Development Edge — Creating liveable communities

Creating liveable communities

The team making dreams come true Development Edge is the innovative company behind some of Shepparton’s, and the Goulburn Valley’s, most exciting residential developments.

Formed seven years ago, the group is a collaboration of professionals who share a passion for creating beautiful spaces for people to live.

Director Peter Mintern said the Development Edge team drew on the expertise of its members to complete projects from the due diligence prior to land acquisition stage, through to design, construction, sale and ongoing maintenance.

Seven Creeks Estate, Providence Field, The Vines, Woodlands Estate and Sanctuary Park form the Development Edge portfolio.

These well-known addresses follow on from the success of its involvement in the last two stages of the prestigious and sold-out Grammar Park Estate and Golf Rise, a boutique 15-lot development in a prime location close to the Shepparton Golf Club.

Peter said the mix of projects — with the variation of location, lot sizes and price brackets — offered opportunities for a broad demographic, including first home buyers,

retirees, professionals, families and investors.

“Our philosophy is to create quality housing estates where people can build their homes and the lifestyle they want,” Peter said.

“Equally as important to us is to develop estates that are sustainable, liveable and sensitive to the environment.

“Our commitment to the community spaces in each estate means the residents will be proud to live there for years to come.”

Peter said the Development Edge business model was flexible; for some projects, freehold parcels of land are purchased, while for others the company develops partnership agreements with existing landholders.

“We’re always happy to hear from landholders who may be considering a development, but aren’t sure how to go about it,” he said.

“We can add our expertise and work with them so they retain involvement and a sense of ownership in the project.”

Creating beautiful estates for home owners is the focus for Development Edge’s Peter Mintern, Kate Clarke and retired lawyer Peter Johnson.

Photo: Ray Sizer

Wealth of experience Home ownership remains a high priority for many people, and retired lawyer Peter Johnson has had a hand in making land accessible for that dream since the mid-1970s.

The Development Edge board member was raised in Shepparton and, apart from a stint studying in Melbourne, has spent his entire working life in the Goulburn Valley and remains committed to the region’s future.

A veteran of land development projects, Peter cut his teeth in the industry when working at Camerons Lawyers and had the opportunity to invest in a residential subdivision in south Shepparton.

Since then he has been involved in numerous projects and brings a wealth of experience to the Development Edge table.

“The Development Edge vision to create wonderful spaces for people to live, and to be an entity with longevity really appealed to me,” Peter said.

His role includes drawing attention to matters of a legal nature that need to be addressed, which are then dealt with by the company’s lawyers.

“I enjoy the concept of working with a group that has different areas of expertise,” Peter said.

Development Edge creates opportunities for different shareholders to become involved; each new development has a mix of new and existing investors, which Peter said was another point of difference.

“The ongoing love and care that goes into developing these subdivisions is what makes them successful, and that gives me a great deal of satisfaction,” he said.

“Development Edge’s presentation of the estates and the facilities they provide would not have been contemplated 20 years ago.”

Peter said new developments were an exciting prospect and, as it was not easy to acquire land for development, an enormous amount of work was undertaken prior to commencement.

“There are so many factors out of our control that can influence the success of a development, so we have to ensure appropriate due diligence is carried out, to reduce as much risk as possible,” he said.

Retired lawyer Peter Johnson is part of the Development Edge team.

Photo: Samantha Coles

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CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

Building better communities Development Edge’s commitment to creating strong, sustainable communities extends beyond the housing estates it constructs.

The Shepparton-based company prides itself on providing an economic boost to the area by engaging only local contractors for the various stages of each project.

Director Peter Mintern said by utilising the expertise of Goulburn Valley-based businesses there was no need to look further afield.

“For every stage of the developments the skill base is here; that’s a real point of difference for us, we only use locals,” Peter said.

Development Edge works closely with Spiire, an Australia-wide property consultancy firm that specialises in infrastructure development and has an office and workforce numbering 24 in Welsford St, Shepparton.

Spiire director Michael Lewis said his firm’s vision statement was closely aligned with that of Development Edge — to create places with consideration for the future by ensuring that sustainability, liveability and the environment are always at front of mind.

“We are passionate about using our skill set within our community and contributing to making Shepparton a great place to live and work,” Michael said.

From initial design work on the various sites through to development, local businesses are involved and local people are employed.

“It’s not just the contractors during construction that benefit,” Michael said.

“Once the land is available for sale it creates work for real estate agents, accountants, lawyers, building companies and other trades and services.

“It flows on to an increased workload for authorities like council and water, and utilities like power, phone and internet.”

Peter said aside from the economic boost to the area, two Development Edge projects would contribute to distinctive new entrances to Shepparton on the Goulburn Valley Hwy. Renowned artist Tank is crafting a sculpture

Planning for the future Victorian Planning Authority regional executive director Brett Davis said the authority was working with Greater Shepparton City Council to complete three significant projects.

The first is the Shepparton Mooroopna 2050 Regional City Plan, which will guide the long-term growth of the city.

Meanwhile, the Shepparton North East precinct structure plan and the Shepparton South East precinct structure plan will guide the development of two new neighbourhoods for this growing regional city.

“The VPA’s two new neighbourhoods will be cohesive and connected with existing established neighbourhoods within Shepparton,” Brett said.

“By creating new housing opportunities for Greater Shepparton we are ensuring that prices remain affordable through increased supply and that Shepparton continues to attract new residents.

“This will ultimately result in more people to shop at local businesses, more innovation and jobs creation and a vibrant city centre.”

using old Dethridge irrigation wheels, which will be an iconic feature at the access to Providence Field to the north of the city.

Landscaping and prominent signage constructed from weathered steel will beautify not only the southern entrance to Shepparton, but the highway access to Seven Creeks Estate.

Your local property and infrastructure experts.

PLANNING | URBAN DESIGN | CIVIL ENGINEERING | LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE | SURVEYING | INTEGRATED WATER | VISUAL MEDIA

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

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Photo: Ken Smith

A prestigious address Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Seven Creeks and Goulburn River bushland, with an abundance of open space, Seven Creeks Estate is a sought-after place to live.

Photos: Samantha Coles

Offering a vibrant lifestyle with nature on your doorstep, the estate is a familyfriendly community with quiet streets, a mix of generous lot sizes and close proximity to the best Kialla and south Shepparton have to offer.

Development Edge became involved with Seven Creeks Estate at the beginning of stage 11, and will take the project through to its present scheduled completion phase, when stage 18 is released.

Director Peter Mintern said when Development Edge came on board the masterplan was reconfigured to reduce the overall number of lots by 10 to ensure the large lot sizes, of about 800 to 900 sq m, were retained.

Peter said the company was committed to making blocks of land available that 10

were easy to build on and gave new home owners all the space they needed to customise the home of their dreams.

He said the estate offered buyers the confidence to relocate into an established community, close to all amenities and a leisurely stroll to Seven Creeks, where the peace and tranquillity is only interrupted by the sounds of abundant bird life.

The vision is to extend to the shared path network to connect areas of the estate, for the benefit of all residents, with the ultimate vision the path will eventually link with the Shepparton shared path network.

Stunning homes overlooking the Seven Creeks reserve have amazing views of the towering gums and peaceful waterway, and the cleverly designed playground, suitable for children of all ages, and

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

excellent open spaces offer an idyllic lifestyle and hours of fun and outdoor play.

At the Cormorant Boulevard interchange with the Goulburn Valley Hwy, a one hectare neighbourhood park has been created with signage, undulating lawn areas, mass plantings and play equipment.

As well as welcoming residents and visitors to the estate the area beautifies the southern entrance to Shepparton and adds to the sense of pride for people who live there.

Seven Creeks Estate has access off Raftery Rd and the Goulburn Valley Hwy, for convenience when travelling north or south to Melbourne.

EYE FOR DETAIL M

ichel Signs are proud to be involved with Development Edge’s signage projects.

The SEVENS letters being a fantastic build, the complexity in fabricating these 8' (2440mm) high letters involves a lot of expertise and engineering, with Michel Signs handling all aspects from design, engineering computations, fabrication and footing construction.

The workmanship and knowledge in both fabrication and footing construction is second to none with each of these letters having heavy steel internal framework, hand fabricated and fully seam welded. The footing construction containing nine vertical piers 600mm diameter x 2000mm deep along with the raised plinth, cages and holddown bolts having to be set out perfectly square and plumb before the pour.

Michel Signs have been involved in many projects like this and are specialists in this type of work, Sevens Creek and Sanctuary Park featured here are exceptional examples of some of the work created by our team.

This sign represents the services Michel Signs are widely regarded for including: » Interpretive signage » Architectural signage » 3-Dimensional signage » Illumination and LED » Design and consultation

Contact Michel Signs today.

6 Gemini Crescent, Shepparton P: 5831 2635 E: info@michelsigns.com.au W: michelsigns.com.au

Photo: Spiire

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CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

Graphic impressions of the new open space area in Seven Creeks Estate.

Photo: Spiire

Photo: Samantha Coles

Grand entrance for premium address Imposing weathered-steel letters, set in lush lawn and landscaped surrounds, create a grand entrance to Seven Creeks estate, one of Kialla’s premium and most sought-after addresses.

No expense has been spared, with a budget of $700 000 allocated to create and develop the magnificent open space area of the estate, which includes walking paths, trees and a new one hectare neighbourhood park.

Taking cues from the surrounding riverine landscape and the birdlife the eucalypt forests support, the landscape architecture team has created a space residents will be proud to call home.

Inspired by the swift parrot, a brightly coloured, noisy and active native bird, the designers have chosen a selection of bold plants to fill the raised and mounded garden beds that add further interest to the otherwise flat landscape.

The birds breed in Tasmania and embark on the long journey across Bass Strait to forage and pollinate the flowering eucalypts in central Victoria, and are often spotted around Shepparton.

The design for the open space, which features challenging play equipment, seeks to bring young people’s attention to Victoria’s unique and endangered flora and fauna through play experiences.

The play space colour palette injects the site with bright greens, yellows and crimson tones, with the play equipment and a selection of native plants all referencing the swift parrot’s beautiful colouring, behavioural traits and desired habitat.

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Photos: Ken Smith

Photo: Samantha Coles

Experts in custom home building We are your local builders who take the time to work with you from start to finish — making building easy and exciting — the way it should be.

Chris and his team will work with you to ensure your lifestyle requirements are catered for, and will custom design to your individual budget. We pride ourselves on creating quality homes, with a flexible approach, to ensure that you end up with your own unique home that you will love.

We understand designing and building your dream home is a very personal and rewarding experience.

So whether a new home, or a home improvement, call us for a free consultation today.

MBA AWARD WINNING BUILDERS

RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | UNIT DEVELOPMENT

SHEPPARTON | YARRAWONGA | COBRAM | NAGAMBIE

Chris Barzen 0418 550 002 | e. chris@barzenbuilders.com.au | www.barzenbuilders.com.au CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

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Partnering for success Integral to the success of the Development Edge projects is the key partnership with Spiire, one of Australia’s largest privately-owned property consultancy firms.

W

ith its holistic approach Spiire solves complex problems in the realms of urban design, planning, surveying, engineering, integrated water design and landscape architecture.

Spiire director Michael Lewis said the company draws on the expertise of its 300-strong management and employee base to complete projects as diverse as waste-water harvesting schemes to concept plans for large-scale residential housing developments.

“At Spiire, we believe that our culture is our difference. Every place we create is shaped with people in mind and we partner with our clients to develop designs that place people at the centre of the solution,” Michael said.

He said Spiire’s Shepparton office has staff that are skilled in all facets of the business, and who recognise the importance of working as a team to achieve a common goal.

“Our point of difference is our passion

for inspiring people and places in all of our designs, and having a vision for the future in all of our projects.”

Spiire has won an impressive list of awards including the prestigious Urban Development Institute of Australia Victorian Consultant of the Year for 2016, for its work on a project in Shepparton and another in Geelong.

Michael said the company has the project management capabilities to deliver a program from the vision stage through to completion and ongoing maintenance, ensuring the integrity of the design intent.

The use of innovative technology to create visual media of a completed project, while it was still in the concept stage, was a growth area of the business.

“Spiire has solutions to visualise every stage of the project. Designers, developers, builders and other key stakeholders use visualisation to communicate their projects to the world,” Michael said.

Michael Lewis, Director.

PLANNING | LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE | ENGINEERING | SURVEYING | VISUAL MEDIA | URBAN DESIGN | INTEGRATED WATER

 03 5849 1000

 shepparton@spiire.com.au

Prominent projects undertaken

by Spiire include: Eastbank Lake Precinct: A new stormwater harvesting and reuse system for Shepparton, which when completed will provide the city with a new, attractive and community-focussed space on a section of the Goulburn River. By using treated stormwater to irrigate local parks and gardens, the project will inject new life into the area and Spiire’s concept design for linking the central business district to the river will make the area a sought-after destination.

Cloverton Estate: Spiire was engaged to provide a vision for the largest urban development project in Victoria, located at Kalkallo in Melbourne’s north.

Set on 11 200 ha, the site contains a rich landscape, including Merri Creek, and Bald Hill; an extinct volcano and will be delivered over the next 30 years, and provide homes for 30 000 residents when complete. Spiire’s brief was to design a destination playscape which combines site stories of pre and post European settlement as well as aspirations for the future city of Cloverton.

Aquarevo: This master-planned 460-lot development located in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburb of Lyndhurst seeks to push the boundaries in sustainable living, aiming to be Australia’s most water and energy-efficient residential community. The site allows for 5 ha of open space with 4 km of walking trails, playgrounds, exercise equipment, barbecue and picnic areas and Spiire’s design has created a landscape masterplan with water, sustainability and healthy living embedded as the central themes.

An aerial view of the Eastbank Lake Precinct project.

Melbourne Airport Stormwater Harvesting Scheme: In 2012, Spiire was engaged to create an integrated water management plan to cater for the future growth of Melbourne’s international airport and consider what infrastructure would best manage stormwater runoff. A 100 000 cubic m flood detention basin was constructed to protect the residents living downstream from flooding and a 7000 sq m sedimentation basin, with a rain garden, was also built. One of the largest in Australia, it allows the runoff from the airport area to be treated using best practice standards with the quality of the recycled water exceeding expectations.

Maude Street Mall Redevelopment: Spiire know that great city centres bring together communities of all ages, cultures and interests. We understand that when locals cherish their activated public spaces, visitors follow. Spiire’s landscape architecture, engineering and survey teams in Shepparton partnered with The Space Agency to ensure the revitalisation of the Maude Street Mall is a place where people are drawn to work, play, shop, stroll, recreate and meet. The multidisciplinary consultancy have delivered site-specific concept design options which draw upon the areas unique identity to create a vibrant hub of activity for the community.

Spiire’s concept drawing of the connectivity aspects of the Eastbank Lake Precinct project.

Shepparton rail precinct: Spiire’s masterplan for the Shepparton rail precinct was created after consultation with VicTrack, V/Line, Greater Shepparton City Council and the community. The plan aims to improve pedestrian and cycle access to the station, the amenity of the area, and in the long term, expansion of the station and linking of the precinct to the central business district, Victoria Park Lake, education facilities and soon-to-be-built Shepparton Art Museum.

Seven Creeks is builder’s choice When respected custom-home builder Chris Barzen and his wife Michelle were looking for land to build their long-term family home they looked no further than Seven Creeks Estate.

Custom-home builder Chris Barzen says Seven Creeks Estate has offered his family a great lifestyle.

Photo Megan Fisher

Photo: Holly Daniel

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Photo: Holly Daniel

A quality built home by Barzen Builders in Seven Creeks Estate.

Photo: Ken Smith

was early on, in one of the very early stages.”

Chris has been building custom-designed homes and making families’ dreams come true for 25 years, and has built many of the stunning homes in the estate.

“I love the diversity and the quality of the houses in the estate; the size of the blocks really allows people to be creative with their design,” Chris said.

The large block sizes, peaceful bushland aspect and quiet streets prompted the

The Barzen home, on a large corner block, has room for the couple’s three children Zane, Macy and Diaz, as well as a shed and office space, from where they run the business.

owners of Barzen Builders to build not one, “I don’t have a display home as such, so I use our home to show clients what is but two homes. possible,” Chris said.

Their present home, constructed in 2011, “I don’t have set plans or designs, which is a contemporary yet timeless build, with I think is better for the client because it natural finishes of render, timber and allows them total flexibility in design, size, stone, overlooking park land and the Seven material and finishes.”

Creeks environs beyond.

The bush aspect, proximity to the river, “From a family perspective the estate is walking paths for people to explore and very family friendly, there are a lot of kids the playgrounds were all features Chris around a similar age and they get together said appealed to the estate’s residents. in the reserve to play cricket and kick the “It’s very quiet too; the only traffic is the footy,” Chris said. people that live here.”

“Living here is a bit like getting back to the He said logistically the estate was in a old days when kids got outside to play in great location, with the two access roads safety and ride their bikes to their friends’ offering convenience whether you needed places. to go to Riverside Plaza for day-to-day “This is the second house we’ve built for needs or head to Melbourne for sport or ourselves in Seven Creeks, the first one social functions.

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Sessions Builders – Making your dream home a reality!

Sessions Builders are a 100% locally owned and operated family business that originally started in 1985 in Shepparton. With over 27 years’ building experience in the community, the Sessions family ties and commitment to the region span back over a number of generations.

With quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, the business expanded in 1994 enabling it to offer its services to be available to a wider client base. Sessions have built and continue to build quality homes all over the Goulburn Valley.

Local builders serving the local community.

M A K I N G YO U R H O U S E A H O M E w w w. s e s s i o n s b u i l d e r s . c o m . a u

NEW HOME INFORMATION CENTRE Shop 1, 228–234 High Street, Shepparton Phone: 5831 5226

NEW DISPLAY HOMES NOW OPEN Find us on

Modern trends are reflected in Dennis Family Homes’ designs.

Latest designs on display Seven Creeks Estate is the site for Shepparton’s newest display village.

Leading builders have secured land in the Cormorant Boulevard, Apostle St and Lorikeet St precinct and construction has started on homes featuring the latest in design trends, building materials and finishes.

Sessions Builders, Metricon, Dennis Family Homes, JG King Homes, Cavalier Homes and Lewis Homes have committed to building 13 homes, with the strong possibility several more builders will be on board soon.

Innovation in housing continues to evolve rapidly and display homes give prospective owners an opportunity to see first-hand what is available and how the modern designs can work for them.

Dennis Family Homes will build three houses on adjoining blocks and area manager Jason Watts said with its prominent location in the flourishing south Shepparton growth corridor, not far from

the river and the airport, Seven Creeks Estate offered great value.

“The lots at Seven Creeks are a great size as people can build a large family home and still have room for a pool or shed and plenty of play area for the kids,” Jason said.

With preparations already under way, Jason is looking forward to surprising the Shepparton public with the selected designs.

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The Maclaine 33 with Spencer facade is one of two new display homes built by JG King Homes in Seven Creeks Estate.

“I can’t say what we are planning at present, “Our staff are very experienced and our but I can promise that people will be blown contractors are all local tradesmen with away by the finished product,” he said. workmanship that’s second to none. We are proud of the homes we build and As one of the longest serving and largest will continue to support local trades and builders in the Goulburn Valley, Dennis suppliers wherever we can.”

Family Homes has been building homes for families in the Shepparton region for more JG King Homes, Victoria’s largest builder than 25 years and Jason said visiting a of steel-framed homes, will unveil two new display home made it easier for customers display homes, packed with state-of-theto select a design. art features, this month.

“Even if people end up deciding to build a different Dennis Family Homes design, they feel much more confident about working with us once they have seen the build quality we offer,” Jason said.

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The Maclaine 33, from the Allure Collection has an impressive facade, spacious master suite and open-plan living, and boasts the latest in renewable energy solutions with a Tesla Powerwall

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

2 battery and 4kW Bradford solar panels.

A 29 square home, the Austin from the Alpha Collection suits a smaller lot size while offering all the space a busy family requires with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and open-plan living.

Eco-friendly and sustainably-sourced building materials, bushfire protection to bushfire attack level 12.5 compliance and a 50-year structural warranty give new home owners peace of mind that their property has a reduced environmental impact and will stand the test of time.

SEVEN CREEKS DISPLAY VILLAGE MAP

CORMORANT BOULEVARD

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APOSTLE STREET

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Artist impression of the soon to be completed playground and parkland at Seven Creeks

Bringing ideas and visions to life For almost 30 years we have undertaken the landscaping and construction of significant and major projects within Greater Shepparton.

Bringing ideas and visions to life is what we love to do.

Our small but passionate, creative team are delighted with the opportunity to create the parkland and playground in Seven Creeks estate, one of Shepparton’s finest lifestyle choices.

Contact us today if you have a project that we can help bring to life.

Left: Team hard at work in the playground | Centre and right: Examples of completed landscaping

Andrew Beks Sprinklers and Landscaping

| M: 0408 577 906

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

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“THE PROCESS OF BUYING LAND SHOULD BE EASY” – Rocky Gagliardi, Director

How long does the process take to buy a block?

How much deposit do I generally need to purchase land in an estate?

Generally, it takes a few weeks from when you have chosen your preferred block. Once you make the formal commitment with a Real Estate Agent, then signing contracts will only take a couple of weeks. Keep in mind that the time frame for financial approval can vary from bank to bank. Depending on your settlement terms (when the bank transfers the full amount your borrowing), your settlement date can be 30, 60 or 90 days from when your finance is approved.

Normally around 10 per cent. This may differ due to different bank requirements. It’s important to note, that if you borrow under 80 per cent of the value of the land, generally you won’t incur lenders mortgage insurance.

What does “Taking an Option” mean?

“Taking an Option” means to put a block on hold, generally for 7 days. This gives you time to arrange and confirm your pre-approved finance, find a solicitor/ conveyancer, obtain quotes from a few builders, arrange a house sighting on your preferred block with your builder, or simply give yourself time to think if you would like to live in that estate.

At what stage do I need to engage a lawyer conveyancer in the buying process?

Preferably from the very start! As soon as you want to purchase your block, the Real Estate Agent will ask who your solicitor is. Don’t worry if you don’t have one, you can take an option to find a solicitor to review your contracts and look after your best interest, or the Real Estate Agent can recommend some for you to consider.

Do I need to have my finance finalised prior to buying a block?

Ideally, but again don’t worry if it’s not finalised and you have found a block you want. As long as you have enough for a deposit, you can put an option on it while you see a bank / broker and get pre-approval. It is advised to have seen a bank or financial adviser prior, as you’ll know where you sit financially, what you can afford, and if you meet the banks rules and regulations.

Bear in mind, the banks have many requirements that need to be satisfied.

www.gagliardiscott.com.au

What is the time frame for Settlement on a block?

Settlement takes place once your block is titled. You then have the option of a 30, 60 or 90 day settlement.

If it is not yet titled, settlement will take place 14 days from title release.

When are titles released?

Titles are released after civil works have finished. Then it needs to go through local and State Government regulations, which generally take a month after civil

works have been completed. Your real estate agent will give you a guideline on when the land should be titled but be aware delays can happen!

What do I need to tell my builder when I have bought a block?

Firstly, whether the land is titled or not (then provide them an expected title release). Provide the lot number, the Plan of Subdivision and Engineering plans.

Majority of builders have reasonable knowledge of each Estate in the Goulburn Valley.

Do I need any insurance once I buy a block?

It depends! If you are not wanting to build straight away it could be helpful to get public liability insurance, which would cover you if anyone were to hurt themselves on your long-term vacant block. If you are building straight away, it wouldn’t be essential to obtain any.

Are there any extra costs when buying land?

There will be legal fees, stamp duty and potentially fencing contribution, on top of the purchase price of the block.

What is a Covenant?

A Covenant is an agreement between the purchaser and the developer that have strict guidelines or restraints on how you build your home. A Covenant dictates the following; the size of your building, shed size, colours and materials of your house, extensions and fencing colour and height, even how many pets you can have.

It’s very important to read and discuss this with your builder and solicitor / conveyancer as they can vary across different Estates.

What is an Easement?

Easements are a section of land registered on your property title, which normally gives a government body like GV Water the right to access that section of the land for a specific purpose (even though they are not the land owner). Generally, this will only be drainage Easements that you will worry about on a block of land as that’s the only thing going into the ground, but another reason could be a shared driveway. You can build over Easements, but there are strict guidelines to what you can build, and you also need permission to do so. You’ll need to clarify these Easements with your solicitor prior to signing, as it may restrict you from building what you want. Although normally it isn’t a problem as Easements are very common and required in Estates that are connected to town sewerage.

ABOUT ROCKY Rocky began his real estate career back in 1998 and is a fully licensed real estate agent and auctioneer. Rocky is one of regional Victoria’s most notable Real Estate Agents and is responsible for Gagliardi Scott Real Estate’s leading team of property specialists.

The team have helped 100s of new home builders find their dream location within Shepparton’s finest land estates.

Rocky and his team are the sales agents for Seven Creeks, Providence Field, Woodlands Estate, The Vines and Sanctuary Park.

182 High St, Shepparton | 0358 31 1800

Escape from the city at Providence Field Something special is happening north of Shepparton at Providence Field Estate.

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CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

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An artist’s impression of Providence Field Estate reveals generous block sizes to build your dream home.

A thriving new community in a prestigious location, the estate allows residents to build their dream homes surrounded by other proud home owners seeking space, peace and privacy while remaining close to all amenities.

Providence Field offers an escape from city living with ample room for substantial homes, sheds and space for children to play, as well as relaxed outdoor family living.

Development Edge director Peter Mintern said the organisation’s involvement in the last stages of nearby Grammar Park Estate encouraged it to set the bar high when creating this quality new estate.

The company has taken the former farmland and is transforming it into a rural residential paradise.

“The Providence project commenced about 12 months ago,” Peter said.

“There are some challenges with a greenfield site but the major benefit is you can create a rural residential estate with its own identity.

“After the success of Grammar Park, we 28

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

realised the market was looking for that rural residential product with blocks bigger than 2000 square metres.

“We expect it will become its own little community out there.”

In total there will be 70 lots, in four stages, with stage one blocks ranging in size from 2000 sq m to 3774 sq m and priced from $169 900.

Adjacent to St Luke’s Primary School and Notre Dame College’s Emmaus campus, and across the road from Goulburn Valley Grammar School, the estate has extrawide streets and a network of footpaths so children can walk or ride their bikes to school.

The proximity of the estate to the education precinct in Shepparton’s north prompted the naming of streets after prestigious international universities: Harvard, Columbia and Princeton.

Residents will exit the estate onto the Goulburn Valley Hwy, with a short fiveminute drive into Shepparton and all it offers in terms of medical facilities, sporting precincts, shopping and services.

Get back to nature Residents of Providence Field will enjoy driving home through wide, tree-lined streets, edged with bold and bright flowering plants.

Kurrajong trees, gymea lilies and grevilleas will provide brilliant colour and interest for the new estate in Shepparton’s north, which is geared towards relaxed family living with plenty of room to move.

Spiire associate landscape architect Lauren Gillard said the original design principles acknowledged the Australian homestead was the core place of family life in regional Australia, and took into account the grandeur that comes with homes and gardens of this prestige and scale.

Botanical references are made throughout the estate through sculptural features and plant selection.

Entering the estate, through a copse of existing gum trees, residents and visitors will leave the stresses of a fast-paced life behind and revel in peace and open space.

An architectural statement sculpture by Shepparton artist Tank features a collection of curated blooming flowers crafted from recycled and repurposed Dethridge irrigation wheels.

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Shepparton artist Tank has used his sculpture at the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton to inspire his new artwork that will be a focal point at the entrance to Providence Field.

Photos: Holly Daniel

Modern sculpture a nod to rural past A modern sculpture, which will be a landmark feature at the entrance to Providence Field, will pay homage to the former agricultural use of the land.

Shepparton artist Tank has been commissioned to create the bold floral emblem, utilising curved steel and reclaimed Dethridge irrigation wheels that will age naturally to give a rusted, weathered effect.

Measuring up to 5.5 m in height the sculpture will not only greet residents returning to their homes but will be an eye-catching statement piece for travellers on the Goulburn Valley Hwy. Tank said he was approached by the landscape architecture team at property consultancy firm Spiire to design 30

something similar to his work that has become a focal point at the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton in Kialla.

The prototype at the gardens has a single flower, while the Providence Field version will have three flowers, ranging in height from 3.5 m to 5.5 m with curved steel tubing used for the stems and flat steel for the leaves.

“It’s really a floral emblem, they do look a bit sunflower-ish because of the single flower and single stem, but it’s open to interpretation,” Tank said.

“The concept (behind the design) is that

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

these flowers reflect the farmland and the channels, and will be a reminder in 50 years’ time, when our farms are even further out of town, that this was once rural land.”

Tank said he spent some time working with Spiire to finalise the size of the unique sculpture, ensuring it would occupy its own space at the grand entrance, which includes mature trees and light poles, without dominating the area.

Construction is under way and Tank expects the artwork will be moved to its permanent home early in 2019.

Property owners – what is your asset protection strategy?

You have just taken the first step to secure your property investment. It is likely the biggest financial investment you will make.

will not cover the loan repayments, council rates, and other repayment costs. Having Income Protection Insurance can be the mechanism to fund that shortfall.

You have an affordable mortgage, you have considered changes in interest rate and your ability to afford the repayments as time goes on. There is one more often overlooked step. What is your asset protection strategy?

How are you ensuring your property ownership will survive in times of emergency?

Let’s say you earn $80,000 annually, under an Income Protection Policy you will receive the equivalent of $60,000 annually. Certainly, an important strategy for any property owner, as cover can apply if you’re selfemployed or even if you are involuntarily unemployed.

Purchasers are so intent getting the property deal done, that limited consideration is given to the structure of the transactions and the future impact on their net worth.

Structuring your asset ownership correctly could be the difference between growing your wealth or stagnating.

Protect your assets

The first step to protecting your property investment is to purchase it in the right ‘name’ or ‘entity’ at the start.

For instance, It might be more suitable for one partner to be the property owner, particularly if the other partner works in a profession that might have an element of risk.

What if you are the property owner and you are sued for a mistake you make at work; do you want your property on the line? Whereas, simply having the property in your spouse’s name, might have ensured it is protected.

Personal Insurance

For anyone, losing their job is stressful enough. You can alleviate some of this stress by incorporating personal insurance in your plan. Salary Continuance Insurance pays a monthly benefit of up to 75% of your pre-tax salary if you are disabled due to an illness or injured for longer than the nominated waiting period.

Protect your legacy

Consider this scenario; You have built a significant property portfolio that will assist to fund your retirement.

However, its early stages and there is a large amount of debt attached. What happens if you pass away or become disabled?

Having Life Insurance should be a part of your asset protection strategy. Give yourself and your family comfort that they won’t lose it all. A suitable policy will ensure there is adequate cover to leave your family comfortable, or enough to ensure that you can receive care should you become disabled. Not all insurances are created equal. It is important that you take the policy that is best suited to your circumstances.

This article is general in nature and does not constitute advice. All individual circumstances are different, advice should be tailored to meet your needs. Please seek assistance from a suitable advisor. Metzke+Allen are experts in this field, call their office today on (03) 5822 8900 and one of their team of advisors can assist you.

This is not just for home owners, but also investors. A landlord you can rely on the rental income to pay the investment loan. However, in some cases, rental income

Ph: (03) 5822 8900 | 38-40 Welsford St, Shepparton | www.metzkeallen.com.au

Seeking the perfect family lifestyle An idyllic lifestyle with room for children to run and play, space for fruit trees and a vegetable patch plus privacy to entertain is the dream for one Shepparton couple.

Billie Sibio, 2, pictured with mum Lauren, will have more room to play at the family’s new home.

Photos: Samantha Coles

“WE’VE ALWAYS LIKED THAT AREA AND THE NORTH END OF SHEPPARTON IS REALLY BOOMING.

“

– Lauren Sibio

A small orchard of fruit trees is planned for the Sibios’ new home, giving little Billie plenty of opportunity to pick her own fruit.

For Brad and Lauren Sibio, a block of land at Providence Field will allow that dream to become a reality.

“I didn’t want to sacrifice our weekends so a block a bit over a half an acre was a good compromise.”

With two-year-old daughter Billie, a second child expected in a month and two loveable dogs, the couple has been considering a move to a larger parcel of land for some time, with the Providence Field Estate offering the best value for money.

Triple the size of their present block, the new block will have all the space they need for a shed, vegie patch, small orchard of fruit trees and cubby house and playground equipment for the children — as well as room for their dogs Missy and Indi.

“Brad actually wanted more land but I grew up on acreage and I remember Mum and Dad devoting every weekend to mowing lawns and gardening,” Lauren said.

“We’ll have chooks too and try to be as self-sufficient as possible; it’s a really nice lifestyle for the family. We have a large

vegie patch here and Billie loves being out there and naming the different things,” Lauren said.

The couple will now spend the next 12 to 18 months planning the house that will become a long-term family home.

“We won’t be rushing this, we’re looking forward to putting our energy into a new home, one that we can create together for our family,” Lauren.

“We’ve always liked that area and the north end of Shepparton is really booming.”

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

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There is room for pets at Providence Field.

Room to move in the right location The generous-sized allotments at Providence Field ticked two very important boxes for a Shepparton couple looking to build a new home — location and space.

Shane and Celeste O’Brien have bought a 2000 sq m block in stage one of the rural development and are hoping to start construction in early 2019.

A project manager at Bega Cheese in Strathmerton, Shane said the prime location of the new estate, north of Shepparton, would help reduce his daily commute time to work while remaining accessible to the central business district, where Celeste works in retail.

“I would actually love to live on acreage but Celeste is not ready for that so we settled on a bigger block of land, out of the hustle and bustle but still close to everything,” Shane said.

Seeking space and privacy, Providence

The Providence Field blocks have ample space for a vegie patch.

Field Estate allows the O’Briens to build a substantial home and a shed twice the size of the one they have at their existing property.

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CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

“Out there (Providence Field) we can build a 110 sq shed and up to 4 m high, so I’ll be making the most of that,” Shane said.

The O’Briens have some firm ideas of the home they want to build, which will include a reclaimed-brick exterior with contemporary black trims, but are visiting display homes to hone their plans.

Another priority, which Providence Field has allowed them to achieve, is space for a relaxing outdoor lifestyle and plenty of room for their nine-year-old golden retriever Ocea.

Shane said there was an expectation the new estate, which is relatively isolated from other residential areas, would form its own little community.

“I think it will be like a little community out there. I hope so anyway, and it will be good to be a part of it,” he said.

Legal considerations when buying property Camerons Lawyers is a local Law Firm providing a full range of legal services, including property and conveyancing transactions. Here we provide some helpful information and tips for first time buyers of residential land in the Goulburn Valley area.

You may intend to build your first home straight away, or simply secure the perfect parcel of land for your future. In either case, there are a range of issues you should be aware of which may impose restrictions or obligations on you as a land owner.

• Is the land on a separate Title? If the Plan of Subdivision is not yet registered, it may take some time before you are able to settle the land. There are a number of circumstances which can delay registration of a Plan. Be prepared to wait.

• Have you measured the block? You should compare the measurements shown on the Plan with the block you are purchasing. If the block is already fenced, you need to ensure that the fences are on the Title boundaries. If the block is not yet fenced, ensure that survey pegs are in the ground so that you are able to confirm the measurements.

• Do you have your finance in place?

Speak to a Broker or Banker regarding funds to be borrowed for both land and building, and seek pre-approval for your purchase. Advise your lender if the Plan of Subdivision has not registered — this can affect the timing and process of your loan application.

• What services will be available? Check whether you will be able to connect your property to services such as power, natural

gas, town water, sewerage, telephone/NBN. • Have you checked the local Planning provisions? All land is subject to a Planning Scheme, which is governed by the local Council. Zoning and any applicable Overlays will determine how the land can be used, for example: – Are there any Overlays? Some areas of the Goulburn Valley are affected by Inundation or Flood Overlays. These Overlays could affect your use of the land and your ability to build.

– Is the property in a Designated Bushfire Prone Area? Many areas in the Goulburn Valley are in a Designated Bushfire Prone Area. This can affect your building costs as you will need to comply with additional construction requirements such as the use of fire-retardant materials.

• Are there any Easements on the Lot? An Easement provides access rights to another party such as the local water authority, power company, or even a neighbouring Lot. Building over an Easement must be avoided.

• Is there a Restrictive Covenant? Most residential subdivisions in the Goulburn Valley will include a Covenant. Covenants are imposed by the Developer to create a standard within the subdivision, such as a minimum house size, a maximum shed size, and fencing or roofing materials.

2–4 Edward Street, Shepparton | (03) 5832 1000 cameronslawyers.com.au

It is important to ensure that the house you wish to build will comply with the Covenant.

• Is there a Section 173 Agreement?

The council will sometimes require a Section 173 Agreement to be registered on Title, which could contain further restrictions on the entire development and/or your particular Lot. Your Solicitor or Conveyancer will advise if your Lot is subject to this type of Agreement, and what it means for you.

• Are you entitled to any government incentives? You may be entitled to receive an exemption from the payment of Stamp Duty or a First Home Owner Grant payment if you are building the home as your Principal Place of Residence.

The information contained in this article is of a general nature only and should not be considered legal advice. Please contact our office so we can provide you with specific advice regarding your own purchase.

Camerons Lawyers has a dedicated property team, including Solicitors and Legal Executive Jeanette Harrison, who look forward to assisting you in acquiring your chosen parcel of land.

Estate offers sanctuary for families Sanctuary Park is the latest addition to the Development Edge property portfolio.

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CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

Photos: Samantha Coles

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

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Photo: Samantha Coles

The Kialla estate is already home to families who have embraced the idyllic lifestyle and created their forever homes.

Tree-lined streets greet residents and visitors alike and the generously-sized lots are priced from $134 000.

Development Edge director Peter Mintern said there were about 200 lots in the entire estate, which includes a generous open space area with the potential to become a focal point for community gatherings.

Plans for the future include additional tree planting in the central park area, as well as the installation of some playground equipment.

Photo: Spiire

A two-metre wide walking path runs the length of the estate, linking Archer Rd to the Goulburn Valley Hwy through Kialla Lakes, and from there into the Shepparton central business district via the shared path network.

Sanctuary Park has excellent access; residents can exit onto Archer Rd for convenient travel into central and east Shepparton, while Sanctuary Drive takes you directly onto the Goulburn Valley Hwy when you’re Melbourne-bound.

Emerald Bank Leisure Land, with its eclectic mix of shops, eateries, family entertainment and regular farmers’ markets, and Riverside Plaza are only a short drive from the estate.

The all-new St Anne’s College is under construction and will provide quality education for children of all ages from primary through to secondary schooling, with enrolments now being taken for 2019.

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CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

Photo: Spiire Photos: Ken Smith

Welcome home Sanctuary Park’s Archer Rd entrance has a striking new look.

An on-trend bold grey colour scheme is the perfect backdrop for artistic tree trunks sculpted from weathered steel, which will age naturally to create an elegant showpiece long into the future.

Not forgotten is the rosella, the signature marketing symbol of the original development, which has now been immortalised in steel and features prominently on the new entrance sign work.

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

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Photo: Samantha Coles

Community space A feature of the Sanctuary Park Estate is the dedicated open space area, which is centrally located for all residents to enjoy.

Pathways meander through the lush green lawn areas, with a mounded grassed area adding interest and forming a natural amphitheatre.

Strategically placed gum trees frame the reserve and will provide shade and natural beauty when established.

The park area is connected to the estate by wide walking paths and will be further developed to include additional trees and playground equipment.

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CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

St Anne’s College is an exciting new educational facility in Kialla.

Following the blessing of the site and ceremonial turning of the first sod in July 2017, the Catholic college has rapidly taken shape and will welcome its first students in 2019.

Photos: Samantha Coles

Principal Dom Poppa says the college will begin with Foundation and Year 7 students and will grow over time to accommodate students in all primary and secondary year levels.

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

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Proudly involved with Development Edge

MAWSON CONSTRUCTIONS

Northern Victoria and Southern New South Wales’ Leading Civil Construction Contractors Our services include: •PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF CONTRACTORS AND EQUIPMENT •SUBDIVISION AND SITE WORKS

•ROAD AND CAR PARK CONSTRUCTION

AND IRRIGATION INFRASTRUCTURE

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•DRAINAGE AND PIPELINE WORKS

•LASER GRADING

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Call us for a quote on your domestic, farm or commercial projects regardless of their size or location.

Apollo Drive, Shepparton Ph: 5831 1144 WWW.MAWSONCONSTRUCTION.COM.AU 42

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

Photo: Samantha Coles

Country lifestyle close to town Enjoy an active lifestyle with the benefits of a rural location, but in close proximity to all services, at Woodlands Estate in Tallygaroopna.

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

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Photo: Ken Smith

Photo: Ken Smith

Photo: Ken Smith

Offering large block sizes of more than 2000 sq m, the estate is the perfect place to build your dream home in a close-knit and inclusive community.

Tallygaroopna is home to a thriving primary school, children’s centre offering childcare and a kindergarten program, post office, excellent sporting facilities, CFA brigade and service clubs such as Lions club, Men’s Shed, LandCare and a re-formed branch of the CWA. Football, netball, cricket, tennis and bowling clubs give opportunities for people of all ages and sporting abilities to lead an active lifestyle and get involved in community life.

Photo: Ken Smith

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Mature stands of native trees dot the landscape and abundant birdlife and

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

wildlife, such as kangaroos hopping in the nearby paddocks, add to the relaxed vibe.

Priced to sell from an affordable $129 000, the blocks can accommodate substantial houses and over-sized sheds with all the space an active family needs.

Just a short 10-minute drive from Shepparton and Numurkah, Woodlands is an easy daily commute for workers and secondary school students, and close to other sporting facilities, shops and medical services.

Tallygaroopna’s tree-lined Victoria St, with its historic buildings, leads to Woodlands Estate with a prominent sign of reclaimed railway sleepers adding a rustic flair to the entrance.

Photo: Samantha Coles

Residential soil testing and footing design services

As part of the building process it is necessary to have a soil test carried out and a footing design prepared for every residential dwelling.

What is a soil test?

Soil testing or residential site classification is essential for residential dwellings in order to understand the subsurface conditions before foundations can be designed. BM Civil Engineers brings decades of experience to its soil testing services, providing peace of mind for homeowners that foundations will be appropriately designed for the site.

We have our own NATA-accredited laboratory in which we undertake thorough testing and analysis of soil samples collected in the field. The results of both the laboratory testing, together with our local knowledge, provides us with highly reliable data.

What is a footing design?

A footing system is the structure which supports the house. The most common is a concrete slab, but other systems include concrete stumps and timber bearers or a steel subfloor system. BM Civil Engineers will provide a site-specific foundation design for your residential dwelling, whether it is a single or double storey home. Our design complies with all relevant Australian Standards including AS2870 and the design is undertaken by a team of experienced Engineers and technicians. Our designs will take into account site filling, which may be present across the allotment as part of the subdivision development, and adjacent trees that may impact on the performance of the footing system.

Phone: (03) 5823 5781 8 Midstar Cres, Shepparton VIC 3630

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

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Making a rural dream a reality Creating opportunities for families to enjoy a relaxed, rural lifestyle was the motivation behind some retired dairy farmers developing a portion of their land for residential housing.

John and Mien Tielen, both long-serving members of various community groups in Tallygaroopna, have entered into a partnership agreement with Development Edge to establish Woodlands Estate in the small town.

All but three of the 15 blocks in stage one have been sold, and three houses are under construction or have been completed.

The Tielens have owned their 283 ha property for 22 years and the balance is still used for agriculture, offering the residents of Woodlands a unique rural outlook.

positives and negatives and suggested we approach Development Edge.

“When we first met with Peter (Mintern, Development Edge director) and Michael (Lewis, Spiire director) there was open communication and trust, we felt really comfortable with them,” he said.

The process started about four years ago and the Tielens said they would never have contemplated the development on their own, as the thought of dealing with design engineers, council and other utilities was time consuming and daunting.

“Over the years people have approached us, wanting to buy a block of land, but we were busy running the farm and didn’t really have time for that,” John said.

The Tielens said their partnership agreement with Development Edge allowed them to retain some level of involvement in the project, and John continues to water the gum trees and native plantings in the estate so they flourish.

“We have a friend in Shepparton who has been involved in residential development and he helped us by pointing out all the

Named after the stands of mature trees that are dotted around the property, Woodlands offers large blocks of

2000 sq m-plus allowing plenty of space for children to play, a large shed and even a vegie patch.

With thriving community groups, sporting clubs and educational facilities, John said Tallygaroopna welcomed newcomers and there were many opportunities for people to get involved in the various organisations.

He said residents looked out for one another and offered assistance when needed, adding to the sense of security, support and peace in town, and the development had generated plenty of interest and positivity.

The couple is proud the development is contributing to the growth of Tallygaroopna.

“If nothing happens in a small country town for 20 or 30 years the town will just bleed to death,” John said.

Tallygaroopna residents John and Mien Tielen are proud to have given families the opportunity to create their own rural lifestyle properties.

Photo: Samantha Coles

Paul and Karen Bollard are looking forward to moving to Tallygaroopna, a town that holds many fond memories for them.

Photo: Samantha Coles

Family is coming home For a Shepparton couple the decision to buy land in Woodlands Estate to build a forever family home was like a homecoming.

Paul Bollard grew up on a dairy farm near Tallygaroopna and his wife Karen spent many years playing sport in the small town, and both have retained a strong community connection.

The Bollards have long thought about making the move to the town that holds such fond memories for them but, with limited opportunities to buy a house and virtually no available vacant blocks, their plans were stymied.

Until Woodlands Estate came along.

“We actually bought our block off the plan before any site works had been done; we know the area so well, we knew exactly where the land was,” Paul said.

Since selling their Kialla property two 48

years ago, the couple, their two children

Karen said the process of building, with

Macy, 15, and Aiden, 13, and dog Bella

Dennis Family Homes, had been easy, due

have rented while they finalise their

to the company’s willingness to allow them

building plans, to ensure their home

to be involved every step of the way.

includes everything on their wish list.

“This house is very practical for us; it’s

Space for the children and their teenage

been two years in the planning and a very

friends, plenty of storage and a substantial

long process but it will all be worth it when

outdoor entertaining area were high

we move in,” she said.

priorities for the couple, resulting in a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home with

“The kids are looking forward to having more freedom, being able to ride their

three living areas.

bikes to visit their friends or walk to

Their 2300 sq m north-facing block takes

netball or cricket training.”

in views of the established stands of trees

Paul and Karen said Tallygaroopna

in surrounding farmland, and the out-of-

was becoming popular with a younger

town location won’t dramatically alter their

demographic, as children of established

commute times to work, as there will be

families were relocating back to the town

minimal traffic to contend with.

to raise their own families.

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

Your home is often your biggest investment, have you secured it for your family?

For many, purchasing your own home is the first step to securing your wealth and financial freedom. Sometimes life can get in the way, accidents, injury, illness can occur.

Do you have enough put aside to cover yourself if you can’t work for six months, how about two years?

What if you couldn’t work again?

We can help you secure your financial future through our innovative personal insurance products and tailored advice.

Come and see one of our friendly advisers for a complimentary discussion on the insurances that are available to you.

Ph: (03) 5822 8900 | 38-40 Welsford St, Shepparton | www.metzkeallen.com.au

Creative team builds dreams The visual appeal of Development Edge’s residential housing estates rests firmly with Spiire’s landscape architecture team.

S

piire’s associate landscape architect Lauren Gillard, landscape architect Bridget Doyle and graphic designer Peter Britton pool their collective talents to enhance the natural beauty and maximise the environmental benefits of the land.

Their designs and concept drawings form the basis of the dedicated open space areas, which often have playground equipment and trees for shade and shelter, and can be a major selling point of individual housing estates.

Lauren, originally from Melbourne said landscape architects are specialists in connecting people to places, and not only do they design beautiful and engaging public settings for the community, they also stitch together often isolated spaces to create richer social experiences.

Drawing inspiration from the magnificent backdrop of the Seven Creeks and Goulburn River bushland, the team has created an attractive open space — one of the largest in a Shepparton estate — for the Seven Creeks development.

The area will be linked to various stages of the development via shared pathways and is expected to foster active outdoor play and provide a place for community gatherings.

Bridget’s childhood was spent on a farm and her career has allowed her to combine her two main interests of art and natural science.

“Landscape architecture contributes to creating sustainable and healthy communities by engaging people with the outside world,” Bridget said.

“In a time where screens are dominating

people’s lives it is now more important than ever before to create good quality, safe, beautiful, green spaces to encourage people outside, to exercise and engage socially.”

“Through community engagement, landscape architects work with local residents in shaping their own environment, creating ownership and a sense of place for a community.”

Graphic designer Peter, who grew up on a dairy farm near Shepparton, brings the vision to life with virtual media.

“Working alongside the landscape architects, I enjoy the challenge of bringing their visions and ideas to life and finding creative solutions. Being part of a team that helps create liveable and sustainable communities I think is very rewarding.”

PLANNING | LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE | ENGINEERING | SURVEYING | VISUAL MEDIA | URBAN DESIGN | INTEGRATED WATER

 03 5849 1000

 shepparton@spiire.com.au

Spiire landscape architecture team members Peter Britton, Lauren Gillard and Bridget Doyle have contributed to many of the beautiful open spaces around Shepparton, and beyond.

Photography: Samantha Coles

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CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

Drink up the delights of boutique estate The Vines is a boutique residential development in Shepparton’s thriving north.

Let us help secure your dream location Thinking of building? Make us your first stop • Assist during the whole finance process • Organise stage payments • Organise valuations • Communicate with Agent, Solicitors and Builders And more

Paul Mazzella

Xavier Howard

Andrew Jodie Westblade Giustino

Ben Florence

Brent Tonkin

Tony Pellegrino

Ph: (03) 5831 6699 www.brokerhouse.com.au

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CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

Finance – it’s what we do Australian Credit Licence 388807

Photos: Ken Smith

Close to schools, sporting precincts and medical facilities, the estate pays homage to the former use of the land for viticulture, with an artistic wine barrel as an entry feature and naming streets after popular varieties of wine.

Choose to live in Malbec, Moscato and Claret Crts, Grenache Dve or Madeira St from the selection of generous block sizes.

The developers have kept sustainability and environment in mind with the blocks orientated to maximise energy efficiency principles.

Stage one comprises 23 allotments, ranging from 717 sq m to 1001 sq m, with a further 30 planned for stage two.

Offering a complete lifestyle package, The Vines has already attracted interest from a wide demographic. Families, first-home buyers and retirees will soon call the estate home.

Access is a key feature, with extra-wide footpaths catering for pedestrians and parents with prams, and the Southdown Rd entry to the estate will be a sealed road with exits onto the major arterial routes of Ford Rd and Hawkins St.

A major selling point is the future open space reserve, a parcel of low-lying land that is being developed for a two-fold effect.

On a practical level the reserve will capture stormwater and, with extensive landscaping, walking paths and playground equipment will provide an important community gathering point.

The network of walking paths will link the estate with the Shepparton shared path network, a collection of walkways winding through some of the area’s picturesque bush environs.

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

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CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

Our extensive range of products includes Colorbond®, boundary, tubular, and commercial fencing with matching gates.

Photo: Spiire

Estate’s rich history Shepparton North’s rich winemaking history has been celebrated in the boutique development that is The Vines Estate.

Gnarled Shiraz vines, planted as early as the 1960s, still dot the landscape and were the inspiration for the creative elements of the project.

Development Edge and Spiire’s landscape architecture team worked collaboratively

with local artist Tank, through a series of design workshops, to develop a narrative around the site’s viticulture past.

Spiire associate landscape architect Lauren Gillard said the outcome of the collaboration was the recognition of the

importance of material selection in an artful entry statement.

Residents and visitors to the estate will be welcomed by an enormous sculptural wine barrel, crafted from rusted steel and rising above a blanket of white carpet roses.

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

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There are so many options for new landowner Laura Freeman to consider.

Photos: Samantha Coles

Laura Freeman is planning to build her new home in The Vines Estate.

A retired teacher, who will be one of the first to build a home in The Vines Estate, has given her reasons for choosing to live in this exciting new development.

Easy choice for first home For a young Shepparton woman a parcel of land in The Vines Estate was the perfect place to embark on her home ownership journey.

Laura Freeman has secured a 727 sq m block in stage two of the development and is now in the process of choosing a builder and fine-tuning a house design in preparation for a 2019 build date.

The 24-year-old’s preferred location is in a quiet court, which she believes will give her a sense of security and the opportunity to be a part of a community.

“I grew up knowing all of my neighbours, and because this estate is marketed towards families wanting to build quality 58

homes, I’m hoping there will be a real sense of community, and we’ll all look out for each other,” Laura said.

She said the planned open space — with massed plantings, walking paths, communal barbecue area and playground equipment — would further improve liveability.

The Vines’ proximity to Goulburn Valley Health, where Laura is a kitchen services assistant, was another major selling point for her, as was the lot size, which allow for

CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES | DEVELOPMENT EDGE

• Excellent location close to schools, sporting precinct, hospitals and existing shops with more to come.

• Access to and from the estate via a sealed road to major arterial roads, Ford Rd and Hawkins St. • Extra-wide nature strips and footpaths to accommodate people with mobility scooters or parents with prams and young children.

• Established trees and perimeter fencing add to the sense of privacy and security.

• Generous but manageable block sizes.

a substantial home with ample room for outdoor space.

“I put a lot of thought into choosing which estate to buy into. I preferred a north-end location to suit my work, be near my family and I know the area well,” Laura said.

“I don’t think anyone would not want to live there.”