Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

Residential Performance

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
The highest-ranked areas in an Australia-wide assessment of smart city performance are all in metropolitan regions with higher population densities. “Australia’s 60 top-performing local government areas house more than quarter of the nation’s population,” we note in the newly released Smart Cities Down Under report.
As well as highlighting major regional disparities, our analysis reveals the local government areas we assessed against four smart city indicator areas generally perform strongly in one of these, “Liveability and Well-being”. Performances are weaker in “Sustainability and Accessibility” and “Governance and Planning”. High performance in “Productivity and Innovation” existed only in the top-performing areas.
We assessed 180 local government areas (out of 563 in Australia), representing more than 85% of the nation’s population, against <a href="https://eprints.qut.edu.au/123317/" target="_blank">smart city criteria</a>. We included all local government areas in metropolitan Australia (<a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/1270.0.55.001%7EJuly%202016%7EMain%20Features%7EGreater%20Capital%20City%20Statistical%20Areas%20(GCCSA)%7E10003" target="_blank">Greater Capital City Statistical Areas</a>) and regional local government areas with populations of more than 50,000.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/313419/original/file-20200203-41532-pt7dd4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/313419/original/file-20200203-41532-pt7dd4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Locations of investigated local government areas. Author provided
This study is an expanded version of the <a href="https://eprints.qut.edu.au/118349/" target="_blank">Smart Cities of the Sunshine State 2018</a> report.
It’s not all about technology
Cities are complex systems and should be evaluated in a holistic way. This means not placing excessive weight on technological achievements – such as <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-49674533" target="_blank">tech for tech’s sake</a> – in lieu of economic, social, environmental and governance outcomes.
Our <a href="https://eprints.qut.edu.au/132495/" target="_blank">conceptual framework</a> to evaluate <a href="https://eprints.qut.edu.au/118033/" target="_blank">smartness levels</a> was built on the four pillars of economy, society, environment and governance. The evaluation criteria are shown below.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/313427/original/file-20200203-41532-1gtwmto.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/313427/original/file-20200203-41532-1gtwmto.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> Author provided
We categorised the 180 local government areas we assessed into three performance categories:
<ul>
<li>
Leading, the best-performing cities
</li>
<li>
Following, the cities with achievements and potential, but not at the level of the best performers
</li>
<li>
Developing, the cities with some progress and potential, but not as substantial as the other two categories.
</li>
</ul>
Who's leading the way?
All areas in the leading category were completely contained within capital city metropolitan areas.
New South Wales ranked first with 20 local government areas. Then came Western Australia (14), Victoria (12), South Australia (9), Northern Territory (2) and Queensland, Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania (1 each). In terms of population in leading areas, the ranking changed to: NSW (2,348,388 people), Victoria (1,477,964), Queensland (1,131,155), WA (557,163), ACT (397,397), SA (370,719), NT (112,590) and Tasmania (50,439).
You can see below how the combined results for each of leading, following and developing performers compare against the four smart city indicator areas.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/313429/original/file-20200203-41503-l2qcgs.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/313429/original/file-20200203-41503-l2qcgs.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Comparison of leading, following and developing cluster performances. Author provided
You can see the smart city performance matrix of your local government area <a href="https://eprints.qut.edu.au/136873/" target="_blank">here</a>.
Key steps towards smarter cities
Metropolitan local government areas dominate the leading performance category. Mechanisms such as the Australian government’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/city-deals-26196" target="_blank">City and Regional Deals</a> and funding through the <a href="https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/cities/smart-cities/" target="_blank">Smart Cities and Suburbs Program</a> have delivered some tangible impacts.
The performance is less strong in regional Australia. A national smart city strategy and guidelines are needed to help make these localities and communities smarter.
This policy should take on the following findings of our <a href="https://eprints.qut.edu.au/135135/" target="_blank">international study of smart cities</a>:
<ol>
<li>
smart cities that focus only on technology seldom work
</li>
<li>
local governments should adopt the role of facilitator
</li>
<li>
risks need to be shared with the private sector
</li>
<li>
local governments should be open to innovations and learn from mistakes
</li>
<li>
smart cities should focus on being inclusive
</li>
<li>
resource consumption must be considered, particularly in relation to the longevity of technological infrastructure
</li>
<li>
long-term sustainability depends on renewable resources
</li>
<li>
smart cities require a smart community that is knowledgeable, conscious, forward-thinking, engaged, united and active.
</li>
</ol>
The <a href="https://research.qut.edu.au/smartcity/home/people/urban-studies-lab/" target="_blank">Urban Studies Lab</a> at Queensland University of Technology prepared the report in partnership with the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communication. Our <a href="https://research.qut.edu.au/smartcity/" target="_blank">Smart City Research Team</a> has had conversations with city managers, mayors, local government professionals and key community stakeholders (e.g., businesses, not-for-profits, NGOs and academic institutions, among others). These conversations confirm local governments have a critical role to play if Australia is to manage vexing societal challenges from climate change to accessing economic opportunities, and even dealing with transformations driven by information technologies such as <a href="https://theconversation.com/driverless-vehicles-could-bring-out-the-best-or-worst-in-our-cities-by-transforming-land-use-84127" target="_blank">automation</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/valleys-alleys-and-roundabouts-innovating-beyond-a-precinct-24290" target="_blank">innovation</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/artificial-intelligence-should-benefit-society-not-create-threats-36240" target="_blank">artificial intelligence</a>).
Local governments do not function well in isolation. Any local government is only as strong as the other local governments within its vicinity. They must interact to share and access public resources.
Leading cities can learn from the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.planetizen.com/node/67338" target="_blank">frugal innovations</a> of their less fortunate peers. Our best-performing cities are similar to incumbents in the industry sector in that they face their own challenges to modernise.
Too often these cities seek solutions that are not frugal and cannot leverage indigenous knowledge. Less well-resourced communities must engage in different modes of innovation. We believe better networks need to be set up to foster dialogue and exchange practices across communities.
The good news in our report is that our leading cities fare well. The not-so-good news is that the other local governments need to be brought along on a transformation journey. No city is an island, and no country can treat cities as independent elements.
Australia, we believe, should consolidate its <a href="https://eprints.qut.edu.au/103038/" target="_blank">local governance and planning</a> culture to lead the change.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/130881/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tan-yigitcanlar-119434" target="_blank">Tan Yigitcanlar</a>, Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Planning, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847" target="_blank">Queensland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/karen-vella-124890" target="_blank">Karen Vella</a>, Associate Professor and Head, School, Built Environment, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847" target="_blank">Queensland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kevin-clyde-desouza-535757" target="_blank">Kevin Clyde Desouza</a>, Professor of Business, Technology and Strategy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847" target="_blank">Queensland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/luke-butler-953109" target="_blank">Luke Butler</a>, Research Assistant, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847" target="_blank">Queensland University of Technology</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nayomi-kankanamge-953583" target="_blank">Nayomi Kankanamge</a>, PhD Candidate, School of Built Environment, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847" target="_blank">Queensland University of Technology</a>
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/smart-city-or-not-now-you-can-see-how-yours-compares-130881" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Smart city or not? Check and see how yours compares

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The Canberra home auction market has produced another robust winter result with the clear prospects of another strong spring selling season ahead, according to Domain.
Canberra recorded an auction clearance rate of 69.2 per cent over the three months ending August – the highest winter clearance rate recorded since 2009 and the fourth-highest on record.
The strong result was reported despite a record number of auctions with 694 homes listed over winter.
This was 75 more homes, or 12 per cent higher, than the previous record set over winter last year.
Canberra also reported a record-high winter median auction price of $687,500 which was 4.2 per cent higher than the median recorded over winter 2016.
Belconnen reported the highest winter clearance rate of all the Canberra regions with a strong 80.7 percent result, followed well behind by the Woden Valley with 69.6 per cent, Canberra central, 67.6 per cent, Tuggeranong, 66.3 per cent, Gungahlin, 65.2 per cent and Weston Creek with 50.0 per cent.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="102">
Region
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
Median price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="66">
Auctions
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Clearance rate
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="102">
Belconnen
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
$590,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="66">
192
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
80%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="102">
Canberra Central
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
$968,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="66">
143
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
67%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="102">
Gungahlin
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
$745,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="66">
123
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
65%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="102">
Tuggeranong
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
$588,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="66">
106
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
66%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="102">
Weston Creek
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
$683,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="66">
59
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
50%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="102">
Woden Valley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
$773,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="66">
71
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
69%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Belconnen also reported the highest number of winter auctions with 192 followed by Canberra central 143, Gungahlin, 123, Tuggeranong, 106, Woden Valley, 71 and Weston Creek with 59 auctions.
Canberra central recorded the highest median auction price over winter at $968,000, followed by Woden Valley, $773,000, Gungahlin, $745,000, Weston Creek, $683,500, Belconnen, $590,000 and Tuggeranong close behind with a median of $588,500.
Canberra is set to maintain its winter momentum though spring and continue as one of the nation’s strongest capital city housing markets.
Belconnen has the highest proportioned of rented properties in 2016 in metropolitan Canberra, according to a recent CoreLogic report.
The property data firm says that 62% of properties in the area were rented.
Below is the residential vacancy rates for Belconnen according to SQM Research.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-27%20at%2011.38.28%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-27%20at%2011.38.28%20am.jpg" alt="">
However this is slightly lower than the 63% in 2006, but higher than the 55% in 2011.
Below is the implied property gross rental yield for Belconnen according to SQM Research.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-27%20at%2011.39.07%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-27%20at%2011.39.07%20am.jpg" alt="">
A two bedroom apartment at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-act-belconnen-421919866" target="_blank"> 32/1 Playfair Place</a>, Belconnen (above) is available for $340 per week.
Another two bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-act-belconnen-421645394" target="_blank">37/20 Beissel Street</a>, Belconnen (below) is available for $460 per week.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/27/37_20%20Beissel%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Belconnen Canberra's best performing winter suburb

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The detached housing market has pushed New South Wales to a greater lead over Victoria in the HIA Housing Scorecard.
The scorecard ranks each states and territories on the performance of their respective housing market.
Shane Garrett, HIA senior economist, said the large states dominate the top rankings in the latest HIA Housing Scorecard, with NSW extending its lead in first place thanks to a remarkable performance on the detached house side.
“In second place on the HIA Housing Scorecard, Victoria was particularly strong for home renovations activity but also did well on the detached housing side.
“In this edition of the HIA Housing Scorecard, Queensland grabbed the bronze medal with a solid showing on the multi-unit side. 
“Outside of the Top Three, South Australia and the ACT occupied the mid-table positions. Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania are all neck-and-neck with declining market momentum on the HIA Housing Scorecard. 
“Probably the starkest result from today’s HIA Housing Scorecard concerns the volume of First Home Buyer loans, which have fallen well below their long-term average in each state and territory. The obstacles to housing affordability for first home buyers merit a national-led response."
<a href="/images/2016/12/02/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-02%20at%2011.29.21%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/02/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-02%20at%2011.29.21%20AM.png" alt="">
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NSW tops latest HIA Housing Scorecard, first home buyer loans fall

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<div>The number of residential vacancies dropped in August to give a vacancy rate of 2.3 percent, according to SQM Research.</div>
<div>
 The latest SQM research shows vacancies dropping in all capital cities, pushing up rents, especially in Sydney and Melbourne where vacancy rates are now below 2 percent.
</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/09/21/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-21%20at%2011.10.04%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div>
<img src="/images/2016/09/21/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-21%20at%2011.10.04%20AM.png" alt=""> SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said Sydney and Melbourne recorded vacancies rates of 1.7 percent and 1.9 percent, respectively, while Hobart had the tightest rate at just 0.5 percent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"In contrast, Perth recorded the highest vacancy rate of 5.0 percent in August, though it fell by 0.2 percentage points from a record high of 5.2 percent in July," he said.</div>
<div>
<div> "Reflecting a high vacancy rate, Perth has recorded big falls in asking rents of 9.6 percent for houses and 11.4 percent for units over the past 12 months. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
"Yearly falls have also been recorded in Darwin, with asking rents down 1.5 percent for houses and 5.5 percent for units. In contrast, asking rents jumped in Canberra, up 12.1 percent for houses and 9.6 percent for units. The asking rent for a three-bedroom house in Sydney jumped 4.8 percent to $713 a week over the year to September 20 and in Melbourne, rents jumped to $486, up 3.4 percent. "Despite a very tight vacancy rate, Hobart continues to record the most affordable rental accommodation with rents for houses at just $343 a week and units averaging $279 a week. 
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<div><a href="/images/2016/09/21/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-21%20at%2011.10.18%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/09/21/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-21%20at%2011.10.18%20AM.png" alt=""></div>
<div>"Looking forward, fears of an apartment oversupply in Melbourne, if true, cannot come soon enough, as at present, having a vacancy rate trending down below 2 percent is highly suggestive that landlords are in control of the market.  "Sydney too is likely to remain a landlord's market as the city's growing population creates demand for new stock. The only area right now recording sustained increases in vacancies is the Hills District, including the Kellyville area." </div>
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Vacancy rates drop, big city rents jump: SQM

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Prime property prices only increased by 1.9% in the year to September 2015 around the world, according to Knight Frank’s Prime Global Cities Index with Vancouver and Sydney leading the rankings with standout performances. 
The index, which monitors and compares the performance of prime residential prices across key global cities, reports an increase of 20.4% in Vancouver in the year to September 2015. A shortage of supply and strengthening local demand alongside foreign interest are the reasons behind the strong performance. 
Sydney ranks not far behind with an increase of 13.7%, while Melbourne sits in fifth place with an annual increase of 9.4%. The weak Australian dollar, an undersupply of new homes and a strong local economy are behind Sydney’s accelerating values, and to an extent Melbourne as well. In addition, Melbourne has been named ‘The Most Liveable City in the World’ for the fifth time in a row by the Economist Intelligence Unit. 
Michelle Ciesielski, director of residential research, at Knight Frank Australia said the lower Australian dollar had influenced the number of ex-pats buying back in Sydney and Melbourne, taking advantage of buying a prime property in these ideal conditions.
Shanghai also recorded double-digit annual price growth, up 10.7% in the year. The reversal of strict housing policies and the introduction of new fiscal measures, including tax and interest rate cuts, have fuelled demand in Shanghai. 
<a href="/images/2015/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-03%20at%204.46.36%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-03%20at%204.46.36%20PM.png" alt="">
Looking beyond the top rankings, the overall performance of the index was less than robust, Knight Frank noted.
The index now stands 34.1% above its low in Q1 2009 but its annual rate of growth is slowing. 
Kate Everett-Allen, residential researcher at Knight Frank noted the index’s annual rate of growth had slowed significantly from 7% two years ago to 1.9%.”
Some 73% of cities recorded positive annual price growth in the year to September down from 91% two years ago.
Singapore was the weakest performing prime market tracked by the index for the seventh consecutive quarter, but the rate of annual decline has slowed from -15.2% at the end of Q2 to -7.9% this quarter. 
Analysis by world region highlights that Australasia leads the Prime Global Cities Index, with an average annual price growth of 11.6%, followed by North America at 8.5%. Europe has entered positive territory this quarter with an increase of 0.8%. However, performance here varies from an increase of 9.4% in Monaco to -5.1% in Zurich. 
As QE unwinds and a US rate rise draws near, prime assets will remain on the radar of investors and HNWIs. The big question mark surrounds not Greece and the Eurozone but the slowdown in the Chinese economy. Wealth from China will continue to flow into overseas property markets with the UK, US, Canada and Australia being key target destinations. 
<a href="/images/2015/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-03%20at%204.44.04%20PM.png" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-03%20at%204.44.04%20PM.png" alt="">
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