Former Brisbane City Council CEO Jude Munro AO has been appointed the inaugural chair of the Victorian Planning Authority.
In August, the Andrews Labor Government announced the Metropolitan Planning Authority had expanded to become the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA), to boost planning support for regional cities and towns.
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne welcomed Ms Munro to the board and confirmed the VPA’s existing six board members would continue their tenure.
Ms Munro has extensive experience in leadership, governance and change management, having spent a decade as CEO of Australia’s largest council in Brisbane and serving as council CEO in Adelaide, Moreland and St Kilda.
Her experience complements six other board members, Acting Chair Bill Kusznirczuk, Theo Theophanous, Freya Marsden, Brian Haratsis, Jennifer Cunich and Trevor Budge.
The new Victorian Planning Authority will work on the long-term plans needed to cope with the state’s growing population, set to reach 10 million people by 2051.
The Labor Government created the VPA to expand on the metro-focused body set up under the previous Government.
A Bill is currently in the Parliament to establish the new VPA as a formal statutory authority with its own legislation.
The VPA will work with councils to design new suburbs, identify new development opportunities, plan strategic redevelopment sites, increase housing in regional areas and boost affordability through consistent land supply.
Regional Development Victoria, Regional Partnerships and all regional councils will work with the VPA so planning is coordinated across government.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“The VPA’s board draws from an expert group with experience across planning, development, economics, financial management and housing.”
“I welcome Ms Munro’s wealth of experience and thank Mr Kusznirczuk for his time as the interim chair. Having a strong board sets a solid foundation for our new state-wide planning authority.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Planning Authority CEO Peter Seamer
“Ms Munro chairs and is on a number of boards across Australia, and will steer the VPA through its next few years.”
“I’ve known Jude for a long time and have utmost respect for her capability, common sense and toughness when required.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020