The Development Drum

In this episode of the Development Drum, Mike Loney discusses the complexities of navigating the property development landscape amidst a housing crisis, providing insights into the challenges they’ve faced while also offering his perspective on whether housing affordability is achievable. He goes on to tell the story of how he got into this field of work, sheds light on his current day-to-day activities, and reveals the one passion that keeps him energised.Links from this episode: https://www.ausbuild.com.au/About your host: Kirsty Chessher-BrownAbout Michael: Michael Loney is a Joint Managing Director at Ausbuild and is mutually responsible for the strategic direction of Ausbuild’s large development portfolio, the company’s day-to-day operations, and its future direction.Michael’s strengths are derived from a long career in cost management and project feasibility studies where he developed practical working knowledge of the mechanics of property development including the art of negotiation with industry, Government, and vendors.Mike enjoys the enviable lifestyle offered by our beautiful neck of the woods. His main activities outside of work are focused on spending time with his two children, adventuring in Moreton Bay, and heading up the east coast for an occasional kid-free long lunch with his wife.Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode of the Development Drum, Tammy Berghofer shares her journey from starting a marketing degree in university, to now working as a legal advisor to the real estate sector as an award-winning Partner at MinterEllison Lawyers. Delve into the intricacies of the regulatory landscape and collaborative efforts with Government, and gain insights into the complexities of an aging population, ensuring that seniors have access to suitable, affordable housing in their preferred locations. Tammy also provides advice for early-career professionals and shares her focus areas for the year.Links from this episode: https://www.minterellison.com/ About your host: Kirsty Chessher-BrownAbout Tammy: Tammy Berghofer is a Partner at MinterEllison Lawyers and has been a legal advisor to the real estate sector for more than 18 years. While she has a wealth of experience in all things real estate, she has a particular interest in seniors’ living and regulation. She has built a successful national practice in the area, being recognised over the past two years by Doyle's as a Leading Health and Aged Care Partner, Recommended Property and Real Estate Partner, and Recommended Leasing Lawyer.Tammy advises some of Australia's largest retirement village operators, including Aveo and RetireAustralia, on all aspects of the village lifecycle including acquisitions, disposals, redevelopments of strategic sites, and regulatory compliance. Her understanding of the day-to-day challenges of retirement village operations is deep, as she works closely with a large team of lawyers and paralegals who transact more than 4000 retirement village conveyancing matters across the country per year.Tammy is the Chair of the Institute's Seniors Living and Residential Care Committee and a member of the National Retirement Living Council's Advocacy and Research Sub-Committee. She has a profound commitment to the future of the retirement living sector and generously shares her expertise by regularly presenting at industry events and training forums. She is also passionate about working with young professionals to navigate the challenges of corporate life and in 2022 was a Finalist in the 'Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards' for 'Mentor of the Year'.Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode of the Development Drum, Amanda Yeates discusses her career trajectory, from her roles in State Government and Transport and Main Roads to her current position as CEO at SunCentral. Amanda expresses her enthusiasm for the industry, highlighting the aspects that excite her most, and sharing the challenges she has encountered over the years. She offers insights into the community's acceptance of change, her use of social media, and her view on the importance of professional development. Links from this episode: https://maroochydore-city.com.au/suncentral About your host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown About Amanda: Amanda Yeates is the CEO at SunCentral, and has extensive experience in leadership of major public infrastructure programs.Prior to her role as CEO with SunCentral, she was the Deputy Director General, Department of Transport and Main Roads where she oversaw the state’s $27 billion transport infrastructure program.Amanda is a fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia, a registered professional Engineer, Chair of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Sunshine Coast Committee, and holds Board Director roles with Powerlink and Wishlist (the Sunshine Coast Health Foundation).Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode of the Development Drum, Mark Creevey and Tony Williams, Directors at Ray White Special Projects (QLD), share invaluable insight into market intricacies, supply and demand, and the nature of the industry. Mark and Tony discuss their collaborative approach towards co-directing the business and how they ensure combined goals are achieved. They also share their experiences navigating diverse personalities, fostering these relationships, and achieving long-term success.  Links from this episode: https://www.raywhitespecialprojects.com/  About your host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown  About Mark and Tony: Mark is a co-director and owner of Ray White Special Projects (QLD) who specialises in the marketing and sale of residential development sites. In his spare time, Mark keeps active and spends time with his three teenagers. Tony has been with the Ray White Group for over 30 years and is one of the founding partners of Ray White Special Projects. He has lived in Brisbane all his life and is an avid sports fan following all the football codes particularly rugby union, as well as enjoying golf and tennis. Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode of the Development Drum, David Laner delves into the intricacies of his role, exploring both its challenges and highlights as he navigates projects from inception to completion. David also shares invaluable advice to industry peers and newcomers alike, emphasising the significance of active participation in industry organisations and the guidance offered by mentors.Links from this episode: https://www.stockland.com.au/About your host: Kirsty Chessher-BrownAbout David: David Laner is the General Manager of Stockland Development in Queensland, and is responsible for numerous residential developments across the state. He has been working at Stockland since 2007 and was also a UDIA Queensland Board member for over ten years. Prior to working with Stockland, David had his own business, and worked in a national consultancy group. The early part of his career was spent with the Lendlease Corporation.David graduated with an Honours degree in Civil Engineering from QUT in 1997, having moved to Brisbane from his childhood home in Gladstone in Central Queensland.David loves the Lions, loves the Cowboys, enjoys golf and a bit of running, though cricket is the main game in the Laner household.Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode of the Development Drum, Bruce Harper delves into his experiences and the lessons he learned when navigating the challenges inflicted by the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. He also shares insight into his approach to managing change, the importance of team culture, and offers his advice on the four key attributes that young professionals in the industry should prioritise.Links from this episode: https://avid.com.au/About your host: Kirsty Chessher-BrownAbout Bruce: Bruce Harper is the Executive General Manager for AVID Property Group. The team he leads develops, markets and sells a portfolio of land developments and spec housing estates across Queensland, ranging from the 5,000 lot master planned Harmony community on the Sunshine Coast to integrated spec housing developments on the Gold Coast.Over the course of his career, he has been an instigator of many of the innovations in urban development including small lot housing and numerous environmental innovation and urban design initiatives. He holds Planning and Company Director qualifications and has been an active member of industry groups including the UDIA in addition to serving as chairman and member of a range of Government and industry advisory Boards and committees.For relaxation Bruce paints, mainly portraits, has written a couple of children’s books and recently relearned to play the piano after a 50-year break.Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode of the Development Drum, Tess Pickering speaks candidly about what it’s like working in the planning sector, the truth behind public perceptions, and the differences between her role in Queensland opposed to Victoria. She also discusses the difficult balance of juggling a demanding job and spending time with her loved ones.Links from this episode: https://www.housing.qld.gov.au/About your host: Kirsty Chessher-BrownAbout Tess: Tess Pickering, Deputy Director General of Planning, is an experienced and energetic planner, passionate about delivering placed based planning outcomes that make a real impact – shaping Queenslander’s lives now and for the future.Tess embraces the big challenges with a focus on collaboration, taking inspiration from working alongside people with the confidence to push boundaries, contribute ideas and come up with solutions together.  Particular focus has been on greener and cooler streets, enabling people to live more locally, more affordable homes and engaging with our First Nation peoples better in the planning framework.Returning home to Queensland after five years in Melbourne working for the Victorian Planning Authority, Tess is committed to plans that promote inclusivity while accommodating growth and embodying our distinctly Queensland lifestyle.  Since being back in Queensland, Tess has overseen the delivery of ShapingSEQ 2023. Her attention now turns to leading the delivery of the government’s ambitious planning agenda with key partners and stakeholders – one that includes a statewide regional planning program, and responsibilities under the newly released ‘Homes for Queenslanders’ to ‘build more homes, faster’.Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode of the Development Drum, Jack Hutchinson provides a glimpse into the reality of working within a family business and reflects on the journey he took to get to where he is today. Gain insight into Jack’s perspectives on increasing skilled labour, productivity issues, and current trends in the industry, along with his thoughts on how the organisation differs when it comes to their identity, values and culture.Links from this episode: https://www.hutchinsonbuilders.com.au/About Jack: Jack Hutchinson is a qualified quantity surveyor and a licenced builder. He holds an MBA from the London Business School and a Bachelor of Property from Bond University.Before being appointed as a Director in 2022, Jack worked across various project and operational roles within Hutchinson Builders, as well as within other property, construction, and financial firms in both Australia and the United Kingdom.In his spare time, Jack writes fiction and has had several pieces published in Australian literary magazines. He is also a happily retired competitive pinball player, having once been ranked 7th in the country.Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode of the Development Drum, David Hansen shares the intricacies of his current role, and the previous experiences and knowledge he has garnered over his career. Hear his perspectives on the relationship between local Government and community, his approach towards stakeholder collaboration, and his insight on managing organisational culture in a large team.Links from this episode: https://www.logan.qld.gov.au/About David: David Hansen is the Director of Growth, Economy and Sustainability at City of Logan.He is a Brisbane-born, Logan-raised town planner who has spent the past 27 years working in planning and economic development roles across all parts of Queensland, in both the private and public sector.In many ways, his current role as Director of Growth, Economy & Sustainability for City of Logan is an opportunity to reflect on his own upbringing, given his parents aspired to leave Brisbane for the opportunities that only greenfield living could provide at that time.David is Dad to 3 beautiful boys, a cricket tragic and Liverpool FC supporter, and someone with incredible awareness of any new bakery openings across Greater Brisbane.Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode In the final episode of season three, Kirsty speaks to Leah Lang - who is an award-winning architect for the Queensland Government. With over two decades of experience in the design space, Leah provides fascinating insight on the importance of design in the next stage of its evolution. She also reflects on her career, the housing crisis, and her current and future projects.About your host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland.About Leah Leah Lang, is an experienced Strategic Design Advisor and award-winning registered architect, Fellow of the Institute of Architects and the current Queensland Government Architect.She is currently advising Government on Housing, Olympics, Health and planning policy and projects. With over 25 years of experience, Leah’s leadership and expertise is utilised through appointments to multiple design boards, panels and juries. She leverages all these roles to advocate and facilitate high-quality, people and place-responsive design and heritage outcomes for Queensland.In her spare time (of which she doesn’t have much) she loves going to the beach with her kids, wine, and catching up with friends or motorbike rides through the hinterland with her husband.Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode of the Development Drum, Kirsty sat down with Sarah Macoun, one of our very own board members and a leading environment and heritage, and planning and development lawyer in Queensland. Sarah generously shares her thoughts on the multitude of issues that face the market, and why the process of change is still one of the biggest challenges within the community. Links from this episode:  Legal and Advisory Expertise | HopgoodGanim LawyersAbout your host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland.About Sarah: Sarah Macoun is a Planning and Environment lawyer providing front end advisory services, including project scoping, strategic planning advice, and due diligence, through to representing stakeholders in planning and environment litigation and assisting clients with environmental compliance. She has a particular interest in the ever-changing environmental offsets framework.Sarah is Board Secretary for the Urban Development Institute of Australia (Queensland) and is Chair of both the UDIA’s Planning and Environment Committee and Chair of the National UDIA EnviroDevelopment Board.Sarah is recognised by Doyle’s Guide as a Leading Environment & Heritage Lawyers, Queensland, 2022 and Planning & Development Lawyer, Queensland, 2020-2022. Most recently, Sarah was included in The Best Lawyers in Australia 2020–2023 editions for Land Use and Zoning Law and Planning and Environmental Law.Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode of the Development Drum, we talk to Paul Melville & Bevan Geissmann from Larst Pty Ltd / Halcyon. They discuss what prompted them to identify senior housing as a business opportunity and share the critical ingredients to Halycon’s success.About your host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland.About Paul and Bevan: Kirsty is joined by Paul Melville and Bevan Geissmann, two joint managing directors of Larst Pty Ltd / Halcyon who share a passion for housing development for seniors. Paul and Bevan share behind-the-scenes stories that led to their success, from when they first recognised a business opportunity to the hurdles they faced along the way. Throw in the GFC and COVID – how did they navigate the challenge? Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode Kirsty interviews Debra Robinson – a group executive at Sunshine Coast Regional Council. Deb has had an astonishing career, and it’s a delight to hear her explain her role, her goals, and her pivotal moments across her time in town planning, and the building and construction industry. She also explains the challenges the council faces along with the value of her long-standing association with UDIA Queensland.About your host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland.About Deb. She has held senior management positions in both the public and private sectors since 2000, most notably as both a Town Planner and Development Manager in the Building and Construction industry.Debra has formal town planning qualifications, holds a Master of Business Administration, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and in 2006 she was awarded the Outstanding Business Woman of the Year by the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network. Debra is also a current Board member of the Sunshine Coast Falcons Rugby League Club.Finally, Debra is a Sunshine Coast local, passionate about the region and leading and contributing to the creation of a strong and diverse economy whilst ensuring sustainable growth and the retention of the enviable lifestyle that all residents and visitors to the area can continue to enjoy into the future.Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode of the Development Drum, we talk to Raynuha Sinnathamby identifying some lessons from Springfield that can be used to inform a better and more integrated approach to masterplanning, growth, and delivery.Links from this episode:  Springfield City Group (amgc.org.au)About your host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland.About Raynuha: Raynuha Sinnathamby is Springfield City Group’s Managing Director. A solicitor by trade, Raynuha holds Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law degrees and also a Masters of Business Administration.In February 2013, Raynuha was appointed Managing Director of the Springfield City Group.  Over the years, Raynuha has been closely involved in the building of Greater Springfield City, now the fourth fastest-growing statistical local area in the country.In 2018, Raynuha received the University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Award for her role in promoting the role of women in the property industry.  Raynuha has also served on the Leadership Council for Cultural Diversity and the Premiers Business Advisory Council.  She currently serves on the Committee for Brisbane Advisory Council and the USQ Business Advisory Council. In her spare time, Raynuha participates in triathlons and enjoys travelling.Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode of the Development Drum, we talk to Beth Toon who shares the challenges she faced in navigating the business through COVID-related changes across multiple countries and states. Beth also tells us how she manages to stay connected to a large team of multidisciplinary and technical experts.Links from this episode:  Home - Place Design GroupAbout your host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland.About Beth: Beth Toon is the Chief Executive Officer for Place Design Group, leading Place Design Group into its next phase, with a commitment to long-term growth and success. She has had more than 20 years’ experience across a broad variety of sectors. Prior to becoming Place’s CEO in 2019, Beth successes include co-founding a strategic marketing and public relations firm in 2009 where she led a range of project-based services across the corporate, not-for-profit, property, hospitality, fashion, and lifestyle sectors for renowned brands. This breadth of experience combined with her exceptional communications skills has enabled her to apply a fresh approach to the planning and design realm. Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode of the Development Drum, we talk to Scott Ullman about the focus on people and culture at Frasers. Scott also compares his experience as General Manager with his previous role as Development Director.Links from this episode:  Property Developer in Australia | Frasers PropertyAbout your host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland.About Scott: Scott Ullman is the Queensland General Manager at Frasers Property Australia. Scott joined Frasers Property Australia in 2007 and oversees the acquisition and development of apartment, mixed use, townhouse, and land communities which have an end value of in excess of $2 Billion.Scott has almost years of experience in the residential property sector.  Prior to joining Frasers, Scott was a consulting engineer and project manager working on numerous property and infrastructure projects throughout Queensland.Scott holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil, Hon).  Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode of the Development Drum, we talk to Mike Hurley about the rewards and challenges he has found in the property industry plus his vision for property in Queensland.Links from this episode:  Aria Property GroupAbout your host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland.About Mike: Mike Hurley is one of the founders of ARIA and has been responsible for driving and running the residential development division of the company for the past decade. This includes 4 UDIA National award-winning High-Rise Developments: The Standard, Oxley & Stirling, The Melbourne Residences, and Botanica.Over the last 10 years, Michael has been responsible for developing and delivering over 2,000 residential units across 15 projects valued at over $1.4billion. Michael is a member of the UDIA Brisbane City Council policy committee, and is a Business South Bank board member.When not at work you can find Mike chasing around his two extremely energetic young kids, training for his next Ultra Marathon, or planning his next family adventure.        Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode of the Development Drum, we talk to Michael McNab about his long standing association with the UDIA Queensland and the importance he places on growing, developing and supporting people in a team with over 300 people across South East Queensland.Links from this episode:  McNabAbout your host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland.About Michael: Michael McNab is the Managing Director and founder of Queensland construction and development group McNab, now one of Queensland’s largest privately owned companies. Michael is also a Director of UDIA Queensland. McNab currently has 500 staff across South East Queensland, and has built a reputation for providing certainty, in uncertain or fluctuating markets.Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode of the Development Drum, we talk to Brook Monahan about his decision to move from Agribusiness to property, and the successes and challenges he has experienced in the industry. He shares his approach to leading teams and community engagement.Links from this episode:  Mosaic (mosaicproperty.com.au)About your host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland.About Brook: Brook Monahan brings a wealth of knowledge as Founder and Managing Director of Mosaic Property Group, one of Queensland's most awarded and respected property developers. Mosaic's unique, fully-integrated business model, sees it control every aspect of the development and delivery process, from research, site acquisition, design, marketing, sales, and construction, to property and asset management and caretaking long after completion. Numbering over 60 completed developments since 2014, Mosaic has a further $1.5billion of residential and mixed-use projects set to be delivered across South East Queensland within the next five years. And with over 185 team members and 2,000 consultants and sub-contractors, Mosaic is a significant employer and contributor to Queensland's economy.Brook is also the Director and Co-Founder of the Mosaic Foundation, which supports local grassroots organisations in making a genuine difference to society's most vulnerable, including the homeless, sick, and disadvantaged children.Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode of the Development Drum, we talk to Warwick Bible from Mirvac about his background in property and development, the importance of the work that the UDIA Queensland performs, and his proudest achievements as President of the UDIA Queensland.Links from this episode: https://www.mirvac.com/ https://www.udiaqld.com.au/ About your host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland.About Warwick: Warwick is the General Manager of Mirvac QLD and is responsible for Mirvac's residential development operations, with more than 25 years property experience in QLD and NSW. Warwick holds formal qualifications in Property Economics, MBA, is a Fellow of FINSIA and current President of UDIA – Queensland. Warwick is a keen hiker and has recently completed both the Carnarvon Gorge and Hinchinbrook Island great walks.