Lower North Shore developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hyecorp-property-group">Hyecorp</a> is preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celine-chatswood-37-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Celine</a>, its new apartment development in Chatswood.

Set within a blue ribbon location on Archer Street, Celine will rise on a quiet, tree-lined enclave on the edge of the South Chatswood Heritage Conservation Area, a short walk from the connectivity which Chatswood is famous for.

Celine will deliver 122 one, two, three, and four-bedroom residences, designed to accommodate a broad range of buyers, from owner-occupiers to investors.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362610]

Designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fuse-architecture-0">Fuse Architects</a>, the 29-storey tower has been shaped to respond to its Archer Street setting, with a defined podium and slender upper levels.&nbsp;

The building incorporates a two-storey residential lobby at the corner, double-height retail fronting Bertram Street, food and beverage tenancies along a through-site link, and two levels of commercial office space.&nbsp;

A landscaped pedestrian connection between Archer and Bertram streets will provide a publicly accessible link through the site, extending activity at ground level beyond the building footprint.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362606]

Inside, Hyecorp is emphasising scale and flexibility. Most residences will incorporate multipurpose rooms, allowing buyers to configure additional living, study or guest space within their floorplan.&nbsp;

Kitchens have been designed with proportions more commonly associated with standalone homes, complemented by Gaggenau and Miele appliances, integrated refrigeration, Miele laundry appliances, Taj Mahal stone and bronze tapware.&nbsp;

Buyers will also have the option to tailor aspects of their home through the developer’s “Live Your Way” personalisation service.

&nbsp;

Resident amenity will include an outdoor pool, gym and sauna, as well as barbecue and lounge areas designed for shared use. Upper levels are oriented to capture eastern outlooks towards the Sydney CBD and surrounding greenery.

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The location places future residents within 800 metres of Chatswood Interchange, providing access to metro and rail services, and within walking distance of Westfield, Chatswood Chase and the Chatswood Concourse. Parks including Chatswood Park and Beauchamp Park are nearby, along with a cluster of schools and private hospitals.

Celine continues Hyecorp’s focus on the Lower North Shore. The Australian, family-owned developer has been operating locally for more than 30 years, with recent projects including Audrey in St Leonards, now nearing completion, and Juliet in Roseville. With registrations expected to open soon, Celine represents the group’s latest addition to the Chatswood apartment market.

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Joel Robinson

Hyecorp unveils Celine, a striking new apartment tower in the heart of Chatswood

International development company <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spg-land">SPG Land</a> has kicked off construction of the $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Paradiso Place</a>, one of the highest value developments to get underway on the Gold Coast in more than a decade.

Located on a 1.15ha site stretching from Surfers Paradise Boulevard to Ferny Avenue, Paradiso Place, when completed, will deliver 845 residences across three residential towers. &nbsp;

Paradiso Place has been several years in planning by SPG, which has now pushed the green light on construction to meet pent-up demand from investors and owner occupiers.

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The move follows minor amendments to the original design to cater to buyer demand, including the provision of more premium residential amenity, including private dining, lounge and events spaces for residents to entertain guests.

The three towers, comprising 41, 40 and 44 levels, will bring to the market 845 apartments with each tower boasting its own podium level interconnected skybridge to create a unique elevated ‘beachside village’ for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362500]

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed development will bring a broad range of residences to the market, most offering ocean views and all enjoying five-star hotel amenities with world-class facilities and the convenience ground level retail precinct.

&nbsp;

Construction of Paradiso Place has been made possible by SPG’s newly established SPG Built division partnered with experienced project management group Eastview Australia, a company that has supported the development of a raft of major projects on the Gold Coast over the past two decades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362499]

“It’s a very exciting time for Paradiso Place as we start construction,” said SPG Land Chairman David Wang.

“We have spent our energy refreshing design and assembling the best team and waiting for what we believe is the right time to start construction on one of the most exciting mixed-use developments to proceed on the Gold Coast since Oracle in Broadbeach and Circle on Cavill in Surfers Paradise. &nbsp;

“The local and interstate downsizer market is getting stronger, and we see Paradiso Place as the right project for our times right now. Our company has the capacity to deliver large-scale projects, and we are thrilled to be bringing this vision to reality.”

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185861]

SPG Invest, a company founded in Australia in 1998 with a focus on high-end real estate and premium hospitality assets, has delivered 56 projects in the Asia-Pacific region over the past twenty-five years, including The Peninsula Hotel Shanghai and the Global 188 twin-tower project in Suzhou and Cambridge Residences at Robina.

Paradiso Place will deliver a range of new apartments with two-, three- and four-bedroom layouts, as well as a collection of sub-penthouse and penthouse apartments across three levels. Prices start from $950,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185852]

“We have a very strong vision for Paradiso Place – we are creating a unique beachside residential community where contemporary design &amp; architecture and luxury materials combine with five star residents’ amenities and the convenience of a premium retail precinct on the ground floor”, said SPG Land CEO Dr Ying Rao&nbsp;

“We are confident that the community will recognise that this is more than just another development. Paradiso Place will bring a much-needed retail precinct and lifestyle hub to northern Surfers Paradise with premium retail, lifestyle and food and beverage options,” Said Dr Rao&nbsp;

“The retail precinct is critical to enhancing the lifestyle amenity for residents and guests, so SPG will retain control of this precinct to curate a premium retail offering that will support this thriving new community.

“SPG will also retain short-term holiday letting to control premium and luxury outcomes in line with our vision.”

Construction of Stage 1 Paradiso Place is expected to be completed by end of 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106566]

Construction commences on $1.5 billion Paradiso Place development in Surfers Paradise

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a> has announced a partnership with Eden Brae Homes to deliver custom-designed homes at Lovedale Farm, the landmark masterplanned golf estate taking shape in the Hunter Valley wine region.

The partnership brings together two highly experienced businesses with a strong track record in quality, delivery and creating well-established neighbourhoods, and marks an important milestone in the next stage of delivery at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lovedale-farm-1054-1184-wine-country-drive-lovedale-nsw-2325">Lovedale Farm</a>.

As part of the collaboration, Eden Brae Homes has constructed the Lovedale Farm display home, which will officially open to the public on Saturday 21 March.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14476 project_image_fid=362418]

The near-300 sqm display home, with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, is one of a collection of homes custom designed specifically for the project. It features a generous master suite with impressive three-metre ceilings, dedicated golf buggy parking, and a farmhouse kitchen complete with a butler’s pantry. Premium upgrades that further enhance the home include an outdoor kitchen, walk-in wine display and gas fireplace.

Pricing for homes at Lovedale Farm starts from $1.14 million for a 255 sqm, four-bed home with rumpus and double-garage on a 504 sqm lot.

The opening will give off-the-plan buyers, future residents and the broader community the opportunity to step inside the home, experience the design and finishes firsthand, and learn more about the homes and land now available at Lovedale Farm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14476 project_image_fid=362426]

Jim Hunter, Managing Director of Capital Corporation, said the partnership builds on a strong history of successful collaboration between the two groups.

“This is not our first collaboration. Capital Corporation has partnered with Eden Brae Homes across several successful communities, including Fairway Views and Fairway Gardens neighbourhoods at Kellyville,” Hunter said.

“Lovedale Farm represents a continuation of that proven partnership, underpinned by a shared focus on quality, delivery and creating places people are proud to call home. We are pleased to be bringing that experience to the Hunter Valley.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14476 project_image_fid=334205]

Arthur Ilias, General Managing Director of Eden Brae Homes, said the Lovedale Farm display home showcases the lifestyle and craftsmanship buyers can expect and marks an exciting new chapter for the project.

“Lovedale Farm presents a rare opportunity to create homes that are custom designed for their setting, with refined layouts, quality inclusions and a strong connection to the way people want to live in the Hunter Valley,” Ilias said.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=14476]

Capital Corporation partners with Eden Brae Homes to offer custom-designed homes at Lovedale Farm

Aqualand Group’s new investment and development platform, Aqualand Prestige, has secured its first successful end-to-end equity investment, partnering with real estate investment group, Phoenix Property Investors (Phoenix), to deliver its new Roseville residential development.

The joint venture represents a significant milestone for Aqualand Prestige, leveraging off the group’s broader project pipeline, delivery capability and vertically integrated operating model.The transaction also marks the continuation of Phoenix Property Investors’ long-term strategy investing with capable partners to deliver high quality residential projects in Sydney and Melbourne.

Phoenix Property Investors is an established real estate asset manager with a long track record of investments across developed Asia markets including, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea and Australia, for, and on behalf of, its clients, partnering with leading local developers on residential, commercial, hotel and mixed-use projects in major metropolitan markets.&nbsp;

The Roseville project at 2-4 Larkin Street will&nbsp;comprise a part-nine, part-10-storey development with around 111 apartments. Development approval is anticipated for late March, with sales to commence later in the year.

Jin Lin, Managing Director of Aqualand Group, said the joint venture marks a defining moment for the group’s new investment delivery platform.&nbsp;

“Securing our first end-to-end equity investment under the Aqualand Prestige brand is a major milestone and a strong endorsement of the platform we’ve built," Lin says.

"It provides capital partners with the opportunity to directly leverage Aqualand’s broader development expertise, construction capability and proven track record of delivery, while allowing us to deliver smaller scale residential projects with the same level of design excellence and certainty that has defined Aqualand over the past decade.”

Trent Winduss, Partner and Head of Australia at Phoenix Property Investors, said the partnership with Aqualand on the Roseville project represents a substantial investment for Phoenix’s Australian platform.&nbsp;

“We’re excited to partner with Aqualand Prestige. The Roseville development builds on Phoenix’s strategy of aligning with best-in-class development partners to deliver high-quality, design-led residential outcomes in tightly held locations.&nbsp;

“Aqualand’s depth of experience, vertically integrated delivery model and strong record of delivering complex, high-quality residential developments made them a natural partner for us."

The Roseville project marks Aqualand Prestige’s first in a growing pipeline of medium-scale luxury residential developments across Sydney. They have two sites, on Archer Street in Chatswood and Pockley Avenue in Roseville, for future developments. In 2024 they completed AURA by Aqualand, one of the most expensive developments ever to be completed in North Sydney.

The Roseville project at 2-4 Larkin Street will comprise a part-nine, part-10-storey development with around 111 apartments



Aqualand Prestige partners with Phoenix Property Investors for new Roseville apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chatswood-nsw-2067">Chatswood</a> has long been considered one of the North Shore’s most well-connected and amenity-rich neighbourhoods, sought after by those who want both abundant retail and convenient transport links on their doorstep.

International developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/changfa-group">Changfa Group</a>, who has delivered new apartment projects across New South Wales and Queensland over recent years, has teamed up with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huirong-group">Huirong Group</a>, a Chinese developer with four decades of experience, to deliver The Anderson, just over 80 family-sized apartments near the Chatswood Interchange.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151353 project_image_fid=353251]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-anderson-chatswood-54-56-anderson-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">The Anderson</a> offers a diverse range of apartment configurations, from one to four-bedrooms, including two 200 sqm double-storey penthouses. The tower, by AJC Architects, has been designed to intergenerational families and downsizers.

The apartments at The Anderson feature open-plan living areas that flow onto generous balconies, designed to capture natural light and expansive, never-to-be-built-out views toward Chatswood’s heritage precinct, with ocean glimpses from upper levels.

Interiors are defined by a restrained palette, premium fixtures and gallery-inspired wardrobe spaces, reflecting AJC’s considered approach to residential design.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151353 project_image_fid=353258]

Positioned within walking distance of Chatswood Plaza, Westfield, The Concourse and the Chatswood Interchange, the development places daily convenience, dining, and culture at residents’ fingertips.&nbsp;

The joint venture partners will be brining further amenity to its residents, with street-level retail planned for the base of the tower.

Chatswood has been one of the most popular suburbs for new apartment buyers with the newly expanded Metro service across NSW taking Chatswood residents to Martin Place in just 11 minutes. Chatswood station is just a seven-minute walk from The Anderson.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151353]

Changfa and Huirong launch The Anderson in Chatswood amid renewed demand for North Shore apartments

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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