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>.

Joel Robinson

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

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

When the opportunity arose for South Australian developer Palumbo to return to Kent Town, where it had previously delivered East Park Apartments and the East 
Rundle Apartments, it wasn't one the longstanding developer-builder was going to pass up.

The decision was quickly vindicated, with more than 30 apartments sold within the first month of launching <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-kent-town-2-8-north-terrace-kent-town-sa-5067">Royal Apartments</a> to the market.

The 206-apartment development, which will bring significant new supply to Adelaide's tightly held eastern city fringe, also gives <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/palumbo">Palumbo</a> the opportunity to bring new life to one of Kent Town's most recognisable watering holes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376073]

Royal Apartments incorporates the historic Royal Hotel, a venue Palumbo Managing Director Daniel Palumbo said has a longstanding connection with the local community.

"Everyone in the area has history with the Royal Hotel," Palumbo told Apartments.com.au.

"It was quite an active pub and social gathering place for locals. We want to bring it back to its former glory."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376072]

The wider development will comprise two residential towers alongside the restored hotel, sitting on North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Park Lands.

For Palumbo, the project also marks a return to familiar territory.

The developer completed East Park Apartments next door more than a decade ago and jumped at the opportunity to develop in Kent Town again when the Royal Hotel site became available.

"The opportunity emerged, and we moved to secure the site," Palumbo said.

"We were approached by the previous landowner, who said they had extensive commitments in Sydney and weren't in a position to deliver the project.

"We took over the site and within six months recut the design scheme to be more in keeping with the type of development we want to bring to Adelaide.

"Now we're on the market and those changes have really resonated with local buyers."

That has translated into a strong start to sales, with 33 apartments transacting in the project's first 35 days.

Palumbo said the early purchaser profile had been consistent with the group's traditional focus on owner-occupiers rather than investor-led apartment stock.

"Local owner-occupiers have always been our market," he said.

"There are always some investors, but we've never developed what would be called traditional development stock. Owner-occupiers are very much our market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376068]

The buyer mix has been diverse so far, with downsizers and younger professionals both accounting for a significant portion of early sales.

South Australia's current stamp duty settings, which allow&nbsp;eligible homeowners in South Australia aged 60 savings of up to $103,830 on stamp duty when they downsize to a new property valued at up to $2 million,&nbsp;have helped encourage downsizer activity, while younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s have been attracted to the opportunity to live immediately outside the CBD while still being able to walk into the city.



Location has been a major part of the proposition for both buyer cohorts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376075]

Royal Apartments sits on North Terrace directly opposite the Adelaide Park Lands, with residents able to walk through the parklands toward the East End, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall.

Apartments have been positioned to capture views across the parklands, Adelaide skyline, Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Hills.

Palumbo believes the scarcity of developable land along this section of the Park Lands makes the site particularly difficult to replicate.

"There's very few allotments on that side that can be developed," he said.

"If this location was in New York and you were sitting on Central Park, you'd be talking about a $60 million apartments."

Royal Apartments will offer a broad mix of residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.

Current listings include one-bedroom apartments from $680,000, while larger three and four-bedroom residences are priced around $2.5 million.

Residents will have access to a swimming pool, gym, barbecue and recreation areas, residents' lounge and dining space, and a communal deck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376067]

The apartments will feature generous balconies, while secure parking, bicycle storage and storage cages will also be provided.

A porte-cochère-style arrival and drop-off area has also resonated with buyers, particularly those attracted to being able to walk into the CBD during the day while retaining secure vehicle access at home.

Palumbo is acting as developer, architect and builder on Royal Apartments, continuing the vertically integrated model it has used across its South Australian portfolio.

The group was also behind the $150 million Sofitel Adelaide, the 251-room five-star hotel and residential tower which opened in 2021.

Palumbo said Royal's launch had come at an interesting time for the broader Adelaide apartment market.

Buyer confidence had initially been impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Federal Budget and broader economic conditions, but Palumbo believes sentiment is beginning to improve against a backdrop of significant investment flowing into South Australia.

He pointed to increased activity across defence and resources, including Olympic Dam, as potential long-term drivers of the state's economy and housing market.

"Money is starting to flow into Adeliade, significant amounts as Adelaide bucks the trend of the rest of the country.," Palumbo said.

"There's a lot of activity in the economy over the next decade. I think more investment will come into this market."

Early works on Royal Apartments are expected to commence this year, with major construction activity and cranes anticipated on site from early next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6109]

Palumbo's return to Kent Town strikes early chord with buyers

Go-to builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> is continuing to bulk out its already impressive and diverse apartment portfolio across South East Queensland. Their latest milestone is securing development approval for Silk, its boutique riverfront apartment development in St Lucia.

The approval clears&nbsp;the way for the team to begin construction planning for the 22-residence project.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/silk-st-lucia-16-18-sandford-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">Silk</a> will rise 15 levels from an 810 sqm site at 16-18 Sandford Street, occupying a prominent bend of the Brisbane River with a prized northern aspect across Orleigh Park toward the Brisbane CBD.

The approved scheme will comprise 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences, continuing GRAYA's move into larger-format apartment developments targeting Brisbane's prestige owner-occupier market.

The project has been designed around the site's broad river frontage and dual-direction views, with GRAYA prioritising larger residences, privacy and outlook over apartment yield.

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa5c2349-f96c-4914-a812-1f2cd6827af8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WY0vEU_7vYjeRJKQHiCwFdMxu8PvFh52" />

GRAYA Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Gray said the project had been shaped around local homeowners wanting to remain in St Lucia without maintaining a traditional family home.

"St Lucia is one of those suburbs people do not want to leave," Gray said.

"They know the river, the trees, UQ, the golf course, Toowong and Indooroopilly, and that familiarity is hard to replace.

"True riverfront opportunities here are exceptionally scarce. What we have designed at Silk is a way to stay in the suburb people love, with the scale and privacy of a private home and far less to maintain.

"This is not typical apartment product. It is a proper home on the river, and that is exactly what this market has been missing."

The approval comes as new apartment development continues to increase across the St Lucia and neighbouring Toowong corridor, although direct riverfront sites remain considerably more tightly held.

GRAYA Co-founder and Managing Director Andrew Gray said securing the approval had removed a significant element of development risk from Silk.

"Genuine riverfront sites of this quality in St Lucia are not something that comes up regularly," Gray said.

"The approval removes a substantial layer of execution risk, and the location underwrites demand in a way very few inner-city sites can.

"The fundamentals here are as strong as anything we have assessed in Brisbane."

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f3d734-65e1-48e8-8ed3-2e0715ffcdd9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sOLSs_jdHkXLWbBKzRyayf5BfTb2vPsD" />

Silk will see GRAYA return to a stretch of the Brisbane River where it already has recent construction experience. The vertically integrated group recently completed ARC in neighbouring Toowong as builder for developer Spyre, delivering the riverfront project on a constrained site.

GRAYA will take a different role at Silk, controlling the project from design and development through construction and aftercare under its vertically integrated model.

The development will include a gym and resident leisure areas at ground level, integrated with the river's edge.

Silk joins a growing pipeline for GRAYA across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes Enclave, The Gallery, Coral and Ripple.

The developer-builder has also recently lodged plans for its largest project to date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-silo-19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">The Silo</a>, a proposed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/graya-buys-frasers-newstead-site-plans-the-silo-between-james-street-and-gasworks-precincts">$700 million mixed-use development</a> in Brisbane's James Street precinct.

Silk is expected to predominantly target local owner-occupiers and prestige buyers seeking a permanent riverfront home in Brisbane's inner west.

Registrations of interest are now open, with further details on the project and construction program to be released as it progresses.

<hr />
<h2>SILK PROJECT FACTS</h2>

Developer-builder: GRAYA

Project: Silk

Location: 16-18 Sandford Street, St Lucia

Apartments: 22

Built form: 15 levels

Site: 810 sqm riverfront holding

Mix: 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences

Status: Development approved

Next step: Construction planning underway

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152168]

GRAYA greenlit for riverfront St Lucia apartment development, Silk

Nsw Government

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
The News South Wales government is struggling to implement building industry reforms recommended by the <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/files/July%202018/document/pdf/building_ministers_forum_expert_assessment_-_building_confidence.pdf" target="_blank">Shergold-Weir report</a> over two years ago.
Developers are home free in its proposed legislation; the Design and Building Practitioners Bill doesn’t even mention them. They still appear to be in a position to collect the profits and then <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/small-business/asic-puts-liquidators-on-notice-over-illegal-phoenixing-20190902-p52n1r" target="_blank">phoenix</a> themselves if something goes wrong.
And something is going wrong all too often. David Chandler, the NSW building commissioner appointed to oversee the reforms, <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/warning-nsw-construction-crisis-fix-is-still-two-years-away-20200207-p53yuw" target="_blank">said</a> recently he was “ a bit despondent” after seeing “some really regrettable things out there” in a program of site visits.
Even though the commissioner can see how bad things are, he <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/warning-nsw-construction-crisis-fix-is-still-two-years-away-20200207-p53yuw">says</a> it will take until 2022 for the building industry to “get people back to what they should be doing”.
The lack of progress hasn’t stopped the minister for better regulation, Kevin Anderson, claiming credit. In announcing the <a href="https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/bills/Pages/bill-details.aspx?pk=3716" target="_blank">Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019</a> last October, he <a href="https://www.customerservice.nsw.gov.au/about-us/media-releases/ministerial-releases/strong-foundations-set-for-building-reform" target="_blank">said</a>: “People should feel confident they can enter the housing market in NSW knowing their home has been designed and built in accordance with the Building Code of Australia.”
He must have forgotten to add “maybe after 2022” and “only if you are buying new”.
The upper house then rejected the bill. It’s now being revised.
What’s wrong with the bill?
The bill has the avowed aim of making people who design and build buildings responsible for non-compliance with the National Construction Code by getting them to sign certificates attesting that the building is built according to the code.
This is a guarantee of not very much. The code does <a href="https://theconversation.com/to-restore-public-confidence-in-apartments-rewrite-australias-building-codes-126678">not regulate durability or require that buildings be waterproof</a>. Plus, of course, many people have been signing similar certificates for certifiers <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/knowing-who-to-blame-is-cold-comfort-to-owners-of-defective-apartments-20191026-p534gw">without it having had much impact</a> to date.
The bill has many other faults and omissions. It does not require a principal design practitioner to be appointed to a complex project and no one is identified as the lead consultant. This means there is no person identified to coordinate design work between all disciplines (architecture and engineering) or to ensure design declarations relate to work as actually done, taking into account all engineering designs and site conditions.
The most critical problem is that the people signing the attestations are not required to actually inspect work during construction. Such a requirement was a key recommendation of the Shergold-Weir report.
The purpose of the bill, other than as political soft soap, is unclear. We already have design practitioners, called “architects”, who are registered under state law. We already have builders under state law, who are called “licensed contractors”.
We have the National Construction Code as a starting point for regulating building performance. We already have a Home Building Act. Under the Local Government Act, local councils clearly <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/very-shocked-and-surprised-as-sydney-waterfront-work-site-shutdown-20200224-p543u8">have the power to stop work on site</a> if the builder is doing the wrong thing.
What we don’t have is a mechanism to unite these existing powers to ensure buildings are designed and documented to be durable, liveable and waterproof.
Steps that will solve the problems
If the government is as keen to deliver certainty to the new-build market as the minister asserts, what could it do?
First up, if there are things on site of the sort the building commissioner “<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/warning-nsw-construction-crisis-fix-is-still-two-years-away-20200207-p53yuw">abhors</a>”, these sites should be shut down under existing powers. The state government would need to negotiate with councils about implementing and funding inspections, but this could be done promptly.
Does the government need to know which buildings to target? Simply look at the qualifications and track records of the building company directors.
A developer could be compelled to use a registered architect for any building for housing over two storeys high and required to retain the architect for site inspections during construction. Amendments to the Home Building Act or its regulations could achieve this.
As architects are already registered and legally required to hold professional indemnity insurance, no new legislation would be required. The lack of registration of engineers might be an issue, but no architect who is ultimately responsible for a building will work with an engineer they regard as incompetent.
The National Construction Code is <a href="https://theconversation.com/to-restore-public-confidence-in-apartments-rewrite-australias-building-codes-126678">not good at requiring buildings to be waterproof</a>, but, again, some simple changes could be made to the Home Building Act. These should include beefed-up requirements for waterproofing any balcony or planter box larger in area than about six square metres.
We know for sure any tiles directly stuck to a membrane over a large area will fail, either immediately or relatively soon. Making it compulsory to use a system that allows tiles to be removed to access the membrane is simple and will eliminate years of misery.
What’s stopping the government?
If these steps are so simple and obvious, why isn’t the NSW government doing it?
Mainly, it would appear, because it’s <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/liberals-enact-plan-b-to-ban-property-developer-hit-list-from-local-councils-20200228-p545ei">in thrall to the development industry</a>, which believes reintroducing these measures will reduce its profits.
The developers are right about this; building properly is more expensive. But I think most buyers would happily pay a bit more for a safe and durable product. They do that when buying consumer durables such as cars and appliances.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/lack-of-information-on-apartment-defects-leaves-whole-market-on-shaky-footings-127007">Good developers would benefit</a> as this approach would help weed out the dodgy ones.
To restore the public’s <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/the-game-s-changed-nsw-building-boss-set-for-extra-powers-to-launch-construction-crackdown-20200224-p543ut">lost confidence in new multi-unit residential housing</a>, the government should pull the levers it has to hand first and then resolve the problem of existing defective stock.
Later it can think about some of the wider issues, but how about doing something useful now? We have been waiting two years.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/132502/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/geoff-hanmer-90647">Geoff Hanmer</a>, Adjunct Lecturer in Architecture, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-1414">UNSW</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/nsw-building-certification-bill-still-lets-developers-off-the-hook-132502">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

NSW building certification bill still lets developers off the hook

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Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson today announced that recruitment is underway for an expert team to deliver on the NSW government’s building reform agenda.
Minister Anderson said the recruitment process within the Office of the NSW Building Commissioner will commence with the hiring of a new Transformation Management team.
With a workforce comprising of up to 15 operational staff, the Transformation Management team will be exclusively dedicated to the delivery of the Government’s six building reform pillars.
“Last year we recruited NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler to overhaul the building and construction industry. Now we’re at the stage we can build our capacity by hiring experienced professionals to support the Commissioners plan and deliver the reforms efficiently and effectively under his leadership,” Mr Anderson said.
In addition to the Transformation Management team, the Minister announced the phased delivery of up to 60 new roles responsible for the implementation and operation of the new auditing, registration and design lodgement functions.
Mr Anderson said, "we are also making progress on the risk ratings tool, which aggregates builder, designer, certifier and developer data to create a risk and compliance profile for each project." 
“Once the risky players are identified, we will ensure the right staff are in place to assist the Building Commissioner in exercising proposed powers to audit any development,” he concluded.
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NSW government now hiring for building reform agenda

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The NSW government has launched a new mobile reporting system aimed at reducing dangerous work practices and risks to workers’ safety.
The system, known as ‘Speak Up. Save Lives’, is accessed via mobile devices and allows workers to send up to three photos to SafeWork NSW showing the unsafe practice or high-risk situation.
If the user provides their contact details, they will be sent a receipt of the concern lodged via email or text, however reports can be made anonymously. It also features a GPS locator.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson, said the new mobile reporting tool will make it easy for workers who see workplace risks which could lead to injury or death to send photos of dangerous conditions they see straight to SafeWork NSW. 
“The new Speak Up reporting tool will give workers an easy, protected and fast way to report any work health and safety problems they may be facing, direct to SafeWork NSW from their mobile device,” Anderson said. 
“Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and everyone should feel confident they can report unsafe conditions. This new tool provides another way for workers to notify SafeWork NSW of a safety concern which may impact their own wellbeing and that of their work mates.” 
The scheme was backed by the family of construction apprentice Christopher Cassaniti, 18, who died at Macquarie Park in north-west Sydney on April 1 this year when a 15-metre tower of scaffolding fell on top of him at the site of the developer Greenland. 
Anderson added that the system does not replace the existing need for workers to report unsafe work practices to employers or to SafeWork NSW.
Businesses are still required to report all notifiable incidents, including death, serious injury or illness, or a dangerous incident, by calling 13-10-50 immediately. 
“Having seen the devastation workplace deaths and serious injury can have on the community, I would like to see workers play a more active role in making workplaces safer so everyone makes it home at the end of their shift,” Anderson said. 
SafeWork NSW have stated that they will review all complaints and take action based on the level of risk present. 
Speak Up. Save Lives’ has been developed as a progressive web app providing a quick and easy experience for customers, however it will also be available from app stores in the new year.
 
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wdavis-8cCN98p7xp

New mobile reporting system launched to promote worker's safety

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The Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019 was officially introduced to the NSW Parliament last month.
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the bill outlines key accountabilities of design and building practitioners for the first time.
It aims to improve the quality and integrity of vital design documentation, relied upon by construction professionals and directly addresses the key recommendations of the Building Confidence Report.
“The introduction of this Bill marks a monumental step in the reform of the building and construction industry to improve the transparency, accountability and quality of work within the sector,” Anderson said.
“People should feel confident they can enter the housing market in NSW, knowing their home has been designed and built in accordance with the Building Code of Australia, which is what this Bill is designed to do.”
Reforms in the Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019 include:
<ul>
<li>The introduction of categories of ‘regulated designs’, which ensures certain designs, including designs for key building elements including fire safety systems, structural elements and waterproofing are properly documented and only undertaken by registered professionals.</li>
<li>A requirement to issue a legally binding compliance declaration, stating compliance with the Building Code of Australia for design practitioners who prepare regulated designs;</li>
<li>A requirement for building practitioners to obtain, rely upon and build in accordance with declared designs, and issue a legally binding compliance declaration, stating that the final building, including any variations comply with the Building Code of Australia.</li>
<li>A new registration scheme for any practitioner who intends on making a compliance declaration including builders and designers such as engineers and architects.</li>
<li>Enhanced protections for residential homeowners by clarifying that a duty of care is owed by person who carry out construction work, making it easier to bring civil claim for damages.</li>
</ul>
Anderson said the Bill will also provide strong new powers to allow the NSW Building Commissioner including the ability to compel and seize documentation and information, access building sites and order building work to stop.
The Bill also allows for the prevention of the issuance of an occupancy certificate or registration of a strata scheme if serious breaches are believed to have occurred.
Failure to comply with the new laws could result in fines up to $330,000 and the possibility of up to two years imprisonment.
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Design and Building Practitioners Bill introduced to NSW Parliament

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Environment Minister Matt Kean today announced that Radiata Plateau in the Blue Mountains will be incorporated into the State’s national park reserve system, ensuring its protection for future generations.
Mr Kean said the newest land purchase would protect <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-residential+land-nsw-katoomba-202438566" target="_blank">the last remaining undeveloped peninsula-plateau</a> on the upper Blue Mountains western escarpment. 
The 756 acres natural bush land which comes with approved building site last sold 45 years.
It was listed this time through Theo Poulos Real Estate. 
The 304 hectare sites is composed of five lots on one title and one separate title lot of 89 hectares.
“This site supports important wildlife corridors and nationally listed endangered ecological communities, including Blue Mountains swamps, and endangered species such as the Spotted-tailed Quoll, the Dwarf Mountain Pine and Greater Glider,” Mr Kean said.
“I am delighted to announce that we have just exchanged contracts for this important 300 hectare parcel of land, which will help secure this beautiful landscape forever. "
The NSW Government has been working towards acquiring this private property over recent months. 
“I would like to thank the community and the Blue Mountains Conservation Society for their three decade long campaign to ensure this land is protected.
“I know from the hundreds of letters I received that the plateau is widely loved by the community and its network of walking tracks are enjoyed regularly by local residents, bush walkers, climbers and bird watchers.
“The property holds significance to the Gundungurra and Dharug people and includes the state significant heritage site ‘Blacks Ladder’, which marks a traditional Aboriginal pathway into the Megalong Valley."
Once the purchase has settled, the National Parks and Wildlife Service will commence developing a plan of management to guide its protection, management and access for the public.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

State Government secures Radiate Plateau in the Blue Mountains

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Cadwell Construction &amp; Interiors went into administration in May with $4.2 million-worth of projects still in progress after costs on multiple projects blew out.
It occurred after a major project was put on hold, according to a creditor's report.
Unsecured creditor claims total $11.68 million. 
Jason Tracy and Kathryn Evans were appointed administrators on May 7 pursuant to Section 436A of the Corporations Act 2001.
South Western Sydney Local Health District is one of the company's largest unsecured creditors.
They are owed just over $1.8 million while Kincoppal Rose Bay School is owed almost $800,000.
South East Sydney Local Health District is owed more than $294,000, while Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District have been left with a $63,000 hole.
"The minister needs to explain exactly how it has occurred that taxpayers are owed over $2 million on projects across Sydney and more importantly what steps are being put in place to prevent this happening again," said Opposition health spokesman told Nine Entertainment.
"This is money that should have been used to pay for more nurses, health workers and paramedics.
"That's certainly what the community expects government to do when they pay their taxes."
The company operated as head contractor providing commercial fit-outs and refurbishment services.
The company specialised in the healthcare, education and commercial office industries.
At the time of appointment, the company employed over 20 permanent staff.
The company experienced strong revenue growth from $15 million in FY17 to over $30m in FY18.
At the time of the administrators' appointment, there were 20 projects at various stages of completion.
The company was incorporated in NSW on 2 December 2009, with the registered office shown as 57 St Johns Road, Glebe. There are two directors, Soren Jenson and Hans Thomsen.
There are dozens of unsecured creditors listed as being owed up to almost half a million dollars.
The administrators made it clear that none of these creditors should expect to get any money back.
In March 2019, it became known to Cadwell management that the Browne Street Mental Health Community Centre project, which was previously showing a profitable return, reported a significant loss.
Cadwell had been building the Brown Street Mental Health Community Centre in Campbelltown, when management learnt the project was reporting a loss of more than $500,000, and was three months behind schedule.
It came after the company suffered delays and losses of about $960,000 on the Kincoppal-Rose Bay School year 12 learning hub project, and $700,000 on The Orchard Childcare Centre in Kirrawee in 2018 and 2019.
Around this period a large project for the NSW Department of Education, worth a reported $4.2 million, was also put on ice.
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Caldwell Construction & Interiors collapses leaving creditors in the lurch for millions

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Abbie Galvin has been appointed as the 24th NSW Government Architect. 
She replaces Peter Poulet who left the role after being appointed as the new Central City District Commissioner for the Greater Sydney Commission.
The Government Architect’s role has evolved over time and Ms Galvin will have responsibility for championing design excellence across the State, as well as shaping quality places and public spaces and collaborating with agencies, councils, industry and community. 
Ms Galvin brings to the role international and Australian experience, a focus on design excellence and public spaces.  
“I am passionate about taking on this role at a time when NSW is going through such dynamic and far reaching change,” Ms Galvin said.
“It is an honour to have a position at the table to help shape the future of our State and I look forward to working with the Minister and our communities to achieve significant outcomes.” 
Ms Galvin has worked on a range of high profile projects both in Australia and in Hong Kong as a Principal and Director of BVN, one of Australia’s largest and most highly acclaimed architectural practices. 
The Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes made the appointment. 
“I’m delighted Ms Galvin will be our new Government Architect and the first woman to hold the position since it was created more than 200 years ago,” Mr Stokes said. 
“The Government Architect has been one of the State’s most prestigious roles since it was established in 1816 to shape cities, towns and communities right across the State. 
“From the Hyde Park Barracks designed by Francis Greenway, to the Sydney Observatory by Alexander Dawson, our Government Architects have been behind some of our most iconic buildings.” 
 
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Abbie Galvin appointed the 24th NSW Government Architect

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Cash donations above $100 will be banned in NSW as the Government acts to restore the public’s confidence in the integrity of political donations.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian made the announcement on Wednesday, making NSW the first jurisdiction to cap cash donations made to political parties.
“I have been shocked by what has been uncovered at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) over the last two weeks,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This Government has already introduced the strongest donations regime in the nation but it is clear that some will continue to defy the law.
“That is why I am taking strong action to further protect our political processes.
“This simple reform will mean an end to the poor accounting practices, untraceable donations and the anonymous cash that has the potential to mar our political system.
“Given the wide and easy availability of electronic funds transfer systems, there is no good reason for donations to hide behind the anonymity of cash.”
Currently, no single donor may exceed a cap of $6400 a year to a party or group, nor may a donor exceed a cap of $2900 a year to a member, candidate or third-party campaigner.
All political donations of $1000 or more must also be disclosed to the NSW Electoral Commission. These restrictions will remain in parallel with the new cash ban.
“This sends the strongest possible message that donation laws must not be flouted because the only legal donations will be traceable donations,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Legislation to enact the new restrictions will be introduced to Parliament by the end of the year.
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Cash political donations to be capped in NSW

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The NSW Government has today followed through on one of its election promises, appointing the State’s very first Fresh Milk and Dairy Advocate. 
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall today announced Ian Zandstra would serve as NSW Fresh Milk and Dairy Advocate. 
Marshall said the Advocate would play a key role in helping to grow a stronger, more profitable dairy industry in NSW.  
“I’m absolutely delighted to announce Ian Zandstra will serve as our State’s first Fresh Milk and Dairy Advocate,” Marshall said. 
“Ian has a wealth of experience and is highly regarded across industry so is in a wonderful position to hit the ground running in this important role.  
“The Advocate will champion dairy in NSW by providing advice to both government and industry on how we can better support our producers and create more value across the entire supply chain. 
“There’s no doubt the NSW dairy industry has faced some serious challenges in recent years but I’m confident this role will provide the support our producers need and help ensure NSW remains a fresh milk State.” 
Zanstra said: “I’m absolutely honoured to be appointed to this role and look forward to working with industry and government to build a stronger dairy supply chain in NSW. 
“My first priority is to establish an industry Advisory Panel, which will play a key role in identifying immediate and necessary actions for the sector and shaping advice to the Government.” 
Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Michael Johnsen said he looked forward to working with Zanstra to build a stronger, more resilient dairy industry. 
“Mr Zandstra is a champion of industry and his appointment will come as great news to dairy producers across NSW,” Johnsen said.  
The Advocate will help provide a united voice for industry, deliver clear advice to Government and help drive profitability across the industry supply chain. 
They will also assist in the delivery of a Dairy Action Plan and a ‘buy local fresh milk’ campaign. 
 
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Dairy advocate appointed by NSW government

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The government will invest $78 million for water initiatives to help drought-affected communities in NSW. 
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey, alongside Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders announced the investment would go to communities facing water shortages and water restrictions in the Macquarie valley. 
“NSW is experiencing the worst drought on record, and the NSW Government is continuing to work with communities to safeguard town water by investing in critical water initiatives, including new infrastructure,” Pavey said. 
“In June, I wrote to every Mayor in the state about the drought situation and how the NSW Government can support them as the water utility provider. This package is part of our support for our rural communities."
The package in the Macquarie Valley includes: 
<ul type="disc">
<li>$10.89 million for the staged delivery of four critical projects that extend limited available supplies for Dubbo, Wellington, Nyngan and Cobar</li>
<li>$270,000 for Gilgandra Shire Council’s Tooraweenah New Bore project</li>
<li>Up to $5.5 million to partner with Orange City Council to plan for and deliver critical drought initiatives for their community such as pumping stations to enable the use of the Cowra to Orange pipeline</li>
<li>Up to $2 million to partner with Bathurst Regional Council plan for alternate water supplies </li>
<li>Further funding to partner with Councils in the region, such as Parkes Shire Council, to review drought management plans and assist Councils with water efficiency projects and other initiatives required to help their community </li>
<li>$30 million already allocated to Dubbo Regional Council to enhance their access to groundwater</li>
<li>$2 million to already allocated to Narromine Shire Council improve Narromine’s access to deeper groundwater</li>
<li>$2 million already allocated to Bogan Shire Council for critical maintenance of the Albert Priest Channel, and,</li>
<li>$8.24 million to Bogan Shire Council from the Safe and Secure Water Program to design and construct a second water storage in Nyngan.  </li>
</ul>
“More than 40,000 people rely on the town water supply in Dubbo, with seven bores currently providing about 30% of the town’s water,” Pavey said. 
“The new initiatives come on top of the $30 million already allocated over two years for an expansion of the South Dubbo bore field that will improve groundwater supply to supplement town water and alleviate the impact of drought.
“Another town doing it tough is Narromine whose 3,500 residents are currently on level three water restrictions. Due to the drought, the yield of Council bores has decreased. We’ve allocated $2 million to improve Narromine’s access to deeper groundwater in the area.” 
The announcement is part of the $78 million critical drought initiatives that will see WaterNSW immediately build critical drought projects in the Macquarie, Upper Namoi, Peel and Border Rivers valleys. Funding will also go to partnership programs with local Councils in Tenterfield, Parkes, Gilgandra, Orange, Walcha and Bathurst.
“These communities, with a combined population of more than 180,000, are doing it the hardest. This infrastructure provide immediate benefit to the community,” Pavey said. 
Saunders said the impact of the drought is being felt beyond farms and into local communities. 
“Over $7 million will be invested to extend water availability in Macquarie River to Dubbo for over four months, with benefits being felt downstream of Burrendong and supporting major tourist attractions like the Taronga Western Plains Zoo,” Mr Saunders said.
“Dubbo is one of NSW biggest regional hubs; water security is vital to the town’s economy, local businesses and jobs.”
WaterNSW is investing in critical projects to extend water supplies in places like Dubbo, Cobar, Nyngan, Wellington and major employers, including the Western Plains Zoo, by at least another 10 months. 
The work will involve: 
<ul>
<li>Temporarily raising the Warren weir and building temporary structures in downstream creeks, </li>
<li>Planning for temporary pumping infrastructure that would be installed at Burrendong Dam to extract the water below the outlet valve, as a last resort,</li>
<li>Funding will also be made available to partner with Councils and plan for and deliver critical drought initiatives for towns like Orange, Bathurst, Tooraweenah and Parkes. </li>
</ul>
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