Friday 17 February 2006

Remarkable transformation at Logan

A $58-Million residential showpiece, which attracted buyers from as far afield as Melbourne, has underlined the popularity of the Logan Shire and the neighbourhood-type estates being created by Devine.

Sensitively conceived and meticulously planned, 'The Reserve' at Logan is today a thriving community, with the last of its 206 homes under construction. The layout of the estate and the mixture of housing types and sizes is providing a high level of liveability and encouraging interaction among residents.

Embracing leading environmental techniques to protect biodiversity, 'The Reserve' has beautiful parklands, playgrounds, wetlands, picnic areas and extensive walking and bicycle tracks meandering alongside watercourses. All services are carried underground, and homes are set back a minimum distance from the internal roadways.

Groves of Eucalypts have been planted to maintain a habitat for koalas, and a further 50,000 shrubs have been established. In time, the parkland will blend seamlessly with the surrounding vegetation.

Devine excavated around 150,000 cubic metres of soil to create a lake, which is the size of a football field. When fully filled it will be up to four metres deep in parts and provide a sanctuary for local bird life and a tranquil oasis for residents.

The harmonious transformation of the site into 'The Reserve' is even more remarkable considering for many years it had been neglected grazing land adding little or no value to the surrounding ecosystem. as an unofficial tip. Devine had to spend $100,000 cleaning it up before the revegetation and infrastructure work could begin.

Devine says the average size of blocks at 'The Reserve' is 550 square metres, with house and land packages selling for an average of $300,000.

"We marketed the estate in two stages, and both fully sold out within months of release," said Devine's Queensland Manager Chris Eaton. "It has been an overwhelming success, with the vast majority being owner-occupiers.

"Several of our purchasers are from interstate, who like the quality lifestyle we've created as well as the convenience of being just 20 minutes from the Brisbane CBD and 35 minutes from Surfers Paradise."

Adjoining 'The Reserve' is the Waterford West Primary School, which was a factor in the purchasing decision of many couples with young families.

"Residents love the community atmosphere, and because there are no through-roads it is quiet and secure," said Mr Eaton.

"People who bought here did not only make a wise lifestyle choice, but rapid increases in property values have also made it a very prudent investment. Logan, itself, is thriving, with outstanding educational, medical, shopping and recreational facilities."

In Queensland Devine has six other housing estates underway or planned, and is actively seeking to acquire more residential development sites to add to its portfolio. The progressive company has evolved from designing and building individual project homes into developing integrated lifestyle communities.

The General Manager of Devine's national house-and-land division, Paul Nash, says the majority of Australians still want to live in a detached home on sufficient land to have a front and back yard, a garage - and some privacy.

"For this reason, our focus is on turning land into complete, fully-functioning neighbourhoods where residents can feel proud to be part of the community," said Mr Nash.

"All our estates strive to give residents a reason to spend time at home, where kids can play safely in parks and communal areas, and pets have plenty of freedom."

Devine's homes and residential communities are open for inspection seven days a week, with details on www.devine.com.au

Released by: Devine, 3 Westmoreland Blvd, Springwood, Queensland 4127
Contacts: Paul Nash, National GM Housing & Land, on (07) 3380 2546, (0439) 730 424; Chris Eaton, Queensland Manager, on (07) 3380 2500, (0401) 993 264; Bruce Graham, Development Manager, on (07) 3380 2571

Prepared by: Barry Hyland, PR Plus, Level 1, 272 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest 2065;
Ph: (02) 9439 9191, (0412) 354 992; Email: pluspr@ozemail.com.au