News

Wednesday, 14 December, 2011

The multi-billion dollar Googong project is ready to go with the announcement that one of the most prominent names in Australia’s construction and development industry—Mirvac—is on board as CIC’s joint venture partner.

That means the project, currently one of the largest new residential communities in the ACT and NSW regions, now has the combined might of two of Australia’s best-regarded ASX-listed companies and will benefit from the shared knowledge and expertise that CIC and Mirvac will provide as a united force.

“The joint venture is a 50/50 arrangement that allows full and equal participation by both companies, bringing enormous expertise and intellectual property to the project,” says CIC CEO Col Alexander.

“We chose to partner with Mirvac not only because of the company’s reputation and experience with similar projects, which is critical to the vision we will achieve at Googong, but most importantly to ensure that CIC can continue to diversify its project portfolio and invest in other similarly significant projects.

“The arrangement will free-up capital that we can now channel into new projects and initiatives throughout Australia, and ensure we continue to grow our interests in a range of areas that will meet
shareholder expectations.”

Col says that CIC’s core Googong team will continue to manage and oversee all elements of the project, together with some new members who will be welcomed from Mirvac. High-level responsibility for the creation of Googong will rest with a joint venture management committee, which will include senior representatives from both companies.

“Mirvac’s investment in the project demonstrates its faith in Googong and this region, as well as the high regard it holds for CIC Australia,” says Col. “I think it’s enormous validation for CIC and our reputation for quality and innovation that a partner of Mirvac’s calibre has been attracted to the project.”

Wednesday, 14 December, 2011

Googong’s $283 million Voluntary Planning Agreement has been approved by Queanbeyan City Council and work has already commenced on key infrastructure elements such as local road upgrades.

Project Director Mark Attiwill says the multi-million dollar agreement is an innovative approach to planning. It makes the needs of Googong’s residents a key priority, ensuring that fundamental services are well established before the township’s first residents move in.

“It’s a first for the region,” he says. “We are pleased to be working with Queanbeyan City Council to establish and deliver the agreement,which will be the blueprint for the progressive delivery by CIC Australia of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of high quality recreational, sporting, community and service infrastructure.

Amenities to be delivered under the agreement include:

• a multipurpose centre, which will include a council shopfront, library and community hall as well as meeting and activity rooms
• an indoor sports and aquatic centre with two sports courts and an eight-lane 25 metre pool
• seven sports fields, 10 tennis courts and six netball courts, as well as five neighbourhood parks and 13 local parks
• two neighbourhood community facilities which include meeting and activity rooms, kitchens, storage and amenity space
• restoration of an ecological chain of ponds in Montgomery Creek
• upgrades to the local road network including Old Cooma Road and Ellerton Drive
• a water and sewerage system, including recycled water infrastructure, which will provide recycled water for use in every home and garden.

“Of course, this investment will benefit the whole region, not just Googong,” says Mark Attiwill. “The Voluntary Planning Agreement is an important part of the vision for Googong, and paves the way for the first stage of development to be approved, with the initial land release currently scheduled for early 2012.”

Under a separate agreement with the NSW Government, CIC will also commit land for a fire station and two schools. This is in addition to the land already committed to the Anglican Diocese for a private primary school.

Wednesday, 14 December, 2011

CIC has posted a strong financial result for the half-year ended 30 June 2011 and a net profit before tax of $7.7 million compared to $6.5 million for the same period in 2010. And the news gets even better with strong second half results forecast on the back of current pre-sales.

CIC Chief Executive Col Alexander says the results are terrific news, particularly as the company moves forward with the major Googong project.

“On the strength of current pre-sales, along with current projections, we’re expecting to report strong profits for the next 18 months to 31 December 2012,” he says. “I can’t tell you how satisfying this news is to the company, and it has been achieved on the back of the hard work and dedication by everyone in the CIC team.”

For full details of the company’s financial report, visit www.cicaustralia.com.au

Wednesday, 14 December, 2011

Googong will be one of the Canberra region’s pioneers of sustainable transportation thanks to a new agreement with Better Place (Australia) to install electric car charging infrastructure throughout the township.

The agreement builds on a 10-year, $60 million deal with ActewAGL for the supply of renewable energy to Better Place’s electric car charging network throughout Canberra—the largest renewable energy deal of its kind in Australia—and will form part of Better Place’s public network of charging infrastructure. Renewable energy for the project will be drawn from generation sources such as wind, hydro and solar.

Under the agreement, there will be provision for metre boxes and wiring for electric car charge points in every home that will be built at Googong. The installation of charge spots for private purchasers who sign up to Better Place will be subsidised, and public charge points throughout the township will be available for every electric car driver to use.

CIC is also moving ahead with plans to run its own corporate electriccar as part of the company’s commitment to sustainability. This will based and charged at the company’s headquarters in Canberra City as well as at its project office based at Googong.

“It’s not just a better way of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions. Fundamentally it is a more environmentally responsible way to go, and one that as a corporate entity, we have the power to lead,” says CIC Chief Operating Officer Tony Carey.

Tony says the Better Place model was something that CIC identified early as a way to optimise energy access and use at Googong, and to provide residents with an integrated solution to demonstrate their own commitment to the environment.

“It adds a whole new dimension to Googong’s already strong stance on sustainability and means those who choose to purchase at the township can also have the chance to support initiatives that are good for the environment, like Better Place,” he says.

CIC Australia is a Better Place (Australia) foundation partner and supports the Better Place vision for the mass adoption of electric cars driven on 100% renewable energy. As well as CIC, 11 other Canberra public and private sector entities will support the initial roll-out of the electric car network in the Canberra region.

Wednesday, 14 December, 2011

Plans for a state-of-the-art, architecturally designed clubhouse at Googong have been unveiled, with construction scheduled to begin in mid 2012.

The opening of “Club Googong” will coincide with the arrival of Googong’s first residents. The facility includes an indoor heated swimming pool, as well as other amenities including a kids splash pool, sun deck, gymnasium, café and temporary general store. Charged with bringing this community asset to fruition, CIC’s Lindsay Hunter, says the clubhouse will be a special feature of Googong’s first neighbourhood.

“It will really showcase some beautiful architectural features,” he says. “The design incorporates quality materials including natural stone, plenty of glass to take advantage of the region’s views, and a tumbling water feature that will make a spectacular addition to
the design.”

Designed by Sydney architects Allen Jack + Cottier, the clubhouse will follow the form of a boomerang to take advantage of the area’s sweeping views. A north-facing aspect will ensure its internal areas benefit from correct solar orientation and are filled with light year-round.

Allen Jack+Cottier competed against a national field of prominent architects to win the right to design Googong’s clubhouse.

Wednesday, 14 December, 2011

The team behind some of Australia’s most recognised and highly awarded residential communities is applying its clever design ethos and high standards for sustainability at The Heights, Durack in Darwin. And that includes smart solutions to affordability that meet the unique challenges of building for the Northern Territory climate and lifestyle.

CIC Australia is partnering with the Larrakia Development Corporation and Charles Darwin University for this special project, which will set a new standard for Darwin housing. It will be the second major joint venture project CIC has undertaken in the Territory’s capital, and follows on from the nationally recognised Lyons project in the city’s northern suburbs.

At the Heights, Durack, all homes will follow appropriate guidelines for design, sustainability and climate suitability and up to 15 per cent will be priced at or below $395,000. That means moderate income earners now have the opportunity become home owners in one of Darwin’s most sought-after new areas.

The new development is being planned along the same lines as the nationally-recognised Lightsview in South Australia and Crace in the ACT, where homes worth more than $1 million sit comfortably within metres of affordable homes, and where diversity works at its best.

These communities showcase architectural creativity and use skilful design to provide a range of intelligent living options that suit all ages, stages and budgets.

“We have a terrific opportunity here to achieve something very special for all members of the community, and are focused on delivering what we believe will be some of the smartest styles of homes Australia has recently seen,” says CIC Regional Manager for South Australia and the Northern Territory, Geoff Smith.

The Northern Territory Government is currently considering CIC Australia’s rezoning application for The Heights, Durack and a decision is expected soon.

Wednesday, 14 December, 2011

From the outset, there has been a focus on sustainability at Googong, with reduction in potable water use a key objective. Googong’s $85 million Integrated Water Cycle Management System (IWCMS) has been developed in close consultation with Queanbeyan City Council and is currently with the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure for final approval.

This innovation was recently awarded a $5.1 million grant from the Australian Government in recognition of its environmental and sustainability features. It will deliver water services to Googong by recycling wastewater and supplying homes throughout the township with both potable and non-potable water.

When completed, the IWCMS will reduce potable water consumption by about 60 per cent and recycle well over half the township’s wastewater.

“Because Googong’s population will steadily grow over a period of about 20 years, the IWC project will be developed in five stages to allow the system’s capacity to keep pace with the growth of the township,” says Googong Project Director, Mark Attiwill.

The IWCMS project will mean sporting fields, recreation areas and many streetscapes will be irrigated to a level that is not usually possible. This, in turn, contributes to the region’s social sustainability by ensuring recreation and landscaped areas become valued green spaces for people to meet and play. The project will also create about 300 jobs during its construction phase.

When Googong reaches its total population of about 16,000 residents, the township will use the same amount of potable water as about 6,500 people in a traditional development. The Googong Integrated Water Cycle Management System has been recognised by the industry, gaining a Highly Commended citation in the “Excellence in Strategic or Master Planning” category of the Stormwater Institute of Australia’s annual awards.

Wednesday, 14 December, 2011

Adelaide’s Lightsview team has appointed Kylie Batina as its new community development manager.

Kylie, who has joined the team from Western Australia, has been working in similar roles for the past 15 years and will help ensure residents at Lightsview are supported as they integrate into the neighbourhood and start settling in to their new homes.

“I love working with people and stakeholder consultation has been a cornerstone of my career,” she says. “Lightsview is a trailblazer and being part of the team that’s establishing this new neighbourhood is just great.”

Wednesday, 14 December, 2011

Googong has taken out the prestigious Concept Design category at the 2011 Urban Development Institute of Australia’s (UDIA) NSW Awards for Excellence.

The award recognises concept designs and plans where construction has not commenced and celebrates the highest levels of achievement in innovation, sustainability and leadership in the urban development industry.

The Googong concept was rewarded by the UDIA for ‘town founding’ and for conceptualising far more than a subdivision or suburb, but rather a sophisticated, country-town style environment with a wide choice of living and employment opportunities that will evolve to meet the changing needs of residents over many decades.

Judges hailed the Googong team’s holistic approach to the township’s masterplan and also highlighted Googong’s focus on sustainability and environmental innovation, much of which will be delivered under the innovative $283 million Voluntary Planning Agreement.

Googong’s approach to place making, its high degree of self containment across services, facilities and employment, as well as its commitment to water management and renewable energy were also applauded.

Wednesday, 14 December, 2011

A major milestone has been reached this week for the township of Googong.

An agreement has been signed between CIC Australia and Mirvac, two of this country’s most successful investment and development companies, to facilitate the township’s design and development.

Together, the expertise of these two highly-regarded ASX-listed companies will provide the very best in urban design and amenity for Googong, built to the highest standards for quality, livability and sustainability.

It demonstrates a major investment by both companies in the local region, which will total hundreds of millions of dollars over the next two decades, and underscores the significance of Googong as a future residential and business community.

It will ensure that those who choose Googong as their home, as well as those within the communities that adjoin it, will have access to the latest infrastructure and technologies, as well as the services and facilities of many much larger townships.

While this announcement is significant for CIC and the future of Googong, very little will change in terms of the way the project will evolve and develop on a day-to-day basis.

Responsibility will rest with a joint management committee, which includes senior representatives from both CIC and Mirvac. This team includes the same CIC people that have been managing Googong since its inception, which means the same standards of local knowledge, interest and expertise will be maintained with the added benefit of Mirvac’s expertise and experience.

We are very excited about this announcement, which means Googong is now ready to roll. It demonstrates Mirvac’s faith in the project and the high regard it holds for CIC Australia as well as the Googong region.

Construction of the township will commence in the first quarter of 2012. Our first sales release is also lined up for the first quarter of next year, and will be preceded by a Vision Seminar to provide adeeper level of understanding of the town.

We will be sure to keep you advised over the coming weeks of the key dates in this process. Subject to final approvals from Council and other authorities, we expect to be able toshare with you the price ranges for our first release before Christmas, so that you can consider your options in advance of the sales program.

Friday, 19 August, 2011

After ten years of design and planning, the Googong team has received the highest of industry accolades with the prestigious Concept Design Award from the 2011 NSW UDIA Awards for Excellence.

The award recognises concept design plans where construction has not commenced and celebrates the highest levels of achievement in innovation, sustainability and industry leadership in the urban development industry.

Judges commended the holistic approach taken to Googong’s masterplanning and highlighted the town’s focus on sustainability and environmental features including:

• water efficiency – Googong’s 16,000 residents will use less water than would normally sustain an average Australian community of 6,500, making the township a leader in sustainable integrated water cycle delivery
• energy efficiency – which goes beyond BASIX 25% energy savings with measures designed to achieve savings of 40%
• self-containment – of services, facilities and employment
• environmental sensitivity – over 23% of Googong is dedicated to open spaces. Streets, parks and a major thread of open space, ‘Googong Common’, are designed to restore the landscape and provide valuable green spaces for the community
• quality public domain – a $283 million Voluntary Planning Agreement that will deliver top quality community facilities early
• affordable commitment – CIC is committed to delivering a minimum of 10% housing affordability
• diverse living – a wide range of housing types and prices to create real variety and choice.

With construction set to begin next year, we’re thrilled to have industry endorsement of the Googong concept and recognition of its innovations. For more information and to learn more about Googong, visit www.googong.net

Monday, 13 June, 2011

As well as being named as a finalist in the region’s The Master Builders & Boral Excellence in Building Awards, The Ambassador has been recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects ACT.

At the Architecture Awards on Saturday 11 June, the Institute awarded The Ambassador a Commendation for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing. The jury commended the apartments for the planning approach, the unique design by Colin Steward Architects, and the project’s integration within the local area. 

“This project shows that medium density inner urban infill can make a positive contribution to its environment and it is commended for the steps it takes to surpass the standard offerings in multi unit development,” the citation reads. “As a model for higher density housing close to urban infrastructure it is applauded for its contribution to sustainability on a strategic level, supporting a more compact, walkable city.”

The jury also appreciated the advantages of entry being through a single, central pavilion and communal landscaped garden, seeing this as increasing opportunities for community interaction and enhancing safety. The citation concluded that, because the mix of apartment sizes supports a range of household types, “ this development and its occupants will contribute to a lively and thriving community for Deakin.”

The Ambassador will be included in the AIA Architecture Awards on-line Gallery.

Monday, 18 April, 2011

CIC Australia, is always keen to promote environmentally-friendly activities. Like cycling. That's why the company was one of the sponsors of the ACT Property Council's inaugural Pedal Power event.

 The race was held on a beautiful crisp Canberra morning on 14 April and the course, which started and concluded at Mt Stromlo, took riders on a challenging route via Uriarra Crossing.   Two of the four-person teams completed the 40km event and two the 20km event. In total, 16 CIC employees took part in the Pedal Power event, which represented 25 per cent of the entire Canberra office staff.

Friday, 1 April, 2011

Lightsview in South Australia, has been acknowledged for its achievements in the delivery of affordable housing.
 
The 2400 dwelling housing development, located at Northgate in Adelaide’s inner north-eastern suburbs, has produced its own range of homes to meet its 15 per cent affordable housing commitment.
 
The project won the Best Affordable Development award at the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s Awards for Excellence in Adelaide last night.
 
Lightsview Project Director Alan Miller said land value could have presented a barrier to the delivery of affordable housing options, but innovation had overcome this.
 
Lightsview is located only 8km from the Adelaide CBD, making the challenge of delivering homes to the market underneath the regulated price bands potentially quite difficult, he said.
 
Our approach to meeting the affordability challenge was to develop an innovative range of house designs and then develop a range of new allotments to suit. This allowed us to use each allotment as efficiently as possible and influence the overall cost by minimising the land component as much as possible.
 
We have been able to do this without compromising the fresh, individual design of the development, and nor have we needed to subsidise the homes in any way.
 
The judges commended the project for its innovation in product development and masterplan integration that will see homes in this range spread anonymously throughout the 91ha development.
 
The project, being developed jointly by CIC Australia and the State Governments Land Management Corporation, is expected to be completed in 2017. The site is the last urban infill site of its type north-east of the city.
 
For a copy of our CIC Australia's Affordable Housing brochure, please contact Caroline Whitelum cic@cicaustralia.com.au

Download press release here.

Thursday, 31 March, 2011

Affordable housing can be clever, attractive and complement the streetscape, as our current developments have demonstrated.

Housing affordability is one of the ‘hot issues’ for Australians today, particularly for those in Generation Y. According to ‘Eye on Australia’, a national survey conducted by communication agency Grey Australia, 41% of this generation rank the issue between 8 and 10 on a 10-point ‘worry scale’.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to deliver high quality, low maintenance dwellings, with good quality inclusions and excellent environmental performance, and still meet affordable housing price thresholds. This is particularly true in inner urban areas, where land values are escalating. The challenge is to create new affordable housing stock in volume and in locations appropriate to where people work and want to live.

A longstanding commitment

At CIC Australia, innovative design and building techniques and economies of scale have allowed us to offer high quality, functional and flexible housing options at prices that meet the affordability criteria. As early as the year 2000, our City Edge project in Canberra
pioneered the principle that housing can be affordable, sustainable and well-designed. Now affordable offerings at Lightsview in Adelaide and Crace in Canberra are garnering awards.

Both are joint ventures with the relevant government land development authorities. In each case, we have aligned our approach with the government’s objectives and policies, to deliver outcomes that benefit the resident, while providing a good return for stakeholders.

Thursday, 31 March, 2011

The hard work of past years is now translating into strong financial results – CIC is well positioned for future growth.

We have reported a net profit for 2010 before tax of $10.3m. Accounting Standards dictate that some of our joint venture entities are required to be “equity accounted” and are reported after tax. Had the entities been reported pre-tax, our profit before tax is actually $14.2m. Total profit after tax was $10.0m.

Total settlements for the 2010 year totalled 1,077 blocks/dwellings amounting to $270.0m (CIC share $122.6m). CIC continues to record an unprecedented level of pre-sales in many of its projects.

Total sales in the pipeline not yet settled as at the end of the 2010 year totalled 939 amounting to $284.2m (CIC share $188.6m). On the strength of current pre-sales, along with current projections, CIC is expecting strong profit growth over the next two to three years.

Overall, CIC continues to grow its reputation in the residential development industry across Australia as an agile, innovative and civically responsible operation. It is widely regarded by Government as an excellent and desirable joint venture partner, and we continue to steadily grow an in house professional team that we consider to be
second to none.

Wednesday, 9 March, 2011

One of Australia’s foremost urban designers has left private practice in Sydney to join CIC Australia and to work on major projects for the company including the new township of Googong in NSW.

Clive Alcock is a specialist urban designer and a former principal with the internationally renowned architectural and urban design firm Annand and Alcock. His roll call of urban master planning projects includes Sydney’s King Street Wharf and Pyrmont Bay, as well as Newcastle’s Honeysuckle waterfront.

Internationally, Clive was responsible for Birmingham’s city centre masterplan, as well as the masterplan for the Royal Victoria Docks at London’s Docklands. He designed Cairo’s financial centre in Egypt and the Zhenjiang urban core in the Shanghai region of China. One of his major projects involved working as part of an Australian team to plan and design a major extension to Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan.

CIC Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Tony Carey, says Clive Alcock’s arrival at CIC is a major coup for the company that not only validates CIC’s reputation for its work in urban design and development, but will open up significant new opportunities for growth in the company’s markets around Australia.

“It’s very rare in this country to find someone with Clive’s level of expertise and project portfolio, which covers some of Australia’s and the world’s largest and most prominent urban precincts,” Mr Carey says.

“We are very excited and very fortunate to have Clive on board with CIC, particularly as the company is about to embark on some major new projects throughout Australia, including the Googong township, but also the design and development of new communities in Darwin and South Australia.”

Googong will eventually be home to about 16,000 residents and will be a model for new urbanism and sustainability in Australia.

Clive Alcock is no stranger to CIC’s main areas of operation in Canberra, Adelaide and Darwin. He has already worked on the Gungahlin Central residential precinct and the new Molonglo community in the ACT, while in Adelaide he worked on North Playford, Seaford, the Bowden Urban Village and CIC’s own Lightsview project. In Darwin, he was involved in the Weddell Newtown structure planning workshop.

Mr Alcock’s expertise in sustainable design and ‘place-making’ has been rewarded with major industry awards for architecture, landscape architecture, planning, sustainability and affordable housing. He was also appointed by the NSW Government to create a syllabus on the built environment for NSW schools.

Wednesday, 30 March, 2011

A major fundraising drive is underway to support the Olivia Lambert Foundation and to help raise funds to enable this little girl to seek medical help overseas.

Olivia, who suffers from the aggressive cancer neuroblastoma, desperately needs treatment that is not available in Australia and support to travel to Germany to undergo radiation therapy as well as a stem cell transplant.

Classic Constructions, a member of the Crace builders’ panel, is hosting a charity golf day on Thursday 7 April and all funds raised will help the little girl receive treatment that could save her life.

Please phone Classic Constructions on 6299 8467 to make a donation through the Commonwealth Bank to the Olivia Lambert Foundation:

Olivia Lambert Foundation

BSB: 062 913

ACC: 1075 1806

Please use your name as a reference and email olf@internode.on.net with your name and address so a tax receipt can be issued.

Thursday, 31 March, 2011

CIC project milestones achieved in Adelaide, Canberra, Darwin and on the NSW South Coast.

Some of CIC’s highest profile and most successful projects have concluded. This marks the end of an era in some respects, but the start of a whole new phase for the company as major new projects start to heat up.

In Darwin, the creation of an entirely new, sustainable, integrated and connected community at Lyons was greeted enthusiastically by buyers and the local community when it kicked off a few years ago. It was the first masterplanned residential community to be built in the northern suburbs since the 1980s, and has been a major success story for joint venture partners CIC and Defence Housing Australia.

Project Director Geoff Smith says its popularity was thanks to a combination of innovative and quality design that embraced the best of the Top End’s easygoing lifestyle. Sales on the final few lots are just being cleaned up as the team prepares to start work on one of CIC’s newest undertakings. This is a Project Development Agreement with Charles Darwin University and the Larrakia Development Corporation to create a residential community on a portion of Charles Darwin University’s Palmerston campus.

In Canberra, the highly successful The Ambassador apartments at Deakin rubs shoulders with Embassies and stately homes, and is just 800m from the Prime Ministers residence, the Lodge. This luxury complex is more than 90 per cent sold and the majority of purchasers have now moved in or tenanted their apartments. Landscaping was completed in January and the final touches have also been made to the development’s spectacular common areas, including a number of beautiful installations by high profile Australian artists.

Project Director Lindsay Hunter says The Ambassador has been an outstanding success for CIC, with demand for the development strong from day one. Over a third of The Ambassador was sold after just eight weeks of marketing activity, primarily to owneroccupiers downsizing from their homes in the immediate area. Young professional singles and couples also made up a significant percentage of one and two bedroom sales.

“The location is exceptional and the design and quality of the development matches,” Lindsay says. As testament to this, one of The Ambassador’s penthouses trumped the Deakin record for a house sale record by nearly $300,000.

At Forde in Canberra’s north CIC Regional Sales Manager Frank Joris says blocks are all but sold, with only a few left in the suburb’s last stage, Stray Leaf. “People are moving in every day,” he says. “The suburb continues to evolve and is becoming a real community.”

On the NSW South Coast, all lots have now been sold at CIC’s Glen Mia development at Bega. Frank Joris says competition was strong at the final auction in early February, and all lots were sold above the reserve.

“Bega is unique in that there isn’t ever a lot of property on the market to buy, and rental properties are also in short supply,” he says. “I think the interest in Glen Mia was so strong because the blocks are a good size, they are well located close to town and very well priced.”

Sunday at Aldinga Beach, just south of Adelaide, is now a thriving community just seven years after work commenced. The project has been completed two years ahead of schedule and only four of its 716 blocks remain to be sold.

CIC mandated a number of important environmental initiatives for Sunday including provision of a purpose-designed rainwater tank plumbed to the toilet in each home. Solar hot water units were compulsory for all homes, and landscape guidelines required the use of species compatible with the adjoining sensitive Aldinga Scrub. CIC also landscaped the front garden of every home, including installation of a 3m driveway, to create a standard of amenity not often present in new communities.

Thursday, 31 March, 2011

CIC’s Quayside Kingston Harbour development on Canberra’s Kingston Foreshore will be redesigned in response to complex planning laws that have prevented progress on the development to date.

CIC CEO Col Alexander says the development was originally designed in close consultation with the ACT Planning and Land Authority to ensure it met all regulations and building code requirements. However, despite the development having twice been approved by the ACT Government, an objection was lodged with the Civil and Administrative Tribunal using ambiguities in the law as a wedge to stop Quayside from proceeding.

"We’ve decided that responding to appeals which come from uncertainties in the law is unproductive, time consuming and expensive, so we have instructed our legal team to surrender the current approved development application,” Col says.

“Since then, we’ve been working to prepare a new Quayside design, which will avoid any areas of uncertain legal interpretation.

“We believe this approach will provide a more certain outcome for purchasers, stakeholders and the company’s shareholders, and are looking forward to finalising approvals and turning Quayside’s first sod,” Col says.

Monday, 21 February, 2011

CIC’s Glen Mia housing development at Bega has sold out and achieved well above expectations, both in terms of interest and price.

Located a short walk from Bega’s town centre, the development includes fully serviced blocks from 775m2 to nearly 3,960m2. Town water, sewerage and underground power and phone lines are included, as well as sealed roads with kerb and guttering.

Competition for the remaining land was strong and all lots were sold above the reserve. Fifteen registered bidders vied for the final 12 lots on offer, including local builders, mums and dads, investors and first home buyers.

The region’s mini infrastructure boom is being heralded as a major factor in a boost to the region’s economic confidence. More than $1 billion of infrastructure activity is underway or slated for the Bega region over the coming months, including a major power line project between Cooma and Bega, a new supermarket development, a pipeline between Bega and Merimbula and substantial investment in the local hospital.

Monday, 28 March, 2011

After a successful appearance at last year’s Australian Council for New Urbanism Congress, CIC’s Chief Operating Officer Tony Carey will once more address industry colleagues in Adelaide. At this year’s UDIA Congress, which runs from  28 to 31 March, he will talk about the subject of ‘Town Founding’ in an address with Mike Day, director of noted town planning and urban design firm, Roberts Day.

Together they will discuss reinstating the art of ‘town founding’ in contrast to the conventional approach to subdivision and development. The address, on 30 March, will explore the artistic and design dimensions of laying the foundations for new communities, as well as giving an insight into the feasibilities and econometrics of delivering prosperous places. Their presentation is sponsored by CIC Australia.

Attendees at the congress can arrange a one-on-one meeting with Tony, or with CIC’s local General Manager, Geoff Smith, by visiting CIC at stand 9.

UDIA Congress, Stand 9, Adelaide Convention Centre, 28-31 March. Our brochures on the subjects of New Urbanism and Affordable Housing, are also available on request. Please contact Caroline Whitelum.

Alternatively, you can download copies here.

Thursday, 31 March, 2011

Planning for CIC’s ambitious new project—the new township of Googong—is going from strength to strength with more major milestones achieved in the past few months.

Googong Project Director Mark Attiwill says a significant landmark was was the placement on public exhibition this month of a Development Application for the township’s first neighbourhood by Queanbeyan City Council. “We are very excited because it is Googong’s first neighbourhood,” he says. “It will hold about 340 homes when it’s complete, and associated works will include Googong Dam Road, construction of a clubhouse with pool, gym, café and general store, and establishment of the township’s first recreation reserve.”

“The school will be built in stages as Googong’s population starts to grow and demand for facilities increases,” Mark says. “When it’s completed, we expect it will cater for about 400 students.”

Googong’s proposed Integrated Water Cycle infrastructure also received a major boost with in-principle approval for a federal government grant of $5.1 million towards its capital works costs. The funding will be used predominantly for the township’s recycled water network elements, and will be launched by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities in the coming months.

Another big milestone for Googong and its future residents is confirmation that the Anglican Diocese will build a new accessible, co-educational, low fee and open entry primary school there in time for the 2015 school year.

Mark Attiwill says it will be the first Anglican primary school to be established in the region. As well as Googong children, it will welcome students from all of Googong’s catchment areas including Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra and Canberra.

“The school will be built in stages as Googong’s population starts to grow and demand for facilities increases,” Mark says. “When it’s completed, we expect it will cater for about 400 students.” CIC is also finalising discussions with the NSW Department of Education around the provision of two public school sites within the Googong township and a private secondary school is also being negotiated.

Thursday, 31 March, 2011

While some sustainability tips apply no matter where you live, each area has its own environmental conditions and challenges.

CIC’s sustainability website offers tailored advice to people living or building a new home in Canberra, Adelaide and Darwin, the three areas where we’ve been most active.

The purpose-built site, at http://sustainability.cicaustralia.com.au/, draws on statistics for each location to show where residents can make the biggest savings in energy or water use. Covering subjects from landscaping to window selection, from renewable energy to appliance choice, the site is particularly valuable when people are planning a new home.

It has been promoted through the sales offices of CIC developments by means of a postcard displayed in the office and included in every sales pack.

sustainability.cicaustralia.com.au