In the media – National

Record building approvals but figures moderating
Despite reaching new record levels for the year, building approvals are showing the first signs of having peaked according to the latest ABS data for June released on Thursday (30 July 2015).  More...

UDIA: Peak Developer Body Condemns Inefficient Taxes
The peak body representing Australia's urban development industry has called for a major shakeup of Australia's tax system, in its submission to the Federal Tax White Paper process (30 July 2015). More...

Changing the mix will bring tax windfall
Australia's economic welfare would improve by up to $10 billion and raise more revenue for governments through a better mix of taxes, finds new modelling commissioned by the Property Council (21 July 2015).  More...

Optimistic outlook for property sector
Confidence levels remain steady and in positive territory, with an optimistic outlook for property sector capital gains and construction recorded in the latest ANZ/Property Council Survey (21 July 2015).  More...

CommSec report has NSW 3,000 dwelling commencements behind Victoria
The CommSec report for the January 2015 quarter has NSW 3,000 dwelling commencements behind Victoria but NSW is catching up fast, says the Urban Taskforce. Despite the fact that NSW commenced 3,000 fewer dwellings than Victoria in the January 2015 quarter, the CommSec report lists NSW as the top state for dwelling starts (20 July 2015).  More...

In the media – New South Wales

Property spruikers put on notice by regulators
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe is warning promoters of property investment schemes to operate legally or face sanctions. Mr Stowe said a common theme was consumers being misled about the financial benefits of buying into a particular scheme (30 July 2015).  More...

Harbour Control Tower, Barangaroo Point Reserve
The NSW Government today approved a development application from the Barangaroo Delivery Authority to remove the former Harbour Control Tower. The BDA application seeks to remove the tower in order to achieve a naturalistic form and character for the reserve that is consistent with the site's concept plan (30 July 2015).  More...

NSW approvals drop 20% for apartments and non-residential buildings
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) June 2015 approvals for apartments and non-residential buildings in NSW have dropped 20% since February 2015, says the Urban Taskforce (30 July 2015).   More...

UrbanGrowth seeks feedback on city revitalisation plans
UrbanGrowth NSW is asking the community to have its say on what should be done with Newcastle's disused heavy rail corridor (29 July 2015).  More...

Rates likely to rise following forced amalgamations, Inquiry told
The claims that forced Council amalgamations would drive down rates was not borne out by evidence from other states, Local Government NSW (LGNSW) has told a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government Reform (27 July 2015).  More...

NSW property industry confidence leads nation
NSW continues to lead national confidence across the property industry, according to this quarter's survey (20 July 2015).   More...

In the media – Queensland

Have your say on Stanbroke's $200 million Three Rivers Irrigation Project
Queenslanders are invited to have their say on the draft terms of reference for Stanbroke's proposed $200 million cotton project in the Gulf (31 July 2015).  More...

Queensland leads way on building approvals
Treasurer Curtis Pitt says that ABS figures released this week point to the continued strength of Queensland's property and construction sectors (31 July 2015).  More...

Darling Downs irrigators gain water flexibility
Darling Downs irrigators will have greater flexibility to purchase water licences and boost their businesses under changes made by the Queensland Government (31 July 2015).  More...

Planning in Queensland Must Consider Sea Level Increases
The Queensland government's decision to redefine coastal hazard areas based on potential sea level changes is expected to be of benefit to long-term planning as well as land use decisions by local councils (22 July 2015).  More...

Cases - Queensland

Lambert Property Group Pty Ltd v Body Corporate for Castlebar Cove [2015] QSC 179
 REAL PROPERTY – EASEMENTS – EASEMENTS GENERALLY – CREATION – BY EXPRESS AGREEMENT OR UNDER STATUTE – STATUTORY EASEMENTS – where development approval was granted for the construction of residential units on a vacant lot – where approval was granted on the condition that vehicle access to the lot would be via an easement through the basement of a neighbouring residential development – where there is existing access to the vacant lot via a driveway over which there are reciprocal easements benefitting the vacant lot and three neighbouring properties – whether access via the basement is reasonably necessary for the effective use of the vacant lot.  More...

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