Revealed: Australia's top 80 boom suburbs

This week we inspect an $8million plus estate in Sydney, get blown away by a stunning rural home in Jilliby and see what a fabulous home can be bought for under $600,000 in the most researched suburb of Adelaide

Suburbs with median prices under $600,000 are experiencing the quickest flip rate. Source: Supplied

THEY'RE the average suburbs that have become highly desirable, where buyers stand to make a packet more than in gold-plated enclaves.

Australia's fastest selling locations aren't traditional blue ribbon suburbs or mining powerhouses. Most are affordable enclaves within reach of the average mortgage.

Admittedly, those buying a home - not an investment - might be looking at more subjective factors than "fastest selling" or "cheapest", but if you can manage to buy a property that suits your lifestyle and budget in an area on the cusp of soaring values, what's not to like?

Remember that prices in once-unfashionable, now-sexy Bondi Beach have risen more than 130 per cent in the past 10 years, and the same for previously out-of-favour Redfern.

Now there's a whole new set of ugly duckling suburbs with the potential to be tomorrow's Bondi or Redfern.

New RP Data research shows that Australia's fastest selling suburbs are in areas where median property prices range from $240,000 to $670,000. It's good news that pockets of realistically priced housing still exist, particularly for first-time buyers contending with the investor boom.

And it's an even better sign for vendors. Just two years ago, many listings were languishing on the market for months, even years. Now properties in sought-after suburbs are selling within days, on the back of lower interest rates, investor demand and renewed confidence in the housing sector.

RP Data senior research analyst Cameron Kusher says it's not surprising that suburbs with median prices under $600,000 are experiencing the quickest flip rate.

"This is reflective of figures from RP Data which shows the premium sector of the market has to date seen the weakest market conditions while relatively more affordable sectors are recording stronger values gains," Mr Kusher says.

"With upgraders and investors - the most active forces in the housing market currently - it is no wonder that suburbs which typically have a median price below $600,000 are experiencing the shortest length of time to sell."

Property powerhouses

If you're listing a house in Western Australia's Craigie, you'll find a buyer in less than three weeks, according to the RP Data annual figures. It has the fastest sales turnover in Australia.

The suburb, 20km north of Perth and about 2km from the beach, has a median house price of $443,500 - less than the Perth median house price of $500,000.

The average number of days a Craigie house will be on the market is 18 compared with the Perth average of 80.

Realmark Whitfords sales agent Alan Reay attributes Craigie's popularity to its location, development potential and affordability.

"A lot of homes have sold before they go online lately,'' Mr Reay says.

Meanwhile in NSW, units in Sydney's Lewisham are turning over within 25 days, making it the state's most sought-after suburb.

In Victoria, houses are taking just 30 days to sell in Coldstream, 36km from the Melbourne CBD, while in Brisbane, Fairfield units are selling in less than a month.

###

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Congestion complaints prompt review

Main Roads is reviewing traffic signal timing after receiving a record number of congestion complaints. Source: PerthNow

THE timing of traffic signals across Perth - including green lights on highways - is being reviewed after Main Roads received a record number of complaints about traffic congestion.

The agency received 2789 complaints in 2012-13, a 56 per cent increase from the 1783 the year before.

In 2005, there were just 204 complaints.

The figures show that one-in-five complaints were about congestion or traffic signals.

Roadworks and traffic management were also among the biggest headaches for road users.

"Traffic signals and congestion trend the highest and are linked," a Main Roads spokeswoman said.

"Most traffic signal complaints are as a result of timing issues.

"Most of these are as a result of congestion.

"We are currently reviewing our traffic signals to improve their co-ordination."

Main Roads relies on a computer system called SCATS, which monitors real-time traffic volumes to co-ordinate the 900 sets of signals it operates across WA.

The system is used in more than 50 countries.

A spokeswoman for Transport Minister Troy Buswell said Main Roads was reviewing the system to see if keeping some lights green for longer on routes such as the Canning and Stirling highways could ease congestion.

But Opposition transport spokesman Ken Travers said the rise in complaints to Main Roads was a result of the Barnett Government's mismanagement of city projects, such as the Elizabeth Quay waterfront development.

"There wouldn't be a week go by where I don't end up in a conversation with someone talking about congestion in the city," he said.

Mr Travers called on the Government to create a plan that predicted Perth's transport network needs over the next 50-100 years, instead of looking for "cheap fixes".

The Main Roads spokeswoman said its $105 million CBD Transport Plan, announced in April 2012, would ensure Perth's traffic could function during the development of big projects such as the Perth City Link and Elizabeth Quay.

The plan provided the $57 million needed for additional lanes in the Northbridge Tunnel and increased lane capacity on Mitchell Freeway northbound to Hutton St.

It also included a new Green CAT bus service between the Esplanade Busport and Leederville train station.

The spokeswoman said other improvements included enhancements to alternative transport facilities, such as cycle and footpaths, and reviewing pedestrian crossings at traffic signals in the city centre to improve traffic flow.

Other major complaints in the past year related to speed zones and noise.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Man 'met missing Maddie McCann'

Detectives are set to reveal new information about the hunt for Madeleine McCann in a television appeal.

THE parents of missing British girl Madeleine McCann said they were "greatly encouraged" by new information about the disappearance of their daughter on holiday in Portugal in 2007.

Kate and Gerry McCann said they were hopeful there would be developments from a major appeal based on "substantive" new information which is to be broadcast on a BBC television programme on October 14.

"We are greatly encouraged by new information coming to light with pieces of the jigsaw now fitting together," the McCanns said in a statement.

"We are really hopeful that the forthcoming appeal on Crimewatch will bring further new evidence which will take us a step closer to finding Madeleine and to bringing those responsible for her abduction to justice."

A three-year-old actor will play Madeleine in the reconstruction on the Crimewatch TV programme.

Kate and Gerry McCann say they are encouraged by the new information on the disappearance of their daughter Madeleine.

British police said that analysis of mobile phone data from thousands of people who were in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz when Madeleine McCann disappeared could provide a new lead.

They are also investigating 41 potential suspects, although no arrests have been made.

News of new information came as The Mirror reported that a witness admitted to a barrister that he had met the missing girl on a Mediterranean island just weeks ago.

The unnamed barrister said he spoke to the witness at a party in August and was stunned at the level of detail he gave about Maddie. The barrister said he has since given a full statement to police.

"I knew that by reporting it, it would ­compromise me in all sorts of ways. But it was something that I couldn't ignore. If I hadn't said anything I couldn't have lived with myself," he told the paper.

"I have told the police ­everything that I was told about her.

"They know what that was and that is why they have acted. I was able to be a bit more specific than just the island but I haven't been able to tell them exactly where the man said she was. I am now terrified that she has been moved elsewhere

Greater Manchester Police refused to comment on the matter when contacted by the paper for comment on the development.

Madeleine's parents have never abandoned their campaign to find their daughter, who was just about to turn four when she disappeared as she slept in the family's holiday apartment on May 3, 2007.

Her parents were dining with friends in a nearby restaurant at the time. Portuguese authorities closed their investigation in 2008. But London's Metropolitan Police spent two years reviewing the evidence and announced in July that they were launching an investigation into Madeleine's disappearance.

British police are working with senior detectives from Faro, in the Algarve.

###

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Teen found dead on Doubleview street

A murder investiagtion has been launched after a body found on the corner of Grand Promenade and Moorland Street in Doubleview. Police and forensic officers on the scene. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

A MURDER investigation has been launched by WA Police after a teenager was found dead on a Perth street.

Major Crime Squad detectives have called for any information, after a 19-year-old man was found dead in the suburb of Doubleview.

A police spokesman said police were called to the intersection of Grand Promenade and Moorland Street at about 1.30am on Sunday morning in relation to a disturbance and an injured man.

The teenager was dead when police arrived. It's understood he died from stab wounds.

Surrounding streets have been closed for investigations.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

View Larger Map

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Prince Harry meets SAS on flying Perth visit

Prince Harry has waved goodbye to Sydney as he boarded a Royal Australian Air Force plane.

Prince Harry arrives at Campbell Barracks Swanbourne. Picture: Matthew Poon Source: PerthNow

Prince Harry meets with Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbot before his depature for Perth at Sydney Airport. Prince Harry is on his second day of a two-day trip to Australia during which he participated in the International Fleet Review in Sydney as an official guest of the Australian Government. (Photo by Rob Griffith - Pool/Getty Images) Source: News Limited

PRINCE Harry has honoured fallen SAS soldiers, and comforted their families, as he completed his whirlwind tour of Australia with a brief stopover in Western Australia.

After the fleet and fireworks in Sydney on Saturday, the 29-year-old Prince made his first visit to Perth, with his day taken up mostly with a visit to the home of the SAS at the Campbell Barracks in Swanbourne.

A quick wardrobe change saw him ditch the dark-blue navy suit he arrived in to don combat fatigues for his meeting with the SAS troops, who have been based in Swanbourne since 1957.

Once there, he met past and present members of the unit, toured the base and joined families of fallen SAS members killed in the line of duty to lay wreaths in their memory.

The commanding officer of the SASR, who is known only as Lieutenant Colonel G to protect his identity, said the prince's visit was an honour and a privilege.

"Prince Harry knows what it means to serve his nation on operations and most importantly what it means to the families of those serving,'' Lieutenant Colonel G said.

"Families play a critical role for those serving in the SASR and indeed the whole of the ADF, and we are thankful that the families of some of our serving, former and fallen members were able to be here today.''

Tess Taylor waving the Australian flag, waiting for Prince Harry to arrive at Campbell Barracks Swanbourne. Picture: Matthew Poon Source: PerthNow

Earlier today, lucky royal-watchers got a glimpse of Prince Harry, and a wave, as he visited the Campbell Barracks in Swanbourne, the first stop of his fleeting visit to Perth.

A small but enthusiastic crowd gathered near the barracks, hoping to see the Prince, who was widely tipped to be visiting despite the official schedule being kept under wraps.

His arrival was heralded by an armada of motorcycles, which brought the Alfred Street-West Coast Highway intersection to a standstill for several minutes.

After meeting with WA Premier Colin Barnett, Prince Harry along with Prime Minister Tony Abbott was whisked away in a ten-car armed convoy to the Campbell Barracks.

"It is a great thing he is spending some time with the SAS regiment - they have spent some time in Afghanistan, as he has, Mr Barnett said.

Mount Claremont Tess Taylor, who is British-born but has lived in Australia for more than 40 years, was among the crowd who saw the Prince arrive.

"I always to come here to see the monarchy when they're in town," she said.

"It's wonderful Prince Harry is in Perth. It's a pity he's not here longer, I really like Harry, he's such a scoundrel and an everyday person."

Ms Taylor added that she always came out to wish armed services personnel well when they were deployed overseas, saying: "Somebody's got to give them support."

Craig and Angela Johnston, of Canning Vale, came with boys Jack (7) and Mitchell (4) and they were thrilled when the Price returned their wave.

Angela said the family had been following his visit on the news: "He was just so handsome, so we wanted to come down and watch him arrive.

Jack said it was pretty exciting to see Prince Harry, while Mitch said he felt "pretty lucky" that he got a wave.

Craig said they made the effort to come down as: "You don't get too many opportunities to see a royal, and we didn't know when he would be back."

Britain's Prince Harry speaks with West Australian Premier Colin Barnett at Perth Airport. Picture: AFP/Paul Kane Source: News Limited

After sharing a Royal Australian Airforce flight across the country, the Prince and the PM were met by Mr Barnett and his wife Lyn, both avowed royalists.

And after an amiable chat on the tarmac, the premier and the prince spent 30 minutes discussing the state and it's attractions - with the best surfing spot high on the prince's agenda.

"Prince Harry was charming, a very nice young man and we just chatted about his trip and how pleased he was to be here,'' Mr Barnett said.

"He said it was a short visit because he had to be back to work on Thursday - a delightful young man, full of energy and enthusiastic.

"His query was where is the best surfing spot ... I should have said Cottesloe (where Mr Barnett lives) but I told him Margaret River. He showed close interest in the state and I am sure he would like to have a closer look around in the future.''

The prince also commented on his relief to be out of the Sydney heat.

Prince Harry touches down in Perth

Late this morning, Prince Harry landed for the second stop on his flying visit to Australia, touching down in Perth after sharing a flight with Prime Minister Tony Abbott across the country.

After being farewelled from Sydney by Premier Barry O'Farrell and the NSW Governor's official secretary Brian Davies earlier today, the prince was met in the west by Premier Colin Barnett.

A noted Royal admirer, Mr Barnett and his wife Lyn greeted the fourth-in-line to the British throne, two years after they hosted the Prince's grandmother Queen Elizabeth II during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

In contrast to his very public appearances in Sydney yesterday, centred around the International Fleet Review, Prince Harry's movements in Perth have been kept a closely guarded secret.

Prince Harry meets with West Australian Premier Colin Barnett and his wife Lyn Barnett after arriving at Perth Airport. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images Source: News Limited

Before his departure from Sydney, Prince Harry told reporters Australia already felt like a second home and he was very sad to be leaving.

"I just can't get the time off work these days,'' he said.

"The next time I come back you will be struggling to get rid of me I am sure.''

After being welcomed on Sydney Harbour by a 100-gun salute, Harry turned heads as he inspected the warship fleet in a white dress uniform of the British Army and a blue Army Air Corps beret.

Late yesterday, he shook hands with many among the thousands at The Rocks who were hugging the barricades in an effort to see him.

From there, the prince took a boat to Kirribilli House, where he was greeted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott, his wife Margie and daughters Bridget and Frances.

The prince will leave Perth later this afternoon en route to Dubai, where he is scheduled to attend the Sentebale "Forget Me Not'' ball on Monday.

Sentebale is a charity founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of the Lesotho royal family to help vulnerable children.

Mr Abbott is also due to fly from Perth at 2pm local time, to take his place at the APEC Summit in Bali.

And in a busy period for Perth airport staff, Mr Barnett is also due to fly out of Perth tomorrow to make his second trip to China in four months for meetings in Hangzhou and Shanghai.

with Tim Clarke, AAP

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Congestion complaints prompt review

Main Roads is reviewing traffic signal timing after receiving a record number of congestion complaints. Source: PerthNow

THE timing of traffic signals across Perth - including green lights on highways - is being reviewed after Main Roads received a record number of complaints about traffic congestion.

The agency received 2789 complaints in 2012-13, a 56 per cent increase from the 1783 the year before.

In 2005, there were just 204 complaints.

The figures show that one-in-five complaints were about congestion or traffic signals.

Roadworks and traffic management were also among the biggest headaches for road users.

"Traffic signals and congestion trend the highest and are linked," a Main Roads spokeswoman said.

"Most traffic signal complaints are as a result of timing issues.

"Most of these are as a result of congestion.

"We are currently reviewing our traffic signals to improve their co-ordination."

Main Roads relies on a computer system called SCATS, which monitors real-time traffic volumes to co-ordinate the 900 sets of signals it operates across WA.

The system is used in more than 50 countries.

A spokeswoman for Transport Minister Troy Buswell said Main Roads was reviewing the system to see if keeping some lights green for longer on routes such as the Canning and Stirling highways could ease congestion.

But Opposition transport spokesman Ken Travers said the rise in complaints to Main Roads was a result of the Barnett Government's mismanagement of city projects, such as the Elizabeth Quay waterfront development.

"There wouldn't be a week go by where I don't end up in a conversation with someone talking about congestion in the city," he said.

Mr Travers called on the Government to create a plan that predicted Perth's transport network needs over the next 50-100 years, instead of looking for "cheap fixes".

The Main Roads spokeswoman said its $105 million CBD Transport Plan, announced in April 2012, would ensure Perth's traffic could function during the development of big projects such as the Perth City Link and Elizabeth Quay.

The plan provided the $57 million needed for additional lanes in the Northbridge Tunnel and increased lane capacity on Mitchell Freeway northbound to Hutton St.

It also included a new Green CAT bus service between the Esplanade Busport and Leederville train station.

The spokeswoman said other improvements included enhancements to alternative transport facilities, such as cycle and footpaths, and reviewing pedestrian crossings at traffic signals in the city centre to improve traffic flow.

Other major complaints in the past year related to speed zones and noise.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Friends speak out on quarry murder inquiry

Lina Suria Brayley (left) and friend Jeany Penfold (right). Source: The Sunday Times

FRIENDS of Lina Brayley, whose body was found at a Perth quarry in 2011, say they are desperate for answers after police revealed yesterday they were now treating her death as a suspected homicide.

The 37-year-old's close friends said they were heartbroken over Ms Brayley's death and described her as a "caring, easygoing" person.

Major Crime Squad detectives yesterday released new information about their inquiry into Ms Brayley's death, revealing she was in the company of a man at Statham Quarry in the days leading to her death.

Police held a press conference at the Gooseberry Hill site, about 25km east of Perth, to make a public appeal for information and urge anyone who was at the quarry on the weekend of February 25, 2011, to come forward.

Ms Brayley's body was found by a bush walker at the base of a 43m cliff face on Sunday, February 27, 2011.

Lina Suria Brayley. Picture: Ganesh Penfold Source: The Sunday Times

At the time, it was believed the keen photographer had slipped and fallen to her death while taking pictures of the scenery at Beelu National Park.

She was found with her camera gear about 9am, but police believe she had died the night before.

Friend Jeany Penfold said Ms Brayley's friends and parents, who live in Indonesia, wanted answers about her death.

"It's been really hard. We contacted Lina's brother (when she died) and he got all the family members together and we called her mum to tell her," Ms Penfold said.

Police have renewed calls for information on the death of Lina Suria Brayley, who was found deceased at the Stratham Quarry in Gooseberry Hill in February 2011. Picture: WA Police Source: PerthNow

"She was really shocked. She was screaming and asking, 'How could this happen? Why was she up there?' "

Acting Det Sen-Sgt Cameron Blaine said police were treating her death as a suspected murder.

He said Ms Brayley was with a fair-skinned male at the Zig Zag scenic drive and Statham Quarry at different times throughout the weekend.

The man went to the area separately on a dark-coloured motorcycle, police said.

"That male has never been identified," Det Sen-Sgt Blaine said.

"If you are that male, we would like to speak to you because we believe you can assist in the investigation."

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Cameron Blaine from Major Crime Squad at the Stratham Quarry where Lina Suria Brayley was found. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

Ms Brayley was born in Indonesia and moved to Australia in 2007.

She worked as a carer at an aged-care facility in Mount Lawley.

"She was an easygoing person, we loved dogs and going out for lunch and dinner," Ms Penfold said.

"She never spoke much about her personal life  she always showed me the happy side of her life.

"For the first three months after Lina died, I dreamt about her every night. But they were always bad dreams." Police say Ms Brayley drove to the quarry in a 2007 black Honda Jazz to take photos over the weekend.

Police have renewed calls for information on the death of Lina Suria Brayley, who was found deceased at the Stratham Quarry in Gooseberry Hill in February 2011. Pictured is the car she drove to the scene. Picture: WA Police Source: PerthNow

She stopped at a carpark to take pictures at the Zig Zag trail before driving to a second car park.

From there, police say she walked along a path to the quarry site.

She was wearing a black top, white shorts and brown boots when she died. Police have asked anyone who was taking photos in the area during the summer of 2011 to check the dates on their pictures to see if they were from the same weekend.

Anyone who was at the quarry between Friday, February 25, and Sunday, February 26, is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Private light rail push for Perth

Committee for Perth chief executive Marion Fulker says Perth light rail is too crucial to WA's future to put it on the backburner. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: The Sunday Times

THE Perth light rail is too crucial to WA's future for the Barnett Government to put it on the backburner because of money headaches, the high-profile think tank Committee for Perth says.

Committee chief executive Marion Fulker said the Government was trying to play catch-up with empty treasury coffers because it had been too focused on individual projects rather than a vision for Perth.

"One of the missing pieces of our public transport network is light rail," Ms Fulker said.

---

Editorial

---

"What I would say to the State Government is, it's a priority project."

The future of the MAX light rail from Perth to Mirrabooka and the airport rail link was thrown into doubt last month when the State Government was stripped of its AAA credit rating.

Premier Colin Barnett told The Sunday Times the credit crisis could delay both projects by up to two years. Ms Fulker said the project's future should be a concern to every West Australian.

"Treasury coffers are all but empty. And you can take it as a given that we're probably not going to get rail funding from the Abbott Government," she said.

"They (the State Government) have to explore so many other avenues as to what role the private sector can play to bring on some of this big infrastructure."

Ms Fulker said light rail would be critical to fixing the city's "difficult and frustrating" congestion issues and trigger more infill development.

This week Australian Bureau of Statistics figures revealed WA's population had exceeded 2.5 million.

Ms Fulker said it was critical to now start planning for a population of 3.5 million by 2050.

"There are two futures for Perth at 3.5 million.

"We can seize all our opportunities or we truck on, business as usual, and hope for the best," she said.

Under the Government's $1.9 billion MAX plan, a 22km light rail network would be built from Mirrabooka to the CBD and branch out to the western and eastern suburbs.

Opposition transport spokesman Ken Travers said the Liberal Government deceived voters when it said it had a "fully funded, fully costed" plan. "Perth is already suffering because of the failure to invest in public transport," Mr Travers said. Transport Minister Troy Buswell said no formal decision had been made about delaying the light rail timeline past 2019.

He said the Government was considering private sector investment for the MAX project.

"We will reconsider the timing on major infrastructure projects, but no decisions have been made about any changes to timelines," Mr Buswell said.
 

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Clocks locked in to no change

WA daylight saving advocates admit it is not worth pushing the issue in the state. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: The Sunday Times

WA will be three hours behind the eastern states from midnight on Sunday - but even pro-daylight saving advocates admit they have lost their appetite for change.

Former Liberal leader Matt Birney, who raised $100,000 four years ago to fight for daylight saving in WA, said it was unlikely he would have another go at changing the minds of those who voted no to it in the 2009 referendum.

Mr Birney said opposition to daylight saving in the bush was too strong, and he could not see how their opinions could be swayed.

Federal Member for Perth Alannah MacTiernan said another referendum should not be held for at least five years, while WA Liberal Senator Mathias Cormann said the issue was "well and truly settled".

Ms MacTiernan said the fact West Australians had rejected daylight saving in four referendums - 1975, 1984, 1992 and 2009 - was reason enough to forget about it until at least after the next state election, in 2017.

Daylight saving was overwhelmingly rejected in 2009, after a three-year-trial.

At the time, Premier Colin Barnett said: "It is a very clear result. West Australians don't like daylight saving. We've just got to accept reality".

Mr Birney said though the majority of people living in Perth had supported daylight saving, the 2009 referendum had not been successful because most country people had rejected the idea.

Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi said that while she supported daylight saving, there were benefits with WA being in the same time zone as most of Asia and China.

Victoria, Tasmania, NSW, SA and the ACT began daylight saving at midnight last night. Queensland, NT and WA do not have it.

So at midnight in WA, it is 3am in NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT; in SA it is 2.30am; in Queensland it is 2am and in the NT it is 1.30am. 

 

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Double fatal near Geraldton

TWO people died in a car accident near Geraldton tonight.

Police were called to the incident at Waggrakine, 7kms north-east of Geraldton, at around 7pm.

A St John Ambulance spokeswoman confirmed two people died at the scene.

Details of the incident, including how many vehicles were involved, were still unclear. Police said there was one male and one female victim.

The crash happened on the corner of Chapman Valley Road and North West Coastal Highway.

Police were unable to confirm the cause of the crash.

More to come.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More