It’s been 15 long years since the former Balmain Leagues Club was open to the public. The large 7,330 sqm Victoria Road site had grown progressively more derelict since the doors to the former club shut back in 2010.

Earlier this year, the vertically integrated developer PERIFA, part of the Versatile Group of companies, stepped in and acquired the site, quickly getting to work on construction through its building business Versatile Construction.

PERIFA teamed up with financier Mitsubishi Estate Asia to create <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/rozelle-village-rozelle-152-victoria-road-rozelle-nsw-2039">Rozelle Village</a>, a new community heart of the charming inner west suburb. The mixed-use precinct will not only be home to around 150 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, but also feature a fully activated ground plane with extensive hospitality venues and retail spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8142 project_image_fid=338]

A new club will replace the old Balmain Leagues Club. The public plaza will include a range of new food and hospitality venues, a community art studio, and a retail precinct anchored by a full-line supermarket, a first for the peninsula.

The apartments will be spread across three interconnected buildings designed by Studio SC, with interiors by SJB.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8142 project_image_fid=335]

Buyers weren’t prepared to wait any longer to purchase. When it was time to start selling the development, PERIFA and SRM Residential had buyers queuing out of the display suite door. They secured over 40 sales on launch, including several high-end three-bedroom apartments with sales reaching up to $6.9 million.

Demand has been driven largely by local owner-occupiers who have had <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/rozelle-nsw-2039">Rozelle</a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/rozelle-village-rozelle-152-victoria-road-rozelle-nsw-2039"> Village</a> on their radar for some time, many of them already living in apartments and looking to upgrade without giving up lifestyle, walkability, or views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8142 project_image_fid=325]

Perilli, Co-Founder and Managing Director of PERIFA and Versatile Group, said the community has had to put up with a derelict site on their doorstep for too long.

“The Balmain Leagues Club in Rozelle, which closed in 2010 to make way for the NSW Government Metro Transport Project, was once a hub for local families to come together and enjoy entertainment and hospitality. We’re delighted to embark on a new era for the site, together with our partners Mitsubishi Estate Asia,"&nbsp;Perilli said.

"Our shared vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/rozelle-village-rozelle-152-victoria-road-rozelle-nsw-2039">Rozelle Village</a> is to create a mixed-use precinct that is thoughtfully designed and caters to new residents and the community alike. It will be a major meeting place for the community that embraces the unique character of the Balmain/Rozelle peninsula, while helping to shape its next chapter.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8142 project_image_fid=326]

The residential offering will cater to downsizers, families, and local owner-occupiers, with an emphasis on larger floorplans, high-quality finishes, and expansive views across Iron Cove, Sydney Harbour, and the Parramatta River.

Residents will have private access to a rooftop pool, taking in the views, a rooftop yoga lawn, and podium level gardens.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=8142]

Joel Robinson

From leagues club to lifestyle precint: Inside Rozelle Village 

Roberts Co has entered a new phase of growth following its acquisition by Arada, one of the world’s fastest-growing property developers in Australia.

The acquisition is supported by a $50 million capital injection into Roberts Co’s Australian balance sheet, consisting of the previously announced $25 million recapitalisation and an additional $25 million in new funding from Arada.

This investment strengthens Roberts Co’s financial position, stabilises operations, and provides the foundation for strategic expansion beyond its New South Wales base, with a focus on new opportunities in Queensland, including the Brisbane and Gold Coast regions.

With Arada’s international resources and financial backing, Roberts Co will broaden its portfolio across residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors, reinforcing its strong market position in New South Wales and setting itself to capture growth in one of Australia’s most dynamic construction markets.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said Roberts Co has a proud Australian heritage, an outstanding delivery record, and a strong reputation for collaboration with clients and partners.

"By combining this expertise with Arada’s global scale and financial capacity, we are creating a platform for sustained growth in the Australian market,"&nbsp;Alkhoshaibi said.

“Our $50 million capital injection, including new funds from Arada, underlines our commitment to both stabilise and expand Roberts Co’s operations, particularly into the fast-growing Queensland market. We see significant potential in South-East Queensland’s pipeline and are confident Roberts Co is well placed to deliver lasting value for clients and communities.”

George Kostas, CEO of Roberts Co, said Queensland, and particularly South-East Queensland, is one of the most active and opportunity-rich regions in Australia right now.

"The lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games will bring unprecedented investment across housing, transport, and infrastructure. Roberts Co is eager to play a major role in that transformation and secure a meaningful share of this fast-growing market.”

Arada pours more funds into Roberts Co, flags expansion into South East Queensland construction market

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hurstville-nsw-2220">Hurstville</a> has quietly become one of Sydney’s most resilient property markets. Supported by strong transport links, infrastructure investment and a growing multicultural community, the St George hub continues to outperform much of the metropolitan market for both capital and rental returns.

According to Positus Property Investment, Hurstville now ranks among Sydney’s top performers for yield consistency, underpinned by population growth of nearly five per cent since 2021 and persistently low vacancy rates.&nbsp;

Limited new supply is tightening the market further - new dwelling approvals have fallen from close to 600 to under 200 in FY25, a structural shortfall that’s placing upward pressure on rents and resale values.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149850 project_image_fid=278]

As one of the final residential stages in the Kempt Field precinct anchored by Woolworths, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/the-one-collection">The One Collection</a>'s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/horizon-hurstville-6-jack-brabham-drive-hurstville-nsw-2220">Horizon</a> represents a rare opportunity to buy into a location experiencing both infrastructure-led growth and constrained supply&nbsp;- now made even more compelling with a limited-time five per cent deposit and matching rebate incentive.

Positus notes that the suburb’s combination of “relative affordability, low vacancy, and rising population” is creating a recipe for continued rental growth and capital appreciation. Weekly rents are increasing faster than strata and outgoings, with two-bedroom apartments seeing the deepest tenant demand - supporting healthy yield margins even after costs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149850 project_image_fid=281]

Horizon prices begin from $668,000, with one, two, and three-bedroom apartments offering flexible entry points for investors.&nbsp;

The project’s location, a short walk to Hurstville Station, Westfield, and an upcoming dining laneway, St Clair Lane, underscores its liquidity and day-to-day convenience.&nbsp;

A 19-minute express train connects residents to the Sydney CBD, while arterial upgrades such as the M6 and WestConnex further enhance connectivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149850 project_image_fid=275]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a>, Horizon’s soft, organic façade mirrors the parkland of Kempt Field, while interiors prioritise light, durability, and smart functionality.&nbsp;

Each home features Smeg appliances, smart home automation, and generous balconies overlooking the bay and skyline.&nbsp;

Amenities include a gym, sauna, games room, meditation deck, and landscaped courtyards, with wellness and social spaces designed to foster community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149850 project_image_fid=279]

From an investment perspective, Horizon offers what Positus describes as a “value and income sweet spot.” At an average entry price around $745,000 and yields near five per cent, Hurstville units remain roughly $200,000 below comparable inner-west suburbs, allowing investors to capture metro proximity without inner-city risk exposure.

Horizon will deliver 179 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments above St Clair Lane.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/masscon">Masscon</a> is on site moving its way up the building, which is scheduled for completion in late 2026, with move-in expected shortly after.

One Collection is currently offering a five per cent deposit incentive for a limited time.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149850]

Staff Writer

The One Collection opens new investment window at Horizon Hurstville with limited-time incentives

The Gold Coast has cemented its position as one of Australia's hottest construction markets, with crane numbers reaching a record 67 in Q3 2025, the highest count since tracking began.

The latest Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) Crane Index shows the region at 447 points, also a record, with activity surging 110 per cent over the past three years as population growth and investor confidence drive unprecedented development activity.

Residential construction dominates the skyline almost entirely, accounting for 95.5 per cent of all cranes across the Gold Coast. Of the 67 cranes currently operating, 64 are dedicated to residential and mixed-use apartment projects. 21 new cranes were added in Q3 2025 alone, with major developments spanning Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach and Southport reflecting sustained confidence across the coastal corridor.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=318625]

The construction boom aligns with exceptional apartment market performance. Gold Coast unit prices reached $950,000 in September 2025 according to the latest Ray White Now Monthly, delivering robust 8.6 per cent annual growth and 0.6 per cent monthly appreciation.

This significantly outperforms the national apartment market average of 6.9 per cent and positions the Gold Coast as Australia's most expensive apartment market, trending ahead of Sydney. This highlights the premium investors and owner-occupiers place on the region's lifestyle amenity.

The scale of residential development reflects both build-to-sell apartment projects targeting owner-occupiers and investors, alongside emerging build-to-rent developments as institutional capital increasingly targets the Gold Coast. Population growth continues driving demand, with the region attracting interstate migrants seeking lifestyle amenity and professionals relocating from southern capitals to embrace coastal living while maintaining career opportunities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112941 project_image_fid=216014]

Project activity spans multiple price points and buyer demographics. Premium waterfront developments in Main Beach and Broadbeach command the highest values and attract downsizers alongside investors, while projects in Varsity Lakes and growth suburbs target first home buyers seeking more affordable entry points into the Gold Coast market. The concentration of cranes along established precincts with beach access reflects where buyer demand remains strongest.

Notably absent from the Gold Coast's construction pipeline is commercial office development, with zero commercial cranes currently operating. The only non-residential activity comprises aged care and education. This underscores the Gold Coast's evolution as a residential growth market rather than a CBD destination, with the regional economy built around tourism, construction, lifestyle services and residential property rather than traditional office demand.

The sustained construction pipeline through Q3 2025 suggests apartment completions will remain elevated through 2026, providing necessary supply for the growing population. With development activity at record levels and strong price growth supporting feasibility, the Gold Coast apartment market continues delivering solid returns for developers and investors navigating Australia's shifting property landscape.

Gold Coast construction hits record high as apartment market delivers strong returns

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a> is has officially launched its next residential project, the $240 million Symphony in South Brisbane. It marks&nbsp;the group’s entry into the Brisbane market as it expands the Flourish brand to deliver design-forward, fairly priced homes in an undersupplied market.&nbsp;

With 25 out of 138 apartments priced under $1 million, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/symphony-south-brisbane-21-23-cordelia-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Symphony</a> is expected to attract first home buyers, with Sherpa reserving all one-bedroom and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments under $1 million for owner-occupiers and first-home buyers.&nbsp;

Sherpa CEO Christie Leet, said the project is a strategic move to deliver attainable housing in connected, culturally vibrant neighbourhoods, with locals prioritised.&nbsp;

“Our aim with Flourish has always been to help the community,” said Leet.

“That’s why we have chosen to release Symphony to locals first, reserving a portion of apartments for owner-occupiers and first-home buyers to give them a genuine chance to get their foot in the door.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=3770]

Located at 21-23 Cordelia Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/south-brisbane-qld-4101">South Brisbane</a>, Symphony will feature a collection of 138 high-quality apartments, offering spacious one, two and three-bedroom layouts, with prices starting from $655,000.

“It’s no secret that affordability remains a huge issue in today’s market, and many people are simply being priced out,” Leet added.

“We at Sherpa see it as our responsibility to bring well-designed, fairly priced homes to market – that’s what we stand for.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=353548]

Residents will have access to a resident rooftop with offers over 1,400 sqm of premium resort-style amenities across two levels. These include a wellness centre with a steam room, sauna, hot and cold plunge pools, a heated pool, as well as pool deck cabanas, private outdoor barbecues, a private dining room, a fully equipped gym, and a yoga room, all with views of the Brisbane skyline and Mt Coot-tha.

Sherpa has also hired a full-time concierge service to assist buyers with the off the plan process, from construction updates, hard hat tours, to showing and helping residents use their appliances once they have moved in.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=5155]

“Every amenity at Flourish has been designed to help foster a sense of community,” said Danial Clarke, Development and Financial Manager of Sherpa Group.&nbsp;

“The rooftop will be a sanctuary from the city, a place where residents can connect, relax, and ultimately flourish.”

Positioned at the junction of South Bank, West End, and Fish Lane, Symphony offers exceptional walkability to QPAC, galleries, riverside parklands, the CBD, major universities, hospitals, and transport hubs.

Sherpa has already appointed LPS Group to build Symphony. The duo are working together on Sherpa's Palm Beach portfolio.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7574]

Sherpa officially launches Symphony South Brisbane

Malcolm Turnbull

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Former prime minister Malcolm and his wife Lucy Turnbull didn’t find a buyer during their midweek online auction of their Hunter Valley property, Scotts Creek.
It ended on a $6 million vendor bid. Meares &amp; Associates agent Chris Meares had expected the two-day auction to attract several bids of between $6.5 million to $6.75 million.
The 2000ha farm, 330km from Sydney, has had a history of running merino sheep and breeding quality beef cattle.
The Murrurundi property is in the foothills of the Liverpool Ranges just north of Scone.
In recent years it has carried 500 to 600 breeding cows along with 1000 to 1500 merino ewes and wethers. It is well watered, with creeks, springs and surface dams, complementing the rainfall.
The farm improvements include the three-bedroom manager’s home, two sets of cattle yards, a six-stand wool shed, two sets of sheep yards and two machinery sheds.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/18/SCOTTS3.jpg" alt="">
Another farm, East Rossgole at Aberdeen — inherited from Turnbull’s father Bruce who died in 1982 — will be retained by the Point Piper-based family.
The Turnbulls recently offloaded their redundant Canberra penthouse for $2.06 million, given his departure from parliament.
The two-level, three-bedroom Kingston apartment was bought by Sydney barrister Keith Rewell and is now a $1185-a-week rental. The Turnbulls had bought it off the plan in 2006 for $1.95 million.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
 
 
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Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull's Scotts Creek farm passes in on vendor bid

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Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull are selling one of their Hunter Valley properties, Scotts Creek.
It is <a href="https://www.meares.com.au/search-properties/details/Scotts-Creek" target="_blank">located in the foothills of the Liverpool Ranges</a> above the township of Murrurundi. The couple have asked rural agent Chris Meares at Meares &amp; Associates to conduct an online auction.
The 2000ha farm has had a strong history of running merino sheep and breeding quality beef cattle.
In recent years it has carried 500 to 600 breeding cows along with 1000 to 1500 merino ewes and wethers. It is well watered, with creeks, springs and surface dams, complementing the rainfall.
Over the past 27 years it has average 813mm, with three years, including 2018, where the rainfall has fallen under 600mm.
Meares expected the two-day auction to attract bids of between $6.5 million to $6.75 million.
The couple will retain their East Rossgole property, near Aberdeen, which Mr Turnbull inherited from his father, Bruce, in 1982. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull list one of their Hunter Valley properties, Scotts Creek

<html><body><div class="_1665V undefined">
Malcolm Turnbull's former Kingston Foreshore, ACT penthouse has been listed for rent after its recent sale.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.allhomes.com.au/ah/act/sale-residential/78-11-eastlake-parade-kingston-canberra/1317577780511" target="_blank">Eastlake Parade apartment</a> was sold<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.allhomes.com.au/ah/act/sale-residential/78-11-eastlake-parade-kingston-canberra/1317577780511" data-track-relatedarticle="inarticlelink"> </a>by Berkely Residential, which now <a href="https://www.allhomes.com.au/rent/78-11-eastlake-parade-kingston-canberra-176389368" target="_blank">has it for rent</a>.
<div class="_1665V undefined">
The two-level, three-bedroom penthouse features marble bathrooms.
There is a huge terrace with a covered outdoor kitchen, in-slab heating and polished hardwood floors.
</div>
<div id="plista_widget_outstream">It is described as a "very lightly lived in" with the "most sensational views over Lake Burley Griffin, East Basin and the city".</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The apartment is up for rent for $1,350 to $1,550 a week.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It was tipped to fetch at least $2.5 million, but reported to have been sold for $2 million plus.</div>
The Turnbulls bought the apartment off the plan for reportedly about $1.95 million in 2006.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/2/turnbull2.jpg" alt="">
Turnbull spent his first four months as prime minister there before moving into The Lodge in January 2016 after renovations.
 
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Malcolm Turnbull's former Canberra penthouse up for rent by recent buyer

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<div class="_1665V undefined">
Malcolm Turnbull has had an offer for his "very lightly lived in" Kingston Foreshore, ACT penthouse.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.allhomes.com.au/ah/act/sale-residential/78-11-eastlake-parade-kingston-canberra/1317577780511" target="_blank">Eastlake Parade apartment</a> had been listed<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.allhomes.com.au/ah/act/sale-residential/78-11-eastlake-parade-kingston-canberra/1317577780511" data-track-relatedarticle="inarticlelink"> </a>by Berkely Residential on AllHomes last September.
It was tipped to fetch at least $2.5 million, but reported to have been sold for $2 million plus.
The Turnbulls bought the apartment off the plan for reportedly about $1.95 million in 2006.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/2/turnbull2.jpg" alt="">
Turnbull spent his first four months as prime minister there before moving into The Lodge in January 2016 after renovations.
The two-level, three-bedroom penthouse features marble bathrooms, a huge terrace with a covered outdoor kitchen, in-slab heating and polished hardwood floors.
</div>
<div id="plista_widget_outstream">It is described as a "very lightly lived in" with the "most sensational views over Lake Burley Griffin, East Basin and the city".</div>
<div> </div>
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Malcolm Turnbull gets offer on Canberra penthouse

<html><body>
<div class="_1665V undefined">
Malcolm Turnbull has listed his "very lightly lived in" Kingston Foreshore, ACT penthouse for sale.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.allhomes.com.au/ah/act/sale-residential/78-11-eastlake-parade-kingston-canberra/1317577780511" target="_blank">Eastlake Parade apartment</a> has been listed<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.allhomes.com.au/ah/act/sale-residential/78-11-eastlake-parade-kingston-canberra/1317577780511" data-track-relatedarticle="inarticlelink"> </a>by Berkely Residential on AllHomes.
It is tipped to fetch at least $2.5 million.
The Turnbulls bought the apartment off the plan for about $1.8 million in 2006.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/2/turnbull2.jpg" alt="">
Turnbull spent his first four months as prime minister there before moving into The Lodge in January 2016 after renovations.
The two-level, three-bedroom penthouse features marble bathrooms, a huge terrace with a covered outdoor kitchen, in-slab heating and polished hardwood floors.
</div>
<div id="plista_widget_outstream">It is described as a "very lightly lived in" with the "most sensational views over Lake Burley Griffin, East Basin and the city".</div>
<div> </div>
<div class="_1ysFk">
<div class="_1665V undefined">
<div class="_1lwW_">The property is open to expressions of interest until October 11.</div>
</div>
</div>
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Malcolm Turnbull lists Canberra penthouse

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The Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and wife Lucy are getting new neighbours in Point Piper.
The neighbours Tiffany and Ben Tilley have found a near $20 million buyer.
It was the Point Piper home that Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull built.
The home, originally known as Gwandalan, was built after the Turnbull's excised some of the land for habrourfront access.
The Turnbulls had paid $7.1 million in 1999, already owning, Le Gai Soleil next door, with the intention of an expansion of their land holding for more harbourside and the jetty.
Ben and Tiffany Tilley paid $13.6 million for the Wunulla Road home in 2011, so the price reflects just shy of six percent annual price growth.
Set on 590 sqm, the Michael Suttor designed home offers unrestricted harbour views across Felix Bay.
The three level entertainer with lift features living spaces that spill on to balconies and landscaped gardens, complete with pool.
The private lowel level is dedicated to a self-contained two bedroom retreat with living space and kitchenette.
.It has been a regular summer rental for the artistic McGrath family
Brad Pillinger at Pillinger Double Bay was marketing the home with $25 million hopes.
Last December the home on the other side of the Turnbulls was sold. The luxury car importer Neville Crichton and wife, Nadi bought the incomplete beachfront property for about $45 million. It was the Mediterranean residence, Deauville that was sold by Michele and Dr Glenn Haifer, a healthcare businessman.
Scotts Honda Motors former owner Paul Scharrer and his wife Pam recently spent $30 million nearby on the south facing O'Neil boathouse, ending almost 60 years of family ownership.
The article was first published in The Sunday Telegraph.
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<div id="google_ads_iframe_/31694718/domain.com.au/news/prestige_4__container__"><iframe title="3rd party ad content" name="google_ads_iframe_/31694718/domain.com.au/news/prestige_4" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" width="1" height="1" data-integralas-id-265028d2-3275-0b2c-5cdc-09391de080ad=""></iframe></div>
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PM Turnbull gets new neighbours as Point Piper's Ben and Tiffany Tilley sell

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GUEST OBSERVER
On Monday night Four Corners asked Australia to consider “What’s wrong with the NBN?”.
Prior to the episode airing, a lot of the debate focused on the NBN’s business model, and that it may not be profitable.
I, however, am not sure if the financial returns need be our biggest concern when referring to public service and critical infrastructure. My answer to the question “what’s wrong with the NBN?” is quite simple: the NBN is inequitable.
A “train wreck”
This week started with a fiery speech delivered by the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull. He said the NBN was a mistake, blamed the former Labor government for the set up, and described the NBN’s business model as a “calamitous train wreck”.
Turnbull’s remarks triggered a number of responses, including one from former Labor Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd. He attached responsibility of NBN’s failure to the current government, as they “changed the model completely” compared to the original design.
More broadly, the Four Corners program itself created mixed reactions on social media. It was criticised for being “weak”, and not “challenging enough”, but also praised as “exceptional”.
I find it incredibly frustrating to see a national critical infrastructure project diminished to political ping pong. In my opinion, bipartisan commitment is required in order to deliver an equitable NBN for all Australians.
Inequity from the start
Introduced by Labor, the original NBN was announced in April 2009. The plan was to provide terrestrial fibre network coverage for 93% of Australian premises by the end of 2020, with the remaining 7% served by fixed wireless and satellite coverage. In other words, Labor’s NBN was mainly equitable in terms of the advanced technology adopted across the board.
However, research on the early NBN rollout pointed out the issue of timing. Even under the most optimistic estimations, it was going to take over a decade to build the nation-wide infrastructure. So, there were always questions about who was going to get the infrastructure first, and who had to wait over a decade for a similar service.
The results of the 2013 Federal election changed the fate of the NBN. The elected Coalition government decided the NBN rollout should transition from a primarily fibre-to-premises model to a mixed-technology model.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/175122/original/file-20170622-3031-jt1gt9.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Various/The Conversation, CC BY-D
FTTP = fibre to the premises; FTTN/FFTB = fibre to the node/basement; HFC = Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial
This added to the complexity of the NBN, and created new layers in the inequality concerns around the NBN. In the Coalition’s NBN, many could be waiting quite some years and yet still only receive a lower quality level of access to the service.
Now we’re past the halfway point of NBN delivery, and inequality of the service is clear at two levels.
Large scale
Recent research shows there is a clear digital divide between urban versus regional Australia in terms of access to the NBN. Regional Australia is missing out, both in terms of pace and quality of delivery in the mixed-technology model. This pretty much means that WA and NT are the worst off parts of the nation, because of the spread and dominance of regional and remote communities within them.
“Fine grain” scale
As described on Four Corners, mixed-technology NBN within local government areas and neighbourhoods means some people are better off than others.
Some receive fibre-to-premises service while others have fibre-to-node. The quality of the service also depends on how far someone lives and works from a node, which basically suggests even people on the same fibre-to-nodes service could have varied level of (dis)satisfaction with their internet and phone services.
Research published in 2015 captured some of the frustrations on the ground at the local government level. Differing qualities of internet services available were perceived to have direct implications for local economic development, productivity, and sense of community at the local level.
The two layers of NBN inequality mean that while some customers may be happy with their NBN, many experience a frustrating downgrade of service after moving to the NBN. This may help explain the increase in the number of NBN complaints across the nation.
Let’s start moving forwards
Politicising the NBN and blaming one party over another has been part of the national misfortune around the NBN. But, I believe, the inequality of the NBN is part of a bigger trend in infrastructure decision making in Australia that fails to fully account for the socioeconomic implications. Other examples of this trend are seen in major (controversial) transport projects around the nation (e.g. East West Link in Melbourne, WestConnex in Sydney).
Current and future Australian governments must accept responsibility, and find a way forward for the NBN that is built on the notion of equitable service.
We can start with questions such as who needs the service the most, and who can do the most with it. These two questions refer to the social inclusion and productivity implications of the NBN.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/86221/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">The NBN, as a publicly funded national infrastructure project, has to be equitable to be a truly nation building platform. As long as it is failing some, it is failing us all as a nation.
Tooran Alizadeh, Senior Lecturer, Director of Urban Design, University of Sydney
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/turnbulls-government-must-accept-responsibility-for-delivering-an-equitable-nbn-for-all-australians-86221" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Turnbull's government must accept responsibility for delivering an equitable NBN: Tooran Alizadeh

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The Point Piper home that Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull built, which sits next to their current home, has been listed for sale.
The home, originally known as Gwandalan, was built by Turnbull during his brief fling as a smalltime property developer.
The Turnbulls had paid $7.1 million in 1999, already owning next door. An expansion of their land for more harbourside and jetty was the desired outcome.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/10/19/Turnbull2.jpg" alt="">
It now belongs to Ben and Tiffany Tilley. Ben has been a long close friend of casino mogul James Packer.
The couple had paid $13.6 million for the Wunulla Road home in 2011.
Set on 590 sqm, the Michael Suttor designed home offers unrestricted harbour views across Felix Bay and is moments from Lady Martins Beach.
The three level entertainer with lift features living spaces that spill on to balconies and landscaped gardens, complete with pool.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/10/19/Turnbull3.jpg" alt="">
The private lowel level is dedicated to a self-contained two bedroom retreat with living space and kitchenette.
An upper level master suite features a marble bathroom, bespoke dressing room and its own balcony. 
Brad Pillinger at Pillinger Double Bay is marketing the home with a reported $25 million asking price.
 
 
 
 
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Tilley-owned Point Piper house Malcolm Turnbull built listed

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/77478/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s 2015 National Innovation and Science Agenda was a call to arms for Australia’s research and industry sectors to collaborate and drive our economy.
One and a half years on, you’d be excused for thinking a few pages of notes were missing from Budget 2017. Specifically no comment was made about the vision of where our great “ideas boom” was taking us - setting the scene to unite industry and researchers alike.
For manufacturing there was a glimmer of hope in the announcement of A$100 million to boost innovation, skills and employment in advanced manufacturing.
It addresses people, know-how, process and partnerships. If connected into a strategic plan there could be benefits for businesses as the manufacturing sector redeploys into new activity.
However, it does appear narrowly focused on the here and now for closed and closing automotive manufacturers.
In the absence of linkage with the National Innovation and Science Agenda, the pending 2030 Roadmap from Innovation and Science Australia, and comment on the research and development tax incentive review, the A$100 million may be an expensive band-aid.
Capital upgrades
The funding announcement refers to A$47.5 million for a new Advanced Manufacturing Growth Fund to support South Australian and Victorian manufacturers for capital upgrades to “make their businesses more competitive through innovative processes and equipment”.
My experience of project work with manufacturing companies is that capital cost of equipment (capital expenditure, or “CapEx”) has never been a roadblock to growth and success.
When the business case stacks up, CapEx is easily justified. The business case is built upon having the right people and know-how in the business.
In isolation the drive to purchase new equipment presents no value to business, and may even lead to stranded assets. But coupled with people and know-how, opportunities may come.
It’s important to recognise that right now, existing manufacturers are looking at how to utilise and/or redeploy their existing assets. In particular the automotive parts manufacturers are seeking new opportunities that match with existing equipment.
An example is a company that I am working with, Precision Components in South Australia. They are redeploying their large metal presses previously used in car component manufacturing to create components for capturing solar energy at HeliostatSA. It’s a project that has contributed to export capability for HeliostatSA.
Redeployment is the focus for many businesses today, not new equipment.
Small scale research projects
The funding announcement refers to A$4 million to support small scale and pilot research projects in advanced manufacturing, administered through the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre.
This seems like a good move.
Boosting innovation requires broadening the base of businesses looking to grow, and collaboration with university research programs is one way to achieve this. Small grants build confidence in collaborative partnerships, and help to clarify what the innovation is and its future return on investment.
For example, the government’s Innovation Connections scheme has had success in seeding innovation and collaboration.
A recent recipient of an Innovation Connections grant, company Sentek Pty Ltd, is utilising this scheme to fund new product development, and to underpin justification for future and larger investment. I am collaborating with Sentek on this project.
Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) Projects
The funding announcement refers to A$20 million under the Cooperative Research Centre – Projects initiative for larger scale advanced manufacturing research projects.
This funding should be warmly received.
The CRC program links researchers and industry, with the aim of delivering economic value to the industry partner and the sector more broadly. This scheme funds the real costs of research, develops skills in people, and incentivises transitioning knowledge out of the university.
The newly formed CRC Projects scheme is in its infancy, with industry firmly in the driving seat for administering the projects.
From the first two rounds of funding under the CRC Projects, a total of 28 projects have been funded. Each project has seen a co-investment from industry, universities, other research institutes, and the federal government.
Crunching the numbers for the funded projects shows, on average, the government invested A$2.04 million per project. This indicates that the new A$20 million of funding could support around an additional ten projects. This will stimulate activity and add value to our advanced manufacturing sector.
Innovation Labs
The funding announcement refers to A$10 million to establish Innovation Labs in South Australia and Victoria to serve industry.
It’s difficult to know what this means in reality.
Perhaps the purpose is to provide facilities for early stage innovation to be tested at minimal expense, and reduce the risk of the business making significant investment in infrastructure.
Perhaps it will allow researchers or companies to shore up concepts before seeking investment and raising capital. Maybe existing facilities will seek financial support to expand their remit across a diverse advanced manufacturing sector.
A topical example relates to additive manufacturing – generally known as 3D printing. Businesses producing 3D-printed products need a testing ground to conduct certification and accreditation of products prior to sale. The Innovation Labs could fill this void, and complete the link between laboratory research and commercial product.
Engineering excellence
The funding announcement refers to A$5 million investment in engineering student research at universities, technology institutions and in industry to maintain the flow of highly trained engineers to the automotive design and engineering sector.
At the heart of innovation are people.
Engineers represent one discipline that contributes to the pipeline of innovation. An investment to see the continual training of excellent engineers may address the loss of traditional career pathways.
Perhaps the funds will aid in restructuring of engineering education towards emerging opportunities in the health and medical, agriculture, renewable energy and other sectors.
As more details come to light in the coming weeks and months, the Turnbull government’s vision for Australia’s manufacturing future may become clearer.
But the sense from the manufacturers themselves is that they will just get on and do it anyway.
Drew Evans is associate professor of Energy &amp; Advanced Manufacturing, Australian Research Council Future Fellow, University of South Australia and author for The Conversation. He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/drew-evans-22485" target="_blank">here</a>.
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A glimmer of support for innovation and advanced manufacturing

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/63455/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has sternly told the banks they should pass on the whole of Tuesday’s rate cut - or their chief executives must explain why they are not doing so.
After the Reserve Bank cut the cash rate by 25 basis points to 1.5 percent, the four big banks said they would pass on only part of the reduction. They have also said they are putting up their term deposits rates, to a greater or less extent.
Turnbull said the banks should be fully accountable. “It is up to them. They are big institutions. They operate with a very substantial social licence and they owe it to the Australian people and their customers to explain fully and comprehensively why they have not passed on the full rate cut and they must do so,” he said.
“They can’t just say ‘oh, it’s none or your business. Please don’t tell us how to run our business’.”
The banks should pass on the cut because it reduced their cost of funds, Turnbull said.
His tone was considerably tougher than that of Treasurer Scott Morrison on Tuesday - while Morrison said the banks should pass on the cut, he allowed them more slack than Turnbull has done.
“There is no real argument based on cost of funds that would mean that they shouldn’t pass [the cut on],” Morrison said. “But I do note that they have actually taken another action and that is to lift deposit rates. So you’ve got to look at the deposit rate increase and the mortgage rate decrease as a package of response from at least the two banks that have done that. But it’s for them to make that decision.”
The government is under some pressure on the broad issue of banks' behaviour, with Labor running hard in the election campaign on its call for a royal commission into the banks.
Michelle Grattan is professorial fellow, University of Canberra, and author for The Conversation. She can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michelle-grattan-20316" target="_blank">here</a>.
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