In PlanningxChange Episode 76, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Brian (‘Harry’) Haratsis and Max Shifman about the many consequences of Covid on how we work, where we live and on our economic and social circumstances.

Brian Haratsis is highly regarded as one of Australia’s foremost strategic advisors – with a particular focus on private sector property involvement, understanding communities, tourism and social trends – Brian has more than 30 plus years experience as an economist, futurist, and strategic planner. He is a best-selling author, futurist, thought leader and is regarded by corporate Australia as the leading economic and strategic advisor operating in the property sector locally and internationally. Brian established MacroPlan Australia in 1985 and has been devoted to his loyal client base through the delivery of effective business and property strategy, precise forecasting of niche trends, successful facilitation of strategic outcomes and successful delivery of major projects / policies.

Max is Chief Operating Officer of Intrapac Property, one of Australia’s largest private developers. Max’s focus is on the continued, successful delivery of Intrapac’s project portfolio, and the pursuit of new opportunities and growth. Max’s experience covers broad aspects of residential development from large-scale subdivisions, integrated townhouse developments and apartments. He is currently a Director of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Victoria Board and a national Vice-President of the UDIA.

The UDIA is a federated national organisation made up of six associations that each represent one of Australia’s states and territories, while UDIA National is engaged on federal issues. UDIA Victoria is tasked with representing the urban development industry at a state-wide level on matters that lie within the jurisdiction of Victoria’s policy-makers and regulators, UDIA National takes the lead on matters driven by decision-makers at a federal level.

The podcast considers recent work undertaken by Harry, commissioned by the UDIA on Covid implications for employment, land-use and the development sector. The discussion describes population shifts, immigration levels, remote working and the implications for city development.

This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 4 March 2021. An earlier version of the audio had an error at the 28.50 minute mark, apologies to our listeners.