Hi, and welcome to October!
Congratulations to the Brisbane teams – the Broncos just won the Final in the NRL and the Lions won the AFL grand final a week ago and commiserations to everyone else, but that’s the nature of sport – there is only ever one winner.
In the property world, things are more complicated – development is never as straightforward, and just winning one battle often doesn’t mean the rest of the war is won. And navigating the minefield of town planning and development approvals is precisely this scenario.
Earlier this year, many town planners and planning lawyers in Melbourne reported that developers were compromising and mediating their permits without proceeding all the way to VCAT panel hearings; however, it appears that the tide is turning, and developers are starting to argue more actively for greater yields at VCAT. To us, this suggests that confidence is returning to the market.
Whether this translates to a greater number of units approved is yet to be seen. Still, we are definitely seeing an uptick in developers requesting visual amenity photomontage work to be prepared for VCAT.
Media Articles of Interest
SA’s development land sales continue to boom
Australian house prices bubble up
Building Approvals, Australia, August 2025
‘Disappointing’: Australia falls behind key target
Aussie home prices strengthen as Melbourne hits record high
Aussie house prices launch in September
The Secret Sauce to a Successful Build – Part 2: The First Step Everyone Skips
In Episode 2 of our Secret Sauce to a Successful Build series, Laszlo Baranyay, Director of LB Architects, returns to explore one of the most overlooked—but critical—stages in the building process: the early design phase. This conversation zeroes in on the importance of site strategy and how the decisions made at the very start of a project can shape its long-term success. His framework of “site, story, and scenarios” shows how a thoughtful design process, rooted in a deep understanding of the client’s vision, results in spaces that are not only functional but built for the future.
Click here to watch the second episode.
Anthony Braunthal — Founding Grit Leads to Scalable Success
Episode 19 of The Land Pioneers Podcast is now live, featuring Anthony Braunthal, co-founder and director of Resi Ventures. With a career spanning government, tech startups, and significant land development ventures, Anthony brings a unique perspective on building at scale in Australia’s competitive property market. In this episode, we delve into the story behind Resi Ventures’ billion-dollar pipeline, exploring how a systems-driven mindset, entrepreneurial grit, and a strong focus on trust-based partnerships have shaped the firm’s success.
Click here to check out the podcast episode
Token Bar, Toorak Road, South Yarra
Our feature project this month was a recent visual impact evidence set of photomontages we created for an application handled by the Planning and Property Partners team for a rooftop bar in Toorak Rd, South Yarra.
The key to producing accurate and view-verified 3D photomontages is to reproduce the entire scene in a virtual environment, where the backdrop photo points match the surveyed 3D hardscape points once the photo is used as the background in the camera settings, as per the physical camera used.
The photomontages, along with the methodology statement, were circulated to all stakeholders in accordance with the guidelines of the PNVCAT 2 practice note, to be used as visual amenity evidence at the VCAT panel hearing.
Click here to check out the photomontages for the project.
How Love Overcame Fear and Uncertainty
Hi, MJ here from Eagle Vision. Today, I want to share a deeply personal and inspiring story that has shaped my life in ways I never imagined. It’s a story about my son, Jahnir Angelo, who has not only transformed my world but has also taught me the true meaning of resilience, love, and strength.
When I was 19, I found out I was pregnant. As an only child myself, the news came with a mix of excitement and fear. I was unsure of how to navigate this new chapter, especially with the weight of family expectations and my own uncertainty. At one point, overwhelmed by emotions and stress, I even considered abortion. Looking back, I regret those thoughts, but I know that I was simply lost and scared in that moment.
But everything changed the day I decided to get a prenatal check-up. The doctor’s words that day—“Your baby is healthy, and his heart is strong”—gave me the clarity and peace I needed to make the right decision. Despite my partner’s disagreement, I chose to keep my pregnancy, and on September 27, 2007, I gave birth to my firstborn, Jahnir.
Everything seemed normal for the first few years, and I thought we were on the right track. But when Jahnir turned four and started school, I received news that would forever change our journey. His teachers informed me that he might need to attend a special school due to his developmental delays. I felt the world shift beneath me. After consulting with a paediatric neurodevelopmental specialist, we received a diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
At first, I couldn’t accept it. Denial took over, and I was consumed by worry and fear about what the future would hold. One question constantly plagued my mind: What will happen to him when I’m gone? But despite the anxiety and heartbreak, I knew I couldn’t give up on Jahnir. With the support of my family, I enrolled him in a special school and committed to getting him the therapy he needed.
The road wasn’t easy, and there were many moments when I doubted myself. But with each milestone, no matter how small, I saw my son grow stronger. When he completed his preschool years, the school told me he was ready to transition to a mainstream school. That moment marked a turning point in our journey, filled me with hope and pride. Jahnir wasn’t just adapting; he was thriving.
Today, Jahnir is 18 years old and continues to amaze everyone around him. He actively participates in school activities and, remarkably, wins them. Despite the challenges that come with ASD, he’s shown incredible determination and has become a role model for others. His sense of responsibility, especially with his studies and household chores, inspires not just me but everyone who knows him.
What’s even more beautiful is the bond Jahnir shares with his two younger sisters. They adore their big brother, and their love for him is heartwarming to witness. Jahnir has shown them what it means to be resilient, compassionate, and strong in the face of adversity.
Looking back on everything, I realise how much Jahnir has taught me. His journey has been one of challenges, but more importantly, it has been one of triumph. He has shown me that no matter what obstacles we face, there is always room for growth, love, and transformation. He has turned what could have been a lifetime of sadness and fear into a story of endless joy and pride.
My son proves that anything is possible with determination, love, and proper support. He is my ultimate source of inspiration and continues to light the way, not just for me, but for everyone who hears his story.
This journey has shown me that there is always a way to find the light even in the darkest times. Jahnir’s story reminds me that every challenge, every struggle, has the potential to become a stepping stone towards greatness. And that, for me, is the greatest gift of all.
By Marlou Jane Adlawon
All the best for the month ahead,
Stan Zaslavsky.