Tilly Bissett and Nick Billings have transformed their 11-square-metre north-facing balcony in Richmond, Melbourne, into a productive outdoor room. They replaced small herb pots with larger feature plants, including a bottle tree and a lemon myrtle. Stacked wicking beds, built from second-hand containers, provide a ready supply of herbs, leafy greens and strawberries close to the kitchen. Layered vertical planting and clearly defined zones for dining, growing and reading make the small space feel generous and lush.
The City of Fremantle is preparing a replacement for its planning scheme, which dates from 2007. The new scheme will address housing, heritage, neighbourhood character and the activities allowed in different areas. The Planning Framework Committee reviewed and amended the draft Local Planning Scheme No. 5 on 19 October 2026. The City aims to present the draft to Council on 28 October 2026, followed by State review. Formal public consultation, a 90-day submission period, has not yet opened.
Melbourne's large retail car parks, including Bunnings sites and shopping centre edges, are being examined as possible housing locations. The state wants 60,000 new homes near public transport, jobs and services. Monash University's Liz Taylor says parking spaces directly trade off against housing. Urbis's Hamish McKnight says market conditions, construction costs and borrowing costs are the biggest constraints. Building apartments above operating shopping centres is possible but among the most expensive options.
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Residents have until 9 November 2026 to comment on a proposed asphalt manufacturing plant at East Deep Creek, Gympie. BlackRoc Group has asked Gympie Council to change the zoning of a 3.310 hectare site on Metal Court Road from Medium Impact to High Impact Industry. Nearby resident Derrick Pagett fears noise, air and water pollution, and falling property values. BlackRoc says its plants are environmentally conscious and will capture air pollution and restrict night-time noise. Council says the community can review the proposal and give feedback before a decision is made.
A 4,119 square metre development site in Mascot, near Sydney Airport, has been listed for sale. The Transport for NSW-owned property at 200 O’Riordan Street has triple street frontage and potential for a 12,357 square metre project. Colliers are the exclusive selling agents, with offers closing on 2 November 2026. The site is zoned for diverse uses, including hotels, offices, and self-storage.
