<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> is one of Melbourne's longest standing architecture firms.

Founded in Melbourne in 1853 by Joseph Reed, the firm began as Reed &amp; Barnes and has evolved through various partnerships before adopting the Bates Smart name in the 20th century. With a continuous presence spanning more than 170 years, the practice has played a pivotal role in shaping Melbourne’s architectural identity.

In the 19th century, Bates Smart designed several of Melbourne’s enduring landmarks, including the Royal Exhibition Building (1880), a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Melbourne Town Hall. The firm’s influence continued into the 20th century with notable works such as Ici House (1958), considered Melbourne’s first modern skyscraper and a milestone in post-war Australian architecture.

One of their landmark designs was&nbsp;The First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 336-340 St Kilda Road. The building, which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, was designed by Bates, Peeble and Smart with construction completed in 1922. Architecturally, the building is significant as a rare example of early twentieth century classicism applied to a religious building. Historically, the building is significant as the first church of the Christian Science movement.

Melbourne developer Time &amp; Place decided to bring Bates Smart back to the area to design their next residential apartment project, Park Modern.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=2138]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/park-modern-south-melbourne-1-middleton-lane-south-melbourne-vic-3205">Park Modern</a>, on one of the largest island sites on the Melbourne CBD fringe, bordered by Dorcas Street, Wells Street, and Middleton Lane, will comprise two sculptural towers. It is being positioned as a design-forward response to evolving owner-occupier preferences in the Domain precinct.

Tim Price, Director at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/time-place">Time &amp; Place</a>, says&nbsp;Bates Smart have got a footprint on this city, probably like no other architect.

"It’s a really nice kind of next chapter story, that they created from a design perspective so long ago," Price told Apartments.com.au.

Park Modern will be the third time Time &amp; Place has worked with Bates Smart, having successfully designed and delivered Collins House and Opera on St Kilda Road together.

The brief focused on creating a built form that would feel contextually appropriate while offering a contemporary evolution of inner-city apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=2137]

The focus for Park Modern is squarely on owner-occupiers.

“It’s not always about downsizing," Price says.

"Sometimes it’s just about creating a space which is easily maintained, lock up and leave, reflecting people’s aspirations, whether they’re entertainers, big dining room spaces, big open terraces, they’re important parts of any design consideration.”

The building includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as penthouses, with layouts and floor plans designed to suit a broad demographic. The architecture has been shaped to capture&nbsp;view corridors to the Botanic Gardens, Port Phillip Bay and the CBD skyline.

Each apartment has been oriented to maximise natural light and provide a clear outlook, elements often cited by owner-occupiers as key criteria.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=351806]

Rather than defaulting to a generic luxury offering, the amenity strategy at Park Modern reflects specific insights into how residents want to live. The ground floor will include co-working areas, wellness facilities, and a concierge-led lobby that blends indoor and outdoor design cues.

“Wellness has become a more thoughtful consideration, not just gyms or lap pools, but things like magnesium plunge pools, saunas, daybeds, and studio spaces for Pilates and the regular cardio workout,” says Price.

One notable inclusion is a substantial porte-cochère, a covered vehicle drop-off zone integrated into the site plan. It’s a feature rarely seen in inner-urban developments and speaks to the team’s emphasis on ease of arrival and departure for residents and guests.

A display suite for Park Modern is now open by appointment, giving prospective buyers an early look at the project.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138453]

Joel Robinson

100 years on, Bates Smart returns to South Melbourne's Domain Precinct to design Park Modern

One of the most significant beachfront projects ever proposed for the small suburb of Miami on the Gold Coast, has taken a major step forward.&nbsp;Monaco Property Group has secured approval for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nalu-miami-122-marine-parade-qld-4220">NALU</a>, a $500 million development comprising just 45 ultra-luxury residences on the iconic former Nobby’s Outlook site.

Acquired by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/monaco-property-group">Monaco Property Group</a> in 2024 for $70 million, the rare 7,238 sqm Marine Parade parcel boasts more than 80 metres of uninterrupted ocean frontage.

With approvals now secured, Monaco Property Group will move NALU into its delivery phase. The project has been designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, who collaborated with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/ldg-landscape-architecture">LDG Landscape Architecture</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/tom-mark-henry">Tom Mark Henry Interiors</a>&nbsp;to create the low-rise building, its landscaping, and interiors.

<img alt="NALU" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3fdf578e-7cc4-4b17-bbc2-ba853522a5d8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/122_Marine_Parade_002.jpg?VersionId=zFhJWVzX0jmCO.5iIIxNELImHesTjWS4" />

Residences will range from 237 sqm layouts to beachfront homes exceeding 1,400 sqm.

At the heart of the project is a 2,200 sqm lifestyle precinct with a bathhouse, fitness centre and resort-style pool, elevated by a concierge service.

Jonathan Grasso, Co-Founder of Monaco Property Group, said the council approval marks an exciting milestone for NALU, which will launch in Q1 2026.

“The project will now progress toward construction, working alongside our world-class collaborators to bring NALU to life," Grasso said.

“Our vision is to create a legacy project for the Gold Coast, one that not only honours the history of the site but also elevates its future, setting a new standard for coastal living in Australia. NALU embodies the pinnacle of design and location and will stand as an enduring icon of prestige and liveability.”

<img alt="NALU" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ae8545b-87ca-4dea-90ed-ac273ec6515d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Image7.jpg?VersionId=Wnmie4bu3x2WQonnG4Pwmh39NdZVKeOV" />

Originally developed in the 1970s as Nobby’s Outlook and later refurbished in 2019 as Nalu, the property has long held a place in the local community’s coastal identity. The new vision will build on this legacy, creating luxury residences that capture ocean views while fostering a lifestyle defined by wellness, connection, and ease.&nbsp;

Beyond its residential offering, NALU will deliver significant economic benefits to the Gold Coast through job creation and opportunities for local suppliers and contractors. Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2026, with completion expected in Q3 2028.

Monaco Property Group approved for $500 million NALU apartments on Miami beach

The most elevated residential tower in Palm Beach, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/corallo-palm-beach-5-palm-beach-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Corallo</a>, has officially launched this week, however only a handful of buyers will have an opportunity to buy in to the 17-storey project.

The $200 million mixed-use project includes ground floor dining and retail and is considered so valuable its developer, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/changfa-group">Changfa Group</a>, will be staging its release of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses to the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=806]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a> International, Director, David Higgins, said the development’s location just metres from the beach on the corner of Palm Beach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway influenced the sculptural design by the acclaimed Plus Architecture studio.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> locals understand the rare opportunity here at Corallo, particularly being the tallest building in the suburb and its proximity to the beach and local restaurants, and they’ve represented the bulk of pre-launch enquiries,” Higgins said.

“The orientation of the apartments captures views of the coastline from Surfers Paradise to Currumbin, and the diversity of floor plans and apartment types provide an exceptional level of choice.

“The first release includes just 59 one-, two and three-bedroom apartments and two half-floor penthouses, with flexible use designed to appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=799]

In addition to the ground floor amenity, residents will also have access to a private dedicated wellness level offering 734 sqm of resort-style amenities including a pool, cold plunge, wet deck, steam room, sauna, gym, day bed, fire pit, barbecue area, dining area and yoga/stretch deck.

The project is located within walking distance of Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Heads village, Currumbin Alley and Palm Beach Currumbin High School. The Gold Coast Airport is under 10 minutes away.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=814]

Higgins said Palm Beach remained a hotly contested suburb for home buyers, with prices doubling in the past five years.

“What makes Corallo so appealing to the local market is the diversity of apartment types and pricing, with one-bedroom apartments starting from $841,000 and two-bedroom apartments starting from $1.34 million,” he said.

“The ground floor retail and dining offering will further expand on Palm Beach’s village atmosphere and create a meeting place for locals, and those opportunities for connection are highly valued.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=807]

The on-site sales display, which includes a fully fitted kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, will be open until early works commence in Q1 2026. Each residence at Corallo will feature premium finishes including natural stone, artisanal brickwork, and warm copper accents.

Changfa Group has a two-decade history of delivering premium developments in Australia and internationally, having recently completed its collection of premium townhomes at Lyra, Hope Island, as well as apartment projects in Leichhardt, Carlingford, and Chatswood in New South Wales.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112194]

$200 million Corallo Palm Beach launches with limited apartment release

In a move that aligns with NSW's accelerated planning incentives for affordable housing, developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/the-one-collection">One Collection</a> has revised its Hills District apartment plans, and taken it to the NSW Government, to secure approval.

The developer, which is currently delivering Horizon Hurstville, is seeking to add 80 more apartments to its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-castle-hill-16-dawes-avenue-nsw-2154">Castle Hill development</a> near Castle Towers. They already have approval for 280 apartments across eight six-storey buildings.

<img alt="One Collection" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3c298ba-1cc5-4db7-9872-607c75f8ceca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=wN9KpFIu5ENSGZLLsaZgXQHrXcwEO3Vd" />

Now on the desks of the NSW Department of Planning is 360 apartments, 48 of which will be dedicated to affordable housing.&nbsp;Affordable housing is to be “fully integrated within the building and visually indistinguishable,” according to the planning submission.

The 15,697 sqm block, an amalgamation of 16 sites, spans across Dawes Avenue, Hughes Avenue, and Camdan Crescent, sits 550m from Hills Showground Metro Station.&nbsp;

"The existing context is quickly changing from free-standing homes into residential flat buildings in line with the Hills Showground Precinct planning framework," Place Studio noted.

<img alt="Castle Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ec24948-c185-48fa-af8b-ed25adf302bf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.04%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zNDX.IeRROX1RlDeYcS38xn8w_dqgU2t" />

They said the design was informed by the site's unique condition of having three street frontages and was developed to to respond sensitively to iots surrounding context.

"The design adopted a conventional perpendicular alignment to the primary street frontage. The massing of the development was carefully modulated to align with the evolving character of the neighbourhood. The design ensured that the scale was not excessive or out of context, but instead contributed to a cohesive urban form consistent with emerging developments in the area."

<img alt="Castle Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f83ffdaa-f960-469d-b6fe-abcece57c9ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.09%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4oKlCyfaKes7jLi1_EMoqa46w2h_YvDZ" />

The apartment mix will be 46 one-beds, 168 two-bed apartments, and 146 three-bedroom units, with 631 parking spaces proposed.

Along the street frontages, the building heights are four storeys with a 7.5 metre setback, and eight storeys with an 11.5 metre setback. It should cost about $150 million to build.

One Collection works hand-in-hand with the respected development and construction firm Masscon, which has built a reputation for leveraging its expertise in the built environment to take on developments others can't. That's what they're achieving at Horizon Hurstville, having taken over the project to deliver it.

First look: One Collection advances plans for Castle Hill apartments

At Yarra’s Edge, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a>’s newest tower under construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trielle-at-yarra-s-edge-docklands-16-point-park-crescent-docklands-vic-3008">Trielle</a>, sets a new benchmark for elevated living. Rising 45 storeys, 12.5 metres from the Yarra River, the landmark building offers residents access to a private wellness retreat and spa, a resident-only golf simulator, and an elegant lounge, dining and bar complete with a self-playing piano, all without ever having to leave home.

Now, that sense of elevation has reached new heights with the Aerus Sub-Penthouses, a limited release of half-floor riverfront residences on the Collins St axis where the sought-after street meets the Yarra River.

Each Aerus Sub-Penthouse, located across levels 42 and 43, represents the most expansive offering within Trielle, aside from the yet-to-be-revealed crowning penthouses. Spanning between 269 and 301 sqm, these residences are designed to capture natural light and uninterrupted views of the city skyline, Yarra River, and Port Phillip Bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114216 project_image_fid=3784]

Among the collection are three-bedroom sub penthouses, complemented by a media room, and expansive four-bedroom layouts. All include panoramic living areas and oversized master suites with luxury ensuites reminiscent of a five-star hotel, complemented by dedicated dressing rooms finished in timber and natural stone.

The interiors have been crafted by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mirvac-design">Mirvac Design</a>, the developer’s award-winning in-house architecture and design team. Every material has been chosen for quality and longevity, from sculpted stone island benches with feature soft wash LED lighting to bespoke joinery and chevron timber oak flooring.

Kitchens are fitted with a BORA induction cooktop with integrated downdraft extractor, alongside Gaggenau appliances, including a fridge, freezer, and wine fridge. The adjoining butler’s pantry incorporates the exclusive Gaggenau Minimalistic Series including oven, steam oven, microwave, coffee machine and warming drawer, all concealed behind handleless glass panels for a clean, integrated presentation. Bathrooms feature custom Apaisar freestanding baths and basins and natural stone benchtops, continuing Mirvac’s design emphasis on tactile, timeless materials.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114216 project_image_fid=353085]

Michael Wiener, Design Director at Mirvac, says The Aerus Sub-Penthouse embodies the apex of Mirvac’s design ethos.

“Moving through your home is like walking on air - a private sanctuary where the craftsmanship is refined, the proportions generous, and the flow so effortless, you feel completely at ease in the sky,” Wiener says.

“In Aerus, we wanted to create a sense of weightlessness - a home that feels suspended in the skyline, full of light, grounded in luxury.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114216 project_image_fid=3777]

The Aerus Sub-Penthouses are expected to attract a mix of local and international buyers seeking a long-term residence of scale and quality in a riverfront setting, from returning expats to established families and business owners who value privacy, craftsmanship, and convenience within walking distance of the CBD.

With an unmatched suite of amenities, Trielle is the most extensively appointed development Mirvac has created to date at Yarra’s Edge. Within the tower will be The Oasis, a 900 sqm podium rooftop wellness retreat designed in collaboration with spa expert Naomi Gregory. Located seven storeys above the Yarra River promenade, it features a 25-metre lap pool, spa and sauna, hot magnesium spa, biophilic gym, yoga and Pilates studio, cold-pail contrast treatment, and day spa treatment rooms. Further amenities include a piano lounge, bookable dining room, cinema room, golf simulator studio, games room, teppanyaki bar, dog wash bay, and two flexible work hubs, The Biblioteca library and Mills Place office space, catering to residents’ evolving lifestyle needs.

Construction of the $350 million tower is underway through Mirvac’s in-house construction arm, with completion anticipated for mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114216]

Sky-high sanctuaries: Mirvac unveils The Aerus sub-penthouses at Trielle

Nsw Premier

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There are many wonderful quotes on the subject of truth and lots of them are relevant to Australian real estate issues.
Mark Twain said “A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes” while Winston Churchill is credited with saying “Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened”.
Benjamin Disraeli gave us “There are three types of lies -- lies, damn lies, and statistics”, a reality which is seen every day in the press release-based coverage of Australian real estate.
But the one that’s most relevant to real estate today is this one from Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels: “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.”
We see this revealed in the many surveys conducted on real estate issues. In simple terms, the prevailing view is the one most often reported in mainstream media, the truth notwithstanding.
So if media keeps stating a “national affordability crisis” as a fact, as it does daily, it’s no surprise when a survey reveals that most respondents are very concerned that young Australians are priced out of real estate ownership – everywhere in Australia, apparently.
Nor was it surprising when another recent survey found that foreign investors are the most popular culprits blamed for rising house prices in Australia. 
This results largely from a cynical exercise by federal politicians taken direct from a script of the iconic UK sitcom Yes Minister. If you want to show concern for an issue but plan to change nothing, here’s what you do: hold an inquiry, string it out as long as you can and, at the end of it, find an unpopular minority to blame for the problem – and then recommend holding another, more in-depth, inquiry.
That’s pretty much the scenario that’s played out in Canberra over the past 2-3 years. A long inquiry ended by blaming all the problems on dastardly foreign investors. Brilliant, because greedy foreigners are easy to dislike and they don’t vote in Australian elections.
So, while bringing on a second inquiry (the one that recently concluded by making no recommendations), the Federal Government indulged lots of wonderful sabre rattling and passionate speeches about clamping down on foreigners who break the rules, thereby creating a level playing field for young Aussie hopefuls.
There were a few highly-publicized instances of foreign buyers being forced to sell back mansions they’d bought in breach of the foreign investment rules. There you go, Australia, problem solved.
But you’ll notice that prices have continued to rise in our biggest cities. All the fluff and nonsense, all those press statements and acres of newsprint - and not a single house is cheaper in Sydney or Melbourne.
Why is it so? Because foreign investors have little or nothing to do with the cost of homes out there in the burbs where first-home buyers hunt. They’re a tiny percentage of the overall market and they mostly target high-end houses in the big cities or off-the-plan apartments. They’re not scouring Blacktown or Caboolture or Cranbourne seeking to outbid Aussie first-home buyers.
But 35 percent of respondents to a RateCity survey believed that the single biggest reason for high house prices was foreign investors. Why? Because media reports keep telling them so and your average punter doesn’t waste a lot of time on independent thought.
The next most popular culprits in the survey, Australian investors, are also unfairly maligned as the cause of real estate prices rising everywhere.
And, once again, the two worst offenders get off scot free, because media never talks about them.
The buying sector that most drives prices is the mob known as next-time buyers – home buyers other than first-time buyers. Most of the time they’re the biggest individual buying cohort and they have the ambition, aspiration and financial capacity to pay a top price. Investors have different motivations.
And when it comes to new dwellings, the biggest source of high costs are politicians are all levels of government. Local government, state governments and the federal government – they all treat the housing industry as a cash cow and load up the cost of new dwellings with taxes, fees and charges.
So when new NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian declared that housing affordability was one of her top three priorities, she was (like everyone who has come before her) mouthing platitudes.
She’s refusing to even consider doing something about the worst of all home-buyer costs, stamp duty, which in Sydney borders on the obscene – nor about the contribution her government makes to the high cost of creating new dwellings.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a>
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NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian's housing affordability platitudes

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
The NSW Premier's priorities for the next four years do not include housing supply.
The previous priorities for the NSW Premier for 2015 - 2019 included a number of priorities around housing supply, but these have been left off the 2019 - 2023 priorities.
While many of the Premier's new priorities are laudable, the absence of any priority around housing supply seems to signal a lack of interest in how the state will house population growth in an affordable manner.
Premiers Priority 7 is about reducing street homelessness by 50% by 2025, and this is a laudable priority to pursue.
Urban Taskforce member Toga has led the way in this area with their Addison Project in Randwick, which provides accommodation free of charge in an old motel that is awaiting development.
Another Urban Taskforce member, PAYCE, supports the Sydney Street Choir and they run programs that help with homelessness.
The last round of Premier's Priorities included 'Making Housing More Affordable' (Including target housing completions per year) and "Faster Housing Approvals' and ‘Accelerated Rezoning for Housing' but none of these have been included in the latest priority list.
While housing value has decreased in the last few years, there is now a big housing approval shortage that will inevitably lead to an under supply in the years ahead. This will reduce the number of new homes required for population growth, and inevitably lead to housing prices going up again.
The priorities from the last four years that referred to housing supply related to the planning system seem to have been replaced by priorities for greener public spaces and for greening the city.
While these are worthwhile areas to aim for they do not compare to the economic importance of housing supply and housing costs.
Clearly how housing is managed in a time of high population growth is an important policy issue for the NSW Government that should be measured. As the Premier in her media Release said, 'What gets measured gets done'.
CHRIS JOHNSON is the Urban Taskforce CEO
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Berejiklian's priorities leave out housing supply: Chris Johnson

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Creating more quality green spaces closer to homes and increasing the tree canopy by planting one million trees in Greater Sydney by 2022 is a policy announced today by the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
She said the first of the priorities is to increase the proportion of homes in towns and cities across NSW within a reasonable walking distance of quality green, open and public space. 
“Planting trees and creating new parks is just as important as building new roads, rail lines, schools and hospitals,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Green and public open spaces should be accessible to everyone across the State, no matter where they live.
“That is why, for the first time, I have made it a priority to make sure more people are within walking distance of quality public space.”
Ms Berejiklian joined Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes in Sydney’s South West to also announce planting one million trees across Greater Sydney by 2022 is another Premier’s Priority.
Mr Stokes said the program will contribute to the Government’s long-term target of planting five million trees by 2030.  
“We’re backing councils like Campbelltown City Council to increase the tree canopy cover across Sydney through funding and support,” Mr Stokes said. 
“More trees means more shade, cooler suburbs, more oxygen and a better urban environment for communities to enjoy.”
The plans announced are on top of the NSW Government’s decision to appoint a dedicated Minister for Public Spaces and the $340 million Open Spaces and Greener Sydney package.
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A million more trees by 2022 under Premier Gladys Berejiklian

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Work on the new M4 tunnels from Homebush to Haberfield is almost complete with the project set to open in around four months.
The project is expected to taking around 10,000 trucks off Parramatta Road every day.
Premier Gladys Berejikilian and Minister for Roads Andrew Constance toured the nearly-completed M4 tunnels today, part of a seven kilometre section of WestConnex.
Berejikilian said the new M4 tunnels, themselves 5.5km long, would allow drivers from Western Sydney to bypass a significant section of stop-start traffic on Parramatta Road, and instead connect directly onto the City West Link.
“Within two years, around 67,000 trips are expected in the M4 tunnels every day, and this is still just the first stage of WestConnex,” Berejiklian said.
“Today we’ve seen first-hand that the tunnelling and road pavement for the long promised project has been completed. We are on the home straight for the new M4 tunnels, with fit-out of the tunnels now underway.”
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/11/Stage%201.jpg" alt="">
Constance thanked the communities of the Inner West for their patience while the work was undertaken.
“We appreciate the delivery of city-shaping infrastructure takes time, and it isn’t easy on those who live nearby. I look forward to the new M4 tunnels opening soon and taking thousands of vehicles off local roads,” Constance said.
Berejiklian said WestConnex will link Sydney’s west and southwest with the city,airport and port precinct in more than 30 kilometres of continuous motorway.
Upon completion, WestConnex will provide a bypass of up to 52 sets of traffic lights.
“Once all of WestConnex is complete in 2023, drivers will be able to get from Penrith to the Anzac Bridge without having to stop at a single traffic light and travel times from Parramatta to Sydney Airport will fall by up to 40 minutes. Traffic volumes on sections of Parramatta Road will also be reduced by more than 50 per cent,” Berejiklian said.
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New M4 tunnels one step closer to completion 

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GUEST OBSERVER
The Premier, Gladys Berejiklian’s reason for continuing with Sydney council mergers is to increase housing supply but approvals are dropping partly due to the confusion of the merger process.
The NSW Government decision to continue with council mergers will be good in the longer term for more effective planning processes but the transition phase is likely to slow down housing approvals.
The Premier has stated the advantage of council mergers is to increase housing supply and improve planning but over the next two years the amalgamation process is likely to make planning more complex.
The Government must take a stronger role in driving housing supply during the transition to larger more efficient councils by unlocking large housing projects caught up in the planning system. The Urban Taskforce is aware of over 30 large housing projects caught up in the planning process that could be turned into real projects. Some of these projects have holding costs of hundreds of thousands of dollars a month.
The continuation of the merger process needs to be accompanied by a fast track approach to large housing projects during the transition process. The Minister for Housing, Anthony Roberts, should establish an action team under a Commissioner for Housing Supply for a two year period to lift housing approvals.
While the increase in housing completions to 33,000 for Greater Sydney is good news this needs to be balanced by falling housing approvals. The Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows the housing approvals in NSW dropped by 25 percent between July and December 2016.
The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with Housing Minister Anthony Roberts to suggest ways to increase housing supply and housing affordability.
Chris Johnson is chief executive officer of property development industry group Urban Taskforce and can be contacted <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=97&amp;Itemid=126#.WKTDGTt942x" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Premier needs to take a stronger role with housing supply during the transition to merged councils: Chris Johnson

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Pittwater MP Rob Stokes's planning portfolio will be taken over by Lane Cove MP and former energy minister Anthony Roberts (above) in the new NSW State Government cabinet.
Stokes takes on education in the ministry reshuffle announced by Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
Her Deputy Liberal leader Dominic Perrottet will move from finance to become treasurer, as was his entitlement.
There will be a minister for the $16.8 billion WestConnex motorway, the Penrith MP Stuart Ayres.
Cronulla MP Mark Speakman moves from environment to attorney-general, replacing Vaucluse MP Gabrielle Upton who takes on environment and the challenging local government portfolio.
Ryde MP Victor Dominello moves from innovation and better regulation to finance.
Andrew Constance remains Transport and Infrastructure Minister.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Rob Stokes hands planning ministry in NSW Cabinet to Anthony Roberts

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GUEST OBSERVER
A review of tax system including stamp duty should be the first point of business for newly appointed premier Gladys Berejiklian.
Former premier Mike Baird had taxation reform on his agenda. 
It's time for his successor to deliver something back to property consumers.
A review of the tax system is necessary immediately.
The NSW government has seen windfall after windfall in recent years and it is time to give back.
We urge Premier Berejiklian to recognise that stamp duty has not been reviewed for 30 years.
It’s time for a Premier to step in and take charge. We believe that Gladys Berejiklian has the potential to be the Premier who leads NSW into a future where property consumers aren’t being ripped off by outdated stamp duty brackets.
Premier Berejiklian can lead NSW into a future were incentives for first homebuyers purchasing existing properties are reinstated. We call on Premier Berejiklian, as leader of the NSW Government to reduce stamp duty for first homebuyers by 50 per cent for the purchase of a residential property less than $1 million. 
We also urge her to provide the ability to pay the stamp duty over time in what will help to ease the housing affordability crisis that we are experiencing.
REINSW proposes a one off 50 per cent concession for the over 65's up to $1 million, another step that will also help to get the supply chain moving. 
Premier Berejiklian and her government will see a $4 billion surplus for 2016–2017.
By cutting stamp duty we are not asking government to reduce its revenue, to the contrary we believe, based on the experiences in other states, that a reduction in the stamp duty rate will generate additional market activity. 
To further support supply and affordability we call on the new premier to make amendments to planning laws, to bring back a SEPP for Dual Occupancy. This will provide the middle ring suburbs of Sydney with part of the solution to this major issue. 
We look forward to working Premier Berejiklian and helping support those who choose to live in NSW, the nation's best performing economy.
John Cunningham is president of the REINSW and can be contacted <a href="https://www.reinsw.com.au/imis15_prod/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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