Bligh welcomes Grant as new land Authority chair

Former South Bank chief Bill Grant will become the first chairman of the new Urban Land Development Authority, Premier Anna Bligh announced today.

“Bill’s appointment to the authority shows that I want this new body to be run by high calibre, well-qualified people determined to help improve housing affordability and urban planning in Queensland,’’ said the Premier.

“Mr Grant’s strong leadership as chief executive of South Bank Corporation ensured that the parklands is one of the state’s great assets, helping Brisbane become the envy of other state capitals.’’

“The ULDA will be one of the key drivers of change in the way Queensland’s urban areas are developed.’’

Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Paul Lucas, the Minister responsible for the Authority, said it was an important part of the Government’s Housing Affordability plan.

“It will also bring suitable Crown land to market as quickly as possible,” he said.

The authority will consist of nine people, Mr Grant as chair, six others yet to be appointed and the Department heads of the Departments of Infrastructure and Planning and Treasury.

Mr Lucas said that Mr Grant’s appointment allows him to be consulted on the selection of other appointees as well as a chief executive and staff for the new authority.

Ms Bligh said Mr Grant’s will be appointed to the authority for a period of five years.

Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500

[Mr Grant’s curriculum vitae attached]

CURRICULUM VITAE

William Hamilton GRANT

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION

Company Directors Diploma (Credit pass)

University of New England and Australian Institute of Company Directors

Certifies Commercial Mediator

Australian Commercial Disputes Centre

Marketing Management Certificate

Institute of Administration, University of New South Wales

Associate Diploma in Local Government

Charles Sturt University

Industrial Law Course

University of Sydney (Post Graduate Studies – Department of Law)

RECENT EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

CEO South Bank – Brisbane – 1997 – June 20005

EXPERIENCE RELEVANT TO THIS APPOINTMENT

CEO South Bank – Brisbane – 1997 - June 2005

CEO Newcastle City Council – April 1992 - Jan 1997

CRI Project Management, Regional Manager Indonesia

Nov 1989 - Feb 1992

CEO Gosford City Council Aug 1982 - Feb 1988

OTHER BOARD MEMBERSHIPS

CURRENT Brisbane Airport Corporation

New Hope Corporation

Life Without Barriers (National Disabilities org)

Queensland Performing Arts Trust

(Trustee and Deputy Chair)

PREVIOUS South Bank Business Association

MEMBERSHIP OF AND/OR AFFILIATION WIRTH PROFESSIONAL BODIES, CLUBS AND ORGANISATIONS:

Advisor Brisbane Development Association

Business Advisor Arkhefield Architects