About Ross
A 35+ year professional journey, which has had a lot of twists and turns but it's all been good fun.
And what a way to learn!
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Current leadership roles
2017 - Present
Chair, The Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Initiative
Since 2019
As Chair of the Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Initiative, our aim is to explore opportunities for suburban renewal across the city, with a particular focus on precincts which offer potential for better community and placemaking outcomes. Improved local access to health, education, places of work, open space, entertainment, short term accommodation and housing are all considered as potential mixed uses. The Better Suburbs Initiative is advisory only, working with local landowners, developers and others in conjunction with Council planners to explore better suburban outcomes.
Co-Founder & Director, Suburban Futures
Since 2017
Co-founded the Suburban Alliance, now Suburban Futures. As Director, my role focusses on building our knowledge of "how to" improve suburban employment, social infrastructure and housing options. Our focus is evidence led, backed by credible research, and engages public policy makers, industry and the community at large.
National Council Member, ULI Australia
Since 2019
Former Chair of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Australia’s Brisbane District Council, now National Council member. The ULI is a global best practice organisation devoted to the responsible use of land for development.
Career
2000 - 2017
Early days
Self employed advisor/business strategy consultant
Early 2004 onward clients included:
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Faction Consulting - Director Engagement Jun 2022-Jun 2023
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Unity Water - development assessment review Sep 2021 - Apr 2022
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PDT Architects - business advisor Feb 2014 - Nov 2015
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Devine Constructions - new business advisor Sep 2012-Dec 2013
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Calibre Engineers - business advisor Mar 2013-Dec 2017
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Marcroplan Dimasi - senior business advisor and consultant Oct 2017 - Dec 2017
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Springfield City Group - consultant/advisor 2004-2005
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Others include: Australian Institute of Architetcs (Design Dividend); dm2 Architects; McGuires Hotels; Anthony John Group; Savills Project Management; Surex Surveyors; Ellivo Architects.
Regional General Manager, APP Corporation
Jan 2018 - Jun 2021
GM for APP in Queensland - a diversified property, infrastructure and construction project management business. APP was acquired by Private Equity in early 2021.
Business Manager, Cockram Construction
2009 - 2013
Responsible for successful start up of Cockram Construction in Queensland, growing this into a substantial Tier Two specialist contractor in four years.
Chief Executive, Sirromet Wines
Jan 2008 - mid-2009
Served as Chief Executive at Sirromet, a Queensland-based winery, building direct sales channel, onsite revenues and expanded product lines.
State Executive Director & National Chief Operating Officer, Property Council of Austraia - later inaugural National Executive Director Residential Development Council
1996 - 2008
State Executive Director, National Chief Operating Officer and later National Executive Director of the Residential Development Council. Helped form a new Social Infrastructure roundtable in 2019.
Inaugural CEO, Brisbane Marketing
2001
First Chief Executive Officer of Brisbane Marketing, leading the newly formed organisation with a strong city brand and precincts remit.
Director of Public Affairs/Research, REIQ
Marketshare PL research consultant
Plant Location International - economic and research consultant
Federal Shadow Tourism & Aviation Minister Hon David Jull MP - Private secretary and policy advisor
Hillier Parker (Qld) - manager research
Other Roles & Contributions
Joint editor "The Next Australian City"
2024
With Guy Gibson, edited this published book exploring issues of suburban development globally and locally. The book won the 2024 Planning Institute Australia award for Planning Excellence (Queensland).
Commissioned author: “FASTER, BETTER, MORE - Why it takes so long and costs so much to deliver the housing we need – and what we can do about it.” Australian Institute for Progress, October 2024
Guest Judge, MIT School of Architecture & Planning
Late 2019
Invited by the School of Architecture & Planning to help judge student projects. Worked closely with the Center for Advanced Urbanism’s Prof. Alan Berger.
Invited keynote speaker, Texas A&M University (USA)
Jan 2019
Invited by Texas A&M to give a series of lectures and speeches to the real estate/planning fraternity of students and alumni.
Contributor, MIT Center for Advanced Urbanism & Chapman University "Infinite Suburbia"
Published 2017
Contributed a chapter to the global anthology "Infinite Suburbia," published by Princeton Architectural Press.
Regular Contributor, NewGeography
Ongoing
Regular contributor to the USA urban affairs website hosted by renowned urbanist and author, Joel Kotkin.