Inner city site with $150m tower proposal sells
Melbourne City Council greenlit the project that developer Claric Ninety-Nine proposed to replace existing buildings at 13-33 Hartley St in 2022.
Plans for the 6714sq m address near the Westgate Freeway included 400 apartments, 4580sq of retail and office space, basement parking for 173 cars and 492 bikes, a pool and library, across 50 levels.
Melbourne's biggest eyesore listed for sale by China's Wang Hua
It was slated to stand at 164m tall and also have a public park and new road built.
Commercial real estate Allard Shelton director Joseph Walton declined to comment on the sold price although the property was listed with circa-$20m price hopes.
Mr Walton said that the Fishermans Bend precinct lot had attracted strong interest, mostly from developers and a couple of potential owner-occupiers.
'We had buyers locally, interstate and internationally all look at the site,' Mr Walton said.
Out of multiple offers submitted for the listing, a local developer ended up being the successful buyer.
Mr Walton said the purchaser planned to 'spend some time repositioning the project'.
In 2022, a Melbourne City Council's officers' report stated that the proposed 50-storey tower
was 'not considered to introduce unreasonable amenity impacts to the public realm or adjoining sites'.
'The proposed materials and design of the development are generally supported based on best-practice urban-design principles, subject to a facade strategy to further refine the design,' the report read.
'The proposal includes the provision of a large portion of the site to be set aside for a public park and a new road, responding appropriately to the future vision of Fishermans Bend.'
The 480ha Fishermans Bend urban renewal project, stretching across the City of Melbourne and City of Port Phillip, is set to become home to approximately 80,000 residents by 2055.
In 2012, the Victorian government rezoned part of the area from urban industrial land to mixed use land.
Historically, the precinct was home to aircraft, aerospace engineering and car design and manufacturing companies.
Latest state government plans for Fishermans Bend include parks, schools, roads and community facilities along with the aim of providing employment for up to 80,000 people within the next three decades.
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News.com.au
13 minutes ago
- News.com.au
The Block dud suburbs revealed: Shock data shows reno risks
The Block's horror track record at picking suburbs for its high-profile flips has sparked warnings would-be renovators could risk vast sums of money following their lead. New analysis of median prices in the year leading up to the show's auction days for the past 17 seasons shows homes in seven of the suburbs were losing money months before contestants picked up a paint brush or emotionally abused their partner. In ten of those seasons, the show's selected suburb was significantly outperformed by the wider Melbourne or Sydney market, depending where it was located. And it appears their latest destination in Daylesford is on track to join the list of money-losing suburb choices. Latest figures show the suburb's $818,000 median has dropped $72,000 in the 12 months to the end of June. On Phillip Island last year, price records show that in the 12 months it took the show to go from buying its Cowes site to hosting the auctions in November, the median house price had tumbled $35,000 (4.5 per cent) to $750,000. And by the time the show's Hampton East auctions were held in November 2023, the local median price had dropped more than $100,000 — despite the figures used to calculate that median including The Block's sales. One of the homes purchased by high profile billionaire Adrian Portelli has already gone on to sell for a more than $1m loss. Median price reductions typically reflect a reduction in the majority of home prices in an area, including higher-end offerings like those on The Block. The reality renovation show has also been criticised for over renovating to the point where homes are sold far below what the updates would cost, as well as for its impossible time frames and unrealistic auction results. Depreciation schedules calculated for the last season of The Block by quantity surveyors BMT showed all of the homes would eventually allow an investor to claim more than $4m in tax deductions as the value of the materials and fixtures added during the renovation declined. The highest price paid was $3.3m, but the rest sold for less than $3m, indicating the properties were overcapitalised by close to $1m. With another season commencing, property, building and renovation experts have advised anyone inspired by the reality TV program to watch Grand Designs or to head to social media or YouTube for a dose of renovation before starting their own attempt. Prominent buyer's agent Cate Bakos said after more than a decade, only picking 60 per cent of suburbs where values rose wasn't a good strike rate, and in many instances it should have been clear they wouldn't perform well. Ms Bakos said more recent choices to centre the show in regional Victorian townships including Phillip Island and this year's season in Daylesford had gone against wider trends of the state's regional holiday home hotspots' values facing a protracted down turn — and anyone looking for a flip should consider similar areas with caution. 'Buying near the peak for the regional areas is a bit silly,' Ms Bakos said. 'We had crazy growth during Covid, so I wouldn't have chosen regions as a location for The Block.' The prominent buyer's agent said it was important those considering a renovation while watching this season should be very conscious that the homes were heavily overcapitalised, and warned their auctions were unrealistic. 'I would argue that it's all questionable,' Ms Bakos said. 'Watch Grand Designs — that's a better insight, I think, than The Block into what can go wrong.' Real Estate Institute of Australia president Leanne Pilkington said anyone getting ideas of flipping homes from The Block needed to remember 'the whole purpose is to entertain'. While the show did face additional challenges with the need to find a site where at least five similar properties could be worked on by contestants, Ms Pilkington said others needed to 'be much more discerning'. She added that building industry members she knew couldn't watch the show without 'getting very frustrated with it'. Despite this, Ms Pilkington said those looking for a bit of inspiration and the latest trends could potentially draw on features and advice from the judges in the reveal episodes. Her advice for picking a winning area to consider flipping a home in was to focus on homes closer to the median house price, those near public transport and key amenities such as hospitals and major shopping centres. 'And it's absolutely better to go for a middle of the road property,' Ms Pilkington said. Property Developer Network founder Rob Flux has been helping amateur property developers and flippers, tackling similar sized projects to The Block, for a number of years. Mr Flux said he had gone up against The Block's producers as a prospective buyer for a property in the past, and had been told their offer for it was about $2m above his own. 'They are overpaying in all departments,' he said. 'And, I don't know if it is by design or by coincidence, but they are going into areas that aren't growing, and sometimes where the market is going down.' While this might help them find properties that suit their needs, Mr Flux said it was not ideal. However, he noted the bigger risk was following their approach to renovations. 'Despite the fact that it's called reality TV, there's nothing real about it,' Mr Flux said. 'It's extremely rare for anyone to live on site and work for eight weeks.' Instead, he advised a more practical approach starting with understanding what was missing but likely to soon be in demand in an area, working out what buyers would pay for it and then calculating if there could still be a profit — factoring in a buffer in case the market doesn't rise. 'Then, if the market goes in your direction and it works well, you will double your profits,' Mr Flux said. Caitlin Hamston and her partner Scott have flipped or built four properties across Melbourne's inner west over the past nine years. On two occasions they've lived in the homes during the renovations, a process they wouldn't recommend for anyone with kids. While they stick to areas they know, they will even give these a miss if conditions aren't right. 'If it was going backwards, we would avoid it,' Ms Hamston said. Her advice for would-be renovators was to find areas where prices look likely to rise, pick streets with a good feel to them, then look for blocks that don't have constraints that would impact extensions or a new home build. Ms Hamston also advised against getting caught up with luxury finishes, and to look for affordable alternatives wherever possible. 'Otherwise, it defeats the whole purpose if you are trying to renovate and sell for a profit,' she said. She also advised against expecting to complete renovations quickly, with her and her partner's typically taking two years to turn over each of their four builds to date. While Ms Hamston does own a building company, which has made their work easier, she said they had been noticing trades were becoming easier to engage in the past few months. Along with interest rate reductions helping to limit holding costs for loan repayments, she said now could be an opportune time to consider trying a renovation project. Expert Advice For Flipping Properties – Focus on areas you know with good amenities, schools and transport; – Work out what housing an area is missing, who will buy it and what they will pay; – Calculate a budget based on what buyers are likely to pay; – Aim to be selling a home close to the suburb's median price, to ensure the most potential buyers; – Expect to make mistakes and budget for them; – Consider potentially hidden holding costs including land tax, interest rate repayments and energy bills for the site; – Budget for realistic time lines to complete work; – Don't assume that lots of other people doing a particular type of home flip or development in an area means they are making a profit, check your own numbers; – Look for areas with high street appeal, then look for homes or blocks without easements or issues that could hamper your plans to renovate; – Get good trades around you that are reliable; – Consider higher cost improvements such as updating the facade and even adding a pool, if there is advice it will help boost a sale; – Avoid properties with low-return repairs needed, such as those that require underpinning; – Explore YouTube channels and even social media for advice from qualified builders and trades, not 'reality' TV; – Don't rush into things; – Try engaging with local community property development networking events; Sources: Property Developer Network's Rob Flux, Buyer's advocate Cate Bakos, serial flipper Caitlin Hamston THE BLOCK SUBURBS' TRACK RECORD Daylesford, 2025 (The Block auction to be held November) Median house price 2025 (June): $818,000 Median house price 2024 (June): $890,000 12-month change: -$72,000 (-8.1%) Melbourne average change: -$1106 (-1.3%) Phillip Island, 2024 (November) Median house price 2024: $750,000 Median house price 2023: $785,000 12-month change: -$35,000 (-4.5%) Melbourne average: $0 (0%) Hampton East, 2023 (November) Median house price 2023: $1,437,500 Median house price 2022: $1.55m 12-month change: -$112,500 (-7.3%) Melbourne average: -$30,000 (-3.3%) Gisborne, 2022 (November) Median unit price 2022: $1.2m Median unit price 2021:$935,000 12-month change: $265,000 (28.3%) Melbourne average change: $43,000 (5%) Hampton, 2021 (November) Median unit price 2021: $2.33m Median unit price 2020: $1.903m 12-month change: $430,000 (22.4%) Melbourne average change: $111,000 (14.8%) Brighton, 2020 (November) Median house price 2020: $2.71m Median house price 2019: $2.545m 12-month change: $165,000 (6.5%) Melbourne average change: $26,000 (3.6%) St Kilda, 2019 (November) Median unit price 2019: $528,809 Median unit price 2018: $514,000 12-month change: $14,809 (2.9%) Melbourne average change: -$20,000 (-3.5%) St Kilda, 2018 (October) Median unit price 2018: $525,000 Median unit price 2017: $542,500 12-month change: -$17,500 (-3.2%) Melbourne average change: $21,200 (3.9%) Elsternwick, 2017 (October) Median house price 2017: $1.87m Median house price 2016: $1.605m 12-month change: $265,000 (16.5%) Melbourne average change: $25,000 (4.8%) Port Melbourne, 2016 (November) Median unit price 2016: $643,750 Median unit price 2015: $652,500 12-month change: -$8750 (-1.3%) Melbourne average change: $20,000 (4%) South Yarra, 2015 (November) Median unit price 2015: $590,000 Median unit price 2014: $560,000 12-month change: $30,000 (5.4%) Melbourne average change: $26,500 (5.5%) South Yarra, 2015 (April) Median unit price 2015: $577,800 Median unit price 2014: $552,000 12-month change: $25,800 (4.7%) Melbourne average change: $18,100 (3.9%) Prahran, 2014 (October) Median unit price 2014: $504,000 Median unit price 2013: $522,500 12-month change: -$18,500 (-3.4%) Melbourne average change: $27,000 (6%) Albert Park, 2014 (April) Median unit price 2014: $701,000 Median unit price 2013: $430,000 12-month change: $271,000 (63%) Melbourne average change: $29,627 (6.8%) South Melbourne, 2013 (July) Median unit price 2013: $511,000 Median unit price 2012: $535,000 12-month change: -$24,000 (-4.5%) Melbourne average change: $40,000 (9.2%) Bondi, 2013 (March) Median house price 2013: $1,567,500 Median house price 2012: $1,247,500 12-month change: $320,000 (25%) Sydney average change: $42,000 (7.4%) South Melbourne, 2012 (July) Median house price 2012: $894,500 Median house price 2011: $985,000 12-month change: -$90,500 (-9.2%) Melbourne average change: -$15,000 (-3%) Richmond, 2011 (August) Median house price 2011: $845,000 Median house price 2010: $805,000 12-month change: $40,000 (5%) Melbourne average change: $35,000 (7.6%)
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Australian-developed electric Mini Moke now available
Australians can now buy a street-legal, all-electric Mini Moke, courtesy of Melbourne-based electric vehicle (EV) conversion company Jaunt Motors, but you'll have to pay handsomely for it. Jaunt's electric Moke conversion, which is now available for customer commission ahead of delivery in 2026, is priced from $140,000 – excluding the cost of the donor vehicle. The EV converter is also offering its new Moke EV conversion platform to independent workshops around Australia, including installation training and instruction, with trade prices starting at $90,000. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Separately, Moke International is offering an electric Moke for the equivalent of about $69,500 including taxes, delivery and first registration fees in the UK, and has received approval to sell 1500 Mokes in the EU under that market's ultra-low volume vehicle regulations, as well as approval to sell 325 cars in the US this year. The company hopes it can make a similar case for ultra-low volume imports to Australia, where a significant proportion of customers are also expected to be high-end resorts that want to offer customers Moke EVs for complimentary use, short-term rental or as shuttle vehicles. However, Moke International's EV is yet to be confirmed for Australia while Jaunt says every component installed in its electric Moke is CAD designed and engineered to meet Australian Design Rules and local conditions, meaning its vehicles can be registered in every state and territory – a process it will complete before the car is delivered to you. Better known for creating battery-electric versions of the original Land Rover Defender as well as classic Mini Coopers and Porsche 911s, Jaunt also says it plans to extend its conversion platforms to other classic models such as the original Range Rover and Volkswagen Kombi, "making iconic vehicles more accessible, sustainable and engineered in a world moving toward zero-emissions". Based in Scoresby, Victoria, Jaunt specialises in converting classic and specialty vehicles to electric power with a focus on safety, compliance and craftsmanship, and says its engineered electric platforms and conversions "preserve the charm of iconic cars while making them safer, cleaner and better to drive". Jaunt's Moke EV is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing 72kW of power and 175Nm of torque, fed by a 19kWh battery pack that's mounted under the tub and takes between just two and three hours to recharge thanks to a 400-volt electrical architecture. Those numbers aren't big in a world of high-performance EVs, but Jaunt says its Moke can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just seven seconds – "even uphill" – in sport mode, while a regenerative braking system turns the motor into a generator to assist the mechanical brakes. Jaunt's electric upgrade retains the original Moke's low kerb weight, allowing it to be a four-seater without exceeding GVM, as well as its compact dimensions and nimble dynamics. However, it isn't being pitched as a high-performance EV, but one that's "ready for exactly what it was originally designed for: short, joyful, open-air drives". That said, a polished stainless steel-bodied version Jaunt built from the ground up and featuring LED lighting and CNC-machined badges is claimed to be lighter than the original Moke, while offering a better torque-to-weight ratio than a Tesla Model 3 Performance. In addition to the EV conversion and a 7.8:1 single gear ratio to suit larger 13-inch wheels, the retail version supplied directly to customers comes with upgraded brake, steering and suspension systems, plus ADR-compliant seats with seatbelts mounted to a new roll bar system covered by a custom canvas top. Based around a new BMH front sub-frame, the EV system bolts to existing mounting points under the bonnet and comprises the battery, electric motor and inverter, plus driveshafts, a motor cooling system, bi-directional charger and a completely new integrated 12-volt electrical system. It also comes with a new centre dash panel complete with modern digital gauges and controls, an electric parking brake, pop-up charge port and all of the necessary body block-out panels. Braking, steering and suspension systems can be further customised to meet customer needs, and additional custom parts are also available. Jaunt Motors CEO and co-founder Dave Budge says all of this gives the humble old Moke the ability to perform like a brand-new vehicle despite being originally built more than half a century ago. "Classic cars are charming," he said. "They've got stories, they've got soul. But they're also unreliable and are getting harder to maintain. What we're doing isn't about reinventing the car. It's about keeping what was great and fixing everything that wasn't. "This isn't just a loose collection of parts. It's a complete platform we've engineered, built and tested to ADR compliance and the latest EV safety standards. "Now we're making it available to others who care about doing conversions correctly. It allows restorers and auto specialists to deliver fully roadworthy electric Mokes that are safe, legal and will last another 50 years." MORE: Meet the Melbourne startup turning old Land Rovers into electric vehicles Content originally sourced from: Australians can now buy a street-legal, all-electric Mini Moke, courtesy of Melbourne-based electric vehicle (EV) conversion company Jaunt Motors, but you'll have to pay handsomely for it. Jaunt's electric Moke conversion, which is now available for customer commission ahead of delivery in 2026, is priced from $140,000 – excluding the cost of the donor vehicle. The EV converter is also offering its new Moke EV conversion platform to independent workshops around Australia, including installation training and instruction, with trade prices starting at $90,000. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Separately, Moke International is offering an electric Moke for the equivalent of about $69,500 including taxes, delivery and first registration fees in the UK, and has received approval to sell 1500 Mokes in the EU under that market's ultra-low volume vehicle regulations, as well as approval to sell 325 cars in the US this year. The company hopes it can make a similar case for ultra-low volume imports to Australia, where a significant proportion of customers are also expected to be high-end resorts that want to offer customers Moke EVs for complimentary use, short-term rental or as shuttle vehicles. However, Moke International's EV is yet to be confirmed for Australia while Jaunt says every component installed in its electric Moke is CAD designed and engineered to meet Australian Design Rules and local conditions, meaning its vehicles can be registered in every state and territory – a process it will complete before the car is delivered to you. Better known for creating battery-electric versions of the original Land Rover Defender as well as classic Mini Coopers and Porsche 911s, Jaunt also says it plans to extend its conversion platforms to other classic models such as the original Range Rover and Volkswagen Kombi, "making iconic vehicles more accessible, sustainable and engineered in a world moving toward zero-emissions". Based in Scoresby, Victoria, Jaunt specialises in converting classic and specialty vehicles to electric power with a focus on safety, compliance and craftsmanship, and says its engineered electric platforms and conversions "preserve the charm of iconic cars while making them safer, cleaner and better to drive". Jaunt's Moke EV is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing 72kW of power and 175Nm of torque, fed by a 19kWh battery pack that's mounted under the tub and takes between just two and three hours to recharge thanks to a 400-volt electrical architecture. Those numbers aren't big in a world of high-performance EVs, but Jaunt says its Moke can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just seven seconds – "even uphill" – in sport mode, while a regenerative braking system turns the motor into a generator to assist the mechanical brakes. Jaunt's electric upgrade retains the original Moke's low kerb weight, allowing it to be a four-seater without exceeding GVM, as well as its compact dimensions and nimble dynamics. However, it isn't being pitched as a high-performance EV, but one that's "ready for exactly what it was originally designed for: short, joyful, open-air drives". That said, a polished stainless steel-bodied version Jaunt built from the ground up and featuring LED lighting and CNC-machined badges is claimed to be lighter than the original Moke, while offering a better torque-to-weight ratio than a Tesla Model 3 Performance. In addition to the EV conversion and a 7.8:1 single gear ratio to suit larger 13-inch wheels, the retail version supplied directly to customers comes with upgraded brake, steering and suspension systems, plus ADR-compliant seats with seatbelts mounted to a new roll bar system covered by a custom canvas top. Based around a new BMH front sub-frame, the EV system bolts to existing mounting points under the bonnet and comprises the battery, electric motor and inverter, plus driveshafts, a motor cooling system, bi-directional charger and a completely new integrated 12-volt electrical system. It also comes with a new centre dash panel complete with modern digital gauges and controls, an electric parking brake, pop-up charge port and all of the necessary body block-out panels. Braking, steering and suspension systems can be further customised to meet customer needs, and additional custom parts are also available. Jaunt Motors CEO and co-founder Dave Budge says all of this gives the humble old Moke the ability to perform like a brand-new vehicle despite being originally built more than half a century ago. "Classic cars are charming," he said. "They've got stories, they've got soul. But they're also unreliable and are getting harder to maintain. What we're doing isn't about reinventing the car. It's about keeping what was great and fixing everything that wasn't. "This isn't just a loose collection of parts. It's a complete platform we've engineered, built and tested to ADR compliance and the latest EV safety standards. "Now we're making it available to others who care about doing conversions correctly. It allows restorers and auto specialists to deliver fully roadworthy electric Mokes that are safe, legal and will last another 50 years." MORE: Meet the Melbourne startup turning old Land Rovers into electric vehicles Content originally sourced from: Australians can now buy a street-legal, all-electric Mini Moke, courtesy of Melbourne-based electric vehicle (EV) conversion company Jaunt Motors, but you'll have to pay handsomely for it. Jaunt's electric Moke conversion, which is now available for customer commission ahead of delivery in 2026, is priced from $140,000 – excluding the cost of the donor vehicle. The EV converter is also offering its new Moke EV conversion platform to independent workshops around Australia, including installation training and instruction, with trade prices starting at $90,000. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Separately, Moke International is offering an electric Moke for the equivalent of about $69,500 including taxes, delivery and first registration fees in the UK, and has received approval to sell 1500 Mokes in the EU under that market's ultra-low volume vehicle regulations, as well as approval to sell 325 cars in the US this year. The company hopes it can make a similar case for ultra-low volume imports to Australia, where a significant proportion of customers are also expected to be high-end resorts that want to offer customers Moke EVs for complimentary use, short-term rental or as shuttle vehicles. However, Moke International's EV is yet to be confirmed for Australia while Jaunt says every component installed in its electric Moke is CAD designed and engineered to meet Australian Design Rules and local conditions, meaning its vehicles can be registered in every state and territory – a process it will complete before the car is delivered to you. Better known for creating battery-electric versions of the original Land Rover Defender as well as classic Mini Coopers and Porsche 911s, Jaunt also says it plans to extend its conversion platforms to other classic models such as the original Range Rover and Volkswagen Kombi, "making iconic vehicles more accessible, sustainable and engineered in a world moving toward zero-emissions". Based in Scoresby, Victoria, Jaunt specialises in converting classic and specialty vehicles to electric power with a focus on safety, compliance and craftsmanship, and says its engineered electric platforms and conversions "preserve the charm of iconic cars while making them safer, cleaner and better to drive". Jaunt's Moke EV is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing 72kW of power and 175Nm of torque, fed by a 19kWh battery pack that's mounted under the tub and takes between just two and three hours to recharge thanks to a 400-volt electrical architecture. Those numbers aren't big in a world of high-performance EVs, but Jaunt says its Moke can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just seven seconds – "even uphill" – in sport mode, while a regenerative braking system turns the motor into a generator to assist the mechanical brakes. Jaunt's electric upgrade retains the original Moke's low kerb weight, allowing it to be a four-seater without exceeding GVM, as well as its compact dimensions and nimble dynamics. However, it isn't being pitched as a high-performance EV, but one that's "ready for exactly what it was originally designed for: short, joyful, open-air drives". That said, a polished stainless steel-bodied version Jaunt built from the ground up and featuring LED lighting and CNC-machined badges is claimed to be lighter than the original Moke, while offering a better torque-to-weight ratio than a Tesla Model 3 Performance. In addition to the EV conversion and a 7.8:1 single gear ratio to suit larger 13-inch wheels, the retail version supplied directly to customers comes with upgraded brake, steering and suspension systems, plus ADR-compliant seats with seatbelts mounted to a new roll bar system covered by a custom canvas top. Based around a new BMH front sub-frame, the EV system bolts to existing mounting points under the bonnet and comprises the battery, electric motor and inverter, plus driveshafts, a motor cooling system, bi-directional charger and a completely new integrated 12-volt electrical system. It also comes with a new centre dash panel complete with modern digital gauges and controls, an electric parking brake, pop-up charge port and all of the necessary body block-out panels. Braking, steering and suspension systems can be further customised to meet customer needs, and additional custom parts are also available. Jaunt Motors CEO and co-founder Dave Budge says all of this gives the humble old Moke the ability to perform like a brand-new vehicle despite being originally built more than half a century ago. "Classic cars are charming," he said. "They've got stories, they've got soul. But they're also unreliable and are getting harder to maintain. What we're doing isn't about reinventing the car. It's about keeping what was great and fixing everything that wasn't. "This isn't just a loose collection of parts. It's a complete platform we've engineered, built and tested to ADR compliance and the latest EV safety standards. "Now we're making it available to others who care about doing conversions correctly. It allows restorers and auto specialists to deliver fully roadworthy electric Mokes that are safe, legal and will last another 50 years." MORE: Meet the Melbourne startup turning old Land Rovers into electric vehicles Content originally sourced from: Australians can now buy a street-legal, all-electric Mini Moke, courtesy of Melbourne-based electric vehicle (EV) conversion company Jaunt Motors, but you'll have to pay handsomely for it. Jaunt's electric Moke conversion, which is now available for customer commission ahead of delivery in 2026, is priced from $140,000 – excluding the cost of the donor vehicle. The EV converter is also offering its new Moke EV conversion platform to independent workshops around Australia, including installation training and instruction, with trade prices starting at $90,000. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Separately, Moke International is offering an electric Moke for the equivalent of about $69,500 including taxes, delivery and first registration fees in the UK, and has received approval to sell 1500 Mokes in the EU under that market's ultra-low volume vehicle regulations, as well as approval to sell 325 cars in the US this year. The company hopes it can make a similar case for ultra-low volume imports to Australia, where a significant proportion of customers are also expected to be high-end resorts that want to offer customers Moke EVs for complimentary use, short-term rental or as shuttle vehicles. However, Moke International's EV is yet to be confirmed for Australia while Jaunt says every component installed in its electric Moke is CAD designed and engineered to meet Australian Design Rules and local conditions, meaning its vehicles can be registered in every state and territory – a process it will complete before the car is delivered to you. Better known for creating battery-electric versions of the original Land Rover Defender as well as classic Mini Coopers and Porsche 911s, Jaunt also says it plans to extend its conversion platforms to other classic models such as the original Range Rover and Volkswagen Kombi, "making iconic vehicles more accessible, sustainable and engineered in a world moving toward zero-emissions". Based in Scoresby, Victoria, Jaunt specialises in converting classic and specialty vehicles to electric power with a focus on safety, compliance and craftsmanship, and says its engineered electric platforms and conversions "preserve the charm of iconic cars while making them safer, cleaner and better to drive". Jaunt's Moke EV is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing 72kW of power and 175Nm of torque, fed by a 19kWh battery pack that's mounted under the tub and takes between just two and three hours to recharge thanks to a 400-volt electrical architecture. Those numbers aren't big in a world of high-performance EVs, but Jaunt says its Moke can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just seven seconds – "even uphill" – in sport mode, while a regenerative braking system turns the motor into a generator to assist the mechanical brakes. Jaunt's electric upgrade retains the original Moke's low kerb weight, allowing it to be a four-seater without exceeding GVM, as well as its compact dimensions and nimble dynamics. However, it isn't being pitched as a high-performance EV, but one that's "ready for exactly what it was originally designed for: short, joyful, open-air drives". That said, a polished stainless steel-bodied version Jaunt built from the ground up and featuring LED lighting and CNC-machined badges is claimed to be lighter than the original Moke, while offering a better torque-to-weight ratio than a Tesla Model 3 Performance. In addition to the EV conversion and a 7.8:1 single gear ratio to suit larger 13-inch wheels, the retail version supplied directly to customers comes with upgraded brake, steering and suspension systems, plus ADR-compliant seats with seatbelts mounted to a new roll bar system covered by a custom canvas top. Based around a new BMH front sub-frame, the EV system bolts to existing mounting points under the bonnet and comprises the battery, electric motor and inverter, plus driveshafts, a motor cooling system, bi-directional charger and a completely new integrated 12-volt electrical system. It also comes with a new centre dash panel complete with modern digital gauges and controls, an electric parking brake, pop-up charge port and all of the necessary body block-out panels. Braking, steering and suspension systems can be further customised to meet customer needs, and additional custom parts are also available. Jaunt Motors CEO and co-founder Dave Budge says all of this gives the humble old Moke the ability to perform like a brand-new vehicle despite being originally built more than half a century ago. "Classic cars are charming," he said. "They've got stories, they've got soul. But they're also unreliable and are getting harder to maintain. What we're doing isn't about reinventing the car. It's about keeping what was great and fixing everything that wasn't. "This isn't just a loose collection of parts. It's a complete platform we've engineered, built and tested to ADR compliance and the latest EV safety standards. "Now we're making it available to others who care about doing conversions correctly. It allows restorers and auto specialists to deliver fully roadworthy electric Mokes that are safe, legal and will last another 50 years." MORE: Meet the Melbourne startup turning old Land Rovers into electric vehicles Content originally sourced from:
West Australian
6 hours ago
- West Australian
WA to be thunderstruck as AC/DC, Ed Sheeran, Ashes and WWE head to town from September
Bryan Adams might well claim the summer of '69 as the greatest, the summer of 2025 in WA is shaping as one to remember for sporting and musical diehards. AC/DC, Metallica, Ed Sheeran, the Ashes, and WWE are just some of the events scheduled for Optus Stadium and RAC Arena from September through to the end of January. Tourism representatives and the State Government this week salivated at the potential economic and social spinoffs to WA because the events. 'We want WA to remain the strongest economy in the nation. That's why we're diversifying our economy for the future by bringing big-name events to Perth that will attract thousands of visitors and pump millions into the local economy,' Acting Premier Rita Saffioti said. 'For every dollar spent on these events, we have a return of $3.50 — that's money going straight into the pockets of WA businesses. 'Importantly, these events put us on the global stage, positioning WA as an event destination. 'WA's summer of entertainment is going to be huge — and with a great line up to look forward to, there's something for everyone.' Optus Stadium chief executive Mike McKenna said the venue was preparing for its biggest ever summer, which followed its biggest ever month in June. 'From October to March, Optus Stadium will host concerts featuring three huge acts, the return of the blockbuster Bledisloe Cup, the hotly anticipated first Test of the NRMA Insurance Men's Ashes series, a One Day International between Australia and India and another big BBL season,' he said. 'Before the 2026 winter AFL season commences, the AFC Asian Women's Cup kicks off with the opening game at the Stadium, along with a semi final match.' Mr McKenna said Optus would stage some massive concerts in coming months. 'The stadium will transition to concert mode when heavy metal band Metallica brings their signature sound on November 1 as part of the M72 World Tour, with special guests Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies,' Mr McKenna said. 'This will be Metallica's first visit to Australia in a decade and tickets have already sold out. 'AC/DC will then bring their global Power Up tour to the stadium . . . delivering a career spanning setlist packed with iconic anthems like Stadium favourite Thunderstruck. 'As soon as the BBL season ends, we will welcome global singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran back to Optus Stadium for the third time on January 31, 2026, as part of the Loop Tour.' Tourism WA managing director Anneke Brown said .enticing big events to Perth was part of 'a plan to grow the WA tourism sector'. 'Events are a key part of our plan to grow the WA tourism sector, as they drive bookings to our Dream State, add vibrancy to a destination and drive awareness of Western Australia as an incredible holiday and events destination through media coverage,' she said. Tourism Council WA boss Evan Hall said not all events were money spinners, but some were big economic boons for the State. 'For every 1000 interstate fans we entice to WA for major tourism events we create an additional $2.5M in the economy creating more than 15 jobs,' he said.
