Elizabeth Tilley 10 JAN 2019

BRISBANE’S housing market is slowly giving the keys back to landlords, with new figures revealing the city recorded its strongest annual rise in rents in three years.

After months of flat growth in rental properties, analysis of the latest CoreLogic data by realestate.com.au shows house rents increased 2.4 per cent in 2018, while the cost of leasing a unit became 2.6 per cent more expensive.

Industry experts say the data shows now is the time to buy in the Brisbane market. Realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Conisbee said the only way was up for rents in the city from here on, as underlying demand in the Brisbane market began to absorb rental supply, putting upward pressure on rents.

“Now is actually a good time to look to buy because we are looking to see further increases in rental levels,” Ms Conisbee said. “The reason being we have fewer new developments going ahead and also fewer investors in the market.”

“Queensland is also attracting a lot of people, so there’s going to be more homes needed,” she said.”
The state’s improving economy, relative housing affordability and rising job prospects would further entice investors to head north, Ms Conisbee said.

Rental yields are also improving for both houses and units.

https://www.realestate.com.au/news/thinking-of-buying-a-home-nows-the-time-to-make-it-happen/

Coast’s water supply network gets $61 million boost

Monday, 4 February 2019

Central Coast Council is preparing to deliver one of the region’s most significant infrastructure projects – a nine kilometre water pipeline from Mardi to Warnervale.

The $61 million project will boost water supply to the Central Coast’s rapidly growing northern suburbs and improve water security for the entire region.

Lachlan Mcivor, Queensland Times
January 31, 2019 12:39pm

A NUMBER of new schools are on the way to keep up the ever increasing population of the Ipswich region.
Existing schools are also set for refurbishments and new buildings as demand for new facilities grows. Here are some of the new schools and expansions on the way:

Posted by Darrell Giles | Jan 29, 2019 | Business

First Costco, now Coles.

The supermarket giant has confirmed plans to construct a new automated ambient distribution centre in Redbank, likely to create hundreds of new jobs. Coles Group Limited made a major announcement to the Australian Stock Exchange about a $950 million project involving two mega distribution centres, one being at Redbank.

The company confirmed the new centre, to be based at Redbank, will create hundreds of jobs over an initial 20-year lease period.

The competition will certainly hot up between Coles, Costco and other supermarket retailers in the region. Costco was due to open its doors at its new Bundamba location before Christmas, but delays on road works meant an early 2019 opening.
The warehouse and adjacent petrol station will create about 280 new jobs and will mean huge saving for customers and motorists.

https://www.ipswichfirst.com.au/first-costco-now-coles-supermarket-giant-eyes-ipswich-distribution-centre/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=January29&utm_content=January29+CID_97e4c11f68d15b1420ddd68f568f46b9&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=Read%20More

Carly Morrissey, Queensland Times
December 6, 2018 12:58pm

SINCE its development 25 years ago Springfield has been growing at a rapid rate.  Now home to one of Queensland's fastest growing suburbs - Spring Mountain with capital growth of 103.6 per cent - the population is expected to grow by 6 per cent a year for the next 20 years.

Spring Mountain at Greater Springfield is the fastest growing suburb in the Ipswich Region and the state's second best performing suburb. New research shows that Springfield Central is positioned to be the work, study and services hub of a catchment of 350,000 people by 2036. And once complete, Springfield Central's 360ha heart will be twice the size of Brisbane's CBD.

Here's what developers are bringing to Springfield.

1. Extension to Springfield Fair 

Developers have applied to extend Springfield Fair and add another 476m2 of gross floor area. The centre currently is home to a Coles and 17 retail outlets.

2. Shops, childcare centre, retail warehouse, restaurant and medical centre at Springfield Lakes. 

Developers want to extend the Spring Lake Metro Centre. A material change of use for a 76 child capacity child care centre, and shop, restaurant, medical centre, fast food premises, commercial premise and or vet clinic and motel extension has been submitted to the council. The extension will increase the centre's floor area by 2370m2. Currently the area is home to a tavern, McDonald's and 23 retail shops.