The Development Drum Urban Development Institute of Australia

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-Brown
About 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-Brown

About 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'.
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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. 
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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-Brown

About 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.
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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-Brown

About 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