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


Joel Robinson

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

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/toga-group">TOGA</a> has opened sales for the final building in Macquarie Rise, its latest mixed-use development in Macquarie Park.</p>

<p>Since launching its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/macquarie-rise-122-herring-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Rise</a> in late 2023, TOGA has secured over 125 sales in the Herring Road development, to a range of purchasers, from first home buyers to investors and downsizers. Around 65 per cent of purchasers have been owner-occupiers.</p>

<p>TOGA has now launched a new release of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in the final building, Saunders Rise. Many of the apartments feature multi-purpose rooms and offer views of the surrounding greenery. Also part of the release is a series of&nbsp;sub penthouses housed on the upper floors.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=89243 project_image_fid=242696]</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’re delighted with the ongoing strong interest in our Macquarie Rise development, which is testament to the need for premium housing in this much-loved Sydney suburb,"&nbsp;Allan Vidor AM, Managing Director at TOGA, said.</p>

<p>"We’re proud to be able to offer buyers a unique product that includes luxury amenities, spacious living areas and flexible layouts, designed to suit all kinds of buyers, from young professionals to families and investors.</p>

<p>“We have long been advocates of Macquarie Park, and once Macquarie Rise is complete, TOGA will have built 1,000 apartments in the area, delivering much needed homes within a thriving precinct. It’s great to see the area become renowned for high-quality apartments, proximity to amenities and green spaces."</p>

<p>TOGA, one of Australia’s few Gold Star iCIRT rated developers, is also handling construction of Macquarie Rise. They are on track to complete the building in 2027.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=89243 project_image_fid=310789]</p>

<p>Macquarie Rise boasts a prime location, placing residents within immediate reach of Macquarie Centre, Macquarie University, and the newly completed Macquarie University Metro, connecting to the Sydney CBD is just over 20 minutes.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Macquarie Rise residents also have access to Club Rise, an exclusive, residents only lounge designed by luxury hotel designers Stack Studio, offering an abundance of work and break-out areas, a Pilates studio, a gym, and a karaoke room. As well as these premium amenities Macquarie Rise will also feature an impressive podium top 20m lap pool.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=89243 project_image_fid=242695]</p>

<p>“Offering luxury, spacious apartments in a vibrant and well-connected neighbourhood, it’s no surprise that Macquarie Rise remains popular with a range of buyers," said TOGA's General Manager of Sales, Anthony Falas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"With interest rates tracking downwards, we expect the final apartments to continue to receive high levels of interest.”</p>

<p>Located at 122 Herring Road, Macquarie Park, the development will be delivered in partnership with Baptist Union NSW and Morling College with a value of over $400 million.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=89243]</p>


TOGA launches final stage apartments in Macquarie Rise

<p>Southern Cross Station anchors the western end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s CBD, connecting metropolitan and regional rail with tram and bus interchanges in one of the city’s busiest transport corridors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Just metres away, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a>&nbsp;will place residents in the heart of the city, with immediate access to Spencer Street trams, a growing mix of retail, hospitality and cultural venues, and a neighbourhood evolving into a lively residential precinct.</p>

<p>Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>, the 68-level project integrates a sculptural glass tower with the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley Building on a 2,765 sqm Bourke St site.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335425]</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the development replaces a previously approved scheme for 813 apartments with a refined offering of just over 600 larger-format residences, responding to a growing owner-occupier demand for spacious city living.</p>

<p>The location sits within a dynamic pocket undergoing significant transformation. Marvel Stadium and the Docklands waterfront are less than 10 minutes away on foot, offering both sports and leisure attractions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bourke Street Mall, Queen Victoria Market, and the State Library are all within walking distance, while Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne’s oldest park, provides a green escape just to the north.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335422]</p>

<p>Proximity to some of the city’s largest employers and education hubs, including the courts precinct, legal chambers, RMIT, and major hospitals, makes 640 Bourke Street an appealing residential address for professionals, families and students alike.</p>

<p>Education opportunities span all levels. Nearby, Haileybury City Campus offers private schooling just a short walk from 640 Bourke Street. Just beyond the CBD fringe, Carlton Gardens Primary School, one of Melbourne’s oldest state primary schools, and Docklands Primary School provide convenient government schooling options.</p>

<p>Higher education is equally accessible. RMIT University’s city campus spans multiple buildings just a few blocks away, while the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus is easily reached via tram along Swanston or Elizabeth Streets.</p>

<p>Victoria University’s City Queen campus, focused on law and business, is also close by, positioning 640 Bourke Street within walking distance of three of Melbourne’s major tertiary institutions.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335426]</p>

<p>The neighbourhood’s retail tapestry continues to evolve into something distinctly local and walkable. Just steps away, Woolworths Metro on Bourke Street ensures that everyday essentials are easily within reach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For larger shopping trips, Spencer Outlet Centre on Spencer Street and QV Melbourne on the opposite side of the CBD broaden the offering with supermarkets, fashion, dining and specialty stores.</p>

<p>The lane-to-lane vibe unfolds beautifully in nearby arcades and alleys. Hardware Lane, with its European-style red-brick paving and alfresco dining, pulses with jazzy evenings and casual lunches.</p>

<p>A few minutes north, Howey Place and Centre Place offer leafy, boutique-lined lanes where hidden cafés and niche retailers congregate under historic glass-covered cloisters.</p>

<p>Completing this tapestry is the newly opened Mecca “beauty playground” on Bourke Street. Spanning 4,000 sqm over three levels, the flagship blends immersive retail within an art-deco heritage setting.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335427]</p>

<p>This finely grained network of shops, eateries, arcades and service outlets defines the everyday lifestyle at 640 Bourke Street - further enriched by over 3,000 sqm of resident amenity including a Turkish-inspired pool, gym, co-working rooms and private cinemas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apartments are priced between&nbsp;$640,000 and $3.95 million. Off the plan stamp duty concessions available until October 2026. Prospective buyers can visit the on site display gallery which has&nbsp;fully built one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]</p>


640 Bourke Street: A heritage address at the heart of Melbourne

<p>Lower North Shore development specialists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>&nbsp;has topped out its new local apartment development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-6-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Located in the tightly held suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/naremburn-nsw-2065">Naremburn</a>, Northcote Collective is a collection of just 58 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed by award-winning architects Rothelowman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The building is just a five to 10 minute walk from the heart of Crows Nest and the new&nbsp;St Leonards and Crows Nest Metro stations. Abadeen has also brought doorstep convenience, with a ground-floor retail offering on Northcote Street.</p>

<p>Northcote Collective is being delivered by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode</a> — an iCIRT-rated construction company well regarded in the new development industry.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=114189 project_image_fid=272840]</p>

<p>“This is an important and exciting moment for Northcote Collective, and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with our partners, consultants, and future residents,” said Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“From the outset, our vision was to create something truly special for Naremburn — homes that respect the character of the neighbourhood while elevating the standard of Lower North Shore living. With connectivity to transport, retail on the doorstep and a true village lifestyle, this milestone also comes at a perfect time when buyer confidence is returning to the market. I am incredibly proud of our team and of Decode for their dedication in helping us bring this vision to life.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=114189 project_image_fid=272865]</p>

<p>The development is two-tiered, with two rooftops for residents. The taller building has an impressive rooftop pool, a rare inclusion in the new Sydney apartment market. The level, with panoramic views, also includes an entertaining terrace with barbecue facilities.</p>

<p>Local downsizers and young professionals are showing the strongest interest in the development, with recent improvements in the property market — supported by three rate cuts in 2025 — boosting borrowing power and buyer confidence.</p>

<p>Auction activity across Sydney surged by almost 30 per cent in recent weeks, with clearance rates above 70 per cent — signalling a renewed wave of buyer demand.</p>

<p>Northcote Collective will welcome buyers in 2026.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114189]</p>


Abadeen tops out Northcote Collective in Naremburn

<p>Sunshine Coast-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/devcon-property-group">Devcon Property Group</a> has acquired one of Maroochydore’s most prominent development sites for $12 million unlocking the potentialfor a mixed-use project in the Cotton Tree precinct.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 4,178 sqm site at 41–43 Aerodrome Road—well known locally as the former home to one of Australia’s last Sizzler restaurants—was sold via an off-market expressions of interest campaign by Colliers agents Nick Dowling and Baydn Dodds. More than 70 targeted buyer groups were approached, resulting in multiple competitive offers for the property.</p>

<p>Devcon Property Group Managing Director Michael Kain said the acquisition was a strategic move in line with the company’s focus on delivering high-quality projects in prime coastal locations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’re excited about the possibilities this site, in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic beachside &nbsp;communities, offers for a broad range of development outcomes,” Kain said.</p>

<p>“Its location, ocean view potential, and proximity to the Maroochydore CBD and beach make it an &nbsp;outstanding development prospect. Our plans are to refurbish the existing building and then review &nbsp;development options for the remainder of the site.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Aerodrome Rd site overlooking Beach (Large)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a29dc4ed-68c1-4bec-a4fc-283063dcde1e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Aerodrome%20Rd%20site%20overlooking%20Beach%20%28Large%29.jpg?VersionId=b0WxJWevmLoAfCP4YvGImZpR3rSCJJ9L" /></p>

<p>Colliers Special Projects Manager Baydn Dodds said the sale reflected the ongoing strength of the &nbsp;Sunshine Coast’s development site market, particularly for projects capable of achieving water views. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“Sites of this scale, in walkable beachside locations with ocean views, are tightly held and continue to attract significant interest from both local and national developers,” Baydn Dodds said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“Holding a prominent position as the former home to one of Australia’s last Sizzler restaurants and more recently occupied by Rashays, the prime site is located just 150 metres from Maroochydore Beach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“With stunning ocean view potential, located in one of the Sunshine Coast’s best known iconic &nbsp;beachside communities, within steps of shops, cafes and the beach it is no surprise that there was strong interest in the site. The transaction highlights the ongoing depth of demand for well-located &nbsp;mixed-use sites across the Sunshine Coast.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Colliers Sunshine Coast Managing Director Nick Dowling said the transaction reinforced the &nbsp;Sunshine Coast’s status as one of Australia’s most active development markets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The combination of strong population growth, lifestyle appeal, and infrastructure investment is &nbsp;driving demand for quality development opportunities,” Nick Dowling said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Sunshine Coast is one of only three markets nationally to record an increase in crane numbers, &nbsp;reflecting the strength of the region’s construction pipeline.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Opportunities like this are rare and continue to generate strong buyer interest in the region.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Sunshine Coast development market is booming, with several high-profile developers like Cube Developments, Gardner Vaughan Group, and RCQ, planning developments in the region.</p>


Devcon buys Sunshine Coast’s former Sizzler site for new apartment development

Capital City

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<div>
<p>Fairly in line with market forecasts dwelling prices rose by +2.0 percent in the June 2016 quarter according to the ABS with Sydney (+2.8 percent),  Melbourne (+2.7 percent), and Brisbane (+1.1 percent).</p>
<p>Of the smaller capitals, Canberra also showed a solid increase of +2.2 percent. </p>
<p>The ABS indexes run back to September 2003 with the median house price (+98 percent) and attached dwelling price (+93 percent) having increased since that time. </p>
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<div align="justify">This latest move takes the total value of residential dwellings to beyond $6 trillion, an increase of +$1.6 trillion or +36 per cent since June 2012.</div>
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<div>
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<div align="justify">The market is now accelerating in the third quarter according to Alan Oster, Chief Economist of National Australia Bank (you see what I did there?).</div>
<div align="justify"> </div>
<div align="justify">Auction clearance rates have again approached record highs again in Sydney, and Oster predicts a substantial +4 percent gain in the harbour city for Q3, as well as +3.5 percent for Melbourne. </div>
<div align="justify"> </div>
<div align="justify">Large capital cities lead</div>
<div align="justify"> </div>
<div align="justify">House prices rose by +3.2 percent in Sydney in the June quarter, with attached dwelling prices showing a much steadier trajectory (both up and down) through the course of this cycle in rising by a further +2.0 percent. </div>
<div align="justify"> </div>
<div align="justify">After six months of house price declines Sydney's all dwellings index hit a fresh all-time high, being +83.7 percent higher than in December 2008.</div>
<div align="justify"> </div>
<div align="justify">Brisbane notched up its sixteenth consecutive quarterly gain with prices rising by +1.1 percent.</div>
<div align="justify"> </div>
<div align="justify">Since Q3 2012 prices in Brisbane have recorded a studious recovery to rise by +18 percent, while Adelaide (+13 percent) and Hobart (+13 percent) have followed a similar, if slightly more subdued, trajectory. </div>
<div align="justify"> </div>
<div align="justify">In the resources capitals prices have declined since the beginning of 2015 (click charts to expand).</div>
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<div align="justify"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">State versus state</span></strong></div>
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<div align="justify">At the state level over the year to June the mean price has continued to rise in New South Wales (+$35,400), Victoria (+$31,100), Queensland (+$10,100), and South Australia (+$16,800). </div>
<div align="justify"> </div>
<div align="justify">On the other hand the median price in Western Australia has retraced by $37,300 with a notable collapse having taken place up in the Pilbara, and there was also a decline in the Northern Territory mean price of $20,500. </div>
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<div align="justify">The total value of dwelling stock has increased significantly over the past four years in New South Wales (+$819 billion), Victoria ($+453 billion), and Queensland (+$169 billion).</div>
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<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Supply response</span></strong></div>
<div align="justify"> </div>
<div align="justify">Finally, the total number of residential dwellings increased by +46,900 in Victoria and +40,600 in New South Wales over the 2016 financial year. </div>
<div align="justify"> </div>
<div align="justify">There are now more than 9.7 million dwellings in Australia.</div>
<div align="justify"> </div>
<div align="justify">Over the past four years Victoria (+7.9 percent) has been far more successful at increasing the total size of its dwelling stock than New South Wales (+4.9 percent). </div>
<div align="justify"> </div>
<div align="justify">From a lower base the uplift has been considerably more pronounced in the Northern Territory (+10.4 percent) and the ACT (+10.4 percent).</div>
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<div align="justify"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong></div>
<div align="justify"> </div>
<div align="justify">Overall, there were solid price gains in Q2 which generally matched market expectations.</div>
<div align="justify"> </div>
<div align="justify">The ABS figures are retrospective, so market participants will be watching the market closely to see whether recent gains are sustained.</div>
<div align="justify"> </div>
<div align="justify">In the 2015 calendar year in part due to cooling macroprudential regulatory measures the Sydney auction market softened considerably in the lead up to Christmas, before limping over the line. </div>
<div align="justify"> </div>
<div align="justify">There are still a dozen weekends to go yet this year. </div>
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<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Capital city prices rose in Q2: Pete Wargent

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<p>GUEST OBSERVATION</p>
<p>The level of water stored by Australia’s capital cities has steadily fallen over the last six years. They are now collectively at 54.6% of capacity – a decline of 30% from 2013.</p>
<p>We’re going into a hot summer and Sydney has just announced <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/news/level-2-water-restrictions-to-start-across-sydney/" target="_blank">level two restrictions</a>, the toughest for any capital. Data from the <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/water/dashboards/#/water-storages/summary/urban?location=Canberra" target="_blank">Bureau of Meteorology</a> shows other capital cities facing mixed results.</p>
<p>The results show that Darwin’s water supply has lost about 25% over the last year. On the plus side, Melbourne’s supply actually increased over 2019, having fallen below 50% earlier this year, and now sits on 63.9%.</p>
<p>While the national average is trending downwards, the patterns for each city are very different. Sydney and Perth water supplies have had contrasting journeys over the last six years. In October 2013 Perth’s supply was a very low 33.8% and Sydney was a comfortable 91%.</p>
<p>Now, for the first time in many years Perth does not have Australia’s lowest level of all capital city water storages. As of last week, Sydney has taken this unwanted distinction from Perth.</p>
<p>For Perth residents, the news is good as their surface water storages are at a six-year high of 46.4%. In Sydney they are worried, as they have a six-year low of 46.2%.</p>
<p>Sydney has experienced a steep decline over the last 30 months, from nearly full storages (96%) in April 2017. The speed and severity of the Sydney drought is starting to resemble previous dry spells. One was in the 1940s and the other was the Millennium drought.</p>
<p>Perth has lived with the most water stress of any capital city. They have had to contend with a steady 45-year decline in rain. The inflow of water into Perth’s dams has also <a href="https://www.watercorporation.com.au/water-supply/our-water-sources/securing-perth-supply" target="_blank">fallen dramatically</a>.</p>
<p>Perth has adapted to its drying climate by sourcing water from <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-perth-really-running-out-of-water-well-yes-and-no-90857" target="_blank">many different supplies</a>. It now uses its surface water storages for about 10% of its water supply. Much larger proportions of Perth’s supply comes from its two desalination plants, which unlike the other capitals are constantly in operation. It makes greater use of groundwater and highly treated recycled water. Perth also has permanent water restrictions.</p>
<p>Sydney’s desalination plant, after hibernating for seven years, is now supplying water. It was switched on in late January 2019 when Sydney supply hit 60%, and can supply 15% of water demand. Unusually perhaps, the desalinated water does not reach all parts of Sydney.</p>
<p>Sydney Water has announced plans to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/sep/26/sydney-desalination-plant-to-double-in-size-as-dams-approach-critical-level" target="_blank">double the capacity</a> of the desalination plant. Construction is expected to <a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/-/media/Files/DPE/Other/About-us/Metropolitan-Water/2017-Metropolitan-Water-Plan.pdf" target="_blank">begin soon</a>.</p>
<p>Melbourne and Brisbane water supplies are currently at similar levels. However, since 2013 Melbourne’s storages have generally been lower than Brisbane’s. Melbourne’s supply has risen in 2019 after good winter rainfall in its catchments. The storages have increased from under 50% (49.6%) in late May 2019. Today, Brisbane storage levels are now at 59.2%.</p>
<p>Melbourne residents use <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-sydney-residents-use-30-more-water-per-day-than-melburnians-117656" target="_blank">less water</a> than the other capital cities. In 2018 the average Melbourne resident used 161 litres per day, approximately 30% less than Sydney residents.</p>
<p>Melbourne’s supplies have also been supplemented with the reactivation of its Wonthaggi desalination plant in 2019. It is Australia’s largest desalination plant, capable of producing <a href="https://www.water.vic.gov.au/media-releases/2019/desalinated-water-begins-flowing-to-secure-supplies" target="_blank">410 million litres a day</a>.</p>
<p>Brisbane also built a desalination plant after the Millennium Drought. In addition, they also made very large investments in Australia’s largest waste water recycling scheme. The <a href="https://www.seqwater.com.au/seq-water-grid" target="_blank">Western Corridor recycled water scheme</a> opened in 2008, cost $2.5 billion and features three advanced waste water treatment plants, with more than 200 km of pipelines and three advanced waste water treatment plants.</p>
<p>Hobart, Darwin and Canberra are the three Australian capital cities without desalination plants. Canberra has had a steady decline in its supply over three years. It was full in October 2016, gradually dropping to 51.6% in November 2019. Hobart’s storages were above 80% for most of the last six years. They were just above 90% 12 months ago and have since fallen to their current level of 72%.</p>
<p>Darwin’s water supply was full as recently as April 2018. Now, 18 months later, it is just touching 54%. This is its lowest level in six years. Darwin, our tropical capital, has the most seasonal rainfall of Australia’s capitals. Typically, they have almost no rain June to September during their dry season, and a wet season of <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-is-the-australian-monsoon-69411" target="_blank">heavy rains from October to April</a>. However, the last wet season was one of the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-14/revisiting-the-1952-northern-territory-missing-wet-season/10883534" target="_blank">driest on record</a>.</p>
<p>Adelaide’s water storage has fluctuated over the last six years. Adelaide gets more rain in winter and has dry summers, an opposite pattern to that of Darwin. Over the last three years the level has dropped from over 97% in October 2017 to just below 58%.</p>
<p>The desalination plant in Adelaide can supply up to 50% of its water supply. It has been operating in 2019, although not in the wetter months of July and August. The Murray also continues to supply a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-14/adelaide-desal-plant-revival-plan-to-ease-use-of-murray-water/10619960" target="_blank">large proportion</a> of Adelaide’s water supply. The Commonwealth has agreed to use drought funding for the Adelaide desalination plant, so more river water can be used by farmers upstream to <a href="https://watersource.awa.asn.au/business/assets-and-operations/sa-desal-plant-to-increase-production-as-part-of-drought-deal/" target="_blank">grow fodder for livestock</a>.</p>
<p>Australia is set for a <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/outlooks/#/overview/summary" target="_blank">dryer and hotter summer than average</a>, particularly in the east. Coupled with continued high levels of household demand, we can expect further declines in water storage levels through the first half of 2020.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/127909/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;"></p>
<p><em><strong>Ian Wright</strong>, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science, Western Sydney University.</em></p>
<p><em><strong>Jason Reynolds</strong>, Research Lecturer in Geochemistry, Western Sydney University.</em></p>
<p><em>This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-drought-is-affecting-water-supply-in-australias-capital-cities-127909" target="_blank">original article</a>.</em></p>
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How drought is affecting water supply in Australia’s capital cities

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<p><span>Some 1,824 capital city auctions held across Australia for the week ending 15 May with a combined preliminary clearance of 68.9 percent. </span></p>
<p><span>One year ago the figure was 77.5 percent.</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/05/16/20160516-Capital-city.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/05/16/20160516-Capital-city.png" alt=""></p>
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Combined capital city clearance rates dip: CoreLogic RP Data

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<p>Capital city dwelling values are yet to show declines, <span>according to CoreLogic RP Data's Hedonic Home Value Index, March 2016.</span></p>
<p><span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Perth and Darwin are the only cities to record negative value movements over the past year, according to CoreLogic RP Data head of research Tim Lawless, who </span>said<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> o</span></span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">ver the past twelve months, house values rose by 6.6 per cent compared with a 4.7 per cent increase in unit values</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">"Declines (Perth and Darwin) from their recent peak which was more than twelve months ago have been modest at just 4.6 percent. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">"Sydney and Melbourne growth rates are moderating after a strong cycle of growth, while other cities are recording minimal shifts higher and lower."</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/04/01/corelogic_houses.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/04/01/corelogic_houses.jpg" alt=""></p>
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