The Victorian Government has secured the passage of the Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026, introducing a suite of reforms aimed at improving consumer protection and confidence in the apartment market.

Resilience Insurance, Australia’s leading Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) provider, has welcomed the move.

The LDI elements of the Bill passed with bipartisan support and now moves to the Legislative Council where debate and passage are expected later this month. It represents a significant milestone in the national shift toward stronger, longer-term protection for apartment buyers.&nbsp;

The reform would deliver practical benefits across the housing system. Apartment owners will have stronger protection if major defects emerge, developers and builders will have a clearer quality framework to work within, and the State will reduce the risk of serious building failures becoming a long-term financial and social burden for households, communities and government.&nbsp;

LDI helps support apartment delivery while providing stronger protection for buyers and encouraging better construction outcomes.&nbsp;

Resilience LDI provides apartment owners with 10 years of insurance-backed cover for major structural defects from completion, with direct claim access to the insurer. This means owners are not required to first pursue developers or builders through costly legal action before accessing protection.&nbsp;

Resilience Insurance has been operating in Australia since 2022 and has already insured hundreds of development projects covering many thousands of apartments across Australia.&nbsp;

At approximately 1.8 per cent of build cost, it is a cost-competitive alternative to the traditional two per cent Strata Bond, bond while delivering significantly broader and longer protection.&nbsp;

“The Victorian Lower House vote shows that reforms like this succeed when they are practical, evidence-based and supported by industry," says Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

"Victoria is moving quickly on a reform that will make a real difference for apartment buyers, while supporting better building outcomes and greater confidence in apartment delivery.

“This is step one. We look forward to the Bill completing its passage through the Legislative Council and to working with government and industry to implement the framework effectively.”&nbsp;

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI): Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Consumer-first: Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cost advantage: At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Market leader: Resilience Insurance is the first approved LDI provider in NSW.</li>
</ul>

The Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026 has passed the Victorian Lower House, putting Victoria on track to become the first state to legislate an industry workable LDI framework as a formal alternative to the Strata Building bond. 

Joel Robinson

10-year Latent Defects Insurance for new apartment buyers set to land in Victoria

Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368853]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available.

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

Industry News

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Wilson Property Agents have signed up as the first corporate sponsor for Youth Off The Streets' #laceitup campaign, marking the beginning of Homeless Persons’ Week.
At present, more than 47,000 people under 25 are homeless – 48% of the homeless population. The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/laceitup" target="_blank">#laceitup</a> campaign is using the fact that many of them sleep with their shoes on to encourage people to wear blue shoelaces and take a photo of their shoes, before sharing it on social media.
Managing director and principal of Wilson Property Agents, Adrian Wilson, said that they have supported the charity since 2008 and is an issue their team cares deeply about.
“We’re thrilled to be the first to support this innovative concept and get behind the students who created it,” said Wilson.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/wpasydney/status/496148539484164096" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/08/05/wilson-aug-5-breakout.jpg" alt=""></a>
To date, they have raised over $15,000 for Youth Off The Streets. They will be selling the blue laces from their branches, open homes and inspections, raising awareness at seminars and donating themselves.
Property Observer readers <a href="https://laceitup.everydayhero.com/au/wilson-property-agents" target="_blank">can make a donation here</a>.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Youth Off The Streets’ #laceitup campaign signs first corporate sponsor

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A new Australian website calling itself the ‘Pinterest of Property’ has launched, looking to connect home owners with real estate agents and vendors.
Similar to Pinterest, the <a href="https://propterest.com.au/" target="_blank">PropTerest site</a> looks to change the way people browse the property market by allowing users to collect and share images of properties they love.
Citing new Google research showing that 90% of buyers begin their search online, Doreen C, marketing manager for PropTerest, noted that their goal is to connect Australians through a mutual interest in property.
They noted that the site can be used to plan a purchase, check market value, get renovation inspiration or find buyers and sellers.
“With new pins added every week, PropTerest is the go-to site for a comprehensive collection of up to date property listings. What we most love about the site is it’s not just limited to buyers and sellers,” she said.
<blockquote>
The site can be used to plan a purchase, check market value, get renovation inspiration or find buyers and sellers.
</blockquote>
The site’s focus on imagery reflects a similar ideology to that of new listings site Homely.com but allows a higher level social experience.
Listings can be organised based on state, price and property type. It includes PinIt buttons as well as tag features. Users can sign in through Facebook or Twitter.
The site’s description notes that it will take away the requirement of multiple visits to individual agent websites.
Signing in with Twitter, Property Observer found the site fun, if a little overwhelming.
Featured pins, and a Power User package appear to be how agents may make the most of the portal. The Power users see their pins displayed after featured pins, and they will be automatically followed by each newly registered user.
The site allows commercial property listings as well.
At present, there is no option to filter by number of rooms or bathrooms.
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New listings site aiming to become the Pinterest of property

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REIWA is seeking to speed up commission payments paid to Western Australian real estate agents selling off the plan properties.
REIWA recently announced that they are lobbying the government to allow agents selling this stock to receive their commissions closer to the point of contract, rather than after the settlement period – which they note is lengthy.
“The commission process for dealing with pre-sales in the multi-residential market is often frustrating,” they noted in a recent email to members.
“Having to wait for months to be properly remunerated for your work is inconvenient and can hamper your business.”
They noted that in Perth, and some regional areas, they’re going through a strong growth period with units and apartments and said that it is “high time the government reviewed this commission anomaly and updated it to reflect contemporary conditions”.
Property Observer understands that there are no specifics around how this would work as of yet and the process is still in the exploratory stage. However, REIWA are planning to meet with the Minister soon.
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REIWA pushing to speed up off the plan sales commissions 

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New property market analysis will now be available for urban land developers, with a new report released by RP Data and Urban Supply Intelligence (USI).
The customisable Greenfield Corridor Report will offer national data on yields, popular block sizes, threshold pricing, sale volumes and other market and property attributes for property developers. Information on which greenfield corridors (previously undeveloped areas) sell the most homes by bed, bath or car, are the fastest and slowest to sell or have the highest or lowest vendor discounts can also be included in the report.
Tim Lawless, RP Data's head of research, says the data is important for those planning short and long term projects.
“We are able to produce a report for any growth corridor or sub market across Australia, updated quarterly, which offers great appeal for developers and builders who are active in numerous geographical locations,” said Lawless.
The report has a strong focus on the established housing market, which report author and USI director Peter Bell says will provide information for new property developments, a market segment that is difficult to track. Bell says that most development executives now have the ability to apply data to their own venutres.
“Post GFC, developers have become more cost conscious but still need to access information and data. Innovative products like the Greenfield Report that incorporate cutting edge and timely visual elements are becoming more popular because they are affordable, whilst also offering quick and concise findings,” said Bell.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

RP Data and USI launch Greenfield Corridor report

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Arnold Schwarzenegger now knows where Wagga Wagga is, but television viewers might be left confused as to the purpose behind the latest realestate.com.au advertising campaign.
We are supposed to get that the actor, supposedly wanting to move back to Austria, reckons that realestate.com.au will be of help, mistakenly thinking that ‘.au’ is an Austrian site.
He's confused, we're confused. And so is his Australian assistant Dylan, as the mildly amusing campaign plays on supposed confusion between Australia and the actor's home country of Austria.
Instead he stumble across "Vagga Vagga" et al.
Get it!
Realestate.com.au last night unveiled a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAXxnvLmtdc" target="_blank">new national brand campaign</a> starring the Hollywood film icon, former Governor of California and Austria’s favourite son. It was the first in a series of seven television commercials set to air over the coming weeks.
{qtube vid:=XAXxnvLmtdc}
The implicit confusion within the campaign ultimately leads to "discovery", as property consumers become curious to find out more about localities.
In an Australian media first, realestate.com.au launched the campaign using a unique high-impact approach, commandeering all free to air and subscription Australian commercial television and major digital advertising networks simultaneously on the 6:20pm time slot. 
They hoped to start a twitter trend with the #ausliveshere. But #VaggaVagga appeared popular. 
Not quite viral among the 2.8 million Australian accounts registered on social media platform Twitter. Australia was too busy preparing to watch The Block Glasshouse, the night's most watched show drawing a metro audience of 1.377 million at 6.30pm.
Meanwhile Arnie "learnt a lot about Australia in the process, like how to say Wagga Wagga". 
"I also found it’s hard to find a home with a cheese cave or professionally equipped gym,” he quipped in the website press release.
The adman, BWM’s managing director Mark Watkin, said the idea of using Arnold Schwarzenegger was deliberately "left-field".
The lowpoint of property website marketing was possibly Domain's Dexter and Greg Evans, sadly sans Kerrie Friend.
{qtube vid:=6ILOgGOn59c}
And for Property Observer readers wishing to suss out the Wagga Wagga investment merits, <a href="/news">here's the best link</a>.
It's all quite simple, and there's not much happening with price or rental growth.
Click on map below to go to Property Observer's data page on Wagga Wagga.
<a href="/news"><img src="/images/2014/08/04/vagga-vagga-aug-4-breakout.jpg" alt=""></a>
Picture courtesy of realestate.com.au.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Left-field realestate.com.au puts Wagga Wagga on the map with weird Arnold Schwarzenegger ad

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Real estate agents cannot conduct open for inspections in a rental property without the consent of the tenant, a new Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) order has confirmed.
The decision was made after an unnamed tenant did not consent to open for inspections of their rental home being sold for fear of security and privacy.
VCAT has confirmed the view held by the Tenants Union of Victoria (TUV) that tenants being forced to endure open for inspections is not legal under the requirement for tenants to have ‘quiet enjoyment’ of their rental home, explained TUV’s policy and liaison officer James Bennett.
“Having dozens of strangers looking through your home without your consent can be a massive infringement of privacy, security and quiet enjoyment,” he said.
“VCAT has clarified that only genuine prospective buyers can be shown a property by appointment – not just anyone who is wandering past and wants to stickybeak, check for valuables or assess the security system.”
Bennett noted that the decision does not prevent rentals from being marketed, inspected and sold, simply clarifies tenants’ rights.
Inspections by appointment are still allowed.
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VCAT orders agents not to conduct opens without tenant consent

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The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) recognised projects in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory in Friday's Australia Bricks Awards for Excellence.
Held at Sydney's Star Casino, this year's award ceremony and gala dinner saw a record 90 entries.
Winners in the 15 categories included One Central Park (pictured above) by Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House Australia, which won the awards for Design and innovation and High-Density Development, and Liberty Place by Grocon, which won the award for Sustainable Development.
According to chief executive Stephen Albin, tickets for the event, hosted by UDIA-NSW, sold out shortly after they were released.
“At the moment there’s a real buzz in the industry as companies are continuously finding new ways to raise the bar in terms of sustainability, affordability and aesthetic design,” said Albin.
“Each year the UDIA NSW Austral Bricks Awards for Excellence go from strength to strength and this year our entrants just knocked it out of the park.”
This year, three specialist judges joined four industry experts to judge the entrants.
Laurie Rose, chief judge and urban engineer, travelled throughout the region to inspect the projects.
“While judging can be time consuming, it’s also very rewarding to be shown such wonderful projects by their creators,” said Rose. “The toughest job, however, came when we sat down to determine the winners.”
The UDIA Awards for Excellence first began in 1994, with just 20 entrants.
Full list of winners on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
The full list of winners:
Concept design: 301-303 Botany Road, Zetland by Crown GRoup
Government Leadership for Urban Development: Bungarribee Community Resource Hub by UrbanGrowth NSW
Design and Innovation: One Central Park by Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House Australia
Retail/Commercial Development: 8 Chiffley by Mirvac
Affordable Development: Ocean Club Resort by King and Campbell Pty Ltd for Gwynvill Trading Pty Ltd
Sustainable Development: Liberty Place by Grocon
Urban Renewal: The Gantry by Parkview Constructions Pty Ltd
Seniors' Living: The Gracewood Kellyville by McFadyen Architects Pty Ltd for BaptistCare NSW &amp; ACT
Medium Density Development: ESQUE Mosman by HELM Pty Ltd
High-Density Development: One Central Park by Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House Australia
Residential Development: Heritage Parc by McCloy Group
Masterplanned Development: Jordan Springs by Lend Lease Jordan Springs Project Team
Marketing Apartment Communities: Woolooware Bay - Stage 1 Residential Development by Bluestone Capital Ventures No 1 Pty Ltd for Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club
Marketing Residential Estates: Dual winners - Crimson Hill by Defence Housing Australia and Spring Cove by Our Agency on behalf of Oakstand &amp; Denwol
NSW Regions and ACT: Sorrell Apartments by Antoniades Architects for Hindmarsh Development Australia 
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One Central Park and Liberty Place among those recognised in UDIA ACT and NSW awards

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Property management revenues have been recorded as jumping by 10% since June 2013 for Raine &amp; Horne, with this wing of the business expected to become increasingly prominent as investor numbers climb.
Raine &amp; Horne’s chairman and CEO Angus Raine said that in recognition of the growth in this part of the market, they have employed a business support and development manager, Lauren Kirk, to support their nationwide property management arm.
“When the next batch of figures is released by the ATO, I expect to see a major spike in the property investor numbers, as self-managed super funds and individual investors have dominated residential property in recent times,” said Raine.
Kirk is planning to assist with increasing efficiencies, rent rolls and revenues.
Earlier this week it was announced that Charles Farru-Hill and Robert Lawson had been<a href="/expert-insights/investing/raine-horne-commercial-expands-wa-team"> appointed to lead Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Western Australia's property management arm</a>.
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Property management revenues up 10% for Raine & Horne

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Charles Farru-Hill and Robert Lawson have been newly appointed to lead Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Western Australia's property management arm.
Farru-Hill has been appointed to the position of associate director of Facilities and Commercial Property Management. Lawson has been appointed associate director of Commercial Property Management.
Farru-Hill currently chairs the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia's Commercial Real Estate Committee. He has worked for Raine &amp; Horne Commercial for about four years. Of his appointment, Raine &amp; Horne Commercial WA director Terry Menage said:
“Charles has added depth and experience to our growing property management portfolio, as well as providing ancillary facilities management services to the organisation.
“He is one of the few commercial property managers in Perth with the Green Building Council of Australia’s ‘Green Star Professional’ Accreditation, and he consults to commercial building owners and managers Australia-wide.”
Lawson has been with Raine &amp; Horne Commercial WA for a year. According to Menage, he has experience in sales, leasing and management, and he said Lawson's appointment "will bring additional drive and focus to Raine &amp; Horne Commercial WA’s expanding commercial management portfolio.”
“Our two new appointments both have blue-chip commercial property experience that encompasses sales and leasing, as well as significant management expertise,” added Menage.
“Charles and Robert are the ideal candidates to lead our property management team effectively and their experience enables them to provide the very best advice and solutions to our investors and business owners.”
Menage said tenant retention was a priority for the division.
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Raine & Horne Commercial expands WA team

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The NSW Premier Mike Baird has appointed Carolyn McNally to the new role of secretary of the Department of Planning and Environment. 
It was created in April when the Minister Pru Goward took over the planning ministry and announced a restructure.
The prior role was filled by Sam Haddad.
It is the state department's fifth reorganisation in eight years and its third in the three years under the Coalition government.
The long-serving planning director-general Sam Haddad was given his marching orders in April within hours of Pru Goward being made Planning Ministerr when the new Baird government created a Department of Planning and Environment, replacing the planning and infrastructure department.
It will include the Office of Local Government as well as the Office of Environment and Heritage.
Carolyn McNally was previously the head of planning in Transport for NSW and before that head of the infrastructure investment division in the federal Infrastructure Department.
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"The appointment of Carolyn McNally as the secretary of the Department of Planning and Environment opens the potential for a fresh look at the planning system in NSW,"  the Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson said.
“With the planning reforms, local government reform and the Metropolitan Strategy for Sydney all on hold, the property industry is looking for leadership.”
“The initial challenge will be to ensure that the proposed Greater Sydney Commission has real teeth and is not just another layer over existing structures. The Urban Taskforce believes the Commission must have strategic planning responsibility, infrastructure co-ordination and approval authority roles for major projects across Metropolitan Sydney.” 
“The difficult balancing act for the new Secretary will be in establishing the commission without undermining her department while also keeping Sydney’s 43 councils feeling empowered.” 
“While the supply of housing in NSW and particularly in Sydney is currently robust there are concerns that key urban sites are getting harder to find and that strong leadership will be needed to housing Sydney’s growing population. 
"An important role for the Secretary will be in communicating to the broader community the necessity of urban growth at affordable prices.”
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