First homes to be built at Johnston Ridge

Forty Territory families can start construction on their dream homes at Johnston Ridge after their lots of land settled recently.

The homes will be the first built in the new Johnston Ridge development, nestled between Rosebery and the Stuart Highway.

The Northern Territory Government issued titles for the lots in January marking the final step for soon-to-be residents to start construction.

For Casey McDonnell and Kelly Hedger it marks the start of a new chapter in their lives.

“We’ve always wanted to build,” Mr McDonnell said.

“Kelly’s an architect so we’ve designed many dream homes in our heads, drawing ideas from holidays in Asia, and now we can really pursue it with our new block.”

Mr McDonnell and Miss Hedger purchased a 1020 square metre block as part of the Freeman release in May 2012.

The Moulden couple, who plan to start construction in April, were sold on the land sizes at Johnston Ridge and its proximity to the centre of Palmerston and Stuart Highway.

Urbex General Manager Wayne Rex said it’s a momentous step forward for the project.

“Our team has worked diligently to see these 40 Territory families get their titles on time as promised and on the road to building their new homes,” he said.

“It’s a significant milestone for the project, as these families foster the Johnston Ridge community and fulfil our vision of a neighbourhood with flexibility, diversity and room for growth.”

When complete Johnston Ridge will feature 284 mixed lots of single and multiple dwelling homes with single dwelling lots ranging from 607sqm to more than 1900sqm.

More than eight hectares of the suburb is dedicated to parklands and conservation of the natural environment.

Territorians looking to buy land in Johnston Ridge are able to view the scaled model, development plans and the vision for Johnston Ridge at the Urbex Realty, Sales and Information Centre at 18 Cavenagh Street, Darwin.

For further information visit www.johnstonridge.com.au or call Janzey Pratt on 1300 556 950.

A leading Darwin legal practice will officially open its doors in Winnellie today

With a new team in place, the latest technology and a modern office fit out, George Roussos is ready to open his door to the Darwin business community.

Roussos Legal Advisory draws on more than twenty years’ experience and will offer practical and workable solutions to businesses, insurers and government.

Located in Darwin’s industrial suburb of Winnellie, Roussos Legal Advisory offers services in commercial matters, business litigation, dispute management, workers compensation and occupational health and safety.

When asked about his location, George said the answer was simple, “this is business land”.

“Our firm is designed around business and serving business clients. We sought to make a statement by locating among our peers.

“We offer a convenient and flexible service with the cost savings that arise from dealing with someone who understands the customers’ business.

“The Territory market for legal advice is small, but it is still sophisticated and demands the skills and knowledge businesses require everywhere.

“Businesses demand specialised legal advice, they want it quickly and at an affordable cost, the skill comes from being able to deliver that advice commensurate with the legal and business issue at hand,” he said.

George’s experience includes advising and conducting litigation for clients in a number of industries, such as insurance, mining and resources, electricity, construction and property and tourism.

He understands firsthand the pressures, challenges and responsibilities that face executive teams and boards.

As a business manager and owner, George’s perspective and counsel is built along strong legal, commercial, strategic and management lines.

He has served on many committees and business associations, including four years as President of the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce (2007 – 2011).

For a new business, 2013 is looking good. Roussos Legal Advisory has already been selected by Darwin City Council for its legal panel.

George has assembled a quality team, selecting people to work with him for their ability to understand the needs and requirements of business.

The firm has also been involved in some significant legal matters including representing a business in a coronial inquiry involving mining, defending the Northern Territory’s first prosecution of environmental nuisance on a construction site (under the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act) and defending a marine business arising out of an incident in the harbour.

In 2012 the practice was involved in the settlement of one of Australia's largest workers compensation claims.

“We have exceeded expectations and we are grateful for the support our clients have provided us. Establishing strong working relationships is essential to providing business services no matter how big or small that business may be.”