Industry expert named as first ULDA CEO

A development industry expert has been named as the inaugural head of the State Government's new Urban Land Development Authority, Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas said today.

Mr Lucas and ULDA chair Bill Grant announced the appointment of Paul Eagles to the CEO role of the new body, designed to slash red tape to free up land for new homes across Queensland.

An expert with 30 years experience, Mr Eagles was a former project director of the award winning Varsity Lakes development on the Gold Coast and has experience with councils and developers.

Mr Lucas said the ULDA would start work immediately on delivering streamlined planning and development controls to accelerate the delivery of land for new housing

“The State Government takes smart planning and development seriously,” Mr Lucas said.

“That's why we've established the ULDA to coordinate development of key urban sites across Queensland and create world-class mixed use development and deliver affordable housing for Queenslanders.

“As well as helping provide more affordable housing, the ULDA will also help create mixed use precincts, using transport oriented development and best practice urban design.”

Mr Lucas said the ULDA would focus initially on five sites – Bowen Hills, Northshore Hamilton, Woolloongabba and Fitzgibbon in Brisbane, and the Mackay Showgrounds.

“I welcome the appointment of Mr Eagles and look forward to seeing the ULDA work on delivering innovative approaches to development across Queensland.

“He has broad experience, not only across the industry but also across the state.”

ULDA Chair Bill Grant said he was impressed by Mr Eagles’ 30 years experience in mixed use developments, local government planning, and in developing projects with a diverse mix of housing. Mr Eagles has spent half his working life in local councils and half his working life in private sector development.

“We undertook a four month national search to find the right person. I am confident that Paul has the unique mix of skills to deliver the right outcomes for the ULDA,” he said.

“Paul’s skills include the ‘soft skills’ of planning and urban design, with the ‘hard skills’ of project management and financial management.

“Having worked in the private development sector for 15 years, Paul has the demonstrated ability to deliver commercially successful developments, with world-class urban design, housing diversity and great places to live, work and play.”

Mr Eagles leaves Stockland Developments, where he was Queensland Regional Manager of Retirement Living. Prior to that, he was Project Director for Major Projects in South East Queensland for Delfin Lend Lease from 2003 to 2007, and Project Director for Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast from 1999 to 2003, where he worked with builders to develop more affordable housing products.

Mr Eagles has also spent 15 years in local council, including General Manager-City Development at Cairns City Council, Director of Planning and Development at Logan City Council, and an engineer at Albert Shire Council and Rockhampton City Council.

“This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the way key urban areas are developed and a real honour to participate in what I see as one of the Queensland Government’s most ground-breaking initiatives,” Mr Eagles said.

“Our challenge will be to take complex, brownfield sites and create world-class urban communities with appropriate infrastructure, creative architecture, high-quality community spaces and, where appropriate, deliver affordable housing as a key outcome.”

Media inquiries
Deputy Premier’s office: Robert Hoge 0419 757 868
ULDA: 0400 225 232