Builder-developer ALAND has drawn back the curtain on its first city-focused new apartment development.

The North Sydney development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a>, is the first time the company has ventured this close to the city, having previously completed thousands of apartments predominantly in Sydney's west, and more recently in Gosford.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> acquired the prime North Sydney site, spanning Walker and Hampden Streets just down the road from the Victoria Cross Metro station, for $240 million in June.

Now they've unveiled the new project, a mix of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments across a 30-level building designed by Rothelowman.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6384]

The Walden will capitalise on the site’s front-row position on the eastern fringe of the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> CBD, which offers uninterrupted Sydney Harbour views stretching from the Sydney Harbour Bridge all the way to Sydney Heads.

The main tower will be flanked by a small four-level amenity building known as The Pavilion, offering exclusive resident-only amenities including a dedicated concierge service, a sauna and private wellness studio, a gymnasium and fitness studio, a resort-style rooftop pool and sundeck.

There will also be a&nbsp;residents’ lounge, private dining and a wine cellar, and co-working facilities with an on-site meeting room and boardroom.

&nbsp;

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ALAND Founder Andrew Hrsto said the company knew they could create something "iconic" with The Walden when they saw the site.

&nbsp;

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic – being the last development with a view offering this exceptional.

“We identified the attributes and quality of the site as being perfectly aligned for ALAND – and we feel that this off-market acquisition is a perfect opportunity to showcase our craftmanship and expertise through a truly unique offering."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Hrsto pointed to ALAND’s longstanding development expertise as a significant benefit in delivering a positive outcome for The Walden.

“Being a fully integrated development and construction business with a highly experienced team, we have the benefit of in-house experts across the development spectrum, from acquisitions, design, planning, and construction, to sales, marketing, property management, through to building management.

“As one of Australia’s largest private development and construction groups, we’ve been in operation for 23 years, with a Gold Star iCIRT rating and a 100 per cent delivery success rate across numerous masterplanned and mixed-use projects – and we’re very much looking forward to bringing this expertise to The Walden and contributing to the ongoing revitalisation of North Sydney."

The Walden is the latest development in Sydney to have the 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy by Resilience Insurance, protecting buyers from any structural or waterproofing-related issues for 10 years post-completion.&nbsp;

Demolition of existing structures on The Walden site has already commenced through specialist civil contractor Moits, with the aim of completing preparatory ground works by the end of 2025, ahead of construction commencement in early 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

Joel Robinson

ALAND unveils The Walden, North Sydney's latest luxury apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/toga-group">TOGA</a> has opened sales for the final building in Macquarie Rise, its latest mixed-use development in Macquarie Park.

Since launching its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/macquarie-rise-122-herring-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Rise</a> in late 2023, TOGA has secured over 125 sales in the Herring Road development, to a range of purchasers, from first home buyers to investors and downsizers. Around 65 per cent of purchasers have been owner-occupiers.

TOGA has now launched a new release of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in the final building, Saunders Rise. Many of the apartments feature multi-purpose rooms and offer views of the surrounding greenery. Also part of the release is a series of&nbsp;sub penthouses housed on the upper floors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89243 project_image_fid=242696]

&nbsp;

“We’re delighted with the ongoing strong interest in our Macquarie Rise development, which is testament to the need for premium housing in this much-loved Sydney suburb,"&nbsp;Allan Vidor AM, Managing Director at TOGA, said.

"We’re proud to be able to offer buyers a unique product that includes luxury amenities, spacious living areas and flexible layouts, designed to suit all kinds of buyers, from young professionals to families and investors.

“We have long been advocates of Macquarie Park, and once Macquarie Rise is complete, TOGA will have built 1,000 apartments in the area, delivering much needed homes within a thriving precinct. It’s great to see the area become renowned for high-quality apartments, proximity to amenities and green spaces."

TOGA, one of Australia’s few Gold Star iCIRT rated developers, is also handling construction of Macquarie Rise. They are on track to complete the building in 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89243 project_image_fid=310789]

Macquarie Rise boasts a prime location, placing residents within immediate reach of Macquarie Centre, Macquarie University, and the newly completed Macquarie University Metro, connecting to the Sydney CBD is just over 20 minutes.

&nbsp;

Macquarie Rise residents also have access to Club Rise, an exclusive, residents only lounge designed by luxury hotel designers Stack Studio, offering an abundance of work and break-out areas, a Pilates studio, a gym, and a karaoke room. As well as these premium amenities Macquarie Rise will also feature an impressive podium top 20m lap pool.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89243 project_image_fid=242695]

“Offering luxury, spacious apartments in a vibrant and well-connected neighbourhood, it’s no surprise that Macquarie Rise remains popular with a range of buyers," said TOGA's General Manager of Sales, Anthony Falas.&nbsp;

"With interest rates tracking downwards, we expect the final apartments to continue to receive high levels of interest.”

Located at 122 Herring Road, Macquarie Park, the development will be delivered in partnership with Baptist Union NSW and Morling College with a value of over $400 million.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=89243]

TOGA launches final stage apartments in Macquarie Rise

Southern Cross Station anchors the western end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s CBD, connecting metropolitan and regional rail with tram and bus interchanges in one of the city’s busiest transport corridors.&nbsp;

Just metres away, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a>&nbsp;will place residents in the heart of the city, with immediate access to Spencer Street trams, a growing mix of retail, hospitality and cultural venues, and a neighbourhood evolving into a lively residential precinct.

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>, the 68-level project integrates a sculptural glass tower with the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley Building on a 2,765 sqm Bourke St site.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335425]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the development replaces a previously approved scheme for 813 apartments with a refined offering of just over 600 larger-format residences, responding to a growing owner-occupier demand for spacious city living.

The location sits within a dynamic pocket undergoing significant transformation. Marvel Stadium and the Docklands waterfront are less than 10 minutes away on foot, offering both sports and leisure attractions.&nbsp;

Bourke Street Mall, Queen Victoria Market, and the State Library are all within walking distance, while Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne’s oldest park, provides a green escape just to the north.

&nbsp;

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Proximity to some of the city’s largest employers and education hubs, including the courts precinct, legal chambers, RMIT, and major hospitals, makes 640 Bourke Street an appealing residential address for professionals, families and students alike.

Education opportunities span all levels. Nearby, Haileybury City Campus offers private schooling just a short walk from 640 Bourke Street. Just beyond the CBD fringe, Carlton Gardens Primary School, one of Melbourne’s oldest state primary schools, and Docklands Primary School provide convenient government schooling options.

Higher education is equally accessible. RMIT University’s city campus spans multiple buildings just a few blocks away, while the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus is easily reached via tram along Swanston or Elizabeth Streets.

Victoria University’s City Queen campus, focused on law and business, is also close by, positioning 640 Bourke Street within walking distance of three of Melbourne’s major tertiary institutions.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335426]

The neighbourhood’s retail tapestry continues to evolve into something distinctly local and walkable. Just steps away, Woolworths Metro on Bourke Street ensures that everyday essentials are easily within reach.&nbsp;

For larger shopping trips, Spencer Outlet Centre on Spencer Street and QV Melbourne on the opposite side of the CBD broaden the offering with supermarkets, fashion, dining and specialty stores.

The lane-to-lane vibe unfolds beautifully in nearby arcades and alleys. Hardware Lane, with its European-style red-brick paving and alfresco dining, pulses with jazzy evenings and casual lunches.

A few minutes north, Howey Place and Centre Place offer leafy, boutique-lined lanes where hidden cafés and niche retailers congregate under historic glass-covered cloisters.

Completing this tapestry is the newly opened Mecca “beauty playground” on Bourke Street. Spanning 4,000 sqm over three levels, the flagship blends immersive retail within an art-deco heritage setting.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335427]

This finely grained network of shops, eateries, arcades and service outlets defines the everyday lifestyle at 640 Bourke Street - further enriched by over 3,000 sqm of resident amenity including a Turkish-inspired pool, gym, co-working rooms and private cinemas.&nbsp;

Apartments are priced between&nbsp;$640,000 and $3.95 million. Off the plan stamp duty concessions available until October 2026. Prospective buyers can visit the on site display gallery which has&nbsp;fully built one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

640 Bourke Street: A heritage address at the heart of Melbourne

Lower North Shore development specialists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>&nbsp;has topped out its new local apartment development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-6-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective</a>.&nbsp;

Located in the tightly held suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/naremburn-nsw-2065">Naremburn</a>, Northcote Collective is a collection of just 58 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed by award-winning architects Rothelowman.&nbsp;

The building is just a five to 10 minute walk from the heart of Crows Nest and the new&nbsp;St Leonards and Crows Nest Metro stations. Abadeen has also brought doorstep convenience, with a ground-floor retail offering on Northcote Street.

Northcote Collective is being delivered by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode</a> — an iCIRT-rated construction company well regarded in the new development industry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114189 project_image_fid=272840]

“This is an important and exciting moment for Northcote Collective, and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with our partners, consultants, and future residents,” said Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen.&nbsp;

“From the outset, our vision was to create something truly special for Naremburn — homes that respect the character of the neighbourhood while elevating the standard of Lower North Shore living. With connectivity to transport, retail on the doorstep and a true village lifestyle, this milestone also comes at a perfect time when buyer confidence is returning to the market. I am incredibly proud of our team and of Decode for their dedication in helping us bring this vision to life.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114189 project_image_fid=272865]

The development is two-tiered, with two rooftops for residents. The taller building has an impressive rooftop pool, a rare inclusion in the new Sydney apartment market. The level, with panoramic views, also includes an entertaining terrace with barbecue facilities.

Local downsizers and young professionals are showing the strongest interest in the development, with recent improvements in the property market — supported by three rate cuts in 2025 — boosting borrowing power and buyer confidence.

Auction activity across Sydney surged by almost 30 per cent in recent weeks, with clearance rates above 70 per cent — signalling a renewed wave of buyer demand.

Northcote Collective will welcome buyers in 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114189]

Abadeen tops out Northcote Collective in Naremburn

Sunshine Coast-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/devcon-property-group">Devcon Property Group</a> has acquired one of Maroochydore’s most prominent development sites for $12 million unlocking the potentialfor a mixed-use project in the Cotton Tree precinct.

&nbsp;

The 4,178 sqm site at 41–43 Aerodrome Road—well known locally as the former home to one of Australia’s last Sizzler restaurants—was sold via an off-market expressions of interest campaign by Colliers agents Nick Dowling and Baydn Dodds. More than 70 targeted buyer groups were approached, resulting in multiple competitive offers for the property.

Devcon Property Group Managing Director Michael Kain said the acquisition was a strategic move in line with the company’s focus on delivering high-quality projects in prime coastal locations.&nbsp;

“We’re excited about the possibilities this site, in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic beachside &nbsp;communities, offers for a broad range of development outcomes,” Kain said.

“Its location, ocean view potential, and proximity to the Maroochydore CBD and beach make it an &nbsp;outstanding development prospect. Our plans are to refurbish the existing building and then review &nbsp;development options for the remainder of the site.”&nbsp;

<img alt="Aerodrome Rd site overlooking Beach (Large)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a29dc4ed-68c1-4bec-a4fc-283063dcde1e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Aerodrome%20Rd%20site%20overlooking%20Beach%20%28Large%29.jpg?VersionId=b0WxJWevmLoAfCP4YvGImZpR3rSCJJ9L" />

Colliers Special Projects Manager Baydn Dodds said the sale reflected the ongoing strength of the &nbsp;Sunshine Coast’s development site market, particularly for projects capable of achieving water views. &nbsp;

“Sites of this scale, in walkable beachside locations with ocean views, are tightly held and continue to attract significant interest from both local and national developers,” Baydn Dodds said. &nbsp;

“Holding a prominent position as the former home to one of Australia’s last Sizzler restaurants and more recently occupied by Rashays, the prime site is located just 150 metres from Maroochydore Beach.&nbsp;

“With stunning ocean view potential, located in one of the Sunshine Coast’s best known iconic &nbsp;beachside communities, within steps of shops, cafes and the beach it is no surprise that there was strong interest in the site. The transaction highlights the ongoing depth of demand for well-located &nbsp;mixed-use sites across the Sunshine Coast.”&nbsp;

Colliers Sunshine Coast Managing Director Nick Dowling said the transaction reinforced the &nbsp;Sunshine Coast’s status as one of Australia’s most active development markets.&nbsp;

“The combination of strong population growth, lifestyle appeal, and infrastructure investment is &nbsp;driving demand for quality development opportunities,” Nick Dowling said. &nbsp;

“The Sunshine Coast is one of only three markets nationally to record an increase in crane numbers, &nbsp;reflecting the strength of the region’s construction pipeline.&nbsp;

“Opportunities like this are rare and continue to generate strong buyer interest in the region.”&nbsp;

The Sunshine Coast development market is booming, with several high-profile developers like Cube Developments, Gardner Vaughan Group, and RCQ, planning developments in the region.

Devcon buys Sunshine Coast’s former Sizzler site for new apartment development

Population Trends

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Australia's four most populous states accounted for a thumping 93.4% of Australia's population growth over the year to Q1 2015, with New South Wales (its total population increasing to 7,597,000), Victoria (5,915,000), Queensland (4,767,000) and Western Australia (2,587,000) being the four states in question. You could more or less chuck a soggy beach towel over the rest. 
<a href="/images/2015/09/25/B1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/09/25/B1.jpg" alt="">
 
The greatest gains in headcount across the most recent 12 month reporting period were seen in New South Wales (+101,200), Victoria (+97,500) and Queensland (+61,100), and as we've already seen that the recent "births" figures are almost certainly materially <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/population-growth-surprise" target="_blank">understated</a> for the two most populous states. 
<a href="/images/2015/09/25/b2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/09/25/b2.jpg" alt="">
 
<div>Population growth rates have slowed dramatically in the resources states and territories, including in Queensland (+1.3 per cent), and particularly in Western Australia (+1.4 per cent). Meanwhile population growth in the Northern Territory has dried up almost completely (+0.2 per cent), and with net interstate migration away from the Top End reaching its most rapid level on record (-3,400) population 'growth' is set to turn negative in due course. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Population growth has also slowed in another state which is suffering from a "brain drain" - South Australia - where net interstate migration of negative -3,000 has helped to pull the rate of population growth down to just +0.8 per cent, though it still needs to slow further. The 'Festival State' has not created a single full time job on a net basis since 2007 and the result has been a horribly increasing rate of unemployment.</div>
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<div><a href="/images/2015/09/25/b2-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div>Components of growth</div>
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<div>Net overseas migration remains very strong in New South Wales (+67,000) and Victoria (+55,000), but has clearly slowed in the resources states as the mining construction boom begins to fade into the rear view mirror.</div>
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<div><a href="/images/2015/09/25/B5.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div><img src="/images/2015/09/25/B5.jpg" alt=""></div>
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<div>
<div>The most interesting trend for me over the last few years has been to note just how few people have been choosing to leave Sydney and Melbourne for cheaper or warmer climes (refer to the net interstate migration chart below), instead opting to stay put for the relative security of their capital city employment.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>That said, I do know more than a few people - including myself, in fact - who have recently decided to relocate from Sydney to Brisbane.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Brisbane is not only comparatively inexpensive, it also has a warmer climate and is considerably less crowded - and thus if the jobs market is creating the requisite employment it should be a no-brainer from my perspective!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The data below shows that the trickle of Sydneysiders moving to Queensland has only been a trickle through this cycle to date, and most certainly not a flood.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>That said, net interstate migration for the March quarter into Queensland (+1,300) was plenty stronger than we saw in the prior corresponding period (+700) taking annual net interstate migration into the Sunshine State back up to +6,200 from its recent nadir.</div>
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<div><a href="/images/2015/09/25/B4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div><img src="/images/2015/09/25/B4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Totting that little lot up we can see in the chart below that population growth has slowed significantly in Western Australia (+35,300) and Queensland (+61,100), and has slowed further in South Australia (+13,900).</div>
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<div><a href="/images/2015/09/25/B3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div><img src="/images/2015/09/25/B3.jpg" alt=""></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>
<div>On the other hand annual population growth remains supremely strong in New South Wales (+101,200) and Victoria (+97,500) despite the under-reporting of births over the past six months. Housing supply
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>On an obliquely related note, although I can't remember exactly where I read it, somewhere this week was a piece which suggested that the construction of 10,000 apartments over four years at Sydney's Green Square would form part of a "tsunami" of oversupply in Sydney.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I'm not sure if this was some kind of gee-up, but as you can see the in the figures above with the state population having increased by close to +400,000 over the past four years alone...I dunno, but I reckon someone's having a giraffe.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Whatever the case, New South Wales has an existing stock of close to <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/nsw-dwelling-stock-value-explodes" target="_blank">3 million dwellings</a>, and to my knowledge there has not been any recorded example of such a tiny fraction of additional construction having a material impact on a capital city property market. Like London, Sydney is a city which is increasingly constrained in terms of its land supply in desirable locations, and is a city which is more or less permanently in a position of requiring new supply. Now granted we're presently constructing proportionately far too many of those "shoebox" type developments - no arguments there - but as the Greater Sydney population continues to mushroom over time any such localised examples of oversupply will only ever be temporary in nature. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

State population trends: Pete Wargent

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The number of ultra-wealthy people in Australia is expected to rise by 29 per cent over the next five years, equivalent to an extra 1,085 people, according to Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2020.
The data shows Australia’s ultra-high-net-worth-individual (UHNWI) population will rise to 4,881 by 2024, up from 3,796 in 2019, with more than 200 new ultra-wealthy people being created in Australia each year.
Australia’s ultra-wealthy population grew by 5 per cent in 2019 and by 35 per cent over the past five years.
At the same time, Australia’s high-net-worth-individuals (HNWI**) are expected to grow by 34 per cent over the next five years to reach close to 2.1 million. Currently, 50 million people globally are considered millionaires, with wealth of  US$1 million or more.
According to Michelle Ciesielski, Knight Frank’s head of residential research, Australia is forecast to have one of the highest rates of growth in UHNWI populations globally over the next five years.
“Australia is ranked equal 15th with Canada for the projected growth in UHNWIs out of 43 countries globally,” she said. 
“Our projections are based on The Knight Frank Wealth Sizing Model which allows us to project the number of individuals in each wealth band in the future. We have utilised data including forecast growth in GDP, house prices, equity performance, interest rates and other assets that individuals hold. 
“Coming off a number of years of solid growth in Australia, 2019 saw further wealth creation off the back of a resilient stock market and further capital gains in the prime property market. 
“Although challenges in the local economy persist, there has been much more certainty and solidifying of the global economy coming into 2020.”
Knight Frank’s Joint National Head of Private Office Sarah Harding said, “On average 80 per cent of Australian UHNWIs saw an increase in wealth in 2019, well above the global average response of 63 per cent in the Knight Frank Attitudes Survey.
“Looking ahead to 2020, 63 per cent of Australian UHNWIs believe their wealth portfolios will continue to grow, which is optimistic when compared to the global average of 55 per cent.
“Australian UHNWIs cite the top three issues challenging wealth creation in 2020 as being the flow on from the global economic slowdown, negative interest rates or bond returns and the global trade wars. 
“As a result, 92 per cent of Australian ultra-wealthy population are making changes to protect their wealth.” 
According to Ms Ciesielski, “The number of ultra-wealthy people around the world is predicted to grow by 27 per cent over the next five years, with the population rising by 136,087 to just under 650,000. An additional 31,000 UNHWI were created in 2019, an increase of 6.1 per cent. 
“Out of the top 20 fastest growing countries presented in the report, six are located in Asia, with India forecast to have the highest growth of 73 per cent.
“We expect Asia will be the world’s second largest wealth hub by 2024, with a forecast five-year growth of 44 per cent, but it will still be only half the size of North America’s ultra-wealthy population, which is forecast to increase by 22 per cent.”
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Australia’s ultra-wealthy population projected to rise 29 per cent: Knight Frank

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CoreLogic observed that over the 12 months to December 2018, the estimated residential population of Australia increased by 1.6% or by 404,783 persons; the largest increase in raw number terms since September 2017 and it was also the third consecutive quarter in which the annual population increase trended higher.
Looking at the two components of population growth at a national level (natural increase and net overseas migration) they found that net overseas migration remains the primary driver of population growth.
Over the year, natural increase was recorded 156,337 persons, the highest it has been since March 2015 and 8.5% higher than in December 2017. Net overseas migration was recorded at 248,446 persons, the highest it has been since September 2017 and 2.8% higher than the previous year.
Across the states and territories, net interstate migration is also a contributor to population growth.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/27/Pop%20growth%201.JPG" alt="">
NEW SOUTH WALES
 With an estimated population of 8,046,070 persons, the population has increased by 123,813 persons or 1.6% over the past year, which is in-line with the national rate of growth. The 123,813 person increase was the greatest since September 2017 and was made-up of natural increase of 53,711 persons, net overseas migration of 91,999 persons and a loss of 21,897 persons due to net interstate migration. Natural increase of 53,711 persons was the greatest on record while the 91,999 persons increase due to net overseas migration was the largest increase in 12 months. The loss of 21,897 residents due to net interstate migration was slightly lower than the previous quarter but up from 19,299 persons a year earlier.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/27/Pop%20growth%202.JPG" alt="">
VICTORIA
The estimated population increased by 2.2% over the 2018 calendar year taking it to 6,526,413 persons with an increase of 139,430 persons over the past year. The 139,430 person population increase consisted of natural increase of 40,256 persons, net overseas migration of 85,965 persons and net interstate migration of 13,209 persons. Although the population continues to increase rapidly, both net overseas and net interstate migration are lower than they were a year ago and natural increase is higher than a year ago but lower than the previous quarter.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/27/Pop%20growth%203.JPG" alt="">
QUEENSLAND
The estimated population increased by 89,905 persons, or 1.8%, throughout 2018 taking the estimated population to 5,052,827 persons. The 1.8% annual increase in population was the largest since June 2013 and consisted of increases of 31,070 persons due to natural increase, 35,039 persons due to net overseas migration and 23,796 due to net interstate migration. Natural increase was the greatest it has been since March 2017, net overseas migration was the greatest since September 2013 while net interstate migration is the highest of any state it has slowed for two consecutive quarters and is the lowest since December 2017. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/27/Pop%20growth%204.JPG" alt="">
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
With an estimated 1,742,744 residents, the population increased by 0.8% or 14,585 persons throughout 2018. The 14,585 person increase included natural increase of 5,490 persons, net overseas migration of 13,319 persons and a loss of 4,224 persons due to net interstate migration. Natural increase was the greatest it has been since June 2017, net overseas migration was the greatest it has been since June 2010 and the outflow of residents to other state and territories was the slowest it has been since March 2015.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/27/Pop%20growth%205.JPG" alt="">
West Australia
Over the 2018 calendar year the estimated population increased by 23,961 persons or 0.9% to take the total population estimate to 2,606,338 persons. The 23,961 person increase over the year is well down on the peak of the mining boom when WA added 73,922 in 2008. The 23,961 person increase over the past year was made-up of natural increase of 18,601 persons, net overseas migration of 14,863 persons and a loss from net interstate migration of 9,503 persons. Natural increase was the lowest it has been since September 2009, net overseas migration was the highest it has been since December 2014 and the loss of residents to other states and territories was the smallest since March 2016.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/27/Pop%20growth%206.JPG" alt="">
Tasmania
The population increased by 1.2% over the past year or 6,499 persons which was the largest annual increase in population since September 1990, taking the estimated population to 531,529 persons. Natural increase was recorded at 1,260 persons, the greatest it has been since December 2016. Net overseas migration was recorded at 2,717 persons, the greatest it has been since September 2017. Net interstate migration was recorded at 2,522 persons, the greatest it has been since June 2004.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/27/Pop%20growth%207.JPG" alt="">
Northern Territory
As at December 2018 the estimated population was 245,854 persons which was actually a reduction in population of 1,010 persons over the past year. While natural increase was recorded at 2,680 persons and net overseas migration at 526 persons. NT lost 4,216 residents due to net interstate migration causing the overall population to fall. Natural increase was the smallest since December 2005, net overseas migration was the smallest since September 2003 and the loss of residents due to net interstate migration was the largest on record. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/27/Pop%20growth%208.JPG" alt="">
Australian Capital Territory
The population increased by 1.8% or 7,574 persons throughout 2018 taking the estimated resident population to 423,811 persons. Over the year, natural increase was recorded at 3,247 persons, net overseas migration of 4,014 persons and net interstate migration of 313 persons. Natural increase was the lowest it has been since September 2009, net overseas migration was the lowest it has been since December 2016.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/27/Pop%20growth%208.JPG" alt="">
The data shows that the national population is still growing at a rapid rate despite recent moves to lower permanent migration. The population of NSW and Vic continues to grow by the greatest amount. Population increase in NSW is primarily driven by natural increase and net overseas migration, accounting for 37.0% of national net overseas migration. Vic has seen 34.6% on net overseas migration nationally over the past year and has also recorded the second highest rate of net interstate migration (behind Qld). Vic, Qld, Tas and ACT are seeing a positive rate of net interstate migration as more people arrive from interstate than leave. Over the coming quarters it is expected that similar trends will continue with strong population increases in NSW and Vic driven by overseas migration and strong rates of net interstate migration for Vic and Qld. Of course population growth, particularly migration, is a proxy for housing demand. High levels of migration mean increased demand for housing which is a factor that should assist in putting a floor under the recent declines in dwelling values (particularly in Sydney and Melbourne). Furthermore, increasing populations should also assist in the absorption of the large volume of apartments under construction in Sydney and Melbourne.
CAMERON KUSHER is the head of research for the Australian branch of CoreLogic
Kusher regularly posts on the <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news" target="_blank">CoreLogic website</a>.
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Australia's population grew over 400,000 in 2018: CoreLogic's Cameron Kusher

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EXPERT OBSERVER
More people are deciding to call Australia home – if not permanently, at least for longer than a year. The lift in permanent and long-term arrivals reflects a perception of Australia as a great place to live and work – a country with a high standard of living and great opportunities.
Over 115,000 foreigners came to Australia as a “permanent or long-term arrival” in February. While February is seasonally a peak time for migrant inflows, the annual total of 844,800 is also a record high and up 11.4% on a year ago – the strongest growth in 20 months. 
In February there were also 40,740 Aussies deciding to move overseas either permanently or for more than year – the lowest level in four months. Over the year to February the net number (arrivals less departures) of permanent and long-term arrivals hit a five-year high of almost 300,000 people. While studying, working or travelling, the ‘new Aussies’ will contribute to spending and demand for accommodation. 
The new migrants boost employment in the short-term but provide the strongest contribution to economic output the longer that they are in their positions (as the case of all new employees). This highlights the fallacy of the recent ‘per capita’ discussion – more a reflection of a timing gap. 
Tourism
Tourist arrivals rose by 0.9% in February, the strongest gain in five months. Aussie tourist departures fell by 3.3%, the biggest fall in almost two years. 
Over the year, arrivals were up by 4% and departures were up by 3.7%. In February, tourists from Greater China (China and Hong Kong) totalled 141,800 (mainland China 115,600; Hong Kong 26,200), ahead of New Zealand (124,800). 
China is the largest source of tourists to Australia. Over the past year a record 1,451,600 tourists came to Australia from China, up by 3.9%. 
Tourists from New Zealand totalled 1,400,200 visitors over the past year, up by 3.0%. A record 364,300 Indian tourists travelled to Australia over the year to February, up by 16.7% on a year ago.
In February, there were record tourist inflows from New Zealand and India. And in the month a record number of Aussies travelled to India.
Migration 
In February there were 115,100 permanent and long-term arrivals in Australia. The annual number of permanent and long-term overseas arrivals rose to a record high of 844,800 in February, up by 7.3% over the year. 
In February there were 40,740 permanent and long-term departures from Australia. The annual number of permanent and long-term overseas departures fell from 546,310 to 545,610 in February but were still up by 5.2% over the year. 
Net permanent and long-term arrivals stood at a five-year high of 299,100 in the year to February, up 11.4% on the year.
Chinese inflation
Consumer prices rose by 2.3% in the year to March (forecast: +2.4%), after lifting by 1.5% in the year to February. It was the highest annual rate for consumer prices in five months 
Consumer prices fell by 0.4% in March after rising 1.0% in February. Food prices fell by 0.9% to stand 4.1% higher than a year ago. Non-food prices fell by 0.2% to stand 1.8% higher than a year ago. 
Producer prices rose by 0.4% in the year to March (forecast +0.4%), up from 0.1% in year to February.
What are the implications for interest rates and investors? 
Australia is rightly regarded as a great place for study, work and travel. The continued growth of short and longer term arrivals is good news for a raft of industries such as retailing, tourism and higher education. 
The lift in Chinese inflation is encouraging as a weak economy would be more likely to have deflation issues. Chinese consumer price inflation is near a 2% annual rate, like a raft of economies at present.
CommSec expects the cash rate to remain unchanged for the foreseeable future.
CRAIG JAMES is the Chief Economist of CommSec
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Migration to Australia is at record highs: CommSec's Craig James

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Australia is, apparently, in the midst of a population “crisis” – just this month, we passed the milestone of 25 million people. The nature of the crisis depends on the day and who you ask. Size and growth have become an increasing public preoccupation, particularly as immigration has held firm over the last 12 years as the major contributor to population growth.
Australia’s workforce is shrinking due to population ageing. This puts more pressure on young people to contribute enough personal income tax to fund the Australia we’ve become accustomed to. Immigration is one way to ensure Australia has the labour force it needs to offset the financial challenges of an ageing population.
But the population and population growth is unequal across Australia. The Turnbull government has signalled it will introduce a population policy (of sorts) by the end of the year. This will reportedly focus on settlement of immigrants in regions outside major cities.
The problem is that many people are conflicted about whether the population should continue to grow at all. A population policy offers a way for the country to be prepared and respond to the current and future needs of Australians. So, what would a good population policy look like?
Well-being, not control
The difficulties of the breadth of population-related matters in policy can be overcome, or at least minimised, by having a minister or agency with oversight over the progress of the population framework. The framework, which would include measurable indicators, would report and monitor success towards population-related well-being. This could provide an opportunity for the public to be involved and remain informed.
Population policies are usually focused on the components of population change: births, deaths and migration. Many people hold the mis-perception population policies are about control, and this isn’t surprising given the restrictive population policies in China.
But contemporary population policies, for countries like Australia, are less about controlling numbers and more about ensuring population well-being. The core tenet of a population policy for Australia should be about the population’s quality of life, now and into the future.
Health and education are central to quality of life. Babies born today or in the future should receive sufficient government investment to have a good start at life, particularly with respect to health and education. This means adequate housing and welfare support for families and children, quality equitable education and accessible and affordable health-care.
Gender inequality – both at home and in the workplace – are important elements to the population policy puzzle. Childcare and family support payments are crucial to population well-being, particularly among working parents.
A contemporary population policy for Australia should also include considerations of the use of land for agriculture, mining, water consumption and sources, and the degradation of natural parklands. Mandated environmental behaviours are overdue, and crucial to food and climate security.
Not the size that matters
Focus on population growth rates and size belies the nuances of the population context. It’s not size or growth that matters, but the characteristics and distribution of the population.
Strategies that seek to attract and retain populations outside the city limits will take the pressure off cities with the highest growth – such as Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. And these strategies shouldn’t just consider immigrants are beneficiaries of settlement incentives — Australian locals could participate in such a scheme.
Essential services, such as schools and hospitals, are based around populations. That is, hospitals are built where there is already enough demand. Yet adequate infrastructure must already be present for viable communities in regional areas to attract people to move there.
A settlement strategy could also incorporate investigations and investments in the way Australian towns and associated infrastructure can best support communities. This can include such things as employment opportunities, appropriate housing, transport and telecommunications.
Nhill, a town in the Wimmera region of western Victoria, embarked on a strategic resettlement program for a group of Karen refugees from Myanmar in 2010. A report by Deloitte Access Economics showed an estimated increase of more than A$40 million in Gross Regional Product over five years as a result of this strategy. This serves as a good example for how community and industry can work together to attract people to help bolster local business.
A policy is long overdue
Population ageing means we need to take action now to guarantee Australia’s future social and demographic sustainability.
Australia is long overdue for a sensible strategy for the future. Australia doesn’t need an immigration plebiscite (or even consensus) or another population inquiry to advance a population policy. We need evidence based decision-making which will ensure sustainability and quality of life into the future.
Public consultation and government-commissioned quality research to inform the future needs of the migration program will ensure the parameters of population policy are right for Australia.

A population policy for Australia should provide a blueprint for the future; a framework for what the nation aspires to be, and achievable goals to get there.
Liz Allen, Demographer, ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods, Australian National University
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/heres-what-a-population-policy-for-australia-could-look-like-101458" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Here’s what a population policy for Australia could look like: Liz Allen

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The State Infrastructure Plan produced by Infrastructure NSW (INSW) while outlining a forward program of projects has raised concerns about the ageing population in NSW.
The detailed plan by Infrastructure NSW raises concerns about the fact that the NSW population is getting older and this will reduce income from taxation.
The number of people over 70 will increase by 85 percent by 2036 according to INSW. This will increase health services by 50 percent while less people will be contributing taxes.
A fundamental change will occur in how Sydney siders operate over the next 20 years with INSW predicting that train trips will almost double from 1.1 million now to 2.1 million in 2036.
Surprisingly INSW predicts that electricity consumption will only increase by 2 percent by 2036.
INSW calls for the government to make better use of government owned land in terms of development.
They have recommended that the Department of Planning and Environment establish by 2020 a housing and employment supply pipeline to ensure a 5 year supply. This will require action on zoning and on the development pipeline.
One recommendation (No 12) by INSW is that Major Project Planning approvals must be improved as they take too long and this adds to the cost.
The Urban Taskforce agrees totally with INSW that major projects need a much better approval process that the current slow and complex process.
They also call for ways to reduce bid costs for major project procurement.
INSW raise concerns about value capture by saying ‘In most cases it will not have a transformational impact on the funding equation.'
There is some visionary ideas about the use of digital data with suggestions that NSW could learn from Singapore in this regard.
With over 100 recommendations, mainly to other NSW Government agencies, there is a lot of content in the State Infrastructure Plan and its repeated references to the Regional Plan for Sydney and the Transport Plan for Sydney and for NSW.
It is good to see a number of NSW Government agencies working together.
The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with all of the NSW Government agencies to ensure Sydney grows in a sustainable manner.
Chris Johnson is the Urban Taskforce CEO
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