The Development Drum

In this episode of the Development Drum, Glen Maidment talks about the journey of starting his business, Maidment Group, its expansion, and the strategic decision to incorporate various in-house services, such as the recent inclusion of multi-unit residential offerings. He discusses the hurdles encountered, particularly in the distinctive regional market of Townsville, and his participation in the Made for People initiative.

Links from this episode: https://www.maidment.com.au/

About your host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown

About Glen: Glen Maidment is the Managing Director and founder of Townsville-based property development company, Maidment Group.

Having been in operation for over 23 years, Maidment Group is one of the largest fully integrated, privately-owned, property developers in North Queensland. The group’s rapidly growing and diverse portfolio covers residential sub-division, new home construction, medium-density residential development, commercial landscaping, real estate, mortgage brokering services, and civil construction.

Glen has a background as a qualified diesel fitter and brings a unique perspective to the property development industry, with a philosophy for success based on honesty and hard work. He firmly believes in being personally involved in each and every project delivered by his team and oversees a development pipeline in excess of one billion with a footprint which extends from Townsville to the Sunshine Coast.

As a committee member of the Institute’s Townsville Branch, Glen ensures the interests of the development industry in the North are heard and takes an active role helping shape the long-term growth of the region.

When not in the office, Glen is an avid hockey player and a keen fisherman. He enjoys spending time with his wife Annette, who is also the Chief Financial Officer of Maidment Group, and his two daughters, Jorja and Erin.

Produced By The Podcast Boss

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.

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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).

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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.

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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-Brown

About 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’.

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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.

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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