Highlight Consulting

Testimonials

Architect for off-grid house [...]

Architect for off-grid house at Lower Portland

You have done a great job.

Approval despite objection

“It sounds like we are heading towards a fantastic result” “Thanks again Helen on assisting us hitting a major milestone – DA approval.”

Central Coast client [...]

"A quick email of thanks for your time today. You certainly do know your stuff!"

Sydney/Central Coast Client

"This is such great news! Thank you so much to Helen for the hard work and the quality of the submission and follow through that I have no doubt significantly contributed ... Collaborating made such a difference."

Sydney acreage buyers

"Your guidance about where to look, and what to look for, really crystallised our thinking. We are very happy with the waterfront 30 acres we have just bought."

Commercial site search

“Even if it was uncomfortable news for us, you told it like it is, so we could make our own decisions about taking the risk or walking away. You saved us money by avoiding a big mistake.”

Another satisfied client [...]

"thank you very much Helen for meeting with us in Sydney and for all the great work you’ve done so far. You’ve put us in a strong negotiating position with our neighbour."

Dual Occ. Consent

“Thank you for getting us where we are today … approval. We are very appreciative of this and we know we probably wouldn’t have got there without your skill and expertise.”

Central Coast client [...]

"Thank you so much Helen for bringing this to a positive conclusion. ... If you ever require a reference for your outstanding work I am very happy to provide it."

Apparent breach by a [...]

"Once again I can’t thank you enough for your interest in this situation. It is certainly very distressing (and could have become very expensive)."

Application for a relocated [...]

"Thanks."

Central Coast subdivider

"Thanks Helen for the information. You are certainly organised."

Subdivision after a refusal

“I never thought we’d get it approved, but you persisted with both the staff and Councillors and we got there. Thank you.” The land was immediately sold at a big profit with the Development Consent!

Central Coast acreage owner

“You have done it! ... (Council) said you hit the nail on the head.” (‘Challenging’ neighbours... Threatened Council breach action to cease.)

Central Coast client, selling [...]

"Thank you for your knowledge, focus and clear direction: you gave us confidence to stick with the process and do what it took to achieve our sale."

(Update...) "Thank you again for your kind assistance. Yes, we settled on ... We’re relieved, because it was such a drawn out stressful experience and now we can move on."

Long-term Central Coast [...]

Would you stand for the Board?

New Central Coast Corporate [...]

"I am so glad we spoke. I feel we are now in safe hands for a difficult project."

Central Coast waterfront [...]

"Thank you for your expertise in helping us to understand the workings of the Central Coast Council and your advice on the various options open to us."

Central Coast client on [...]

What a superstar you are! … [I] profess my sincere thanks

Sydney/Central Coast Client

"Helen – thanks very much for your email and all your hard work. It’s a tremendous result. I agree with you that working together ... gave us much leverage!"

Central Coast property owners [...]

"I appreciated your involvement. ... You came highly recommended and we realize why."

Property protection

“Helen, this is fantastic thank you. Please do submit to Council, and I would be delighted if you would continue to monitor the situation.”

Lower Portland off-grid house [...]

Lower Portland off-grid house developer (with steep land, Flame Zone, Koalas, flooding, incorrectly claimed EEC)

Brilliant response. Brilliant. … solid, watertight, fair but firm.

Central Coast planning [...]

A most comprehensive newsletter. Professional and well balanced. Your efforts are most appreciated. The community benefits.

Subdivision battle

“You kept the Council staff honest by not letting them get away with a sloppy assessment that wasn’t fair and that had errors of fact. Then you tackled the Councillors! Well done.”

Central Coast luminary

Thanks Helen for your terrific work put into the newsletter. The newsletter has contributed greatly to defining the path to better urban and ecological planning on the Central Coast and beyond.

Central Coast tradesperson

"Very impressive ...." Kindest Regards

Central Coast client on [...]

"Thank you again for such prompt service and high quality work. We will definitely be in touch soon to discuss the next steps"

Central Coast Real Estate [...]

"Awesome."

Pre-purchase uncertainty [...]

"you've overachieved, we can buy it now" "you have been an amazing help."

Client

"We like your work on our subdivision. Would you work on another one for us, elsewhere?"

Central Coast client

Consummate professional

Central Coast waterfront [...]

"Thank you so much for your work. ... You have been a blessing to us and we could not have done this without you. ... [We] ... have always believed in finding the most skilled specialists for each project, and through [a local real estate agent] we found you. You led us along this journey, told us how to connect and who to connect to and through listening to your advice we reached our goal today ..."

Central Coast property owner [...]

(Response to us “regularising” the works over 2 years:) "I cannot believe this is over! Thank you for your guidance."

Central Coast client with [...]

"Excellent thanks very much Helen!"

Satisfactory resolution

“May I take this opportunity to thank you for involvement in this complicated matter which is now at a conclusion. There is no doubt that your assistance has been of immense help.”

Central Coast business person [...]

"Thanks again for a great, concise report."

Central Coast client [...]

"Helen, thanks again, you were the best thing to come out of this whole episode I really appreciate what you did for us."

CC resident, national [...]

"You really know what you are talking about, and I deal with many Councils for our company’s properties"

Central Coast Client (retail [...]

I trust you.

Central Coast activist for [...]

"Once again a well structured Newsletter and important for pulling urban planners and public interest groups together."

Waterfront owner

"You’re good at what you do."

New Central Coast owners of [...]

"We have total faith in your work and service."

Sydney client looking to buy [...]

"... Your report was very useful in defining the risks and we sought this [extra specialist] ... advice to clarify things."

Waterfront owners with [...]

"...we do appreciate all you have and are doing for us re this situation. It has not been an easy task for you, and your preparation for Tuesday's site meeting was great, as has been all your other work."

Sydney-based investor facing [...]

"Thank you, wise counsel"

Central Coast Business

"Many thanks for lodging the S4.55 application in such a short time frame and I am very impressed with your explanation in the letter which covers everything.

The 2 piece of good news is all because of you and thanks again for your assistance."

Rezone then subdivide

“You protected our interests throughout. … Tactically skilful and technically knowledgeable, and you know the system. We relied on your skills and knowledge and we’ve obtained the desired result.”

Privacy protection

“You did a fine job for us and we are most grateful to you for your efforts. We would happily recommend you to other interested parties.”

Pittwater waterfront client

"I have read your report. It's fabulously forensic. Thank you.."

Building a portfolio

“You gave me strategic advice that I hadn’t heard in any of the investment seminars I’d paid good money for. It was well worth while having a couple of planning sessions with you.”

Experienced multi-region [...]

"Great work …[on] this [>$6m] project; it is much appreciated and I look forward to working with you further"

Central Coast developer ($6m [...]

"Thank you Helen for your efficiency: you promised the short-notice reports by c.o.b. today and they arrived during the morning, full of information."

Contribution requested for [...]

"Thanks so much Helen. You're a champion."

Experienced multi-region [...]

"... You have patiently and skillfully sent info on the Central Coast Property issues for years, thank you.

You provide a great service to the area .... and for free!"

Hawkesbury client proposing [...]

Great result!!!! Well done!!!

Former Central Coast real [...]

"GREAT newsletter again. You have so much good info in all sections of the newsletter.."

Central Coast client [...]

"You gave us a lot to think about and the background research and information was really helpful. You have a thorough knowledge of all the planning and legal requirements, and are very professional"

Central Coast new waterfront [...]

"We are glad to be back on track, look forward to seeing this through, and are grateful to have you on the team."

Waterfront owner seeking 2 [...]

"You really know what you are doing"

Contact Us

Highlight Consulting provides an integrated service to add property value for owners and purchasers, reducing the stress and time required for your development project. Thirty years of consulting experience and five years as the senior Council development and building manager have given the company’s Director, Dr Helen Monks, deep experience with an enviable reputation in town planning and real estate development. A particular strength of the company is to solve development problems creatively and effectively. As private planners, we produce efficient applications with attention to detail, good customer service relying on clear communications.

This business delivers prompt service which responds to clients’ objectives. We are the first stop for developers with small to medium projects, particularly on environmentally sensitive land.

The services of Highlight Consulting range from pre-purchase reports and auction advice, through planning proposals, rezoning applications, Development Applications for all purposes, advice on State and local government regulatory changes, rectification of breaches, tactical advice and sustainability advice for property owners, especially for predicted changes in coastal erosion, sea level rise, flooding, species and bushfire. The whole range of specialist professions required to meet Council and State requirements is available through Highlight Consulting.

Clients’ goals are clarified early, with a response about alternative means to achieve those goals, along with the consequences of each alternative. Clients can be involved in the design process as well as negotiations with Council. We specialize in project managing your application to maximize the combination of achieving your goals and gaining approval.

For sustainable solutions in the property industry, call us on 0439 465 441.