Victoria Minister for Planning Matthew Guy

New Urban Renewal Authority Established

Victor P Taffa

Planning Minister Matthew Guy today announced the establishment of the Urban Renewal Authority Victoria and the appointment of the board of directors.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of nine directors to the Board. The Board will lead the Authority in developing its business operations to deliver on its mandate to facilitate urban renewal outcomes across Victoria.” Mr. Guy said.

The Board will be led by Peter Clarke, who was the chairperson of the former VicUrban and will be supported by Ken Fehily, as deputy chairperson.

The newly appointed directors are William Bowness, Lorna Gelbert, Judith Nicholson, Graeme Parton, Timothy Shannon, Janet West and Professor John Stanley.

“I welcome the new Board members who have been selected for their diversity of commercial experience, skills and knowledge that will be integral to leading the Authority and ensuring it delivers on its urban renewal mandate.” Mr. Guy said.

Mr. Guy acknowledged the outgoing Board members of VicUrban; Gabrielle Trainor, Andrew Fairley, Julia Mason, Michael Roberts, Hamish MacDonald and Meredith Sussex.

“I would like to thank the outgoing Board members for their service.” Mr. Guy said.

Messers Clarke, Fehily, Parton and Ms Nicholson have been appointed for a five year term.

The remaining directors are appointed for a term of three years.

Urban Renewal Authority Victoria Board of Directors

Peter Clarke (Chairperson)

Mr. Clarke was appointed to the role of chairperson of VicUrban in June 2011 and has led the organisation in planning for its transition. He has a Bachelor of Architecture and was a councillor of the City of Melbourne and chairman of its planning committee. He is a former mayor and councillor of the City of Heidelberg. He was a past executive director of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (Victoria) and the Property Council of Australia (Victoria).

 

Ken Fehily (Deputy Chairperson)

Mr. Fehily is a director of Fehily Advisory and a taxation specialist. He is a former partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers and Arthur Andersen. Mr Fehily has previously advised a number of state departments and agencies, including the Department of Treasury and Finance, Major Projects Victoria and the Office of Housing.

 

William Bowness

Mr. Bowness is CEO of the Wilbow Group which focuses on the provision of venture capital and funding for property development and general investment activities. Among his substantial experience, Mr. Bowness brings skills and abilities in funding and delivery of infrastructure, property and land development and housing delivery.

 

Lorna Gelbert

Ms. Gelbert is a law partner in Madgwicks with over 35 years extensive experience in property and commercial law. She is chair of the Law Institute Property Law Advisory Committee and a member of the Board of the Women’s Legal Service Victoria.

 

Judith Nicholson

Ms. Nicholson has 25 years consulting experience in town planning in which she has provided advice to state and local government and the private sector in the facilitation of a diverse range of projects across all sectors. She is a former member of the Building Appeals Board and Victorian Heritage Council and former Vice President of the Victorian Division of the Planning Institute of Australia.

 

Graeme Parton

Mr. Parton is a director of Charter Keck Cramer and has over 35 years of experience in property development and construction. He has previously provided strategic property advice to state and local government, including project development management and economic and market feasibility services for major projects.

 

Timothy Shannon

Mr. Shannon is an architect and was the managing director of international design firm Hassell from 1993-2008. He is a noted urban designer with 35 years of experience in the design and planning of major projects and housing developments.

 

Professor John Stanley

Professor Stanley is an economist and adjunct professor and consultant in transport and logistics. He served on the VicUrban Board, and was a previous State Services Authority Commissioner (part time), National Road Transport Commission deputy chair, and chief economist in the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet.

 

Jan West AM

Ms. West is a chartered accountant and senior audit partner with Deloitte. Ms. West is also a member of the Financial Reporting Council and former national president and chairperson of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.