Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

Mudgee

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A South Korean corporation has secured, Warragundi Aggregation, some 5,800 hectares of rural land on the banks of the Cudgegong River in the Mudgee region of New South Wales. 
The mixed enterprise property, which consists of cattle and sheep, sold between $20 million and $25 million.
It was bought on a walk in walk out basis. The South Korean buyers intend to operate the farm in its current structure and will retain the existing staff.
The Foreign Investment Review Board approved the transaction through CBRE Agribusiness agent Richard Royle, who negotiated the sale with Logical Livestock's Simon McKittrick.
“I believe the buyers are looking forward to getting to know the region further and working with local businesses,: Royle said on the sale.
"They were attracted to the region for its diversity in agriculture, wine and growing tourism.
'Buying a farm, especially in a foreign country, has its complexities but by purchasing the aggregation as a going concern will ensure they can operate commercially while applying their own strategies as they progress.”
The property sits near the township of Gulgong, around 25 minutes to Mudgee. 
The aggregation offers water access and fodder crops that have maintained a core breeding herd during dry periods. The aggregation includes a range of pastures, including chicory, cocksfoot, fescue, phalaris, ryegrass and clover mix.
Royle says the sale price reflects the strong rural market in NSW despite the dry conditions.
"The vendor and purchaser wish for confidentiality, but I can say that the sale price was in-line with agent and vendor price guide during the marketing campaign which was circa $20-$25million. 
The vendors John and Sandra Harding will now concentrate on their horse breeding and Mudgee Machinery business.” 
 
 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

South Korean buyers swoop on Mudgee's Warragundi Aggregation

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A Mudgee farm, Northnife, was passed in at recent auction.
Located at 791 Ulan Road, Mudgee, the 34 acre holding is the home of Farmers Daughters Wines.
It was offered by administrator, Ian Purchas of SV Partners.
Just 10 minutes from Mudgee and 3.5 hours to the Sydney CBD, it holds "a productive irrigated vineyard and an excellent office/cellar door/hospitality area".
The listing notes that the Farmers Daughter Wines business would be available to the successful purchaser, as would the plant and equipment.
Some 14 of the 34 acres are being used as a vineyard.
The property holds a 15 mega-litre irrigation license, with a fully equipped bore supplying the vineyard.
The holding also has three steel framed sheds with concrete floors, two with power, and a commercial cool room.
On site is a four bedroom, two bathroom home which is located not far from a six room office building.
There is no price guide for the property.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Northnife, Mudgee vineyard remains for sale 

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More than 5,000 hectares of land on the banks of the Cudgegong River in New South Wales’ Mudgee region has been listed for sale.
CBRE Agribusiness and Logical Livestock Marketing have been appointed to market the Warragundi Aggregation, comprising a 5,798 hectare mixed enterprise, consisting of cattle, sheep, water and cropping.
Located near the township of Goolma, approximately 25 minutes’ drive to Mudgee and 15 minutes’ drive to Gulgong, the aggregation offers water access and fodder crops that have maintained a core breeding herd during extended dry periods.
The aggregation includes a range of pastures, including chicory, cocksfoot, fescue, phalaris, ryegrass, sub clover and white clover mix.
CBRE’s Richard Royle and Logical Livestock Marketing Simon McKittrick are selling the aggregation on a ‘walk in, walk out’ basis.
The combined aggregation includes an average carrying capacity of approximately 1,400 breeders and 600 replacements, plus 2,500 merino ewes or 25,000 DSEs.
Offers are due to close September 7.
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Warragundi aggregation at Mudgee listed

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After being owned for 37 years by the Vrisakis family, Phalaris Stud at Rylstone is listed for sale with $2 million hopes.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-rylstone-7980430" target="_blank">169ha Central Tablelands offering</a> has extensive horse facilities built by the former bow-tied Sydney lawyer Aleco Vrisakis and wife Mary Jane.
Inglis listing agent Sam Triggs says the property is ideal for equine pursuits as well as for Charolais beef production. Set 60km from Mudgee and 237km from Sydney, the farm is sown to phalaris, clovers and lucerne pastures.
<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/2018/8/20/phalaris2.jpg" alt="">
There is a 2000-built architect designed home and the facilities include nine box stables, an Olympic-size sand dressage arena and a 51m horse pool.
There are views over the Cudgegong Valley from the home located at the end of a driveway of Claret Ash and London Plane trees.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
</div>
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Vrisakis family list Phalaris Stud at Rylstone 

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A rural property in New South Wales's Mudgee, located northwest of Sydney, has been sold for $95,000. <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/6/Mudgee%205.jpeg" alt=""> The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-nsw-mudgee-7974966" target="_blank">81 King John Lane, Mudgee</a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-nsw-mudgee-7974966" target="_blank"></a> is a 24ha (60 acres) of level grazing or farming country with two large dams as well as a creek that meanders right through the centre. The property had been listed through Bob Proestos who marketed it as an "ideal weekend getaway block that's large enough to also grow oats, run some sheep or cattle and/or keep horses."
It comes with two large dams as well as a creek that meanders through the property. 
Power is noted as a great asset on this block as it is located close to building sites.
Some shedding is also available as well as a water tank and old septic system. 
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Mudgee weekender hobby farm sold at $95,000

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Trelawney Farm, the 130 year old farmhouse in Mudgee, has been listed for sale.
The property at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-mudgee-7971010" target="_blank"> 428 Henry Lawson Drive</a> is currently an award-winning accomodation, but the listing advises it would suit as a family home.
It can be dual self-contained residences or one complete home.
<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/2018/6/18/MUD2.jpg" alt="">
The iconic country homestead features fresh white bricked facade, colonial architraves and a wrap around porch with views over Pipeclay Creek.
There's five bedrooms, two bathrooms, two open plan living and dining areas and a formal library.
It sits on over 10 hectares in the heart of the Mudgee wine trail.
McGrath Central Tablelands agent Adam Woods is asking $1.2 million.
Last month's Mudgee's landmark residence Woodlands sold for just under $2.1 million.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Mudgee's 130 year old Trelawney Farm for sale

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Woodlands, the landmark 1896 home on the edge of Mudgee, has been sold for just under $2.1 million.
It was sold by Damian Kearns from Peter Druitt &amp; Co.
The first surveyor in Mudgee William Abernethy built the house in 1896.
There was a renovation and extension by the current owners, including cedar doors from Cate Blanchett's former Hunters Hill home.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-lifestyle-nsw-mudgee-7935566" target="_blank">The Victorian style home</a> features the ambience and beauty of the mature trees and gardens.
<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/2018/5/15/mudgee%202.jpg" alt="">
The home comes with four bedrooms, appointed kitchen, formal dining with open fireplace, light filled living, and north facing sunroom with garden views.
Additional features include ducted reverse cycle air conditioning, two acres of established gardens and solar system.
<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/2018/5/15/mudgee%203.jpg" alt="">
Occupying 32 hectares, of arable country fenced with five paddocks, the property last traded at $665,000 in 2002.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Mudgee landmark residence, Woodlands sold

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Houses in Mudgee, NSW are available for $500,000, according to Herron Todd White’s latest July report.
The property investment firm says that rental returns for four bedroom homes can be between $400 to $450 per week.
“For $500,000 you could buy a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom modern dwelling in south or west Mudgee on a 1,000 square metre block or a renovated federation style home in central Mudgee on a smaller lot.
“On a return basis you could potentially do better by buying two units which would be possible on a $500,000 budget (although don’t forget about the additional fees such as strata fees etc).
“You can expect a rental return of between $400 and $450 per week on the modern 4-bedroom home in south or west Mudgee, $450 to $485 on the renovated central Mudgee home or $500 to $550 on the two units.
“With new state government changes to first home buyer grants and an improved coal price this property bracket could exceed that lazy half million figure by the end of 2017. Fingers crossed!” the report stated.
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mudgee-125765358" target="_blank">8 Hennessy Place</a>, Mudgee (above) has been listed for $459,000.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mudgee-125822258" target="_blank">2 Bellevue Road</a>, Mudgee (below) has been listed for $469,000.
<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/2017/07/19/2%20Bellevue%20Road.jpg" alt="">
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Mudgee houses available for $500,000: HTW

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The Mudgee property, Wilbetree has been sold.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-mixed+farming-nsw-mudgee-7886762" target="_blank">The highly productive 370 hectare farm</a> fetched $5.2 million when offered for sale for the first time since the early 1820's.
With approximately 300 acres of alluvial flats and a further 613 acres of rolling mostly arable grazing land "Wilbetree" is renowned for lucerne hay production, fat cattle and cropping.
The main homestead enjoys an elevated position amid three acres of established gardens.
With buildings dating back to 1824, it is one of Mudgee's most substantial and oldest homes.
Additions were carried out in the 1980s.
"Wilbetree is arguably one of the finest properties ever offered for sale in the Mudgee district," the marketing by Andrew Blackman at Mudgee First National advised.
 
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Mudgee property, Wilbetree sold

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/77311/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
“I’m no criminal. I had no choice,” Bruce said. “I felt the only way I could get the government to see the injustice that is taking place was by taking action. All I wanted was to protect my home.”
Bruce is one of three protesters brought before a Mudgee court on May 17 for a preliminary hearing. On April 12, he was arrested after peacefully objecting the proposed expansion of the Wilpinjong mine by blocking the entry to the mine and stopping shift workers from entering and leaving the area.
The Wollar Three, as they have become known, are the first to be charged under New South Wales’ anti-protest laws, which were introduced in March 2016. They pleaded not guilty.
If convicted, the Wollar Three face significant penalties including heavy fines and up to seven years’ imprisonment. The laws they were charged under have been described as draconian and an attack on democracy and civil society.
An existential threat to a community
Bruce is one of the very few remaining residents of Wollar, a small rural community in the Mid Western Region, NSW. Wollar is located in the western coal fields and surrounded by three multinational open-cut coal mines - Peabody’s Wilpinjong Mine, Yancoal’s Moolarben and Glencore’s Ulan Coal Mines.
While coal extraction has a long history in the region, the recent intensification of mining has challenged the previous co-existence of mining and local communities in the region. Wollar is the latest rural village to fall victim to coal mining.
Most central to Wollar’s demise is Peabody’s Wilpinjong mine, which is the mine closest to the village. Peabody today owns the vast majority of land in and around Wollar, and more than 90% of the pre-Wilpinjong population has been resettled.
Last month, the Planning Assessment Commission approved a further expansion of the mine. This will bring the boundary of the mine to within 1.5 kilometres of the village.
As the mine has encroached on Wollar, the community has dispersed – and fewer than 30 residents today remain in the area. This forced migration has been accompanied by the withdrawal of services and social support that had made village life viable. Remaining Wollar residents are increasingly vulnerable and unable to sell their properties for a fair price on the open market.
During the recent commission hearing, the remaining residents requested that all the properties within the area be afforded acquisition rights. Such rights would have provided the opportunity to negotiate with the proponent, with a view to selling their properties to the mine and gaining autonomy over their future.
The commission’s determination report found the expansion:
… has the potential to further exacerbate the existing decline of Wollar.
However, the commission concluded that no other properties but those within the zone of affliction, limited to the village, are exposed to impacts that would justify granting acquisition rights.
This assessment is based on a reading of impacts that emphasises spatial proximity and technical measures of environmental (noise and dust) modelling. It fails to acknowledge the role played by the proponent and the government in reducing the wellbeing and livelihood of those left without compensation.
Invisible displacement violates international standards
The existing project and the coming mine expansion represent a slow onset disaster that has significantly reduced local residents’ wellbeing. The remaining residents have become displaced in place, with their future opportunities for mobility and life significantly reduced.
The resettlement of the former residents of Wollar has happened slowly and without any proper planning. This breaks with the primary underlying assumption of international safeguard standards, which state that risks associated with displacement and resettlement should be predicted and mitigated.
The World Bank’s Performance Standard 5 relates to project-related land acquisition and involuntary resettlement. It refers to resettlement as both physical displacement (relocation or loss of shelter) and economic displacement (loss of assets or access to assets, which result in reduction in income sources and other livelihood means).
The standard aims to “minimise adverse social and economic impacts from land acquisition or restrictions on land use by”:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>providing compensation for loss of assets at replacement costs; and</li>
<li>ensuring that resettlement activities are implemented with appropriate disclosure of information, consultation, and the informed participation of those affected. However, this standard is not applicable to the case at hand. Nor can the Wollar Three or others facing this type of invisible displacement call on international human rights law for a just outcome.</li>
</ul>
Article 17 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights offered some protection for property rights:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.</li>
<li>No-one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.</li>
</ul>
However, property rights were not included in the binding human right treaties established on the foundation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In any case, the Wollar Three have not lost their right to own property under the letter of human rights law.
The law does not capture a sense of loss while a person remains in place. Nor does international law create a cause of action that can be called on in Australian domestic courts.
A sense of loss and injustice
Standing outside the Mudgee courthouse last week, Bruce explained:
My home is threatened and I’ve lived in that area for 30-odd years and I just had to stand up and say no, this should not be allowed to go ahead! Bruce’s actions come as a reaction to the sense of injustice that is marking the planning system in NSW.
A sense of lost place and displacement saturates the stories of those who live in the area, who speak of themselves as “victims of a silent war” and “casualties of extraction”. They have become stranded, left with properties that no longer have any value, decreased income and increased costs.
In this context, they feel increasingly hopeless. It was this sense of powerlessness that led Bruce and the two other accused to take civil disobedience action in April. Feeling they no longer have any hope or future, they were willing to risk a prison sentence.
 
Amy Maguire is a Senior Lecturer in International Law and Human Rights, University of Newcastle and author for The conversation. She can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-maguire-129609" target="_blank">here</a>.
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