Adding to Chatswood’s growing skyline, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-anderson-chatswood-54-56-anderson-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">The Anderson</a> is grounded in a simple principle: apartment living in a major centre does not have to come at the expense of space and outlook.

Set on Anderson Street in the heart of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chatswood-nsw-2067">Chatswood</a>, the new residential tower, a collaboration between developers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/changfa-group">Changfa Group</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huirong-group">Huirong Group</a> with architecture and interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ajc-architects">AJC Architects</a>, will introduce 122 apartments that prioritise generous proportions, considered orientation, and a strong connection to the surrounding heritage precinct.

The design originated from a Design Excellence Competition, where AJC proposed a building that combines suburban-style apartment scale with the density expected in a transport-rich centre. The development will include more than 1,800 square metres of retail and commercial space at street level, landscaped communal roof terraces, and a ground-floor pocket park framed by canopy trees. Together these elements aim to create a building that integrates with Chatswood’s evolving streetscape while maintaining a strong residential focus.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151353 project_image_fid=353250]

A key driver behind the architecture was the desire to deliver family-sized apartments rarely seen in the Chatswood market. The Anderson includes a mix of one to four-bedroom apartments, with around 35 per cent of the residences configured as three or four-bedroom homes. At the top of the building, two double-storey penthouses span approximately 200 square metres each, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on scale and long-term liveability for both downsizers and intergenerational households.

Orientation and outlook were central to the planning of the building. The apartments are positioned to maximise views to the north and east across Chatswood’s heritage precinct, with upper levels capturing glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. South-facing apartments gain distant views toward the Sydney CBD and Harbour Bridge, while the building’s configuration intentionally reduces western exposure at lower levels to minimise overlooking toward the nearby railway corridor.

The external design references the character of the surrounding conservation area without replicating it directly. A brick podium anchors the building to the street and introduces a series of architectural portals that draw inspiration from the nearby Chatswood Presbyterian Church. Above this base, the tower shifts to a lighter, more open expression defined by horizontal lines and carefully detailed balconies that balance privacy with outward views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151353 project_image_fid=353254]

Toward the top of the tower, AJC introduces a distinctive lantern-like element formed by sliding screens. These screens provide both solar shading and privacy while also creating a visual marker for the building within the Chatswood skyline. The feature reinforces the architectural intent of the project, a structure that is visually refined while still responding to the practical requirements of apartment living.

Inside the residences, interior architecture by Hayball focuses on clear spatial flow and practical everyday use. Open-plan living areas connect directly to large balconies, extending the internal living spaces outward and allowing natural light to move deeper into the apartments. Kitchens are designed as central working spaces with premium appliances and carefully selected materials, positioned to serve both daily living and entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151353 project_image_fid=353256]

Bathrooms follow a similarly restrained design language, using refined fixtures and materials to create calm, functional spaces, while wardrobe areas adopt a gallery-style layout with integrated lighting and generous storage. These elements reflect a broader design approach that prioritises clarity, functionality, and durability over decorative gestures.

Positioned just a short walk from Chatswood Interchange, residents will have direct access to rail, metro, retail, and dining. The Metro extension allows travel from Chatswood to Martin Place in approximately 11 minutes, placing the CBD within easy reach for residents while maintaining the convenience of a walkable North Shore neighbourhood.

One-bedroom apartments at The Anderson start from $1,022,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151353]

Joel Robinson

How AJC designed The Anderson to bring oversized apartment living to Chatswood

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bridgewell-development">Bridgewell Capital</a> has lodged plans for a major mixed-use apartment development in the heart of Maroubra, seeking a significant uplift in height and density controls to deliver 120 apartments and a 120-place childcare centre near Maroubra Junction.

The State Significant Development application, filed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, covers a 3,270 sqm amalgamated site at 251-257 Maroubra Road and 133-135 Garden Street. The proposal includes a concurrent rezoning that would increase the maximum building height from 12 metres to 35.6 metres and lift the floor space ratio to 4.02:1.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bka-architecture">BKA Architecture</a>, the project would replace a mechanic’s workshop and several detached homes with a 10-storey residential building above four basement levels.

The scheme comprises 120 apartments, including 27 affordable housing units to be managed by a community housing provider for 15 years, alongside 203 basement car spaces and 92 bicycle spaces. A childcare centre occupying nearly 900 sqm of floor area would sit at ground level and be capable of accommodating 120 children and 22 staff.

<img alt="First look: Bridgewell plots 120 apartments and childcare centre in Maroubra town centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="038a0639-f9e4-4303-8fcc-d43e73fa480f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bridgewell%20pers.png?VersionId=eGBElxmNqJW.YF3JFYgHTnPgAstdyXR3" />

According to the Design Report, the project has been conceived as a “gateway proposal” that responds to Maroubra’s evolving urban character and its proximity to the town centre.

“Designed to complement the character of Maroubra’s town centre, this gateway proposal features a building scale that matches its surroundings,” the report stated.

“It integrates residential units above a ground-level childcare centre, fulfilling the strategic objectives of the Randwick City Council Masterplan.”

The apartment mix is weighted toward larger residences aimed at families and downsizers, reflecting changing demographics in the Randwick LGA and increasing demand for medium-density housing close to transport and amenity.

BKA Architecture said the proposal seeks to reinforce Maroubra Road as a civic spine while improving the pedestrian experience around the site through landscaping and upgraded public interfaces.

“The design capitalises on the following site opportunities: reinforcement of Maroubra Road as a civic spine, enhancement of pedestrian pathways and the public interface via new landscaping, and strong market demand for two and three-bedroom apartments to support families and down-sizers,” the Design Report noted.

<img alt="First look: Bridgewell plots 120 apartments and childcare centre in Maroubra town centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee509779-3c7e-4918-b03d-761c785459d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bridgewell%20site.png?VersionId=eZC4Ruyn.C7O.Qwfr1SVeP5.ds1c5.66" />

The building has been designed with setbacks and articulation intended to transition between the commercial intensity of Maroubra Junction and the surrounding lower-scale residential neighbourhoods. Communal open space is proposed on level one, while upper-level apartments would secure views towards Port Botany, Maroubra Beach and Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The development sits around 200 metres east of the Maroubra Junction intersection of Anzac Parade and Maroubra Road, within one of Randwick’s identified strategic centres. The site is close to Pacific Square Shopping Centre, major bus routes, schools, parks and future cycling infrastructure proposed under the Maroubra Junction Masterplan.

The Maroubra proposal aligns with broader NSW Government initiatives encouraging higher-density housing near established centres and transport corridors, particularly where affordable housing is incorporated.

Bridgewell is also working on a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/goldfields-sets-the-stage-as-quartet-milton-launches">new 55-unit project in Killara</a>.

First look: Bridgewell plots 120 apartments and childcare centre in Maroubra town centre

National diversified developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has launched its latest Brisbane apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet Milton</a>, marking its entry into the sought-after inner-city suburb just two kilometres from the CBD.

The circa $100 million development will rise 18 storeys and deliver 131 apartments, offering a mix of one, two-, and three-bedroom residences.

Ideally located on Manning Street, Quartet residents will be within 300 metres of Milton Station, 500 metres from the Milton Ferry Wharf, and a short walk to Milton Markets, the iconic Park Road, as well as a range of breweries and cafés.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

Designed by architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, the building features a simple, gridded façade paired with generous glazing to enhance views, maximise aspect, and capture both sunrises and sunsets from within the apartments and their generously sized balconies.

Residents will have access to a 1,000 sqm rooftop, curated to balance wellness and entertaining, in response to increasing demand for wellness-focused shared spaces.

"We've approached Quartet Milton as a complete lifestyle offering, not just apartments, but a place where the design, amenities, and location all work together in a meaningful way," says Goldfields Managing Director Lachlan Thompson.

"Buyers are looking for that sense of confidence, knowing the vision has been carefully thought through not just by us as developers, but by all our consultants appointed to bring this together, and that it will be delivered to the standard they expect."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Cera Stribley Co-Founder and Managing Principal Domenic Cerantonio said the rooftop is designed to feel like a place "you'd genuinely use every day."

"A 25-metre pool framed by city and mountain views, wellness areas, and private dining spaces for evenings with friends create a setting designed for year-round comfort and effortless Brisbane living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

In addition to the 25-metre pool, the rooftop will include a sauna, cold plunge, fully equipped gym, and zen gardens, all complemented by panoramic views of the city and river.

While the building is expected to appeal predominantly to owner-occupiers, Goldfields anticipates interest from investors seeking strong rental returns, driven by the project's design, location, and the city's projected capital growth in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367991]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>, widely regarded as one of Brisbane's most desirable inner-ring suburbs due to its lifestyle offering and proximity to the CBD, has experienced a shortage of new apartment supply in recent years.

Goldfields is already active in the Brisbane residential market through its Ripley Valley masterplanned community, Hayfield. The 109-hectare neighbourhood is already home to more than 300 families and features a large community park.

Plans for the precinct include a 4 km running track, future schools, and retail and commercial amenities, all within a 35-minute drive of the Brisbane CBD.

Goldfields also plans to deliver a new mixed-use tower at 88 Robertson Street in Fortitude Valley, within the James Street precinct. The project will include 16,000 sqm of boutique commercial space, a level of wellness facilities, and a rooftop restaurant and event space, akin to Goldfields House in South Yarra, its flagship mixed-use development on Chapel Street, which is crowned by the Beverly Rooftop bar, one of Melbourne’s best-known venues.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Goldfields sets the stage as Quartet Milton launches

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/stockland">Stockland</a> and Homes NSW have taken the next major step in the transformation of Waterloo Estate, lodging a Concept State Significant Development Application and concurrent rezoning proposal for the renewal of Waterloo South.

The proposal, now on public exhibition, outlines plans for around 3,300 new homes across the 12.3-hectare precinct. A minimum 30 per cent of residential gross floor area will be delivered as social housing, approximately 20 per cent as affordable housing, and a maximum 50 per cent as market housing. The redevelopment would more than quadruple the number of homes currently on the site and more than double the existing supply of social and affordable housing.

The renewal of Waterloo South forms the first stage of the broader Waterloo Estate transformation and is set to unfold over the next 10 to 15 years. The estate currently contains 750 social housing dwellings and 120 private homes.

<img alt="First look: Stockland and Homes NSW unveil plans for 3,300-home Waterloo South renewal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba2da34b-171b-4ff1-b0c7-4baf0bce97f2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Waterloo%20public.png?VersionId=S5apPKOqjPHJhk_SzCvdVPxsEBYs300o" />

The proposal, prepared by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> and Beam Planning, spans 10 street blocks bounded by Cope, Raglan, George, Wellington, Gibson, Kellick, Pitt and McEvoy Streets, directly adjoining the Waterloo Metro Station precinct and within walking distance of Redfern and Green Square stations.

Under the masterplan, building heights would range from two to 33 storeys, delivering approximately 282,485 sqm of residential floor space alongside at least 10,000 sqm of non-residential uses and a minimum 5,000 sqm of community space. The planning framework has been specifically structured to support the mixed-tenure outcome, with the residential gross floor area capped at a maximum 50 per cent market housing allocation.&nbsp;

The Urban Design Report describes the vision as creating “a unique and vibrant mixed-tenure housing precinct that supports the needs of the community and delivers much needed housing in response to National and State Government priorities.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Stockland and Homes NSW unveil plans for 3,300-home Waterloo South renewal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6e1a6d8b-0626-4fa7-94fc-aa91c0af86dc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/waterloo%20per.png?VersionId=duyiJTFOeezTNdM22leI3SoHuqnW6ZaY" />

A major focus of the revised proposal has been increasing the social and affordable housing component. The Minns Government increased the affordable and public housing allocation from 35 per cent to 50 per cent after coming to office in 2023.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said the changes were critical to maintaining Waterloo’s social diversity.

“When we came to government, we immediately reviewed the plans for the Waterloo renewal and boosted the number of public and affordable homes from 35 to 50 per cent,” Jackson said.

“This was a crucial step to ensure Waterloo remains a welcoming place for people from all walks of life to call home now and into the future.”&nbsp;

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the project would reshape the precinct for generations.

“This concept DA brings thousands of new public, affordable and market homes on the doorstep of the Waterloo Metro station another step closer to reality,” Scully said.

“Importantly, alongside the new homes the plan also proposes new open space where residents and the broader community can gather, relax and play.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Stockland and Homes NSW unveil plans for 3,300-home Waterloo South renewal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="867520cb-6e07-4204-885e-53793ac88066" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Waterloo%20public%20a.png?VersionId=lgSI85Q23xBLYLC9NcWKuWZY2HfP4zQ3" />

Stockland Managing Director and CEO Tarun Gupta said the project had been shaped around long-term liveability and community infrastructure.

“As delivery partner, Stockland is proud to be working with the NSW Government on the renewal of Waterloo South – a significant project with community at its heart,” Gupta said.&nbsp;

The planning documents place strong emphasis on “Designing with Country,” recognising the site’s location on Gadigal land. The masterplan incorporates new east-west pedestrian links, activated streetscapes, rooftop communal spaces, retail frontages, and landscaped public areas intended to improve permeability and community connection throughout the estate.&nbsp;

The proposal also seeks to establish a more flexible planning framework for future detailed SSDAs, including updated provisions for educational uses, creative industries, rooftop communal areas, and active frontages. A minimum seven per cent of residential floor space will be delivered as affordable housing managed in perpetuity by community housing provider City West Housing.&nbsp;

The Social Impact Assessment prepared by Urbis describes the renewal as one of Australia’s most significant public housing transformations, identifying substantial long-term positive impacts associated with housing supply, accessibility, public domain improvements, and community infrastructure.&nbsp;

Stockland and Homes NSW have already commenced the first stage of resident relocations, with some tenants moved into newly completed homes at Waterloo Metro Quarter and the Boronia development nearby.

First look: Stockland, NSW Gov, unveils plans for 3,300-home Waterloo South renewal

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/smith-by-valli-collingwood-224-228-smith-street-collingwood-vic-3066">Smith Collingwood</a> is a new boutique apartment development bringing a refined, design-led approach to one of Melbourne’s most established inner-city neighbourhoods.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pandolfini-architects">Pandolfini Architects</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/lisa-buxton-interiors">Lisa Buxton</a>, Smith by Valli sits on iconic Smith Street and comprises just 22 residences tailored toward owner-occupiers seeking a more considered style of apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367540]

The design of Smith focuses on a north-facing orientation across all residences, a relatively uncommon feature in dense inner-Melbourne settings. Each apartment has been planned to maximise natural light and outlook, alongside a material palette defined by warm tones, custom joinery, and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances.

The development comprises a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with pricing currently ranging from just under $1 million to around $4.85 million for the premium penthouse-level residences, reflecting growing demand for luxury owner-occupier product in Melbourne’s inner urban market.

Residents will also have access to a private rooftop garden designed as an elevated retreat above the city, &nbsp;featuring curated landscaping, veggie boxes, intimate seating areas and spaces for relaxed gatherings. Sustainability has also been integrated into the project through a 7-star energy rating and two secure bicycle facilities for every residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367529]

Smith by Valli sits in the heart of one of Melbourne’s most established retail and hospitality strips, within walking distance of venues such as Falco Bakery, Carnation Canteen and Alimentari, alongside parks and everyday services. With a Walk Score of 99, the location reinforces the project’s positioning toward buyers prioritising walkability and access over car dependency.

With only a limited number of residences, Smith reflects growing demand for smaller, highly curated apartment developments that prioritise design quality, liveability, and connection to neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140747]

Smith by Valli delivers design-led apartments to Melbourne’s inner north

Pets

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Cats, dogs, birds and even fish, for many of us they are our closest companions, however, under some strata's rules pets are not allowed.

However, new laws have been introduced to make it easier than ever to include pets in your apartment.

But beyond that, there are developments that welcome pets with open arms and even facilitate pet living and lifestyles.

Here are 4 incredible Melbourne apartments which welcome your pets:

1. Voyager, Docklands 
Address: 103 South Wharf Drive, Docklands VIC 3008 
Two-bedroom apartments from $706,500

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494]

Voyager, a chic residential tower delivered by Mirvac, is a new development set within the master-planned Yarra’s Edge precinct.

The harbourside precinct, set to be home to over 3,000 people, boasts over 1,000 sqm of fine dining and retail, a state-of-the-art wellness centre, parklands and marina berths.

Voyager boasts an abundance of premium amenities, designed for residents and their guests to entertain or retreat. The residence’s waterfront location offers sensation views of the Melbourne CBD.

The 315 contemporary apartments contain versatile floor plans available to suit any lifestyle or companion!

2. Folia, Doncaster 
Address: 59 Stables Circuit, Doncaster VIC 3108 
One-bedroom apartments from $400,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22584]

Situated on Doncaster Road, Folia forms part of Mirvac’s larger master-planned community, Tullamore.

Achieving the highest environmental certification in Australia, the development has achieved a six-leaf EnviroDevelopment accreditation, thanks to its many sustainable features.

These include a 70kWh solar panel array, renewable energy and battery storage and the possibility of including a Tesla Powerwall II battery within each residence. 

The broader development site also boasts 20 per cent of open, green space, so there's plenty of space to play with your furry companions

3. Sky Garden, Glen Waverley 
Address: 227 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley VIC 3150 
Two-bedroom apartments from $668,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2881]

Sky Garden, the latest development by the diversified property group Golden Age, spans three towers across the new and improved The Glen shopping centre in Melbourne's Glen Waverley.

Famed architecture firm Rothelowman designed the three apartment buildings, soaring 12, 13 and 20 levels and homing 555 one, two and three-bedroom apartments,

The apartment development is part of the $430 million Glen redevelopment which completed construction in December 2020.

Sky Garden features over 4,000 square metres of internal and external facilities with one of the most impressive features unsurprisingly being the garden in the sky.

The Sky Garden has sun lounges, a bar and kitchen for entertaining, a kids playground, veggie gardens, large lawns with water features and private dining and seating sanctuaries to unwind. The Sky Garden is located above the podium levels linking each tower.

4. K1 Residences, Melbourne 
Address: 1 Union Street, Melbourne VIC 3004 
Four-bedroom residences from $2,590,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2772]

For a truly exclusive pet palace, there is K1 Residences, delivered by the rapidly growing Optimus Developments, it is made up of 13 whole floors, four-bedroom apartments with gun-barrel views across Albert Park.

With architecture by award-winning DE atelier Architect, design details include spacious garden balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows doors and oversized bathrooms.

Interior design is from Bergman and Co, while landscape architects Aspect Studios handled K1’s gardens, a defining element of the building. Plus with Albert Park just across the road, it's a short walk for some fresh air with your pets.

The 175 sqm apartments come in a variety of four-bedroom configurations which is attractive for the downsizer market who are taking advantage of the soaring housing market by cashing in.

There are a number of curved balconies in each apartment which make for a striking facade.
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Cats, dogs, birds and even fish, for many of us they are our closest companions, however, under some strata's rules pets are not allowed but there are always those that welcome pets with open arms

jordan_55689

Pet friendly palaces: Four Melbourne apartments perfect for pets

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The NSW Government is seeking amendments to the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 that will make pet ownership easier by requiring that by-laws cannot unreasonably prohibit the keeping of an animal on a strata lot.

The amendments follow the recent decision handed down by the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of NSW in Cooper v the Owners - Strata Plan No. 58068 which overturned a by-law in the <a href="/news/horizon-darlinghurst-pet-ban-ruled-unconscionable-by-ncat">Darlinghurst highrise block, Horizon</a> that imposed a blanket ban on the keeping of pets.

“Owners should be able to use to use their property as they wish as long as it doesn’t unreasonably interfere with the rights of other owners to enjoy their own home and the common property in their apartment,” Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said.

“For too long common sense has been missing in this debate. 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24323]

“These amendments provide a sensible solution that balances the rights of pet owners with those of other apartment owners. 

“Importantly, the changes also recognise there will be times when the keeping of a pet may not be appropriate in a complex due to the impact this will have on neighbours or the welfare of the animal.

“These changes are a sensible response to modernise our strata laws by removing outdated, and unfair blanket pets bans where it can be shown that keeping a pet won’t impact other people.”

The NSW Government will now consult with the community to establish clear guidelines on when it will be considered unreasonable for a pet to be kept in a strata complex.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6201]

It intends to finalise regulations within six months, before the new amendments come into force. 

This will also include details of how the new requirements will interact with existing by-laws.

To allow consultation, the government will extend the closing date for submissions to the current statutory review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 until March 7 for anyone wishing to make a submission relating to the keeping of pets. 
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“For too long common sense has been missing in this debate,” Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said.



jchancellor

NSW Government seeks amends to pet ownership in Strata Schemes Management Act 2015

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Companion animals are part of our families, but inevitably the time comes for us to say goodbye to them due to old age or disease.
Many pet lovers opt to bury their pets in the backyard. However, there are some hidden risks to this, and there are other options that will help other pets, and even the owners who love them.
Donating their body to science, for research and veterinary training, can potentially help hundreds of pets.
Why the backyard isn’t best
Backyard burial may seem like the easiest way to respectfully take care of your pet’s remains. Unfortunately, it can be dangerous for other pets and wildlife. Most pets are put to sleep with an extremely concentrated anaesthetic agent, which results in a very peaceful death (hence the term euthanasia, which means “good death”). However this drug, pentobarbital, persists in the buried body of the pet for up to a year. Any animal scavenging on the remains will be poisoned by the euthanasia solution.
I have seen two cases in my career where this has happened, with serious consequences. In one case a family had their pet mouse put down and buried it in the backyard. The family’s terrier dug up and ate the mouse, and was comatose in intensive care for nearly a week. In another case, two farm dogs scavenged some bones from a cow which had been euthanased on a farm months before. One dog died and the other was seriously ill for several days.
If your pet dies of a disease which could be spread to other animals or even people, their body might also pose a risk. While vaccination has reduced the amount of dangerous pet diseases in the community, some diseases like <a href="https://theconversation.com/vaccinate-your-puppies-a-new-strain-of-parvo-has-been-found-in-australia-77236" target="_blank">parvovirus</a> still occur in outbreaks and are very hardy and spread readily between dogs.
This virus causes severe and sometimes fatal gastrointestinal disease in puppies and young dogs. Thankfully there are not many diseases we can catch from our pets, but some – such as salmonellosis and toxoplasmosis – can make sensitive people very ill.
What do to instead
One option is pet crematoriums and cemeteries, which are available in most large cities and regional centres in Australia. The services are very professional and cover a variety of options and price ranges that suit most pet owners. Costs may vary with the size of the pet.
Professional burial or cremation avoids the risks of environmental contamination or disease that might occur with backyard burial. For my own pets which have passed away, I chose cremation which typically costs A$200-300, and then buried their ashes under a memorial tree in my garden.
However, there is another path. As a veterinary pathologist, my job is to conduct autopsies on animals to determine their cause of death. We also use the knowledge and samples we get from the autopsies to conduct research to improve our understanding of diseases and treatments in both animals and people.
Our pets make excellent “<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/animal-mode" target="_blank">models</a>” of diseases in both pets and people, allowing scientists to study the development and progression of a disease and develop new treatments.
Cancer is the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26566160" target="_blank">most common cause of death</a> for pet dogs. Many popular breeds get the same cancer at high rates, providing ample valuable research material. These dog cancers are similar in appearance, behaviour, treatments and genetic causes to many human cancers.
What’s more, because dogs share our home environments, but age faster and show more rapid cancer progression than humans, studying dogs provides <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26566160" target="_blank">faster research results</a>. In the United States, dog cancer trials are already informing trials on <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2753665/" target="_blank">new human treatments</a>.
Another area where dogs are valuable scientific allies is in the study of rare genetic and developmental diseases in children. As we have bred dogs for specific appearances, from squishy-faced French bulldogs to lanky greyhounds, we have unwittingly created genetic abnormalities. Some of these are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5070630/" target="_blank">close counterparts</a> of rare genetic disorders <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20075379" target="_blank">in children</a>. Thus, dogs can be used to help identify the genetic mutations behind the disease, and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5070630/" target="_blank">how the faulty gene</a> affects human children.
Universities have rigorous ethical reviews for this type of research. However, it is vital that we have the opportunity to take samples of both common and rare pet diseases to form tissue banks. Most of this sampling happens during an autopsy after the pet has died or been put to sleep. These tissue samples are used to research better treatments.
How to donate
If you are interested in donating your pet’s body, your veterinarian can direct you to potential local options. In most large cities this will be the veterinary school at the local university. Alternatively, you can contact the veterinary science school directly through their website or general enquiries telephone number.
Most schools are interested in all species for teaching. My institution takes everything from mice to horses, and exotic pets like snakes and lizards. All these species provide opportunities to learn about their anatomy and diseases.
Beyond helping us research human diseases, veterinary schools need pet body donors to help teach anatomy, surgery and pathology. At its most ethical this training is done on the bodies of animals that have died from natural causes.
Donated pets provide my students with a valuable understanding of how disease affects the body. Further, we report the autopsy findings back to the pet’s veterinarian. This information is crucial to vets who want to confirm diagnoses, and for giving grieving owners some closure.
If you do opt to bury your euthanased pet, please consider enclosing their remains in a container that would prevent other animals accessing the body. Many local councils also have restrictions on pet burial, and it is worth looking at your local area’s guidelines.
Ultimately though, I would urge you to donate your pet’s body to science. The loss of a pet can be heartbreaking, but there are many ways to create a meaningful legacy from that loss which helps both pets and people.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/113375/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;">
Rachel Allavena, Associate Professor, The University of Queensland
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-you-shouldnt-bury-your-pet-in-the-backyard-113375" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Why you shouldn’t bury your pet in the backyard

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Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, however only one in 20 rental properties in New South Wales are currently being advertised as pet friendly, according to research from Rent.com.au.
Their survey of 70,000 rental properties and 100,000 pet resumes has found only five percent in NSW explicitly allow pets, despite over 60 percent of Australian households having pets.
Rent.com.au chief executive Greg Bader says it's a disappointing result.
“As a general rule, rental properties are not pet friendly, which is interesting as research consistently shows that the value of having pets is huge.
“With so many of us generally owning pets, it’s a real equity issue.”
Investors renting out their properties have long been on the cautious side when advertising the property as pet friendly, however aren't necessarily against pet ownership in their home.
The survey found that while only five percent of rental homes in NSW were advertised as pet-friendly, and 53 per cent banned pets, 43 per cent make no mention of pets.
 
A renting couple in Redfern secured the lease for a house without a pet, however noticed a dog flap leading from the kitchen into the outdoor courtyard.
They wrote to their property manager about enquiring whether they could get a pet dog, who passed it on to the property owner.
They said no problem within minutes of the e-mail being sent, despite the listing specifically stating no pets.
The Redfern/Chippendale and Potts Point/Woolloomooloo areas are dominated by renters, each with 65 percent of the population renting there, according to the Committee for Sydney.
One Potts Point renter who lives in a pet-friendly apartment with his two cavoodles says it’s appalling that so few are allowed to keep animals.
“I’m a renter with pets and a real estate agent as well, and it’s interesting as I feel that children do more damage to rental properties than pets do,” says James Garwood, 32, one of the directors of Garwoods Estate Agents.
“We see so many pictures drawn on walls and scuffed and worn-out finishes.
“But the behaviour of pets come down to their owners, and we recommend that property owners do allow pets where possible, particularly as they’ll get a higher rent of 5 to 10 per cent more. We had one renter with a dog spending $1200 a week on a pet-friendly, two-bedroom unit when he could have easily spent $760 on a unit just for himself.”
 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/11/7/PETS.jpg" alt=""> 
Rent.com.au's Greg Bader says that there is the chance of discussing the lease terms as the heat comes out of the market and the level of competition for properties fall.
Pet-owning tenants in NSW aren’t quite as hard done by as those in Victoria, however, where only two percent of properties were advertised as pet friendly, but are eclipsed by the national average figure of 10 per cent indicating pets are allowed.
The Victorian government recently introduced changes to tenancy laws that are expected to allow pets automatically in rentals except in exceptional circumstances.
Vet Mark Perissinotto, managing director of VetShopAustralia, says landlords should think about how their property could be suitable for different types, breeds and sizes of pets.
“We’d advise them to consider providing guidance to would-be tenants on what the property can and cannot support,” Dr Perissinotto says. “It’s about understanding the size of the property, its locality to parks and other areas a pet can run free.”
From a real estate perspective, Mr Garwood, who lives with Poppi and Chelsea in his apartment, believes NSW property owners should be allowed to levy a pet bond – as operates in some other states – to reassure themselves about any damage that could be caused.
“But a lot of pets come these days with great references and their past history recorded, and their owners often have very strong rental applications,” he says. “They can make excellent tenants.”
 
 
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One in 20 NSW rental properties advertised as pet friendly

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Frasers Property Australia’s Discovery Point estate has been designed to encourage an outdoor lifestyle for residents and their dogs.
Nigel Edgar, the general manager Residential NSW at Frasers Property Australia, says the dynamic of the family was changing.
So new communities needed to meet evolving needs.
“Discovery Point reflects our emphasis on building communities for residents and their families, including their precious pets, to create an inclusive environment for families of all shapes and sizes to enjoy,” says Edgar.
“Pets are a very important part of peoples’ lives and we’re consciously building our communities to encourage pet owners to feel welcome.”
“Walking around the community with your pet not only does great things for your health, it helps you meet other residents. You’ll even find most coffee shops have a water bowl for dogs.”
For residents Jane and Roger, living in a pet friendly community was a must when looking for their new home.
“Our little 13-year-old dog has adapted to apartment living well. We take her down to the park every day soshe can do her own thing,” says Jane.
Jane says it’s nice to see the community thriving with other residents and their dogs too.
“Quite often, I’ll look onto the park and notice about 30 people playing with their dogs. You can tell they’rehaving a good time just being outside.”
With nine hectares of parklands at Discovery Point, Jane, Roger and their dog like to make the most of the surrounding walkways up the Cooks River.
There are a limited number of apartments remaining for sale at Discovery Point.
In Marq, the two remaining three-bedroom apartments offer views over expansive parklands.
They are priced at $1,135,000 and $1,150,000.
In Icon, the final residential building planned for Discovery Point, there are only three remaining three- bedroom apartments available, which boast park and Cooks River views and are priced between $1,210,000 and $1,335,000.
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Pet friendly developments triggers dogs at Discovery Point

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Landlord insurance will go up after the Andrews' Government pet policy for tenants is introduced in Victoria next year.
Canstar says most exisiting landlord insurances don't include covering damage from pets.
"Landlords should check with their insurer to see if they’re covered, before allowing pets at their property," one industry adviser recently stressed.
“Before allowing pets at your property, it’s a good idea to establish a pet agreement between you and your tenant,” they said.
“You should also outline the consequences if a tenant fails to meet their obligations.”
It is recommended property managers closely monitor whether animals are present at the property by conducting regular property inspections.
Landlord insurance is an absolute must for property investors, providing financial security against damage, rent defaults or theft.
"Landlords need to be wary of getting a cheap landlord insurance policy with lots of exclusions," Canstar noted. 
The Canstar tables below show the median rental income, average insurance costs, and percentage of rental income across capital cities in Australia. The costs are based on a landlord insurance policy with $300,000 of building insurance cover (for houses) and $25,000 of contents insurance (for both houses and units). 
<table class="table table-responsive table-hover"><tbody>
<tr>
<th width="153">Location</th>
<th width="153">Median Annual Rental Income</th>
<th width="153">Average Annual Insurance Premium</th>
<th width="153">Percentage of Income spent on Insurance</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="153">Sydney</td>
<td width="153">$27,560
 
($530/week)
</td>
<td width="153">$1,160.53</td>
<td width="153">4.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="153">Melbourne</td>
<td width="153">$20,800
 
($400/week)
</td>
<td width="153">$928.07</td>
<td width="153">4.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="153">Brisbane</td>
<td width="153">$20,800
 
($400/week)
</td>
<td width="153">$1,112.37</td>
<td width="153">5.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="153">Adelaide</td>
<td width="153">$18,460
 
($355/week)
</td>
<td width="153">$891.82</td>
<td width="153">4.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="153">Perth</td>
<td width="153">$20,280
 
($390/week)
</td>
<td width="153">$939.41</td>
<td width="153">4.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="153">Hobart</td>
<td width="153">$18,200
 
($350/week)
</td>
<td width="153">$836.91</td>
<td width="153">4.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" width="612">
Source: Average premiums from CANSTAR – Landlord Insurance star ratings report.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 In Sydney insurance costs 4.3% of rental income.
The price of insurance in Melbourne equates to 4.2% of income.
Hobart is the cheapest place for insuring an investment property, for houses (above) and apartments (below).
<table class="table table-responsive table-hover"><tbody>
<tr>
<th>Location</th>
<th>Median Annual Rental Income</th>
<th>Average Annual Insurance Premium</th>
<th>Percentage of Income spent on Insurance</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sydney</td>
<td>$27,300
 
($525/week)
</td>
<td>$419.25</td>
<td>1.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Melbourne</td>
<td>$19,760
 
($380/week)
</td>
<td>$335.49</td>
<td>1.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brisbane</td>
<td>$19,760
 
($380/week)
</td>
<td>$396.99</td>
<td>2.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adelaide</td>
<td>$14,820
 
($285/week)
</td>
<td>$316.61</td>
<td>2.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Perth</td>
<td>$17,420
 
($335/week)
</td>
<td>$347.55</td>
<td>2.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hobart</td>
<td>$14,820
 
($285/week)
</td>
<td>$307.57</td>
<td>2.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4">
Source: Average premiums from CANSTAR – Landlord Insurance star ratings report.
 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
The NSW Left faction of the Labor Opposition has also been considering a policy that would stop all landlords in the state from banning pets from their properties.
A proposed policy doing the rounds within the Labor Left seeks to propose an amendment to the ALP’s policy platform that “disallows ‘no pets’ clauses”, the Daily Telegraph reported earlier this year.
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Victorian government pet policy for tenants will trigger higher landlord insurance

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A proposal allowing bodies corporate to ban pets in group-title properties has met with criticism from various stakeholders of the Gold Coast property market, who say it could wipe off 20 per cent of the value of an apartment.
A recommendation to the Queensland government in the 2017 Government Property Law Review calls for giving bodies corporate or a building’s original owner the power to issue a bylaw banning pets, reported the Gold Coast Bulletin. 
If passed, the radical changes to strata laws would put the power back in the hands of bodies corporate and building developers.
However, industry professionals have slammed the move. 
The Queensland Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management said blanket pet bans are “unreasonable”.
Ace Body Corporate Management state manager Georgia Cook, who lives at Mermaid Beach, told the Gold Coast Bulletin that the overwhelming sentiment coming from the properties under her management is that pets are a “must have” living option and blanket bans would work against that.
“Bodies corporate need to start making decisions that act to permit family style living, and for many that involves pet-friendly bylaws,” she said.
Cook said there is a link between allowing pets in buildings and above average apartment values.
“Some industry experts have estimated that a crackdown on pets in apartment buildings could cost owners 20 per cent of the value of their properties.”
Pet-friendly apartment buildings also tend to produce longer leases, higher rents, smaller vacancy rates and more loyal tenants, she added.
Apartment developer Andrews Projects director Danny Andrews said developers who impose a pet ban shoot themselves in the foot.
“You are excluding a part of the market,” he said.
Andrews has a pet-friendly policy with all its buildings.
He suggested pets can be managed in apartment buildings by limiting their size and creating pet-free zones.
Developer Barry Morris, who has two buildings under construction in Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads, said banning pets was a “ridiculous” idea. He allows pets up to 15 kg in his buildings.
Those wanting to make submissions have until May 5 at QUTreviewBCCM@justice.qld.gov.au.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Pet ban idea could hit apartment values, say Gold Coast developers

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/69410/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
As the weather heats up, Australian households won’t just be cranking up the air conditioning for themselves. Some households will be turning it on for their dogs or cats. 
Our research on energy demand and household cooling highlights a recent trend towards air-conditioning rooms or homes for pets. As well as cooling homes occupied by both humans and their furry friends, air conditioners may be left on when dogs or cats are home alone. 
Some pet owners also leave doors and windows open for their dogs and cats to move between indoor and outdoor areas. This means that air conditioners have to work harder and use more energy to maintain indoor temperatures.
Our research is consistent with an emerging international trend towards the “humanisation of pets”, which is contributing to energy use in households. 
A 2013 study released by E.ON UK (a UK power company) on “hot-dogs and thermo-cats” found that more than half (52%) of UK pet owners turn up the heating for their pets when they go out. Some UK households also leave radios or televisions on for pets so that they don’t get lonely when their owners leave the home.
In other areas of everyday life, cats and dogs now play iPad games, eat specialised diets, have heated mats or air-conditioned kennels, and have their own fashion accessories and electronic toys.
The energy impacts of home cooling
On average across Australia, heating and cooling make up 40 percent of our energy use in households, not including hot water. 
Most Australians who live in southern states use cooling in their homes sporadically, turning it on during hot summer afternoons and evenings when they get home from work or other activities. The rapid growth in residential air conditioning for this purpose has been one of the main contributors to Australia’s peak electricity demand, which has increased energy bills.
Trends in pet cooling could change the energy demand for cooling in homes. Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, with 63% of households keeping an animal as a pet. 
According to a 2013 report by the Animal Health Alliance, there are 4.2 million pet dogs and 3.3 million pet cats in Australia. Of these, 76% of dogs and 92% of cats are kept exclusively or partly indoors. 
Providing air conditioning for pets during the day when people aren’t at home would raise residential energy demand. It could also extend and possibly increase electricity peaks if more areas of the property (such as kennels or garages) are being cooled for a longer time.
What makes pets hot?
Although cats and dogs differ in their physiology, in general older, sick or overweight pets may be less resilient to the heat. Some breeds may also be more vulnerable than others. 
For example, short-snout dog breeds (Bulldogs, Pekes and Pugs) are more likely to suffer from heatstroke. This also applies to short-faced cats like Persians or exotics. 
Many things can exacerbate heat stress for pets. For example, people living in apartments may find it more difficult to provide cool outdoor spaces for dogs, or to engage in “waterplay”, as recommended by Pets Australia.
How to keep pets cool
Advice on how to keep pets cool varies and is different for cats and dogs. Pets Australia recommends providing cool spaces such as shade, cold tiles or digging holes in the soil. Other examples include giving dogs cool treats like frozen meat, providing lots of water for hydration and stopping exercise. 
Some websites recommend keeping pets inside on hot days, preferably with an air conditioner or fan turned on. Other sites recommend cooling mats or vests such as gel pads, which can be refrigerated or frozen prior to use. 
Murdoch University provides advice on how to recognise heatstroke warning signs, and what to do if you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke. The growing market for pet cameras is one way to keep an eye on pets while owners are out of the house. 
What needs to be done?
As climate change continues to increase the severity and duration of heat waves, the incidence of heatstroke in pets is likely to increase too. This applies especially to those living in energy-inefficient housing or with access to poor-quality outdoor environments. 
There is a clear need to seriously consider pet cooling in the design of energy-efficient housing and in energy policy that targets households.
It may also be timely to reconsider pet types and breeds appropriate for the Australian climate. Siberian huskies, for example, prefer cooler climates and may be more likely to suffer from heatstroke than breeds with smooth or short coats.
More research is also needed to understand how Australian households are changing the ways they keep their pets cool, and what can be done to reduce heat stress in pets without increasing energy demand or electricity peaks in homes.
In the meantime there is a range of advice on how to keep pets cool. Many creative solutions are available that don’t require leaving the air conditioner running.
Yolande Strengers is senior research fellow, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yolande-strengers-15350" target="_blank">here</a>.
Cecily Maller is vice chancellor's senior research fellow, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cecily-maller-15732" target="_blank">here</a>. Larissa Nicholls is research fellow, RMIT University, and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/larissa-nicholls-109087" target="_blank">here</a>.
All are authors for The Conversation.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Hot dogs and cool cats: keeping pets cool without blowing your energy bill

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Workspaces of the future must be designed to be better than any alternative, according to Tim Lovitt, Associate Director of Digital Intelligence, PwC Australia.
He recently suggested said the firm could take up co-working space in future in the new building at Barangaroo. 
“PwC has been experimenting for over a year with co-working space," he said.
"We have diverse partnerships, including Facebook and LinkedIn, tailored to solving specific problems for individual projects.
"This is our focus, and we will build our workspace around that.”
Lovitt said workspaces of the future must be designed to be better than any alternative. 
“Workspaces of the future will need to be incredible spaces that people wish to work in, that are better than the alternatives – such as our lounge rooms or the local coffee shop,” concluded Mr Lovitt. 
He made the comments at Knight Frank Australia's Global Cities: The 2017 Report launch which investigated the future of real estate in the world’s leading cities. 
According to Knight Frank’s Head of Research and Consulting, Australia Matt Whitby, disruption is set to equal demand in the real estate sector. 
“Yes, jobs are being lost across sectors globally due to automation and technology, but humans are getting more interesting careers doing what humans do best – problem solving. This will be similar for property professionals, who need to embrace changes in the sector and the economy and become more advisory – offering greater intelligence and idea generation to clients," he said.
“New jobs being created are offering a flow-on effect into other sectors, including property. For example, the Fintech sector, including cashless payments and other financial technology, has created a complete new industry. This is prompting new demand in other sectors, including real estate. Newly-created, high-value jobs in programming or app design are creating demand for expensive, trendy offices.”
Whitby agreed co-working will be one of the biggest growth sectors in the global city office markets, with Sydney and Melbourne leading the way here in Australia. 
“It will not just be start up, incubator, or collaborative businesses. Demand for co-working space will expand to the large, corporate occupiers who require growth or project space on an as-needed basis.”
Whitby said WeWork is the obvious example as in Sydney, WeWork has gone from zero space six months ago and will occupy 22,000 square metres of space by next year.”
In October WeWork Martin Place opened in the heart of Sydney’s central business district surrounded by Australia's financial institutions in an historic Sydney building, the Moneybox Building.
Designed by WeWork, along with local external consultant TomMarkHenry, the design takes cues from the building’s banking history as the hot desks on the main floor were inspired by the old bank teller desks that can still be seen in the lobby. Murals and paintings from local artists Tristan Kerr and Dina Broadhurst adorn the inside of the building.
Last month WeWork, the space, community and services provider based in New York, opened its second Sydney location, at 100 Harris Street, Pyrmont (above). 
WeWork currently has around 70,000 members, located in 100+ physical locations in 30+ cities and 12 countries around the world.
WeWork Pyrmont is located in a former 100 year old woolstore and presents a unique opportunity for one of WeWork's spaces.
The issue of pets in the office was addressed by Savills International.
"Popularity for bringing <a href="https://www.savills.com.au/blog/article/147357/australia-articles/pets-in-the-office--is-it-just-a-fad-or-a-does-it-deliver-real-benefit-.aspx" target="_blank">pets to the workplace</a> seems to be increasing around the world," it noted.
"In the United States, a 2015 Society for Human Resource Management survey found that 8 percent of American workplaces allowed employees to bring pets to work (up from 5 percent in 2013).
"Within Australia, the uptake for large corporations has not been very high, although the types of companies that have embraced this new fur-friendly culture tend to be creative or industries such as fashion, tech, IT, media and start-ups," the Savills report noted. 
It noted the location of the workplace can also greatly affect the likelihood of the company to include pets in the office.
"We are seeing companies on the city fringe and suburban locations more open to the idea of pets in the office, as there is plenty of space in the surrounding areas for the animals to have a break outside of the office."
Savills wondered did the trend deliver real benefit to your company, or is it just a distraction? 
What are the benefits?
For the employees: Employees who bring their pets to the office often have less stress and a healthier work-life balance
For the workplace: It can be a great improvement to the workplace culture - pets are a great conversation starter and can help strengthen working relationships
For the business: Having pets in the office can encourage employees to stay longer hours and businesses have shown a lower rate of employee absenteeism. Plus, pets in the office can be a drawcard for attracting new employees
For the animals: The animals get benefits too, including being out and about (instead of cooped up at home) and socialising with new people 
Things to consider
When considering drawbacks to having animals in the workplace, the number one concern is usually allergies. Depending on the type of allergy, one way to lessen the trigger of an allergy is to ensure the pets are clean &amp; groomed. Alternatively, employees should set up pet-free zones, or keep their pet close to their own workstations
It’s also important to select the right types of pets to bring into the office – overly animated or energetic animals can serve as a distraction in the workplace  
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Perhaps not pets in the office, but workspaces need to outdo the local coffee shop

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Some 54 percent of pet owners polled for a recent survey considered landlords and property managers should be compelled to allow tenants with pets.
The PETstock Pet Parent Survey interviewed more than 905 pet owners from around Australia and found more than half of all pet owners believe laws must be changed to force landlords to allow pets in rental properties, with most saying it took a long time to find somewhere they could live with their animals.
PETstock chief executive of cer Shane Young said only 1.5 percent strongly disagreed with the need to change the law.
“In Victoria, there are no laws that directly cover pets in tenancies or residencies, but landlords often include a clause in the lease banning them,” he said.
"However this may soon change with the Victorian Government currently reviewing tenancy laws, including the law around pets. Any change to the law in Victoria may set a precedent for other states to follow.
"For many people, pets were part of the family and it was heartbreaking to have to give them up if they couldn’t find suitable rental accommodation.
“Given that an incredible 83 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they treated their pets as their children, these figures are not surprising.
“When they are looking for a place to live it can be really hard for pet parents to  find a place where the owners will allow them to keep their pet.”
"The Pet Parent Survey found that 70 percent of owners took a lot of time and effort to  find pet-friendly rental accommodation. Of those who were renting homes with their pets, 84 percent said the landlord allowed it, while 4 percent said their landlord didn’t know. Just over 10 per cent said the landlord wouldn’t usually allow pets but had made an exception in this case."
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