APAC Issue 9 2018

APAC / Issue 9 2018 9 Sabina To Develop “Eco-Lifestyle Village” Delivering Affordable “Build-to-Rent” Properties on 56-Acre Site at Howard, Queensland Renters on the Fraser Coast are struggling to keep roofs over their heads. Worrying data reveals Fraser Cost is one of the toughest places to live as a renter, with high unemployment taking its toll on vulnerable households. Fraser Coast’s high rates of unemployment, disability and low education are contributing to rental stress even though the median rental prices are considerably less than those in Brisbane. In Hervey Bay it has been found that 40.7% of renters are experiencing rental stress. However, rent is only part of the problem. G8 Consultants Pty Ltd has developed a unique scheme where its community operating structure is different from the normal intervention strategies that have traditionally fallen into five program categories: school, government, industry, community, and generic economic schemes. To achieve a sustainable and viable development, the raw land cost has been secured at a low price and building material selected by G8 Consultants Pty Ltd is in the form of a special prefab modular system where the wall and roof panels are structural and insulated and can easily be assembled without crane equipment. Each module is about 30m2 in floor area and can be erected in four hours on a pre-prepared foundation platform. “Our unique scheme incorporates the aforementioned three key underlying principles of sustainable development, food production, and employment generation. However, these key principles also work under an overall philosophy that advocates: i) better utilisation of resources; ii) promotion of cottage enterprises; and iii) self- esteem discipline”, explained Mr. Chen. He continued: “The village residents would also benefit from special features such as a green energy grid, organic waste recycling, car-sharing, labour exchange, casual job opportunities, bulk buying discounts, security, value-adding processes, craft workshops, and community friendship. With the support of the government authorities, we hope that the success of “Eco Lifestyle Village” at Howard would be a positive demonstration towards promoting an innovative social solution to the housing and employment problems facing Australia”. Mr. Peter Chen has over 40 years of experience in the property development industry in Australia. He is currently the Chairman of the Sabina Group and was a former Vice- President of the Queensland Division of the Housing Industry Association, Member of the Valuers Registration Board of Queensland, Member of the Queensland University of Technology, and President of Australian Chinese Chamber of Commerce (Gold Coast). Contact: Mr Peter Chen Company: Sabina Corporation Address: 34 Hinchcliffe Dr, Kooralbyn, Queensland, Australia Web Address: www.lifestylevillage.com.au Telephone: +617 5544 6698 The Site - 56 Acres