primarily for owner-occupiers rather than the investor market.

Crowning the building is Club Esprit, pitched as being the Gold Coast's first residential rooftop wellness centre. The roof features a&nbsp;25 metre magnesium lap pool, which is surrounded by wet daybeds and poolside cabanas,&nbsp;multiple barbecue areas,&nbsp;a yoga and relaxation play lawn, and a private dining room with a kitchen scullery, bar, lounges, and an outdoor terrace.

The wellness centre is&nbsp;fully equipped with a Technogym, ice bath, infra-red sauna, steam room, thermal room, and treatment room. The roof has views spanning&nbsp;Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks and the Pacific Ocean.

<h2>S&amp;S Projects continues to shape Rainbow Bay</h2>

S&amp;S Projects founder Paul Gedoun has become one of the key figures behind Rainbow Bay's evolution over the past several years.

After establishing S&amp;S Projects, Gedoun has focused on delivering lifestyle-driven apartment developments designed primarily for owner-occupiers seeking a permanent coastal home.

Esprit is Gedoun's third completed project in Rainbow Bay, following Flow and Awaken, both of which achieved record prices for the suburb.

He is now delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, a 38-apartment development on Boundary Street that is currently selling, and has no plans to leave the precinct anytime soon. S&amp;S Projects has also lodged plans for its fifth Rainbow Bay development, an 88-apartment project on Boundary Street featuring a strong wellness focus.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">First look: S&amp;S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street</a>

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Joel Robinson

Who's who of buyers revealed as Esprit Rainbow Bay settles

Nature Based Cities (NBC), the not-for-profit organisation focused on improving biodiversity and nature outcomes in urban development, has launched its latest industry design guidelines and accreditation framework, this time targeting precinct-scale residential communities.

The move extends NBC’s influence beyond its initial focus on medium and high-density residential developments. Several projects have already achieved NBC accreditation since the launch of its Medium &amp; High-Density Residential Guidelines in early 2025.

The expansion into masterplanned communities and new residential precincts reflects the growing need for stronger nature-positive benchmarks as Australia’s outer suburban growth corridors continue to expand at pace.

Paul Hameister OAM, NBC Founder and the Executive Chairman of Melbourne developer Hamton who itself leans heavily into nature and biodiversity in its developments, says the&nbsp;nature-first approach to mitigate the effects of climate change has become standard in other parts of the world such as the UK, but Australia is lagging.&nbsp;Australia’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) rating tools have no minimum mandatory requirements for living landscapes.

“We’ve always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren’t there,” Hameister says. “In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that’s concrete and glass with not a blade of grass. 
 
“The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn’t been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities.”

He says that having now&nbsp;made good progress in supporting developers of medium and high-density residential projects, NBC is now looking to bolster better nature-based decision-making and recognise developers of greenfield projects in the outer ring and large inner-ring brownfield precincts, who want to champion nature and living landscape as a defining feature.

Since 2022, the not-for-profit has sought to remove the roadblocks preventing developers from incorporating nature and living landscapes into their projects, shifting the conversation from the reduction of emissions and grey infrastructure, toward recognising nature as an essential infrastructure.

The New Communities Design Guidelines and Scorecard arm developers with the tools needed to deliver a nature positive outcome for their new communities. Intended to be adopted at the outset of the planning process, the guidelines are designed to help create communities that are cooler, healthier and more resilient while also enhancing social wellbeing and long-term economic value.&nbsp;

New Communities developers seeking accreditation will be independently assessed across a range of key criteria including ecology, tree canopy, biodiversity, and walkability. Once the masterplan is complete and submitted for approval, the scorecard is formalised based on proposed outcomes. Projects that meet the NBC criteria will receive either Commended or Exemplary accreditation outcomes, creating a clear benchmark for nature-positive new communities in Australia.&nbsp;

Janis Fischer, Director at Tract and NBC Advisory Council member, said the development of new communities in our suburbs can have a substantial impact on nature and biodiversity.

"By incorporating nature-based design principles at the inception of a project, developers and their design teams can achieve nature positive outcomes that are good for both people and the planet.’’&nbsp;

NBC accredited New Community projects will gain access to NBC branding and marketing tools to help communicate their nature-based credentials to purchasers and the broader market.&nbsp;

Nature Based Cities: A new Australian benchmark for developing nature-positive new communities

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

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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asadauskas-o9wSWMRiAW

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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