What areas do you consider your speciality and interest?

I’ve worked on a number of projects across Queensland – if I were to pick a few standouts – The Waters Development Estate (200-hectare site with 2,000+ residential lots/commercial precinct), the Dunes (a mixed-use beachfront estate of 300+ residences, retail and tourism resorts), Skyring Terrace, Newstead (a 25 storey residential development) and Keswick Island Resort (an island in the Whitsundays – complex tidal implications, marine infrastructure and GRMPA dealings). Throughout my career, I’ve worked in many sectors but have been most proud of my work in residential and leisure precincts and large format subdivisions.

Did you always know you were going to be a planner?

I’d just finished high school and was turning 18. I had always loved property and development but wasn’t too sure what to do next. I went to dinner with my parents and some family friends. One of my friend’s mums asked, ‘What are you going to study?’ and when I didn’t know, she asked, ‘Why don’t you do town planning?’ completely out of the blue. And I did just that.

What excites you about your job?

I love the work that I do, and relationships are the most important thing. I enjoy making new connections and building existing relationships. I also enjoy working with the unwritten rules of the planning scheme, where the rules may look black and white, but you can push the boundaries with local knowledge of council direction and internal policies.

You’ve spent time around Queensland. What’s the difference between working in Brisbane and regional Queensland?

Working in regional Queensland exposes you to a lot of work that you wouldn’t typically work on in a big city. You’re dealing with quarries, island resorts, cane farms, agriculture, wind and solar farms. It is less built-form and a really great place to be as a planner.

What do you see as opportunities in Brisbane and the Gold Coast over the next couple of years?

I see my clients and the market pivoting to different sectors. If a residential development doesn’t stack up, clients are moving to an industrial or commercial solution instead to keep the books rolling. In response to current market conditions, labour shortages and construction costs, reiterating clients pivoting sectors consistently across the board.

What’s different about Queensland vs Victoria?

The DA process in QLD is definitely the most streamlined and simplest to deal with. VCAT is a regular occurrence in Victoria in comparison to the equivalent in QLD. We’re proud to be working with many Victoria based firms who are entering the market across several sectors in Queensland, and it’s great to show them the way through.

Fun fact – what don’t a lot of people know about you?

I did Greek dancing for 20 years, and I’m a total weapon *laughs*. I became a Greek dancing teacher, and my cousin and I would get hired for random events. It’s a great skill to bring out at parties!