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Noosa's Weekly Real Estate Guide

11 December, 2014

Perfect in paradise

On The Cover page 23

Thursday, 11 December, 2014 | NOOSA TODAY 21

22 NOOSA TODAY | Thursday, 11 December, 2014

on the cover

Stunning Peter Hull design ON OFFER is a truly beautiful Noosa Springs home designed by Noosa-based architect Peter Hull and sure to be admired by all who inspect. Set atop a commanding ridgetop position overlooking Lake Weyba, this award-winning home exudes an air of subtle sophistication amid lashings of quality finishes, such as plantation shutters and gorgeous lighting fixtures. The owners of this residence have a long association with Noosa Springs, being among the first handful of people to purchase in this stunning development and now, with a move to acreage in their sights, the time has come to sell their much-admired and fastidiously maintained home. This two-storey residence offers a functional floor plan so those who prefer single-level living can simply utilise the grand guest suite, with ensuite and walk-through robe, and reserve the upper-level of the home for their friends and family. There is ample living space on the lower-level of the home

including formal and casual dining zones, a gourmet kitchen with breakfast bar and walk-in pantry, plus numerous covered terraces for alfresco dining. A sunken formal lounge room is one of the stars of this home, with large sliding doors retracting to create an indoor/ outdoor feel as well as capture views of the sparkling pool. A fireplace creates a cosy space in the cooler months, while access to the pretty covered terrace and barbecue area can make for an entertainer's delight. A media room, laundry, powder room, drying terrace and access to the garage complete this level of the home. Upstairs, two more bedrooms are close to the main bathroom and each enjoys a walk-in robe plus access to a shared balcony, while the master suite is located at the rear of the home and features a walk-in robe, ensuite and access to a private balcony that offers views of the immaculate gardens. This property also features additional built-in storage, a wine cellar, air-conditioning, and room for a golf buggy.

home essentials ADDRESS: 748 â€˜The Palmsâ€™ 61 Noosa Springs Drive, Noosa Heads PRICE: $2,895,000 VIEW: Saturday, 11-11.30am DESCRIPTION: 4 bed, 4 bath, 2 car, pool AGENT: Jon Blonk for Richardson and Wrench Noosa, 0412 806 252 Thursday, 11 December, 2014 | NOOSA TODAY 23

Everyone fantasises about achieving the dream sale – the perfect sale when agent, buyer and location line up precisely.

Who doesn’t dream about raking in millions or just a

5 year period with a previous agency. I got a big kick

healthy profit by mastering a clever sale or purchase?

selling the Kin Kin Post Office for $120,000 also the

Although it may sound glamorous, and far-fetched,

Wappa Falls Farm on the shores of the Wappa Falls

it doesn’t have to be a dream. To prove the point, we

dam. On the other end of the spectrum I enjoyed selling

Market confidence has returned to Noosa, as it’s known by

present the first in a series of ultra-successful real

three of the properties at First Point. And really to me,

many. And when it comes to prices, you don’t need deep

estate practitioners who have climbed their way to the

its about putting the right buyer with the right property.

pockets, just a cruisy coastal attitude.

top in Noosa.

I think real estate has changed in recent years. Agents

After floundering performances in recent years, the outlook

Richardson & Wrench’s principal Peter Butt shares his

focus on the price being a ‘bargain’ and some have

for house prices and capital growth is on the up.

strong business acumen, how he is perpetually driven

forgotten about selling the features of the property and

Median prices in Noosa are up to one-third higher than the

to new heights, and ultimately how attitude, integrity

the lifestyle benefits that go with its ownership ie the

surrounding region, according to RP Data.

and a love for the industry have helped him amass

fantastic community assets we have around us!

A four-bedroom, four-bathroom waterfront home at 25 Witta Circle remains the record-setting sale, fetching $8.25

$1 billion in sales, a first for anyone in Noosa.

Q. Explain the provenance of Richardson & Wrench.

million in 2008. It was negotiated by R&W Noosa. In July 2013, two apartments in Noosa’s Sandpiper were

Q. Initially your career was in the construction industry. When did you see the light?

SURF’S UP IN BUYERS’ MARKET

A. I knew Richardson & Wrench had a sound reputation

sold off-the-plan for a combined $14 million, and the third

and was one of the first franchises in Australia when

was recently sold for its listed price.

A. We were a close family growing up in Sydney’s I bought into the Noosa business in 1992 and soon

Richardson and Wrench principal Peter Butt who sold the

eastern suburbs and whilst my three siblings chose

discovered a number of very successful people were

apartments says tides are finally turning in the chic holiday

careers in the corporate world, I opted for the outdoors

a part of the network. One of these was Ron Pillinger,

spot.

as a rigger/crane chaser/dogman. Yes, I liked heights

the principal of R&W Double Bay, a legend and trusted

Peter is also ebullient about the Richardson & Wrench

and the pay! After holidays in Noosa in 1978, when the

adviser in Sydney society from A-listers and horse

Holidays division, a unique marketing advantage. “The large

views from the top of the hill were as beautiful as today,

trainers to famous business identities. He was also a

holiday property portfolio has approximately 250 holiday

I returned to Sydney, sold up and moved here.

leading figure in the Salvation Army.

properties with tariffs from smart budget to absolute luxury.

Michael Dunn, who like me went to Waverley College

We service close to 80,000 guests every year, some come

took over from Ron. I remember seeing Michael’s sales

back every year. I think they get bitten by the “Noosa Bug”

board for a month back in 1992. He’d racked up $60m.

and return for the antidote. Last month we sold two major

Q. What’s the magnetism of Noosa?

A. Great question. It was something that just grew and We were lucky to do that in a whole year back then!

beachfront properties to guests who’d been renting from us

grew - from the waves peeling off the point at National

Over all, being part of the R&W franchise means

for six and eight years. One paid $6m+ and the other $7m+.

Park, winter temps of 23 degrees at 10am, the north-

maintaining the best possible reputation in real estate

In November we sold properties from $320,000 all the way

facing protected beach front, the lakes, waterways,

in Australia.

up the tree. I love the fact that no matter where you buy in Noosa you also get some of the best community assets in

natural beauty and beaches, to the very personable locals.

Q. Being in the epicentre of the Noosa property

First-up I had an outdoor advertising business followed

market is exciting. Why?

the world.”

by a cleaning business servicing the holiday market, door to door sales with Electrolux, in fact any job that

A. I love that effective town planning has maintained

paid well. I cleaned most of the apartments in Little

a boutique feel to Hastings Street and Little Cove; a

Cove and Hastings Street so knew how many bedrooms

controlled supply of property supports stable prices

and bathrooms they had even the colour of the tiles. It

from a growing demand; an evolving architecture

was a natural segue to real estate.

with features such as cross-flow ventilation through

$1 BILLION IN SALES Attitude, integrity and a love for the industry have helped Peter amass $1 billion in sales, a first for anyone in Noosa

open/indoor outdoor living zones; plus the view of the

Q. What makes real estate so alluring?

waterways on Noosa Sound, the lure of the beach in Sunshine and Sunrise and sunsets from Noosa Hill;

A. All aspects of real estate thrill me. I enjoy marketing, the serenity of the hinterland; the residential zones finding the buyer for a property and wondering whether

cradled between National Parks and green zones; and

the best buyer will come from say Sydney, Melbourne

the River and North Shore.

or SE Queensland which these days is 95% of our

Currently the market is in transition from a buyers’

market. The balance comes from the rest of Australia

market to a sellers’ market, a see-saw where the

plus a few expats who are working overseas in eg;

advantage pivots between abundant supply and low

Japan, New York or London.

demand and low supply and strong demand. This

Altogether I’ve transacted well over $800m in R&W

doesn’t mean that prices are going to run away, but

property sales, with further sales transacted over a

rather steady and sustainable growth is on its way. Peter Butt on the balcony of Sandpiper's penthouse

Ph 5447 4499 Noosa, 23 Hastings Street www.rwnoosa.com.au 1167362-EG50-14

24 NOOSA TODAY | Thursday, 11 December, 2014

PERFECTLY POSITIONED

NOOSA SPRINGS 748 NOOSA SPRINGS DRIVE

Sophistication & Seclusion

View 11.00-11.30am Price $2.95Million

Perfectly positioned on the highest point of the ridgeline skirting a forested shoreline of the Noosa River system, superbly detailed and intelligently designed by Peter Hull Architects, the residence offers a wonderful lifestyle amidst fragrant courtyard gardens, poolside terraces and treetop filtered view of Lake Weyba. ɒ North eastern aspect across sunny terraces, 20 metre boundary edge lap pool. ɒ Breezeway entry, private manicured courtyard gardens and feature pond. ɒ Plantation shuttered garden room, wine cellar, study, fireplace, ceiling fans, ducted air/vacuum ɒ Optional downstairs master bedroom suite, built-in BBQ with steamer & wok burner. ɒ 24hr manned security gatehouse, golf club, tennis courts, restaurant, day spa 5 mins to beach.

Jon Blonk 0412 806 252 Kym De Warren 0412 325 421 5447 4499 | rwnoosa.com.au

Richardson & Wrench Noosa Proud Sponsors of

1167372-KC50-14

Thursday, 11 December, 2014 | NOOSA TODAY 25

GRAND MASTERPIECE

SUNSHINE BEACH 3 KIAMBA COURT

Prized & Enviable

View By Appointment Price Auction Sheraton Noosa January 15 @ 4.00pm

26 NOOSA TODAY | Thursday, 11 December, 2014

Jon Blonk 0412 806 252 Kym De Warren 0412 325 421 5447 4499 | rwnoosa.com.au Richardson & Wrench Noosa

Proud Sponsors of

1167406-KC50-14

It’s no wonder this modern architecturally designed property by Frank Macchia, featured as Australian Home of the Year. Built by Gary Emanuel, this home provides unparalled style and is visually appealing. The design is ultra modern but timeless, leaving every aspect fascinating. ɒ Roof deck/whale watching with National Park and stunning ocean views. ɒ Very private and secluded. ɒ Floor to ceiling glass with high vaulted ceilings. ɒ Lap pool with mosaic tile water feature. ɒ Seperate lower level guest retreat.

BEACH LIFESTYLE NOOSA HEADS 517 ‘LAGUNA ON HASTINGS’

Cafes & Shopping

View By Appointment Price $875,000

Soak up the sun’s rays while sipping a quiet champagne from your luxury 5 star apartment located right on Hastings Street in Australia’s premier beach resort village. Now you can enjoy your holidays in comfort with excellent income returns to make even your accountant smile. ɒ Lots of café and dining opportunities at your door. ɒ Priced to sell in today’s competitive market. ɒ Perfect Northerly orientation. ɒ 100m2 with a double length terrace.

Shane McCauley 0403 646 930 Frank Milat 0438 528 148 5447 4499 | rwnoosa.com.au

Richardson & Wrench Noosa Proud Sponsors of

BEACH LOCATION

SUNSHINE BEACH 2 / 2 WEBB ROAD

Sunshine & Style

View Saturday 12.00-12.30pm Price $895,000

This property sits in the heart of everything Sunshine Beach has to offer. Located just metres from the patrolled Sunshine Beach and famous surf club. ɒ Stylishly renovated and fully furnished, ready for immediate income. ɒ Designer kitchen, modern appliances with built-in breakfast bench . ɒ Master bedroom with ensuite and access to large balcony. ɒ Large single level, ground floor apartment, complex of 5.

Kym De Warren 0412 325 421 Jon Blonk 0412 806 252 5447 4499 | rwnoosa.com.au

Richardson & Wrench Noosa Proud Sponsors of

1167370-KC50-14

Thursday, 11 December, 2014 | NOOSA TODAY 27

ENDLESS SUMMERS

NOOSA HEADS 20 ‘NOOSA SHORES’ 86-88 NOOSA PDE

Riverfront & Breezes

View Saturday 12.00-12.30pm Auction On-site Saturday 24 January @ 11.00am

Stunning position, open, light and airy and facing true north this apartment captures the cooling breezes and winter sunshine. With a large terrace and big light filled rooms it works very well for holidays and family get togethers. The complex has direct access to the riverfront with a jetty. ɒ Secure parking and heated in ground pool. ɒ Air conditioned with a jetty and boat access. ɒ Open plan with big bedrooms. ɒ Priceless location.

Frank Milat 0438 528 148 Shane McCauley 0403 646 930 5447 4499 | rwnoosa.com.au Richardson & Wrench Noosa

Proud Sponsors of

FOOTSTEPS TO THE SURF

NOOSA HEADS 20 ‘ON THE BEACH’ 49 HASTINGS STREET 1

If it is a property on Noosa’s beachfront you seek the time to act is now! 20 On The Beach is a larger beachfront apartment with separate bedroom and a huge terrace to take in the beach and ocean views of Laguna Bay. ɒ Heated pool, steam room and sauna. ɒ Stunning guest lounge with TV. ɒ Spacious terrace with spa. ɒ Undercover security parking.

28 NOOSA TODAY | Thursday, 11 December, 2014

View By Appointment Auction Sheraton Noosa Thursday 15th January 2015 Frank Milat 0438 528 148 Shane McCauley 0403 646 930 5447 4499 | rwnoosa.com.au Richardson & Wrench Noosa

Proud Sponsors of

1167365-KC50-14

Spacious & Views

NEAR NOOSA ACREAGE

TINBEERWAH 45 MACKAY COURT

Retreat & Relax

View Saturday 11.00-11.30am Price $1.85Million

Escape to the Noosa hinterland and indulge in acreage living at it’s best, this is a prestige rural home designed for family living. This property offers surpassed privacy and tranquility just 15 minutes to Noosa main beach. ɒ Elevated position with dramatic mountain views. ɒ Self-contained guest villa and seperate home office. ɒ Huge pool deck and covered entertaining areas. ɒ Recently renovated bathrooms and kitchen. ɒ 16 acres of cleared land, huge dam, shed and artist’s studio.

Hamish Bolderston 0478 099 058 5447 4499 | rwnoosa.com.au

Proud Sponsors of

Richardson & Wrench Noosa

STUNNING WATERFRONT

NOOSAVILLE 2/17 LABURNUM CRESCENT

Location & Views

View Saturday 12.00-12.30PM Price $790,000

If location is everything this is a must see property, newly refurbished with fresh paint and carpet throughout this townhouse offers an opportunity rarely available . ɒ Good sized bedrooms, Master with close water views. ɒ Covered entertaining areas and low maintenance gardens. ɒ Small well maintained security gated complex with shared pool. ɒ Ideal property for owner occupied, lock up and leave or investors.

Hamish Bolderston 0478 099 058 5447 4499 | rwnoosa.com.au Richardson & Wrench Noosa

Proud Sponsors of

1167373-KC50-14

2.5

Thursday, 11 December, 2014 | NOOSA TODAY 29

FAMILY SEASIDE HOME

SUNRISE BEACH 36 SOUTHERN CROSS PARADE

Ocean & Vista

View Saturday 12.00-12.30pm Price Offers over $850,000

Positioned on one of Sunrise Beach’s most prestigious streets, be captivated by this outstanding family seaside home. Originally built to stand the test of time, this two storey home is ready to enjoy now or be rejuvenated to reflect the new owner’s lifestyle. ɒ Large Double Bedrooms. ɒ Study plus studio / private gym. ɒ Large 797sqm allotment with already established fruit trees. ɒ Double lock-up garage, plus off street secure parking for an additional two cars. ɒ Lovely ocean views.

Shannon Orr 0488 444 866 5447 4499 | rwnoosa.com.au

Proud Sponsors of

Richardson & Wrench Noosa

MOUNTAINTOP ESCAPE

BLACK MOUNTAIN 532 BLACK MOUNTAIN ROAD

Acres & Income

View By Appointment Price $By Negotiation

Architect Designed Colonial style home nestled on a natural plateau amidst 96 acres of privacy and seclusion. This north facing property is blessed with panoramic views across the famed Noosa Hinterland with the main house positioned to take full advantage of this vista. ɒ Open plan living with views from all rooms. ɒ 3 Villas away from main home. ɒ Must see private botanic gardens and scenic walking tracks. ɒ Outstanding views of Mountains and Noosa Hinterland.

Hamish Bolderston 0478 099 058 5447 4499 | rwnoosa.com.au

30 NOOSA TODAY | Thursday, 11 December, 2014

Proud Sponsors of

Richardson & Wrench Noosa 1167379-CB50-14

Prices out in the open at last QUEENSLAND realtors are rejoicing in major changes to property laws as buyers are left in the dark over prices and fees. The state’s new Property Occupations Act is designed to cut red tape and simplify transactions but now also prohibits the disclosure of auction price guides along with agent commissions. Richardson and Wrench Noosa principal Jennifer Carr said while the recent changes were a major improvement and long overdue, she did question how buyers would respond to some of the amendments. “The one thing I’m not excited about is not being able to use a price guide for auctions,” Ms Carr said.

“Buyers will give us a hiding over this change, I bet,” she said. Real Estate Institute of Queensland CEO Antonia Mercorella said auctions were the most transparent form of sale as the bidding took place in the public domain and the new laws acted to provide further improvements in the auction process. “With the rise of online portals in real estate marketing the Act goes a step further, allowing agents to load auction properties by price criteria on websites, which enables consumers to search by price ranges,” she said.

“I can’t tell you how many calls and emails from buyers come to me generally asking for an indicative price guide.”

Ms Mercorella said the Act also allowed real estate agents involved in an auction to provide a perspective buyer with a comparative market analysis (CMA), provided the vendor had consented.

Ms Carr said price guides were needed to help buyers determine whether the property was in their budget.

“Agents can also provide a written explanation showing how they decided the market value of the property,” she said.

“With auctions, we never tell the reserve, of course, but at least roughly we can say that it is likely to be between $500,000 to $600,000. Some buyers will only be in the $400,000 (range) and are happy with that information as they know immediately it is beyond their budget.”

According to Ms Mercorella, the changes are much-needed to simplify the sale process for agents and consumers.

Ms Carr said the price range was not always evident and buyers liked to have a “rough idea” of the price.

“They will also help to create a more competitive marketplace by allowing agents and their clients the contractual freedom to

“Queensland’s new real estate laws eliminate much of the costly paperwork which has burdened real estate agencies for far too long,” she said.

determine commissions which reflect the level of services being provided. “It’s a simple matter of freedom of contract between vendor and agent.” Another major change to the Act is the abolition of a separate Form 30C Warning Statement which gave prospective buyers information regarding their entitled cooling off period.

Ms Carr said these forms were cumbersome and no longer up-to-date and also lumped real estate together with a range of industries. “In the contracts prior to 1 December there were unwieldy attachments and warning statements and too many ways used by buyers to terminate contracts on minor bases or technical omissions,” Ms Carr said.

Thursday, 11 December, 2014 | NOOSA TODAY 31 1139529-CB24-14

Report's building confidence MASTER Builders have released their latest building industry outlook report and it looks like good news for the residential building industry. According to the report, the construction industry has maintained growth for over 12 months, putting building conditions for the residential sector in positive territory for the first time in the survey’s five-year history. The report also forecasts a 14 per cent rise in dwelling unit commencements for 2014/15 at an estimated 40,000 commencements. Master Builders’ deputy executive director Paul Bidwell said the report also anticipated the good news would continue into 2015 and 2016.

Mr Bidwell said the data also underlined a fundamental shift in supply, with a swing to multi-residential rather than traditional single, detached housing.

“As well as a rise of 14 per cent in 2014/15, we are estimating that dwelling unit commencements will increase a further 10 per cent to 45,000 starts in 2015/16,” Mr Bidwell said.

“Currently, approvals for multi-residential developments make up 45 per cent of the state’s total building approvals, while comprising only about one quarter of Queensland’s total housing stock,” he said.

“While this growth will be spread across much of the state, it will be particularly focused on south-east Queensland, with solid growth also expected in most regions. However, we are anticipating that Central Queensland and Mackay and Whitsunday will continue to struggle in the short term.”

“Unfortunately, affordability of new housing will remain an ongoing problem for the industry over the longer term. This is despite the fact that it has improved slightly over the last 12 months thanks to lower mortgage rates.

Mr Bidwell said recent building approvals data, which showed totally dwelling approvals increase by 20 per cent over the past 12 months, supported the report’s predictions.

“As with previous years, renovation activity will remain solid and we anticipate the high cost of buying a new home will

A LIVING DESIGN FOR THE LIFE YOU DESIRE

$1.18M

2.5

continue to encourage many owners to stay put and renovate rather than sell and upgrade to a new home.” Master Builders says unfortunately this good news isn’t reflected in the non-residential sector, with the ongoing weakness in private and public sector investment the biggest issue. “There are no winners in 2015 when it comes to non-residential construction, with a number of major retail projects coming to an end and no clear pipeline of new work,” Mr Bidwell said. “The office market continues to be oversupplied and the industrial segment will remain flat. The bulk of construction activity will continue to be in the engineering sector, despite this segment falling significantly.”

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32 NOOSA TODAY | Thursday, 11 December, 2014

“It is this stability, in conjunction with steady population and employment growth, that will underpin consumer and business confidence and the confidence to invest in new construction,” Mr Bidwell said. Master Builders’ Building industry outlook report includes a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of the building industry and an assessment on business sentiment and outlook for the medium term. For a copy, visit www.masterbuilders.asn. au/publications-and-resources/reports-andstatistics/building-industry-outlook.

This truly is a home that invites relaxation and enjoyment. The Mediterranean theme is everywhere in this 4 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, 3 toilet plus powder room home, and grandstand views of the ocean. Captains Court has some of the best million dollar plus homes in the area and most with views out to the ocean. The surrounding views will lift your spirit. The home has excellent size bedrooms and bathrooms and superb living areas where entertaining will always be a pleasure. Now for those who love cooking and want something special, then this kitchen is designed for the perfect partnership. For the romantics there is even a roof top viewing deck where you can sit up there and watch the whales go by or gaze at the stars at night. The beautiful pool is designed and set in rather a private area of the property and one in which you can do a few laps in as well. Don’t miss your opportunity to inspect this beautiful home this weekend!

15 Captains Court, Sunrise Beach Inspect: Saturday 11am to 11.45am Ron Davey 0412 206 563

Master Builders’ latest building industry outlook highlights that although different segments of the industry will continue to perform better than others, growth will slowly spread over the year ahead.

E: ron@base-realtors.com.au

D L O S E B L L I W This comfortable, immaculate, high set home has its own gate access to acres and acres of National Park forever. The large in ground pool is in a lovely tropical setting and has the added bonus of an attractive turfed area to kick a ball as well as covered patios for entertaining. The home comprises of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, laundry, security screens, foyer, large lounge dining area, kitchen and a further 2 covered patios above. The double gate access at the side boundary is perfect for a trailer or boat. The subtle bonuses associated with this property provide for easy living and great value.

IMMACULATE CASTAWAYS BEACH HOME BORDERING NATIONAL PARK $750,000 3 2.5 2 1 29 Moonbeam Crescent, Castaways Beach Inspect: Saturday 1.00pm to 2pm Petrea Pradella 0412 626 536

E: petrea@base-realtors.com.au

Must be one of the best locations in Noosaville to own a townhouse. Everything is at your finger tips! ...Plenty of jetties for fishing and boating, four beautiful topical swimming pools to enjoy, just a stroll over to the Noosa Yacht Club, Wollies, Dan Murphy’s, the sensational Noosa River and the exceptional restaurants and shopping that Noosaville is now famous for. This beautiful townhouse comprises 3 excellent size bedrooms, 2 lovely bathrooms, a very good living area with beautiful tiles and lovely outlook and undercover patio’s and courtyards to enjoy, if you love cooking you’ll love this kitchen and designed for today’s needs, lock up garage and visitors car parking, heaps of storage, 170m2 total floor area, and situated in a restful tropical garden setting. It’s a great investment property and suits the quiet home owner as well. Currently rented by “Triple A’ tenant at $450 per week. Get in quick for this one!

BOY, I COULD LIVE HERE! $485,000 ONO

Unit 44 The Entrance, 67 Gibson Road, Noosaville Inspect: Saturday 10am to 10.45am Ron Davey 0412 206 563

base-realtors.com.au

E: ron@base-realtors.com.au

Prestige Property Collection

5474 2442

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Thursday, 11 December, 2014 | NOOSA TODAY 33

1167504-CB50-14

34 NOOSA TODAY | Thursday, 11 December, 2014

Colour - the essence of life? bydesign

Just thought with the recent storms in Sydney and Brisbane that it is important to ensure that everyone is well prepared!! So a repeat of a previous question.

WE can’t survive without colour - our world is full of it. Colour is used for identification, safety, communication, emotion, emphasis - and above all, to make us feel happy.

Karen, Storm season is approaching how do we prepare? Julie.B, Tinbeerwah

Living in a black and white world would require quantum changes to our systems of life. Traffic lights? Shipping signals? Love hearts? Marking homework? Literally what would we do if we didn’t have colour?

Julie, Here is a list published by Energex and it is important to follow this. Prepare early for the storm season by following this summer checklist to give your family and property the best chance of staying safe when severe weather hits.

Even people like me who love black and white, can’t survive without colour - we need it to stimulate our senses and to energise us.

Before storm season - Trim overhanging tree branches. Do not attempt to trim trees near powerlines – if a tree is close to a powerline, call us on 13 12 53.

Colour can also calm us, enrage us, soothe us and frighten us. It is a powerful medium that in itself is a complete science. It is fascinating and also challenging.

- Secure loose items such as outdoor furniture and umbrellas, garden debris, garden tools and outdoor toys.

When it comes to putting colours together in your home it can come a close second to speaking in public - a daunting prospect that many people either shy away from or try to ignore, or worse still, stay in the safe zone for fear of stuffing it up completely.

There are many remedies for colour boredom, not all have to do with adding contrasts (total opposites on the colour wheel, eg. Blue is opposite to orange). Having said that, adding a contrast is one quick way of introducing interest, remembering to keep one colour choice dominant. A case in point, imagine an all-blue colour scheme, blue walls, blue sofas, blue rug - now throw in a bright orange cushion - you get the picture. There is nothing wrong with a completely neutral scheme (colours that don’t favour one of the primaries) but to keep things interesting, textural interest should be added to keep things

Q& A

Property Management by Karen Seskis

WITH DI HENSHALL

I recently visited a house that was beautifully furnished and appointed, but the owners had clearly been afraid of moving out of the monochromatic scheme that they had started. What happens is nothing - there is not a lot of stimulation, nor is there any room to move. If you stick with one colour and continually add things in that same colour it has almost the same effect as an all-beige on beige colour scheme - it is boring.

- Prepare a storm kit. - Charge laptops and mobile phones so you can check power outage information on our website. - Register for early severe weather warning alerts at Australian Early Warning Network, or for Brisbane residents, Brisbane City Council’s Early Warning Alert Service. During a storm A black and white colour scheme can be very hip, but maddeningly predictable. Break the monotony by throwing in the odd extra colour – this can be virtually any colour, from bright green to pale pink.

- If a power interruption occurs, turn off and unplug electrical items. - Listen to your local radio station, follow Energex on Facebook and Twitter or check the power outages page for the latest restoration updates. - Use a torch for light if you’ve lost power and avoid using candles. - Never use wet or damp electrical items. After a storm - Stay away from fallen powerlines and alert people to any danger.

Don’t be afraid to use colour. alive, with extras such as living plants or flowers, mirrors and plenty of natural light (which will change the tones of neutrals throughout the day, thereby changing the colours). Getting back to the black and white - very hip, but maddeningly predictable unless you can break the monotony by throwing in the odd extra colour - luckily this can be virtually any colour, from bright green to pale pink.

One of the hardest colours to get right, in decorating terms anyway, is yellow. Most people who have attempted to paint a room yellow will be rolling their eyes right now, nodding knowingly, and remembering the surprising, sometimes horrific results of what looked pretty darned good in the paint shop on the colour chart. Yellow, for some crazy reason is also very tricky to match up with other colours, especially

other yellows. All I can say about this is - get some professional advice. I have seen most yellow disasters and could steer you away from that Hitchcock moment of seeing the freakish result of the wrong choice. Most good professional painters have also seen everything there is to be seen in people’s colour disasters, so please, please ask for professional help - that’s why it’s called professional help.

- Report fallen powerlines on 13 19 62. - Report a loss of supply on 13 62 62 or to get the latest power restoration updates. If you have any property management questions that you would like to clarify please feel free to contact me on 5474 8811 or karen@eldersnoosa.com.au

Phone: 5474 8811

www.eldersnoosa.com.au

Thursday, 11 December, 2014 | NOOSA TODAY 35

Owners make the big mooove THE iconic “Big Cow”, located just off the Bruce Highway in Kulangoor, has been sold after 14 years of ownership.

The Big Cow also became home to the Sunshine Coast’s first air/ sea rescue helicopter, with the old helipad still onsite.

The property was developed as the Country World tourist attraction - a working dairy farm running Ayrshire cows, where visitors could learn first-hand about the property’s daily workings.

The sellers bought the property in 2000, and ran it as The Outdoor Centre for years, before re-zoning it to become one of the Coast’s biggest training centres, capturing a niche in the market.

Sculpted by Hugh Anderson, who was also behind the Big Bulls at Rockhampton, the big cow is an exact replica, although seven times the size, of an Ayrshire cow.

Nambour Regional Training Centre has been operational for years now and they’ve hired the facilities to companies all over Australia and have training tenants in the marine,

mining and disability industries. The complex has parking for up to 70 vehicles and easy access off and on to the Bruce Highway, which are huge benefits for those seeking to hire training facilities. ONE Agency Noosa principal Grant Baker said a successful marketing campaign has led the sale, which officially settled this late last month. “The team at ONE Agency Noosa has worked diligently to create an outcome where both buyers and sellers are happy,” Grant said.

The iconic Big Cow was made by Hugh Anderson who also built the Big Bull in Rockhampton.

OPEN HOMES Castaways Beach 29 Moonbeam Crescent

Sunshine Beach Base Realtors - Petrea Pradella

Sat 1-1.45pm

Doonan 337 Sunrise Road

Century 21 Conolly Hay Group - David Berns

Sat 11am-12pm

Eumundi 54 Jocelyn Drive

Century 21 Conolly Hay Group - Brad McDonald

Sat 10.15-11.15am

Little Cove Apt 9 Little Cove Court, 2 Pandanus Street

Richardson & Wrench Noosa - Jennifer Carr

Sat 1-1.30pm

Noosaville

Fri 1-1.30pm

Apt 9, 1 Elanda Street

Richardson & Wrench Noosa - Kym de Warren & Cam Goode

Sat 10-10.30am

Apt 16‘Sunseeker’, 2 Pilchers Gap

Richardson & Wrench Noosa - Kym de Warren

Apt 2, 2 Webb Road

Richardson & Wrench Noosa - Kym de Warren & Jon Blonk

Sat 12-12.30pm

13 Duke Street