Period extended for Reduced Infrastructure Charges for Aged Care
Brisbane City Council has announced it will extend its reduced infrastructure charges period for aged care and retirement projects for a further 12 months.
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The Summer Celebration Season is here…well ALMOST!
It’s… 3 weeks to Melbourne Cup 10 weeks to Christmas 11 weeks to New Year 15 weeks to Australia Day Did you know you need a liquor licence for…
New purpose for heritage site
Heritage is now a key focus for the region, with the Sunshine Coast Council proposing amendments to the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 to revise and update the provisions relating to cultural heritage. To find out how we assisted with the redevelopment of the iconic, heritage listed Balkins Mens Wear property in Ocean Street, Maroochydore,…
Case Study – Norman Park Large Vessel Pontoon
A local jetty contractor engaged Project Urban to obtain a marine structure approval for installation of a pontoon for a residential property in Brisbane’s Norman Park. Here’s how we managed the application for a replacement pontoon designed to accommodate a large vessel at the residential site. Read on to learn about our process and find…
Water & Sewer Services SAVINGS
Project Urban deliver certification services at a fraction of the $10,000 Fast Track fee that Unitywater now charges for lodging the same application. Water Connections, a division of Project Urban, is a Unitywater accredited water and sewerage certifier. We assess and approve water and sewerage applications in Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa council areas.…
Life’s a Beach – Beach Life Alex
Construction has officially commenced on Beach Life Alex apartments by Cube Developments Andrew Stevens, Project Urban Managing Director said, “There is no doubt a project of this calibre is an asset for the Sunshine Coast. It showcases the strength of our local building design and construction industry while contributing directly to the economy.” Read on…
Sage Landing Buderim
Sage Landing – Sage Street, Buderim Prestigious and modern with meaningful links to Buderim’s proud history Planned and planted by Project Urban Landscape Architects. To enjoy this case study for one of the Sunshine Coast’s most prestigious residential communities, read on. Overview Sage Landing is a boutique residential development within walking distance of Buderim Village. …
Brisbane Infrastructure Fee Increases & Changes
Brisbane City Council has announced changes in Infrastructure Charges Resolution (No. 8) 2019, effective from July 1, 2019. Here’s a quick summary of the key changes Council’s infrastructure charges are in alignment with the Planning Regulation 2017 Council has clarified how the current market value of required land is to be calculated There is an…
Happy retirement to Andy Renshaw.
Back in 1978, when Maroochydore had just one set of traffic lights, long term local and business owner, Ken Hicks was a one-man surveying company and he needed a chainmen and draftsman. Ken recalls that Andy Renshaw – a young, blonde, fit, surfer bloke came in the door, and just like that, the company doubled…
Landscape Success Colour & Form meets Function
Allure Mooloolaba 71-73 First Avenue, Mooloolaba Thoughtfully designed, Allure Mooloolaba’s landscape offers colour and form while providing a raft of practical solutions that extend beyond beautiful aesthetics to low cost, fuss free maintenance. Allure’s entrance landscaping provides multi-level interest with an Agathis robusta feature tree which will grow to 20m. Accent plants including Strelitzia reginae…
Increased Council Fees & Charges from July 1
With the end of the financial year just weeks away, most Councils will increase their application and referral fees and infrastructure charges from July 1. We anticipate an increase of around 2% on typical development applications. Should you require further explanation or assistance please contact us at Project Urban on 07 5443 2844.
New Sunshine Coast City Hall
Sunshine Coast Mayor, Mark Jamieson recently unveiled the proposed Sunshine Coast City Hall project. In his introduction he referred to the beauty of the Sunshine Coast and the deep connection between the hinterland mountain ranges and coastal plains as the inspiration behind the design. To be located in the new Maroochydore City Centre, it will…
NEW energy efficient building codes are in place NOW!
If you think energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gases are just feel-good statements that don’t really affect your projects – then think again. Significant changes to the National Construction Code of Australia (NCC) commenced across Australia last month (1 May 2019). The primary target is improved energy efficiency for commercial buildings, and to a lesser…
Landscape Success Natures Colour Form Meets Function
Allure Mooloolaba 71-73 First Avenue, Mooloolaba Thoughtfully designed, Allure Mooloolaba’s landscape offers colour and form while providing a raft of practical solutions that extend beyond beautiful aesthetics to low cost, fuss free maintenance. Allure’s entrance landscaping provides multi-level interest with an Agathis robusta feature tree which will grow to 20m. Accent plants including Strelitzia reginae…
Housing Choices For Young Queenslanders With High-Care Needs
This month, we lodged a DA for an important housing project in North Lakes. Our client, Youngcare, is a not-for-profit organisation that provides accommodation support for young Queenslanders with high-care needs. We feel genuinely privileged to be involved in a project like this. A project that will improve the lives of young members of our…
Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club – Exciting Redevelopment
Construction will commence this month (April 2019) on the redevelopment of the Sunshine Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. The design and tender phases of this amazing transformation has been an important job for Project Urban’s project management team. Large parts of the existing club will be replaced with a two-storey contemporary extension, housing a new bar,…
The Hottest Trend in Landscape Architecture by Abi Leybourne
The hottest trend in landscape architecture right now is indoor landscaping, with indoor gardens, pot plants and balcony greenery making a big impact. Artificial plants are OUT, and lush vertical gardens, potted plants, planter boxes and greenery-filled light wells are IN. Abi Leybourne, one of Project Urban’s Landscape Architects, says her savvy clients have started…
Cheaper and Faster Water Connections
Even though Unitywater have increased their assessment fees for a ‘basic’ application (from $550 to $1,156), they have REDUCED the fees for accredited certifiers (like Water Connections at Project Urban) to only $150. This means we can obtain your water connection approval cheaper and faster than if you went directly to Unitywater. Here’s the comparison: …
Council project is the ‘Beez Kneez’ – a multi-discipline approach
Project Urban was commissioned by Sunshine Coast Council to undertake the design and manage the construction of the Beez Kneez Gravity Flow trail at Caloundra Mountain Bike Park.
Parking rates for units will increase soon
With new, increased car parking rates for residential units on their way to the Sunshine Coast, you need to carefully consider the design of your development and the timing for lodging development applications. These changes could be in place as early as next month (March 2019) as the amendments are currently with the State Government…
USC Moreton Bay Campus. On track to open in 2020!
Project Urban’s Project Management team is providing superintendency services for construction of this exciting new campus being built on the old Petrie Paper Mill site. Construction of the $98 million new Moreton Bay Campus project started last September, and will welcome its first students by 2020. The ground flood slabs were poured last December. Check…
Sunshine Coast Property Market: Fake news and the truth
There are always plenty of people willing to offer an opinion on the property market, and of course, there’s nothing like a sensational headline about impending doom to get people talking. Most recently dire warnings about an imminent slump in the Sydney and Melbourne property sectors had a few people on edge. However, more discerning…
Experts in ‘Multi-layer’ approvals for marine structures
Adding a jetty or pontoon to your waterfront development will ensure your development stands out from the rest and that’s exactly what our client will achieve for the new 90-unit Azure project on Duporth Avenue. Once complete, the Azure pontoon will create a water feature that includes a new revetment wall (replacing the existing, failing…
Development.i
The Sunshine Coast Council’s PD-online has had a make-over and now offers a new and improved on-line platform called “Development.i”. Launched last week, we’ve taken it for a test drive and we think you’re going to like it. The previous PD-online platform received around 1 million page visits during 2017. Council was aware that it…
P&E Court decision on Granny Flats
A recent decision by the Planning and Environment Court has deemed that a ‘house with granny flat’ was actually a dual occupancy (duplex). This decision could have wide reaching ramifications on how granny flats are developed and used throughout the State. It all started when Bundaberg Regional Council issued an enforcement notice about two dwellings…
What is…an identification survey?
An identification survey (ident or ID survey for short) is one of the most common types of surveys, but what is it exactly? An ident survey ‘identifies’ the land according to the legal, registered plan description. An ident survey defines and remarks existing property boundaries and identifies any structural encroachments over the boundaries. The survey…
QUICK Turn Around – QUALITY Survey Services
We understand that time is money so we have dramatically cut waiting times for all survey work! To achieve this, we’ve employed an extra survey team , bought a shiny new ute AND we’ve purchased state-of-the-art survey equipment to meet survey services demand. We know that one of the most common development frustrations is waiting… especially for surveying which…
Sunshine Coast Submarine Broadband Cable by 2020
Within two years, the Sunshine Coast will be connected to an international submarine broadband cable, providing direct connectivity to the world. A contract to bring the 550km undersea fibre optic cable to the Sunshine Coast has just been signed between RTI Connectivity Pty Ltd, partners in a consortium building the Japan-Guam-Australia cable, and Sunshine Coast…
More Amendments to the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme
Sunshine Coast Council is proposing further amendments to the planning scheme. With public consultation closing at 4.30pm THIS Friday 7 September 2018, there’s only a few days left to get your submission in. Here’s our summary of the proposed changes: AMENDMENTS TO ZONES, OVERLAYS AND/OR PRECINCTS FOR SOME PROPERTIES There are 19 different areas affected…
Youi Headquarters – Winning Service Trifecta
We’re sure you will agree the award-winning International Youi Headquarters building pays tribute to an inspirational work space that’s fun and functional while accommodating 1100 employees.It’s definitely a feather in the cap for the Sunshine Coast. We’re very proud of our inception to completion involvement with the Youi project where we contributed three key disciplines – project management,…
Landscaping Units, Bushland & Macrophytes
The landscaping for this 27-unit Mt Coolum project showcases the range of skills our Project Urban landscape architecture team can bring to the table. So much more than deciding which plants are put where, this project needed a vegetated swale for bio-retention and flood retention. The swale was planted with macrophytes (aquatic plants that grow in or…
Councils: Please don’t increase parking rates for residential units
Sunshine Coast and Brisbane City Councils are looking to increase parking rates for two-bedroom and three-bedroom units. While these increases relate to ‘resident’ parking, rather than ‘visitor’ parking, and for Brisbane it only applies in ‘suburban areas’, should this decision come to fruition it will be evidence of a short-sighted reaction that will have failed…
Gary Dillon “Mr Sunshine Coast” Retires
After 45 years in the development industry, Gary Dillon will retire at the end of June. His work has taken him around Australia and the world at a time when urban areas were experiencing unprecedented growth in population, development and legislation. In 1973, a fresh-faced Gary Dillon strode confidently into Sutherland Shire Council (Sydney), not…
Audit Crackdown – Brisbane City Council
Do you comply with all your development conditions? If not, be warned. Brisbane City Council has started a series of audits to ensure development approvals are being complied with. Council can impose penalties, show cause notices or enforcement notices for any inconsistencies between the approved plans and the finished product. And it’s not just the…
Retirement & Aged Care Amendments to Brisbane City Plan
As the baby boomers move increasingly into the ‘aged’ sector, the demand for more flexible retirement accommodation and care choices has never been greater. Many planning scheme provisions can make it hard to establish these facilities in the right places. That is, it has been far easier to establish aged care and retirement living in…
Flood Hazards and Building Heights, Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme
Amendments to the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme clarifying the definition of ‘ground level’ in flood affected areas have commenced. There is now a ‘flood hazard allowance’ when determining the height of a building located within a flooding and inundation area. This means that if your site is affected by the flood overlay, then building height…
Modest Increases for 18/19 – what you’ll pay from 1 July
With the end of the financial year just around the corner, be ready for increased application fees, referral fees and infrastructure charges. Most of the Council increases are around 2% with relatively small increases on ‘typical’ development applications. Similar percentage increases can be expected for infrastructure charges payments. The State Agencies (SARA – State Assessment…
Badderam Eco Luxe Resort & Spa – Approved
EVERY now and then, we get to work on a project that is exquisitely unique, or on a site that is difficult and challenging or on a project that’s a real game-changer for the area.The Badderam Eco Luxe Resort & Spa was all those things, and we’re proud to announce its approval. The Sunshine Coast Council…
NEW Water & Sewer Service
Project Urban is now a water and sewer certifier for the development industry. Trading as “Water Connections” we have been accredited by Unitywater to assess new water and sewerage applications in the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast or Noosa council areas. Water Connections, as a private certification business, will provide a more efficient process, with excellent customer…
No Hassle – Liquor Licensing
The Grand Hotel in Biggenden is indeed a grand old lady. Built in 1943 after the original burnt down, first time hoteliers Vance & Kerry Shaw took the reins in 2017.Since then they have set about breathing new life into the old girl making her a popular and thriving family pub. However, before they could…
Water & Sewer Applications – FAST, EASY & SECURE
The way you make water and sewer applications has CHANGED. Unitywater now contracts Private Certifiers like us and we’ve made it EASY, FAST and SECURE. HOW TO: Request a Quote 1. Visit www.waterconnections.com.au and click on Request A Quote 2. Complete the online form & submit 3. You’ll receive a request notice then our quote soon after.…
USC Giving Day: Support a uni student and help build our community
If you had the chance to help a young adult stay in tertiary education, would you take it? For many students at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), the financial pressures of tertiary education can result in serious financial hardship, and sadly, they are forced to drop out. I’m passionate about the success of the…
Why our specialist maritime structures application advice SAVES you time, money and frustration
It’s an area of specialised advice that involves a clear process, experience and a nose for knowing where to look and what to do when circumstances are out of the ordinary. One thing is for sure, seeking approvals for maritime structures (pontoons, jetties, ramps, revetment walls and marinas) is fraught with complexity. Based upon a…
The top four pitfalls to avoid with maritime structure applications
Obtaining an approval for a maritime structure can be tricky. Have you ever considered who owns the land below the highwater mark and do you know what type of application you require? Here are the top 4 pitfalls you’ll need to consider. Pitfall #1 – Not knowing who owns the land below the highwater mark The most…
BIG Financial Incentives for Infill Development
If you’re considering a residential development in South East Queensland, you’ll be well advised to look for sites in Caboolture, Redcliffe Peninsular and Caloundra as there are big savings on infrastructure charges on offer. And, we mean BIG! Up to 50% off infrastructure charges for sites on the Sunshine Coast, while in the Morton Bay region…
My Sunny Coast (40 years of memories) by Andrew Stevens, Managing Director
As a man who has worked his whole adult life in the development industry, I think I have a unique perspective on the Sunshine Coast over the past few decades. As the Sunny Coast officially celebrates 50 years of identity, it’s a good time to look back and reflect on the changes. Unfortunately, I can’t…
Top 5 reasons why you need a project manager
One of the most common questions we are asked is … “Why do I need a project manager?” …there are many reasons, but here are the top five: It’s more efficient: As experts in the development and construction industry, your project manager knows the most efficient way to complete a project: from creating a plan, to leading the…
Project Management: On Time & On Budget
Our project and construction management team can deliver your project on time and on budget. With more than 30 years’ experience, we are trusted advisors in the development and construction industries. And, we have the ‘runs on the board’ across all types of projects: commercial, residential and medical projects, including: Youi Insurance Headquarters, Sippy Downs…
What is Project Management?
Project Management is like having your own dedicated ‘guru’ who makes sure your project is designed, constructed and handed-over as efficiently and as effectively as possible. It’s about having an over-riding manager who oversees every aspect of your construction project, working for you to bring it in on time, and within budget. Project Management often…
#1 New Marine Structure Application Service
Project Urban is a specialist property development consultancy and we have added Marine Structure Approvals to our service offering. Andrew Stevens, Managing Director, says the company is well-positioned to offer approval services for marinas, waterfront developments and jetty and pontoons. “We have decades of experience dealing with development applications of all kinds, and we’re pleased…
NEW SERVICE: Marine Structures Applications & Approvals
Project Urban has added a new string to its bow with the addition of a Marine Structures division. We now offer an application and approval service for marine structures, which include residential pontoons, industrial cargo jetties, revetment walls, marinas and boat ramps. Marine applications are a specialist field and approvals are often complex. The applications…
Introducing Trish Belt – Licensing & Permits Officer
Trish is a marine structures expert with over 16 years’ experience in all forms of marine applications including jetties, pontoons, boat ramps and marinas. She has worked extensively with local councils and state government agencies across Australia gaining approvals, licences and permits for a range of marine structures. Trish has a thorough understanding of the…
Council Fees & Infrastructure Charges Increase from 1 July 2017
Most Councils will increase their application fees for development applications and infrastructure charges on 1 July 2017. We expect most of the increases to be in-line with inflation at around 2%. To avoid paying the higher development application fees, you may wish to lodge your development applications on or before 30 June this year. Likewise,…
NEW Planning Act starts 3 July 2017
In just 31 days Queensland’s new Planning legislation comes into force. With the rather unimaginative title of “Planning Act 2016” it starts on 3 July 2017 and replaces the Sustainable Planning Act (SPA) 2009. Whilst touted by the State Government as providing the framework for Australia’s “best planning system” the new Act does little more…
Driverless and they’re among us!
Driverless cars are no longer science-fiction, they’re here and among us. The technology will change not only the way we drive, but the way we live. Driverless cars will have incredible and far reaching impacts on everything: the design of our homes, communities, workplaces and cities. With claims that nearly all cars will be driverless…
Youii – We’re managing one of the biggest building projects on the Sunshine Coast
KHA Project Management, a division of Project Urban, are managing the construction of the $68M Youii International Headquarters at Sippy Downs. his amazing drone footage, taken last month, shows the Stage 1 construction well ahead of schedule, and on budget. With the roof now complete, the four level, 13,000m² building will be finished by the…
Quality Landscapes Increase Project Value
In her Brisbane case study, Lyndal Plant found that “leafy streets, with 50 per cent more tree cover” had sale prices well above average (by around $29,000 or 5.4%). It stands to reason that well-appointed foliage enhances the general aesthetics of a site, but it also contributes to an area’s liveability and demand, which in turn…
Continuing Confidence #1 of 3: Nodal Attractors
Three years in the making, the new Western Downs Regional Planning Scheme commenced on 20 March, 2017. It heralds a simpler and more streamlined process that represents the region post-amalgamation. Over the coming weeks, I’ll break down just how promising the future for the region is, looking with continuing confidence from both local and national…
Changes ahead…
Every year heralds change in one form or another and 2017 will be no different. In the coming months, there are a number of significant matters that will need your attention, including changes to the Planning Act. A New SEQ Regional Plan Submissions on the State Government’s new regional plan have now closed and on…
Liquor Licensing
Food and beverage services across the country are in a growth phase and demand for our liquor licensing services has never been greater. Due to customer demand, we’ve extended our service beyond Queensland, and we are now assisting clients in New South Wales, Northern Territory and Canberra. Over the past 12 months, enquiries for liquor…
Happy 1st Birthday Project Urban
Twelve months on and we are a happy and thriving business comprising: 3 regional offices with 30 staff who have been responsible for 1200 new projects which, according to Cordells, have a combined value of $1.554 billion in past, future and pending development projects. It’s been a year since leading Sunshine Coast firms, DFS Group and KHA Development Managers decided to join forces and form Project Urban.…
Records… What Records? When the pipes ain’t where you thought they were
In this, the last of our Infill Development series, Kari Stephens reports on the challenges of locating infrastructure when the records are incomplete or inaccurate. In previous articles she has written about fighting for density on a small block and overcoming the challenges of neighbours.
Love thy neighbour – but sometimes it’s hard – Part II (Amenity)
In the first article of this series Kari Stephens reported on fighting for density on a small site. She has also addressed the challenges of dealing with neighbours and negotiating access to infrastructure via their property and in this article, she discusses the amenity challenges of when new meets old.
Love thy neighbour – but sometimes it’s hard – Part I (Infrastructure Challenges)
In the first article of this series Kari Stephens reported on fighting for density on a small site. In this, the second of the series, she outlines the challenges of dealing with neighbours, and managing their expectations.
Fighting for Density on a Small Site
In this, the first of three articles in this series, Kari Stephens reports on the challenges of achieving an appropriate and viable density for a small infill site. Kari is a Town Planner with more than 20 years’ experience in guiding clients through the development application process.
DRAFT SEQ Regional Plan
The draft South East Queensland Regional Plan (SEQRP) has been released for public comment, adding an extra 8,200 hectares of greenfield land to the urban footprint since the 2009 version of the Regional Plan. There’s also a greater emphasis on infill development, with the target increasing to 60% (up from 50% in the 2009 version).
Infill Density – Houston, we have a problem
Infill density is a term you’re likely to hear a lot more about and it refers to filling in the gaps in existing urban areas. The goal is to increase density with apartments and town houses all within the existing urban fabric. But Houston, we have a problem the planning scheme density provisions are too…
Harmony Construction Begins
Last week’s turning of the sod at Harmony Palmview was more than just another media opportunity for a new residential development. Andrew Stevens, Managing Director at Project Urban says it’s the culmination of 10 years of hard work and planning to create a new residential community for up to 12,000 Sunshine Coast residents.
Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion
The Environmental Impact Statement for the Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project has been approved, paving the way for the construction and operation of a new runway, a revised apron and an expanded passenger terminal. The airport expansion will allow more flights, including international flights, providing national and global connections to more destinations across Australia, Asia…
International Submarine Broadband Cable
The proposed International Submarine Broadband connection will provide a digital connection between Sunshine Coast and the leading markets of Asia and the United States. The project could generate an additional $700 million for the Sunshine Coast economy every year, and contribute a staggering $1.1 billion to the State’s annual economy (independent modelling forecasts by the…
I’m calling time on our obsession with parking!
I’m calling time on our obsession with parking. Building more parking spaces isn’t the solution, it’s the problem.
The SEQ Regional Plan is under review
The South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 is being reviewed, with the State Government committed to delivering a new draft for public consultation sometime in 2016.
What is a Contour and Detail Survey?
A contour and detail survey will result in a site plan which shows all relevant site information, typically site levels, the location of features, urban services and infrastructure, existing trees, existing buildings, structures and retaining walls, and frontage works (such as footpaths, overhead power, kerb and channel).
Changes to Liquor Licensing
Project Urban provides a full range of liquor licensing services. With the recent passing of the “Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence Legislation Amendment Bill 2015” a number of changes will come into effect.
Together we are stronger…
When asked why we merged, the answer is easy – it just makes sense. And when you consider that between us, over 10,000 development applications that have supported construction for over a $1 billion in developments were lodged in 2015, we believe that our combined strength is a positive, not just for us, but for…
New Planning Schemes for Gladstone and Bundaberg
Last month both the Gladstone and Bundaberg Council’s adopted new Planning Schemes.
Maroochydore City Centre is coming
An important step towards the delivery of Maroochydore’s new City Centre has been taken with the lodgement of a subdivision application and the first four Precinct Plans for approval.
Landscape Architecture for Playgrounds Parks and Schools
When the average person thinks about landscape architecture, the most common connection is with residential design, or lush landscaped resort grounds. Not many people associate landscape architecture with kids, parks and schools.