<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

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The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

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The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

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Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

Herron Todd White

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The Australian nut industry reached a record high $1,045,000,000 in exports for the 2018/19 year, according to the recently released ABS report.
Property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW) found that the industry is currently experiencing its largest expansion in a decade, with industry value is split almost equally between domestic and imported product.
The most prominent nut products produced in the country are almonds, macadamia, walnuts, pecans, chestnuts, pistachio, and hazelnuts.
Australia currently exports nuts to around 55 countries, but a range of new free trade agreements currently in negotiation are bringing further optimism to all facets of the industry. 
Walnuts
Major production areas for walnuts are on the east coast of Tasmania, the Goulburn Valley near Shepparton and the Murray Irrigation area near Kerang and Swan Hill in Victoria and in the Riverina (near Griffith and Leeton) in New South Wales.
Small scale orchards are scattered in the Ovens Valley, Gippsland and Central region of Victoria, Southern Highlands and Central Tablelands of New South Wales, the Adelaide Hills and Riverland regions of South Australia, and in south-west Western Australia.
HTW found that the Australian walnut industry has grown significantly in recent years due to growth in the establishment of large-scale commercial plantings.
The production of Australian walnuts in 2018 was in excess of 11,700 tonnes in-shell. Farm-gate value was $55 million and the export value approximately $25 million. 
Close to 3,600 ha of mature and developing walnut trees were under cultivation in 2018. 
HTW noted that this number is expected to rise to 4,300 ha by 2021, as existing growers expand their orchards and new growers enter the industry.
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Australian walnut industry experiences growth: HTW 

<html><body>
The Australian nut industry reached a record high $1,045,000,000 in exports for the 2018/19 year according to the recently released ABS report.
Property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW) found that the industry is currently experiencing its largest expansion in a decade, with industry value is split almost equally between domestic and imported product.
The most prominent nut products produced in the country are almonds, macadamia, walnuts, pecans, chestnuts, pistachio, and hazelnuts..
Australia currently exports nuts to around 55 countries, but a range of new free trade agreements currently in negotiation are bringing further optimism to all facets of the industry. 
Pistachio
The major pistachio production areas are along the Murray River Valley between Swan Hill in Victoria and Waikerie in South Australia. Further plantings are in central west Victoria and Pinnaroo in South Australia.
There are a small number of growers in central New South Wales, southern Victoria and Western Australia though these only currently produce small yields. A central commercial processing facility is located at Robinvale in Victoria.
HTW found that the pistachio industry includes a mix of medium-sized and smaller operations. The bulk of the crop is produced on medium-sized orchards.
The total area under pistachio production in 2018 was 1,300 hectares.
Australian pistachio production averages 1,800 tonnes in-shell per year (2-year average 2017/18).
The industry is expanding, with new plantings of about 150 to 200 hectares per annum occurring over the last few years.
HTW noted that, by 2021, the area under pistachio production is expected to increase to 1,900 hectares, producing a crop of 4,000 tonnes for a farm gate value of $45 million.
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Australian pistachio production expected to more-than-double by 2021: HTW

<html><body>
The Australian nut industry reached a record high $1,045,000,000 in exports for the 2018/19 year, according to the recently released ABS report.
Property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW) found that the industry is currently experiencing its largest expansion in a decade, with industry value is split almost equally between domestic and imported product.
The most prominent nut products produced in the country are almonds, macadamia, walnuts, pecans, chestnuts, pistachio, and hazelnuts..
Australia currently exports nuts to around 55 countries, but a range of new free trade agreements currently in negotiation are bringing further optimism to all facets of the industry. 
Pecans
Most of the Australian pecan crop is produced under irrigation in the Gwydir Valley, east of Moree in northern inland New South Wales.
Smaller scale production extends from the Hunter Valley and Nelson Bay on the NSW Central Coast to the Mid North Coast near Kempsey, and the North Coast around Lismore. Pecans are also grown in Central Queensland around Mundubbera and Eidsvold and in the South East in the Lockyer Valley and south to the NSW border.
HTW found that the area under pecan orchards nationally is currently 1,800 ha, producing approximately 3,000 tonnes in-shell (1,650 tonnes of kernel).
Pecan trees take 10 years or more to reach full production there is a substantial lag time before new plantings impact crop size.
After a long period of stagnation production increases are now being observed, according to the property valuation firm.
Global production remains concentrated in US and Mexico which together account for 90% or more of the world crop.
South Africa continues to expand production with small but significant crops also to be found in Central and South America, HTW noted.
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Australian pecan industry finally reaping rewards: HTW

<html><body>
The Australian nut industry reached a record high $1,045,000,000 in exports for the 2018/19 year, according to the recently released ABS report.
Property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW) found that the industry is currently experiencing its largest expansion in a decade, with industry value is split almost equally between domestic and imported product.
The most prominent nut products produced in the country are almonds, macadamia, walnuts, pecans, chestnuts, pistachio, and hazelnuts..
Australia currently exports nuts to around 55 countries, but a range of new free trade agreements currently in negotiation are bringing further optimism to all facets of the industry. 
Macadamias
Macadamias are grown along the eastern seaboard of New South Wales and Queensland, from Port Macquarie in the south, through to the Atherton Tablelands in the north - About half of the Australian crop is produced in NSW and half in QLD.
HTW found that production is expanding most rapidly in Bundaberg (QLD), and the Clarence Valley (NSW).
New plantings are also being developed in Mackay, Maryborough and Emerald in Queensland and in the Richmond Valley in NSW.
The industry is in the middle of its fastest growth since the early 1990s. Bundaberg became the single largest growing region in 2016.
The recent resurgence in new plantings has seen almost 1.5 million trees or 5,000 ha established in the last five years. 
There are currently around 8 million macadamia trees under cultivation. Of these, about one third are yet to reach full production. 
By 2025 about 30,000 ha will be planted to macadamias with kernel production of over 22,000 tonnes, or 70,000 tonnes inshell. Export value is expected to exceed $400 million.
Global demand currently exceeds supply however the property valuation firm estimates that global supply may triple in the next 7 years.
The biggest growth in demand is currently coming from Asia, where urban consumers are focussed on health, convenience and new products.
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Australian macadamia industry sees fastest growth since the 1990's: HTW

<html><body>
The Australian nut industry reached a record high $1,045,000,000 in exports for the 2018/19 year according to the recently released ABS report.
Property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW) found that the industry is currently experiencing its largest expansion in a decade, with industry value is split almost equally between domestic and imported product.
The most prominent nut products produced in the country are almonds, macadamia, walnuts, pecans, chestnuts, pistachio, and hazelnuts..
Australia currently exports nuts to around 55 countries, but a range of new free trade agreements currently in negotiation are bringing further optimism to all facets of the industry. 
Hazelnuts 
Hazelnuts are grown in the temperate areas of south-eastern Australia. The main production regions are the Central Tablelands of New South Wales around Orange, Narrandera, and northeast Victoria around Myrtleford. They are also grown in central and eastern Victoria and increasingly in northern Tasmania. There are small levels of production in South Australia and Western Australia.
HTW found that many hazelnut operations are small orchards of up to 6,000 trees, although this is slowly changing with the average size of new hazelnut orchards increasing and more productive varieties being planted.
Hazelnuts generally take seven to 10 years to come into commercial production.
Australia has recently seen a major on-farm investment in hazelnuts by Ferrero, one of the world’s largest confectionery manufacturers.
Its wholly owned subsidiary, Agri Australis, has planted 1 million trees across 1,900 hectares near Narrandera.
This confirms that the opportunities for Australian hazelnuts are large, giving renewed confidence to Australian growers.
Ferrero’s first small harvest occurred in 2018.
The property valuation firm concluded that the industry is set for rapid expansion - as young orchards come into commercial bearing the industry estimates hazelnut production by 2021 will be 5,500 tonnes in-shell with a value of $40 million.
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Australian hazelnut industry shifting to a larger scale: HTW

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Queensland's North and North Western agricultural property markets are experiencing a wide variety of different trends in 2019, according to property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW). 
The valuation firm found that some areas were experiencing strong selling conditions, while others were providing more opportunities for buyers.
In regards to grazing, the national drought is bringing buyers to North and North West Queensland, it noted.
Sale activity continues in the downs country to the south of Richmond/Julia Creek to Kynuna and Corfield. 
Current sale contracts are reflecting similar value rates as the peak period just after the monsoonal event in February. 
These are ranging from $321 per hectare ($130 per acre) to $395 per hectare ($160 per acre) in general with a peak to $432 per hectare ($175 per acre). 
The demand for property with any grass at all is still high, according to the report. Current sales have varying amounts of available grass and varying quality of grass. 
Sales contracts in February/March were at similar levels to the last property market peak in 2008/9, HTW noted. 
"There was a short period after March (when the grass did not grow after the flood) where a few softer priced contracts were struck. 
"These were at prices that were closer to 2018 values. 
"There are very few local buyers in the mix in this area," the October report noted.
Some stakeholders told the valuation firm that they believe that these value levels are ‘where they should be, previous years pricing was when the country was in drought and had no grass’, and ‘there is more in the market yet for value increases’.
Others are sceptical saying that this market is ‘over priced’ and ‘when it rains in other areas of Australia, this market will take a dive’. 
It is a good sign that there are competing thoughts and theories – vendors will sell, buyers will buy, HTW suggested. 
"This keeps the market active."
Around Charters Towers, demand for country is strong with very little country on the market for sale. 
Recent acquisitions have been by local buyers.
The lack of property being offered to the market is forcing the buyers to pay higher prices.
Variation in the respective markets means the locals are active in one market area, while out of district buyers are active in the other. 
The rest of North and North West Queensland is not as busy, there are a few deals on the go and demand is there from a mix of locals and out of district buyers. 
There are a couple of higher priced deals on the go that are reflective of a change in use, or an expectation of a higher and better use (farming). 
"This is a positive dynamic for those market areas. 
"Not all potential property vendors will benefit. 
"This means that they will have to remain realistic as to what their property is worth when offering their property for sale," the report concluded.
 
 
In regards to suger cane however, the firm found that values for suitable farm land have been under pressure due to lower returns.
There has been some degree of value weakening.
As a result of the margin pressure that these farmers are in, they have been forced to either diversify or sharpen their operating costs again. 
Those that are diversifying into break crops of Mung Beans, Beans, Chick Pea and in some cases, Sorghum are reaping the returns on the back of strong pricing. 
The drought in the southern growing areas is benefiting these farmers. 
A winner here is the soil, which is benefiting from a change in crop. 
As a result of the southern growing areas drought, the Burdekin is the winner.
Given the pricing of cane land and the water, the Burdekin is looking affordable at present.
Recent contract prices are from $15,000 to $18,000 per hectare for marginal cane land. 
Of this some of the buyers have intentions of targeting the shorter growing cycles and present high pricing of grain returns. 
The report concludes that "This is an exiting era of rural property market dynamics in North and North West Queensland."
Despite  continuing concerns around drought, there are positive signs in the region. 
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Queensland's North and North Western rural property markets showing mixed signs

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The past 12 months have been challenging for the NSW North Coast with a reduction in rainfall, however it is not as severe as in more western areas, according to property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW).
The valuation firm found that water licences, and properties with the capacity to utilise these water licences, are becoming much more sought after.
This is particularly so for intensive horticultural crops, nurseries, tea tree farms and some of the animal industries.
The horticultural buyers typically prefer well drained red basalt soils or well drained sandy loams. 
The reported noted avocado farmers prefer well drained, frost free land with access to water.
Blueberry farmers seek similar land features except for preferring a slightly acidic soil.
Macadamia farmers are not as concerned with supplementary irrigation, but frost free land is a definite preference.
Graziers were disposed towards a balance of flood free land, however creek and river flats were found to be always in demand.
Commodity prices and the current low interest rates are typical drivers of rural land value.
The North Coast has strong lifestyle appeal which impacts in the various locations, HTW noted.
The report noted the high macadamia nut prices compared to low sugar prices, which results in macadamia farmers purchasing sugar cane farms to plant macadamias - an example of the impact of commodity prices in the region. 
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NSW North Coast experiencing more rainfall than out West, but still struggling with drought

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Mildura rural sales activity has been slower in 2019 due to concerns about irrigation water availability for horticultural properties and drought for dryland farmers and graziers, according to property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW).
The valuation firm found that these climatic factors appear to have stalled the rapid growth in property values observed since around 2015.
The growth in recent years has all been due to external influence, HTW said..
A combination of strong commodity prices, favourable exchange rates and low interest rates have helped most producers of horticultural crops generate returns that are well above long-term historic levels.
Meanwhile strong demand for lamb and wool has fuelled the recent growth in values of grazing country in the western division of New South Wales, although more recently a noticeable fall in wool prices and the prolonged dry spell may stem this growth somewhat.
While the strong export markets we have seen in recent years may seem to be outside the control of producers, in most cases there were many years of patient work and relationship building invested by the relevant industries to nurture these markets and develop necessary market protocols.
Producers are now much more focused on producing what the market expects and work hard to ensure they meet all protocols.
Properties that have the infrastructure to produce and correctly handle commodities such as citrus, avocados, table grapes and vegetables are consequently in demand.
A rockmelon producer revealed to the valuation firm that the past season has been their best ever, despite the listeria issue that devastated the industry in the previous season.
"The producer attributed their improved fortunes to the fact that they had upgraded their packing shed facility in 2017, which ensured they remained a preferred supplier to supermarkets," the report noted.
Similarly, properties which have had regular re-planting or irrigation infrastructure upgrades have also enjoyed stronger demand than properties that have ageing infrastructure.
There have been two medium scale wine grape vineyard sales in the region during the past month.
Analysis of these sales by the firm suggested that values have held up, notwithstanding the significantly higher cost of leasing irrigation water.
"It appears that vendors of horticultural properties are not under pressure to sell and that while the reduced sales activity suggests demand may have eased, the market appears to remain relatively balanced," HTW concluded.
 
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Drought concerns affect sales in Mildura region, but positive signs appear: HTW

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There have been numerous major shifts in Australia's industrial property markets in the past month, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's (HTW) latest industrial property clock.
Five industrial markets joined Coffs Harbour at the peak of market position on the HTW property clock, including Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
There was also movement in the approaching peak of market category as Brisbane, Geelong and Illawarra joined Sydney and the Sunshine Coast among others.
As a result of the past month six of the eight capital cities hold a positive position in their industrial property market.
Hobart and Echuca held steady in the rising market position while numerous area's including Canberra, Adelaide, Ipswich and Mildura moved into the start of recovery slot.
They joined Horsham and Mackay.
Click <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/10/11/HTW%20Industrial%20Clock%20OCT%202019.JPG" target="_blank">here</a> to enlarge.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/10/11/HTW%20Industrial%20Clock%20OCT%202019.JPG" alt="">
The Central Coast remained in the starting to decline position on the HTW Industrial Property Clock this month.
Newcastle and Orange have now been identified as declining markets, while Gladstone,Toowoomba and South West WA slid into the approaching bottom of market slot.
Darwin and Perth joined Cairns, Rockhampton and Townsville at the bottom of the market.
In their <a href="https://www.htw.com.au/month-in-review/" target="_blank">latest report</a>, HTW valuers said: "While industrial property is often seen as the gateway to commercial investing, it’s still a sector filled with major sales and leasing transactions that help drive and direct the market."
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Melbourne and Gold Coast industrial property markets peaking: HTW Industrial Clock

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There has been no significant rainfall across most of the north-west, according to the latest report from the property valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW).
The valuation firm found that holdings with secure water through permanent rivers, creeks and reticulation systems are proving to be more sought after in the current market.
However listings remain well below average as owners appear to be holding out until the season improves.
"There has been increased demand for small to medium irrigation properties, especially those with groundwater, as this adds another level of security buyers are looking for," it noted.
Irrigation holdings that rely purely on unregulated river were in less demand, HTW noted, due to a 0% allocation within most unregulated river water sources in the north-west.
Over the past two months (August and September) there have been increased yardings through the Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange.
The yarding remained high with 13,755 sheep and 9,763 cattle yarded in the first three weeks of September.
The lack of rain, high feed prices and the fact that some areas are running out of water are contributing to the increased yardings and general lower than average stock condition.
"Overall trends are cheaper, however the market appears to be holding out for better quality stock," the report concluded.
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