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You’ve probably heard the saying that “the devil is in the detail”.That’s especially true when it comes to selecting furniture for your business. From couches and chairs to desks and tables, your choice in furniture can make or break how customers perceive your brand.The importance of quality furniture with a high-end look and feel can’t be understated. It will help create a space where people feel comfortable doing business with you while also demonstrating that you take pride in your company’s image.Your brand is the promise you make to your customer. It’s what they come to expect from working with you, and it can be defined by colour, style, at times language and, of course, even furniture.Your brand should be unique and memorable; it needs to be consistent across all platforms so that consumers recognise it easily. And lastly, your branding needs to be relevant to your target market.Brand personality is the emotional connection between your brand and its audience. It's what makes you you, and it should be consistent across all of your marketing materials. Your brand’s personality will set you apart from competitors and define how people perceive you.<h2>Recognising the right fit</h2> The right fit is one that your customers will recognise, understand and appreciate. It should be a reflection of your brand identity and the type of person you want to attract.But this does not mean it has to be expensive. The key is finding quality furniture at the best price possible, while staying to your brand, brand identity and values.Avoid furniture that is too trendy or “off brand”. You don’t want to choose pieces that won’t be in style next year or that do not align with your brand’s personality.Consider using different furniture options for different spaces to create a more personable perception, rather than having one single standard look throughout.<div id="4BAsmPCqz7a1g6alDDT5L5"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3cPMTSgRxd5GB83Efajze2/98417f7280d05fb11baf496cafe4c26b/1.jpg" alt="A showroom for the luxury car brand Lexus in Sydney's Waterloo." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3cPMTSgRxd5GB83Efajze2/98417f7280d05fb11baf496cafe4c26b/1.jpg"></picture><div>▲ All furniture was selected in conjunction with and provided by Bowermans Commercial Furniture. Photographer: Gabriel Pace </div></div><h2>The Lexus approach</h2> Lexus’ luxury brand is well recognised and established all over the globe, known for sleekness, simplicity and outstanding quality.These values are present throughout all aspects of the brand—from how it presents itself, to its cars, its service and the brand experience that it aims to generate for its customers.Their vision is to build vehicles that anticipate your needs, electrify your senses and turns your journeys into everlasting memories.From their corporate offices to their dealerships, they follow the Omotenashi business philosophy—a Japanese spirit of hospitality, where the goal is to make customers feel completely welcomed, paying attention to the most meticulous details throughout the entire experience provided.Needless to say, this approach was certainly present in their furniture selection process, when fitting out their Waterloo showroom in Sydney. From the start, their intention was to create a space that was welcoming and inviting, comfortable enough for visitors to feel at ease; unrushed, like they don’t have to leave.Purchasing a new car, especially a luxury car like a Lexus, is a big decision, and so the idea was to curate an experience where customers are encouraged to take their time while in the dealership.This meant furniture that is comfortable, but that at the same time stayed in line with Lexus’ sleek look and feel. All pieces were handpicked to match all aesthetical elements of the showroom; colours, lighting, layout; always keeping the customer experience at top-of-mind.<div id="3keA9od7rGxQovcTTypdtm"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/nevepmnVaAHsNLZr1zSYk/6463e236e0e54e6e5b6520d30af215e4/2.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/nevepmnVaAHsNLZr1zSYk/6463e236e0e54e6e5b6520d30af215e4/2.jpg"></picture><div>▲ The choice of furniture ensure the Lexus brand and image remains consistent. Photographer: Gabriel Pace </div></div><h2>Understand the effects</h2> Whether you’re a designer or an office manager or not, it’s important to understand how your furniture can affect the image of your brand.There are many different types of brands and styles out there, so don’t feel like one option must fit all. Consider what type of message you want your customers to get from their experience with your business before making any decisions about what kind of furniture works best for them.<a data-mce-href="https://www.bowermans.com.au/" href="https://www.bowermans.com.au/" target="_blank">Bowermans Commercial Furniture</a> showroom is located at &nbsp;60 Union Street, PyrmontPhone:&nbsp;<a href="tel:1300392538" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="tel:1300392538">1300 392 538 </a>Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sales@bowermans.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="mailto:sales@bowermans.com.au">sales@bowermans.com.au</a> &nbsp;<hr> The Urban Developer is proud to partner with <a href="https://www.harveynormancommercial.com.au/" data-mce-href="https://www.harveynormancommercial.com.au/">Harvey Norman</a> to deliver this article to you. In doing so, we can continue to publish our daily news, information, insights and opinion to you, our valued readers.

Maintaining consistent branding is crucial—here’s how Harvey Norman helped an international car company ensure its newest showroom does just that…

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Melbourne fund manager Newmark Capital, the property syndicate backed by former Hawthorn champion Chris Langford, has secured approval to develop a mixed-used precinct in south-east Melbourne.Newmark struck a $135-million deal to purchase the Brandon Park Shopping Centre from Vicinity Centres and Telstra Super in 2018.At the time Langford said the centre had been targeted as a “gateway site” in a strong and growing demographic, 24km south-east of the CBD.The current centre sits on a 5.8ha site and offers 23,000sq m of gross floor area with 80 retailers including anchor tenants Coles and Aldi. The centre also has 1340 car spaces.An initial 10-storey application was knocked back by the council in 2021 before the seven-storey amended plan was proposed in July.Under now-approved plans, the centre will be expanded to include retail and medical offerings on the ground floor, two levels of office space, and 103 serviced apartments.Newmark Capital head of property Angus Machutchison said the introduction of new uses at Brandon Park would drive visitation to the Wheelers Hill and Mulgrave area.“The expanded offerings will bring more activity to the site including office and visitor populations, while the served apartments will serve the broader community by providing well located, high quality accommodation options,” he said.Machutchison said Newmark Capital, which manages assets in excess of $1.1 billion across single and multi-asset property trusts, plans to commence construction in the second half of 2023.<div id="7qutBsPNWPjZX60cNNeg73"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1HCLmSsPoDCDlSlIwMKLqs/b23ebd3d3e88772ebc1285493b571c37/12121Untitled-2.jpg" alt="Artist impressions of the big changes coming to Brandon Park Shopping Centre. " data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1HCLmSsPoDCDlSlIwMKLqs/b23ebd3d3e88772ebc1285493b571c37/12121Untitled-2.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Artist impressions of the apartment complex planned at Brandon Park Shopping Centre. </div></div>Brandon Park has struggled for customers after the rise of nearby Chadstone Shopping Centre and The Glen. The complex has been in Wheelers Hill since the 1970s.In April, Kmart announced it would close its store in Brandon Park early next year after almost four decades of operation out of the shopping centre.For the past four years Newmark Capital has been working with the City of Monash, shopping centre tenants, local businesses and residents to ensure the development will bring value to the Wheelers Hill area.“The new mixed-use precinct will generate employment opportunities, improve visitor experience and bring vibrancy to the surrounding community,” Machutchison said.Closer to the CBD, in South Yarra, Newmark Capital is working with Gurner and Qualitas to breathe life into the developer’s stalled Jam Factory project.Under revised plans, the $1.4-billion project will include a five-star, 170-room hotel, upgraded cinema and 400 high-end apartments as well as 18,500sq m of retail space, 20,000sq m commercial office space, 1200 parking bays and 7000sq m of public realm.Late last year, Newmark Capital’s first listed real estate investment trust was floated on the ASX.Prior to that, Newmark bulked up the trust, acquiring three Bunnings with an end value of more than $200 million. These include Bunnings Eastgardens in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, a new Bunnings being constructed in Preston in inner Melbourne and another in Melton in Melbourne’s outer west.The fund manager has since followed up with the acquisition of a $57 million large format retail centre across a 2.8ha site at Underwood in suburban Brisbane.

Melbourne fund manager Newmark Capital, the property syndicate backed by former Hawthorn champion Chris Langford, has secured approval to develop a mixed-used precinct in southeast Melbourne...

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Private developer Pellicano has been granted approval to build a boutique apartment project alongside Brisbane’s famed Woolloongabba Stadium.The development, planned for a 1400sq m site at 21 Duke Street, Kangaroo Point, will comprise 86 one and two-bedroom apartments.Known as Story House and designed by DBI Architecture, the eight-storey apartment building will include 800sq m of communal space, two levels of basement parking for 73 vehicles and a rooftop garden.&nbsp;The rooftop will also feature a lap pool with a pool deck and spa, a yoga lawn, a dining and barbecue area, and an outdoor gym.Pellicano identified the suburb for its considerable growth potential well before the Olympics announcement for Brisbane in 2032. The developer amalgamated two neighboring sites in 2019 for around $2.8 million.Due to the project’s immediate proximity next to the planned Brisbane Olympic Stadium, the project will have 32 studio apartments between level one and three that are designed to be short-term lets.Pellicano is a family-owned developer with a diverse range of projects from residential to industrial and business parks across Victoria and Queensland.The developer has 500 apartments under way—including the 77-residence Perry House at Bowen Hills, the 70-residence Solarino House at Brunswick, the 63-residence Pivot House in Geelong and the 110- residence Berwick House at Fortitude Valley.<div id="1q5jzbdnlSWO42ynB4txi7"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/54lucitgEbALsQIkMAstWx/cc3ce9d2a475838897740d3c251f146b/31Untitled-2.jpg" alt="The project comprises of 86 apartments and short term accommodation dwellings as well as communal rooftop facilities. Image: DBI Architecture 
" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/54lucitgEbALsQIkMAstWx/cc3ce9d2a475838897740d3c251f146b/31Untitled-2.jpg"></picture><div>▲ The project comprises of 86 apartments and short term accommodation dwellings as well as communal rooftop facilities. Image: DBI Architecture </div></div>Nearby, Pellicano has recently begun building Hillyard House—the $85 million next stage of its <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/pellicano-build-to-rent-piepline-brisbane-melbourne" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/pellicano-build-to-rent-piepline-brisbane-melbourne" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$700 million South City SQ precinct at Woolloongabba</a>, being delivered in partnership with Perri Projects.The precinct comprises 570 apartments across four residential towers. It also offers 15,000sq m of retail—including national retailers such as Woolworths, Angelika Film Centre by Reading Cinema and Priceline.When completed the development will have three further buildings from 15 to 18 storeys, delivering about 1000 residences across the project.Stages one through to three are already complete, comprising towers 1 South City, New Deshon and The Mews, which include commercial and retail space, as well as residential apartments.<div id="1G9EAOyspiiiLKVJ46zRzD"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1WO3IhWRlTxvr7yt9IMUqN/9d68e3fb7641647ff961679cc1bb642a/31Untitled-2.jpg" alt="Work is also commencing on Pellicano's $85 million Hillyard House – the next stage of the $700 million South/City/SQ precinct, in partnership with Perri Projects." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1WO3IhWRlTxvr7yt9IMUqN/9d68e3fb7641647ff961679cc1bb642a/31Untitled-2.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Work is also commencing on Pellicano's $85 million Hillyard House – the next stage of the $700 million South/City/SQ precinct, in partnership with Perri Projects. </div></div>Stage 4A is under construction in the mixed-use development, set to feature the central square, with basement levels from one to five and retail tenancies within the podium.Also under construction is Stage 4B, which will include retail tenancies, a plaza and a cinema within another podium, sitting below a residential tower planned for Stage 5A, comprising a mix of short-term accommodation and multiple dwelling apartments.The 150-apartment Hillyard House is a 15 level build-to-rent project, designed by architect DBI Design.Similarly to its now approved project on Duke Street, the project’s amenity brings together a heated magnesium pool—complete with swim- up island lounge, cabana lounges, panoramic city views, and a wellness zone with a sauna, steam room and massage treatment rooms.

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South Australia’s Department of Infrastructure and Transport has resubmitted plans for a $50-million headquarters for the South Australian Sports Institute in Adelaide’s inner west.The three-storey project, planned for an 8.6ha Kidman Park site at 145 Railway Terrace in Mile End, has now been lodged with PlanSA after being before the West Torrens City Council for the past year.If approved, the 5-Star Green Building would provide more than 400 high-performance athletes with access to state-of-the-art training facilities and integrated technologies.The headquarters would have a strength and conditioning gym capable of accommodating multiple sports and teams.It would also have sport specific ergometer training zones, indoor bounding areas and environment chambers for heat, humidity and altitude stress training.It will also include offices, a multi-use court, lecture theatres, physiotherapy rooms, gyms, recovery pools and saunas, and a cafe.South Australia sport minister Corey Wingard said the new facility would provide high-performance athletes with access to state-of-the-art training facilities and leading-edge integrated technologies.“The South Australian Sports Institute was Australia’s first state-based sports institute but has never had its own purpose-designed facility that is fit-for-purpose and for the past 21 years has operated out of the old Kidman Park High School,” Wingard said.“Despite that, South Australia has developed and produced some of the best athletes in the world and this investment will help build on that legacy.”<div id="1xvtPnmMnDdm3E1SyUHFWk"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5TI49jlljpzXG2hVRMpyDm/6d417ede5b1ad8c95f22bbf1d62a2762/121213-way-split-new.jpg" alt="Artist impressions of the proposed South Australian Sports Institute headquarters" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5TI49jlljpzXG2hVRMpyDm/6d417ede5b1ad8c95f22bbf1d62a2762/121213-way-split-new.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Artist impressions of the proposed South Australian Sports Institute headquarters. Image: Cox Architecture </div></div>For the past two decades South Australian Sports Institute has operated out of the former Kidman Park High School site and athletics track.The existing facility has been labelled as “outdated” and in “poor condition” limiting the South Australian Sports Institute from “delivering world-class high-performance training”.The state government has since allocated $50 million towards constructing a new facility. The new headquarters would create about 200 jobs during construction, which is expected to start next year and be completed by mid-2024.Landscaping works have already commenced within the Mile End Sports Precinct by the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing.&nbsp;The Cox Architecture-designed development would involve 140 trees removed to be supplemented by 160 new tree plantings and additional shrubs.Meanwhile, plans for a new $700-million indoor stadium on the western side of the Morphett Street bridge are still being floated.The stadium will have a capacity of 15,000 spectators, and house concerts, conventions and other events, as well as basketball and netball games.The state government plans to sell off the Adelaide Entertainment Centre to developers to help pay for the new stadium.The projects come as many cities across Australia look to generate more investment into sports science as well as commercial and residential real estate in the lead-up to the <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/brisbane-olympics-2032-development-infrastructure-projects" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/brisbane-olympics-2032-development-infrastructure-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2032 Brisbane Olympics</a>.

South Australian Sports Institute is a step closer with PlanSA considering the application for the $50 million alongside Athletics SA...

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Queensland not-for-profit developer and community housing provider Brisbane Housing Company’s two new social and affordable housing towers have been approved.The Brisbane City Council has greenlit the projects in Chermside and Stones Corner.The developments will together provide 116 apartments. Construction is expected to begin early next year.On Brisbane’s northside, the five-storey build-to-rent development on Ethel Street, Chermside will provide a mix of 34 one and two-bedroom apartments.The site is close to transport and major health and retail precincts.Designed by award-winning Brisbane architectural group Ultralinea, the project will deliver an equal mix of 17 social and 17 affordable homes to cater specifically to the needs of low-income workers and people on the social housing register, who are at risk of homelessness.In Stones Corner in the Queensland capital’s inner-south, BHC will deliver a mix of 82 studio, one and two-bedroom apartments on Cleveland Street.The 10-storey building, designed by award-winning Ellivo Architects, comprises 50 social and 32 affordable homes.Both projects are targeting a 7+star NatHERS rating, offering rainwater collection and storage for landscape irrigation, a solar array to power the communal spaces and lifts, and naturally cross ventilated apartments and communal spaces.BHC chief executive Rebecca Oelkers said the two developments supported their strategy to <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/joint-venture-to-add-1200-affordable-homes-in-queensland" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/joint-venture-to-add-1200-affordable-homes-in-queensland" target="_blank">increase the supply of affordable rental homes</a> for Queenslanders.&nbsp;<div id="26R73GstHUmuVDXbHh6m3C"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7LeGjSyAD2CI6gQVKeDcTx/a7b0b34f8a33afef47cc2a60a189eb92/Cleveland_St_Stones_Corner_BHC_project.jpeg" alt="A render of the now-approved tower for a site on Cleveland Street, Stones Corner." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7LeGjSyAD2CI6gQVKeDcTx/a7b0b34f8a33afef47cc2a60a189eb92/Cleveland_St_Stones_Corner_BHC_project.jpeg"></picture><div>▲ A render of the now-approved tower for a site on Cleveland Street, Stones Corner. </div></div>“BHC’s vision is to create vibrant developments that provide essential workers, and Queenslanders in housing need, with safe, quality homes located close to local transport and services,” Ms Oelkers said.“These community-centric housing options will be brought to life by thoughtful architecture, providing the peace of mind for residents that comes with the stability of long-term rental tenure.“Our new Chermside development is within walking distance of the Prince Charles and St Vincent’s hospitals and the retail hub of Chermside Shopping Centre and will provide much needed accommodation to essential workers in these precincts.“Similarly, our Stones Corner development is centrally located close to public transport, retail, parklands, and employment and education opportunities in the inner-city.”Earlier this year, BHC received planning approval for <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/brisbane-housing-company-affordable-housing-tower-redcliffe" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/brisbane-housing-company-affordable-housing-tower-redcliffe" target="_blank">a development in Redcliffe</a>, providing much needed accommodation to seniors, and the company’s new Mount Gravatt East development is under construction and on track for completion in early 2023.This month, BHC marked its 20-year anniversary, celebrating the provision of more than 2,000 affordable and high-quality homes for Queenslanders in need. BHC has set an ambitious target to grow its portfolio by a further 2000 homes over the next five years.

The two towers will add 116 social and affordable apartments to the Queensland capital under plans approved for the Brisbane Housing Company…

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Brisbane's skyline is set to transform rapidly over the coming years thanks to a number of major development projects... 

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The framework to guide one of the largest developments in the history of New South Wales’ has been finalised.The Western Sydney Aerotropolis planning framework will give the community, landowners, developers and councils “the certainty they need to plan and develop Australia’s next global gateway”, according to the government.The framework, Western Sydney Aerotropolis Development Control Plan Phase 2 (Phase 2 DCP) provides guidelines for development in the aerotropolis, including specific controls to support healthy communities, high-quality building design, construction standards, stormwater management, and heritage and environmental conservation.Department of Planning and Environment executive director planning and land use strategyCatherine Van Laeren said the completion of the planning framework would enable the development process to begin across the initial precincts in aerotropolis, which are expected to create potential for 100,000 new jobs by 2056.“The finalisation of the Phase 2 DCP lays the foundation for the transformation of 6500ha with new homes, jobs and open spaces, supported by the right infrastructure,” Van Laeren said.“We’ve listened to the community and finalised these plans in line with their feedback, including downsizing and streamlining the framework to make it clearer.“Infrastructure like the airport, roads and new Metro will mean the Aerotropolis will be one of the most connected areas in the country, ensuring the <a data-mce-href="theurbandeveloper.com/articles/aerotropolis-final-precinct-plan-unveiled" href="theurbandeveloper.com/articles/aerotropolis-final-precinct-plan-unveiled" target="_blank">Western Parkland City</a> becomes a great place to live, work and invest for generations to come.”Following the release of the Phase 2 DCP, proponents can now prepare detailed development applications on land within the initial precincts of the aerotropolis.They include: the Aerotropolis Core; Badgerys Creek; Wianamatta-South Creek; Agribusiness; and Northern Gateway precincts.Two other supporting documents were also finalised—one that sets out the requirements relating to Aboriginal culture and connecting to Country, while the other looks at addressing the impacts of aviation and supporting the airport’s operation.

The policy to guide one of the biggest development projects in NSW’s history has been completed, paving the way for things to get moving…

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Brisbane-based Sentinel Property Group has acquired an expansive hotel and motel complex with development potential in a major Queensland mining centreThe group has paid $8 million for The Black Nugget in the centre of Moranbah, 190km west of Mackay and 1030km north of Brisbane, is&nbsp;the largest town by population in the Isaac Region of central Queensland.The hotel is on a 1.7ha site at 1 Mills Avenue.The holding comprises five buildings—the hotel, three motel buildings with 28 rooms and a manager’s house.It includes a public sports bar, gaming room with 40 electronic gaming machines, function room, beer garden, bistro and commercial kitchen, dual lane drive-through and walk-in bottle shop, and back-of-house areas.&nbsp;The hotel licence includes a detached bottle shop in the nearby Moranbah Fair Shopping Centre, of which Sentinel is the trustee.Sentinel Property Group, established in 2010, focuses on commercial and industrial property trusts. The group holds a diverse range of assets across commercial, industrial and retail sectors.The Black Nugget is the sixth property in the Sentinel Northern Australia Investment Fund, which includes assets in Mackay, Darwin and Adelaide.Chief executive Warren Ebert said the hotel investment market had been strong in the past 24 months, underpinned by demand from property trusts, syndicates and high net-worth private investors.“This demand has been particularly evident in the sale of freehold investment hotels which have witnessed yield compression for strong lease covenants,” Ebert said.<div id="3gQTdnCNnWvvmpICB8kSOs"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5B533yN1EfbHQGqRT3Pkuq/a0c0f47fc73a9dfe37cc91e5af3661c4/Moranba-Fair-5.jpeg" alt="Moranbah Fair Shopping Centre, which is also owned by Sentinel." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5B533yN1EfbHQGqRT3Pkuq/a0c0f47fc73a9dfe37cc91e5af3661c4/Moranba-Fair-5.jpeg"></picture><div>▲ Moranbah Fair Shopping Centre, which is also owned by Sentinel. </div></div>“Venues which have large landholdings, strong gaming revenue and potential to add value through restructure of management have attracted the most attention.”Ebert said the strategic acquisition had been the result of the region’s strong economy underpinned by Australia’s essential industries including mining and agriculture. The Isaac Region generates over $22 billion per annum with a gross regional product per capita greater than six times that of Queensland.According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the region's median weekly incomes are 56 per cent greater than Queensland’s median weekly incomes.&nbsp;Sentinel said a highly experienced hotel motel corporate group would now take on the Black Nugget’s leasehold under a 20-year triple net lease.

Brisbane-based Sentinel Property Group has acquired an expansive hotel and motel complex with development upside in the mining centre of Moranbah, west of Mackay...

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Fewer homes went to auction in Australia’s capital cities and clearance rates softened further as values fell, interest rates rose and buyers’ enthusiasm waned during the September quarter.CoreLogic’s Quarterly Auction Market Review shows 23,087 properties across the capitals went under the hammer in the September quarter, the lowest figure since the March quarter in 2021.Numbers were down compared to the three months to June when 31,439 auctions were held, which followed the busiest March quarter on record when 23,748 homes went under the hammer.CoreLogic research director Tim Lawless said lower auction volumes were indicative of weaker consumer sentiment and fewer overall listings in the market nationally.“Lower auction volumes are another indicator of the rapid change in market conditions as sellers also adjust to increasing interest rates and fewer buyers,” Lawless said.“We’re also seeing similar trends across new supply of ‘for sale’ stock in general.“Seasonally, spring is usually the peak time for sellers to list their property, but this hasn’t materialised, with the majority of cities and rural areas yet to see the normal seasonal upswing in freshly listed properties hitting the market.”Auction clearance rates were also weaker with 56.4 per cent of reported auctions successfully sold under the hammer in the three months to September 2022, the lowest quarterly clearance rate since June 2020 (47.9 per cent) when the initial phase of Covid-related lockdowns were implemented.The results were down 15.2 percentage points from the same period last year (71.7 per cent) and on the June quarter, when 60.8 per cent of reported auctions were successful.“Clearances rates have been falling each quarter just as the rate of growth in property values has slowed,” Lawless said.“The combined capital city clearance rate hit a record peak of 80.0 per cent in March 2021 and has gradually declined since.“However, the monthly trend in clearance rates has shown a consistent rise in auction clearance rates, with the weighted average capital city clearance rate firming around 60 per cent each week in September.“It will be interesting to see whether clearance rates continue to hold as we move through what is traditionally the busiest quarter of the year.”<div id="2N88zB9CpkV5OIzioYVgQl"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/49sGG4xA7HNGIyn3MC7f0P/45a6c87a524950e0d33d21292ffb3770/iStock-1414707221.jpg" alt="Adelaide recorded the highest clearance rates for the September quarter." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/49sGG4xA7HNGIyn3MC7f0P/45a6c87a524950e0d33d21292ffb3770/iStock-1414707221.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Adelaide recorded the highest clearance rates for the September quarter. </div></div>Of the capital cities, Adelaide recorded the highest clearance rate this quarter with 67.7 per cent, followed by Tasmania (58.8 per cent), Melbourne (58.5 per cent) and Canberra (57.5 per cent).Sydney recorded a clearance rate of 55.0 per cent over the quarter, while Brisbane (43.9 per cen) and Perth 38.8 per cent both came in under 50.0 per cent.In terms of auction activity, Melbourne was the busiest auction market, with 9107 homes going under the hammer, followed by Sydney (8776) and Brisbane (1970).There were 1810 auctions in Adelaide, 1228 in Canberra, 179 in Perth and 17 auctions held in Tasmania over the September quarter.“After the volume of auctions was consistently higher than a year ago through the first four months of the year, every capital city has seen a marked fall in auction activity in the September quarter,” Lawless said.“With auction clearance rates generally tracking at below average levels, it’s likely more vendors are opting to sell via private treaty rather than auction as fewer competitive bidders could make the auction process less effective at achieving the best possible price.”

Fewer homes went to auction in Australia’s capital cities and clearance rates across the September quarter…

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Whole towns and cities are seemingly locked into more frequent and severe flooding, and while some councils have online mapping, others are still using outdated paper maps.Repeated floods across eastern Australia have prompted the Planning Institute of Australia to call for a framework to update flood mapping to take climate change into account.A flood map shows areas to be inundated based on risk modelling and past weather data. As well as identifying at-risk areas for land-use planning, these maps are needed for flood responses. The problem with static flood maps is they don’t show critical details of the hazard a flood will present.Councils have a duty of care to provide flood maps that accurately identify areas at risk, as well as those that are safe. Yet existing information on riverine and coastal flood risks was “patchy and outdated”, the institute said.“There is a patchwork of datasets gathered and applied inconsistently by councils and water authorities, who often do not have the budgets to pay for the necessary modelling, or the political authority to apply controls at a local level. This means that new housing and development can occur in flood-prone areas,” it said. <div id="6JbSjYRoYLRxTdrUS5CT54"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7nv17D8jdfqUk4jv6E1ih8/c4c2e2afc7b1ca9be162557696828a6b/file-20221024-5833-m3zoq1.jpeg" alt="Paper flood maps such as this extract from the 1982 Lower Hawkesbury Floodplain Atlas, do not include critical details such as water depth, velocity, rate of rise and potential isolation. Author provided" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7nv17D8jdfqUk4jv6E1ih8/c4c2e2afc7b1ca9be162557696828a6b/file-20221024-5833-m3zoq1.jpeg"></picture><div>▲ Paper flood maps such as this extract from the 1982 Lower Hawkesbury Floodplain Atlas, do not include critical details such as water depth, velocity, rate of rise and potential isolation. Author provided </div></div>For many flooded communities, the immediate priority is to deal with the emergency. However, we should not lose sight of how urban planning has affected them, nor of the urgent need for planning frameworks to catch up with climate change impacts. <h2>Who’s responsible?</h2> The floods have highlighted the glacial pace of adaptation to climate change by planning frameworks at all levels of government.For example, the New South Wales government direction on flood-prone land that took effect in July 2021 still adheres to the principles in the state’s floodplain development manual from 2005, which advocates for development on floodplains.The dysfunctional relationships between the different levels of government also continue.Victorian Premier Dan Andrews said flood mapping was mainly “a matter for local government”. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet ran the nature-versus-people debate in announcing the wall of Warragamba Dam, Sydney’s biggest, will be raised.Those on the front line of the flooding see things differently. The mayor of Wollondilly, southwest of Sydney, said: “Raising Warragamba Dam is not in the interests of Western Sydney, potentially costing over $2 billion and enabling developers to cover rural floodplains with housing, as well as the possibility of creating a sense of complacency from those still at risk of catastrophic flooding”.A COAG report outlines the roles and responsibilities for adaptation of the three levels of government. The strategy say ‘local governments are on the frontline in dealing with the impacts of climate change’.So councils are seen to have a crucial role in adaptation at a local level. But how are underfunded councils to manage the ongoing damage to infrastructure, and the legacy of development in areas hit by supercharged weather systems?It’s a legacy that led to $7 billion in insurance claims from floods, storms and cyclones in the past 18 months. <h2>The politics of flood mapping</h2> The flood-mapping issue is complicated by a level of political entrenchment related to property rights.Councils are wary of upsetting voters and ratepayers who see their assets devalued by a flood rating. When the Gold Coast council released updated flood maps in 2018, for example, they caused a stir among residents.On the NSW Central Coast, the council completed a flood study that concluded a majority of the housing lots would be flooded as a result of rising sea levels in coming decades.Yet the council removed the option of retreat or property buyouts under pressure from residents. They preferred adaptations such as levees, walls and raising their buildings. Councils would need to secure additional funding to cover the costs of such measures.On the other hand, there was community opposition to a planned levee in Seymour in regional Victoria because of concerns about the loss of river views, access and habitat.<div id="6Go3KRoeDXDgY2WheUSO1N"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4dgANkOG4jCgUu3vlnyQNf/1f9d81750ef4b5af2797f53cb2353319/iStock-1433604255.jpg" alt="Yarra Flats Park features 85 hectares of pastoral and heritage landscapes, natural bushland, wetlands, abundant birdlife and a number of informal picnic areas. The park is in the floodplain of the Yara River. A the area flooded during extensive rainfall in October 2022." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4dgANkOG4jCgUu3vlnyQNf/1f9d81750ef4b5af2797f53cb2353319/iStock-1433604255.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Yarra Flats Park in Victoria during the October 2022 floods. </div></div>This led the council to abandon the levee to protect homes and businesses that have now been flooded. <h2>Plan for the long term</h2> Current approaches to flood mitigation are not a viable long-term strategy.More development on floodplains means more property damage when the floods come. Increasing populations also put added strain on emergency services and escape routes.Even before the latest floods, the Insurance Council of Australia issued a statement, Building a More Resilient Australia, which said “it’s imperative that governments at state and federal level commit to a significant increase in investment in programs to lessen the impact of future events.“We also need to plan better so we no longer build homes in harm’s way [and] make buildings more resilient to the impacts of extreme weather.”If the insurance industry gets it, why are governments still allowing new development in high-risk areas?Some see developing these areas as necessary to solve the ongoing affordable housing crisis. Others consider it entwined with development industry lobbying. And some councils want the rate revenue and fear costly court actions over refused development applications.So to the greater question: how are governments addressing the climate risk of flooding and urban development within the planning frameworks?Regional and state plans take a long time to draft, put out for public consultation, redraft and get approved. <h2>New era demands new approach</h2> Climate change presents vexing problems for communities, governments and urban planning. As ice sheets melt, sea levels rise and climate drivers change, more extreme weather patterns are increasingly a threat to the fabric of our society.Planning frameworks must adapt to the climate crisis. This requires land-use approaches that direct people and property away from hazardous floodplains.&nbsp;As the Planning Institute of Australia has warned: “the decisions planners make now have a lasting impact, and our profession is key to responding to a changing climate.” <hr> AuthorMark Ellis PhD candidate in Planning, Bond University&nbsp;This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the&nbsp;<a data-mce-href="https://theconversation.com/some-councils-still-rely-on-outdated-paper-maps-as-supercharged-storms-make-a-mockery-of-flood-planning-192856" href="https://theconversation.com/some-councils-still-rely-on-outdated-paper-maps-as-supercharged-storms-make-a-mockery-of-flood-planning-192856" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original article</a>.

Climate change means planning and councils must evolve flood mapping and planning to cope…