Latest News
20-03-10 Tourism and Asia - The West Australian
Brian Haratsis, MacroPlan's Managing Director, was recently quoted in The West Australian newspaper as saying that WA needed to follow the lead of Asia and Europe in linking with travel markets.
Click here to download the article
16-03-10 BRW Globalisation & Australia
The BRW magazine has interviewed Brian Haratsis regarding globalisaton and its benefits for Australia. Click here to read the full article.
19-02-10 BRW Feature Article
The BRW magazine has interviewed Brian Haratsis regarding the national housing affordability crisis. Brian argues that this crisis will only worsen if governments fail to act on infrastructure. Click here to read the full article.
17-02-10 A Current Affair
Brian Haratsis has been in the media again, this time on Channel Nine's 'A Current Affair'. The segment focused on whether modular and kit homes could be the future of the great Australian dream. Click here to view Brian on A Current Affair.
16-02-10 What IG3 Means for You
Brian Haratsis, MacroPlan's Managing Director, recently published an article entitled "Australia’s 2050 Challenge: What Intergenerational Report Three means for Infrastructure in Australia? Brian argues that the IG3 Report provides little insight into the real needs, funding options and regulatory frameworks necessary to stimulate private sector investment in infrastructure in Australia. Click here to view Brian's article.
12-02-10 WA's Resources Sector
Brian Haratsis, MacroPlan's Managing Director, was featured on page 2 of the West Australian Newspaper. The article, titled "Huge projects stamp WA as the place to live" focused on WA's importance in mining, oil and gas production, and how this is having a positive effect on the local housing market. Brian said that WA's booming resources sector has attracted global attention and has allowed Australia's regions to compete globally. Click here to view a copy of the article.
05-02-10 UDIA Developers Digest
The latest edition of the UDIA's Developers Digest included a special feature article entitled The Stimulus and Beyond - Emerging markets in NSW. This article was a follow up to a presentation given by Brian Haratsis, MacroPlan's Chief Economist and Managing Director, at the recent NSW UDIA State Conference in Sydney. Brian highlights the bright economic outlook for NSW (and Australia) towards 2050 and focuses on the importance of globalisation and emerging trade alliances within the Asia-Pacific region.
Click here to read Brian's article.
01-02-10 Canberra Times Interview
Brian Haratsis, MacroPlan's Managing Director and Chief Economist, was quoted in the Canberra Times as saying that three new cities of 300,000 people should be built along the Sydney-Canberra corridor to cater for Australia's projected population growth. Brian's article received some positive feedback from readers of the newspaper.
05-01-10 Population Boom To Push Housing Prices
The Australian Financial Review recently interviewed Brian Haratsis, MacroPlan's Managing Director and Chief Economist, about the Sydney property market. Brian's key point was that an influx of migrants and tight supply will buoy Sydney's housing market.
Click here to read the AFN Article
17-12-09 Brian Haratsis on Perth's 6PR Radio
Brian Haratsis, Managing Director of MacroPlan, was interviewed on Perth's 6PR radio station. Brian spoke about Australia's ageing population and the implications this will have on the economy over the next 10 to 15 years.
Click here to listen to Brian's radio interview
15-12-09 Bowen Hills Planning Merit Award
The Bowen Hills Master Plan, undertaken by a project team comprising Deicke Richards, EDAW/AECOM, MacroPlan and Maunsell, received a Certificate of Merit in the Urban Design Category at the Queensland Division of the Planning Institute of Australia Awards ceremony held in November 2009.
MacroPlan played a major role in the success of the project, developing an economic rationale and feasibility study for the land use plan.
07-12-09 Banking on Innovation - The West Australian
Brian Haratsis, MacroPlan's Managing Director, was recently quoted in The West Australian newspaper as saying that "WA would have the strongest population growth in the country as it headed into boom". To avoid another housing crisis, developers and the Government need to find innovative ways to fund development to ensure an adequate supply of land.
Click here to download the article
04-12-09 Brian Haratsis on Canberra's 2CC Radio
Brian Haratsis, MacroPlan's CEO, recently aired on Canberra's 2CC radio. Talk back show host Mark Parton caught up with Brian to get his views on the challenges facing Australia as an ageing population.
Click here for the podcast of Brian's radio interview
19-11-09 Darwin's Award-Winning Muirhead
Just recently, the new Darwin suburb of Muirhead won two awards from the NT division of the Planning Institute of Australia - the Excellence Award for Housing and the Merit Award for Urban Design. These prestigious awards were attributed to the development's response to Darwin's uniqiue environmental and climatic conditions, and by providing affordable lot sizes and staggered front setbacks.
MacroPlan was instrumental in the success of this project, having undertaken an analysis of housing demand and key supply drivers relevant to Darwin and the northern corridor. MacroPlan's market assessment subsequently informed the development decisions for Muirhead.
18-11-09 "Top End Tipped To Boom"
Brian Haratsis, MacroPlan's CEO and Australia's prominent 'futurist' was featured in the Northern Territory News recently. Brian's key assertion is that Darwin will become the gateway to Asia within the next decade, and will greatly benefit from a massive economic upswing in northern Australia over the next 5 to 10 years. A copy of the article can be downloaded here.
12-11-09 Brian Haratsis on Sky News
MacroPlan's Managing Director and Chief Economist, Brian Haratsis, recently appeared on Sky News. Speaking on the Your Money Your Call segment, Brian responded to questions about the property market and economic climate. To listen to the segment, click on the link below to the Sky News website:
Your Money Your Call - Sky News Podcast
28-10-09 Globalisation, Ageing & Technology
At the recent VPELA Conference, Brian Haratsis, MacroPlan's CEO, gave a presentation on Globalisation, Ageing & Technology. Brian's speech focused on how Australia can lead the world in city building. An edited version of his presentation was published in the VPELA Newsletter October 2009 and can be downloaded here.
12-10-09 Australia 2050
The Australia 2050 Project, spearheaded by MacroPlan’s Managing Director and Chief Economist Brian Haratsis, identifies globalisation as the key influencing factor shaping Australia towards 2050. The project seeks to develop a base in data and information with high levels of collaboration to inform nation and city building as a basis for global competitiveness.
This exciting collaborative project is soon to be launched. Stay tuned for further information releases and launch details regarding the Australia 2050 project.
05-10-09 MacroPlan's Brian Haratsis on Sydney's 2GB Radio
A week after speaking on Brisbane's ABC radio, Brian Haratsis was again on the airwaves, this time on 2GB's Drive Time with Andrew Moore. The interview focused on the positive direction the Australian economy is moving in.
Click here to listen to Brian on 2GB
30-09-09 Brian Haratsis on Brisbane Airwaves
MacroPlan's Managing Director and Chief Economist, Brian Haratsis, was interviewed on Brisbane's 612 ABC radio on 30 September 2009. Speaking on the radio station's ‘Drive Time’ segment, the interview was a follow up from Brian's talk at the recent Economic Development Conference.
Click here to listen to Brian's radio interview
21-09-09 MacroPlan CEO in The West Australian Newspaper
Brian Haratsis, MacroPlan's Managing Director, was quoted in The West Australian newspaper as saying that "WA has a new national responsibility as it becomes the capital of Australia in terms of the Economy".
The interview was a follow-up to Brian's recent presentation at the Planning Institute of Australia's WA State Conference in Perth, which focused on the need to effectively plan for the next resource boom in the Pilbara.
Click here to download the article
18-09-09 Bonnyrigg Housing Estate Kicks Off
The first 56 new homes for the Bonnyrigg public housing estate in Sydney have been released for sale. The public-private partnership, comprising the Becton Property Group, Westpac Banking Corp, Spotless Group and St George Community Housing, aims to replace the existing social housing provision with new homes.
MacroPlan has been intricately involved throughout various stages of the project. Specifically, MacroPlan was engaged to undertake an economic impact assessment and housing assessment to assist with the development outcomes for the project.
This is a successful outcome for one of our key clients, and we are confident the project will achieve its desired objectives towards the future.
07-09-09 Relocation of MacroPlan Sydney Office
From Friday 25 September 2009, MacroPlan's Sydney office will be located at:
Suite 1.02 Level 1, 34 Hunter Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9221 5211, Fax: (02) 9221 1284
23-07-09 Acceptance on NSW Government Consultant Register
MacroPlan was recently successful in prequalifying for the NSW Department of Commerce Consultant Prequalification Scheme. Specifically, MacroPlan was successful in qualifying for land use planning, urban planning, property market analysis and related types of engagements for the following key areas:
- General Technical Expertise (financial analysis, economic analysis)
- Infrastructure and Major Projects (strategy and planning, communication and project management).
In addition, we have been prequalified to provide services relating to the policy areas of economic services, housing, and transport.
This Scheme prequalifies MacroPlan to undertake future work for local government and other Government agencies in NSW, and is a tribute to MacroPlan's experience across a number of key industry disciplines.
1-6-09 to 3-6-09 MacroPlan Exhibits at the Shires Association of NSW Annual Conference 2009
Members of MacroPlan’s Sydney office enjoyed the opportunity to chat to Local Government Delegates attending the Shires Association Annual Conference, held at the Sofitel Wentworth in Sydney, June 1-3. MacroPlan’s stall attracted significant attention with a number of interesting conversations taking place with delegates, particularly relating to rural and regional planning, demographic analysis, land use strategies and mapping.
4-5-09 Gary Prattley appointed Chair of the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC)
MacroPlan’s former National Planning Director, Gary Prattley, has just recently been appointed as the new Chair of the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC). Gary was instrumental in establishing MacroPlan’s Sydney and Perth offices. The new appointment represents a return to Western Australia for Gary, who was CEO of the Ministry for Planning (WA) from 1996 to 2001. Building upon 41 years of industry experience, Gary will be working closely with the Director General of Planning, Eric Lumsden, to deliver reform and leadership for planning in WA.
We wish Gary the very best in his new exciting role.
30-4-09 "Why can't my grandma live near me?" Presentation Wrap-up
MacroPlan's free housing seminar that was organized in relation to the State Government’s Residential Zones review was well attended by MacroPlanners, private sector, Local Government and Senior State Government representatives. The presentation was built around the theme 'Housing Opportunities for Melbournians Everywhere (HOME)'. Brian was his usual self, challenging those in the audience with our views on the current housing and planning issues facing Melbourne and Australia.
The feedback after the presentation was extremely positive in particular from State Government Representatives. MacroPlan would like to thank all those who attended and looks forward to seeing familiar faces at coming seminars.
click here for slideshow
14-4-09 Download MacroPlan's Submission to the Residential Zones Review
Please click here to commence the file download
8-4-09 MacroPlan's Submission to the Residential Zones Review (Victoria) & FREE Housing Policy Information Session @ The Order of Melbourne, Level 2, 401 Swanson Street, Melbourne
MacroPlan Australia has prepared a submission in response to the recently released Consultation Draft for residential zones for Victoria. In the preparation of this submission, MacroPlan Australia facilitated a workshop with eight metropolitan municipalities to discuss the implications of the residential zones review and related strategic planning projects and policies, as well as our own research undertaken in areas of housing affordability, population growth, and compositional change (e.g. ageing and migration, etc).
It is our submission that Melbourne 2030, and the recently released M2030 review: Melbourne @ 5 Million should be the key reference point for any review of residential zones, as these policies provide the strategic planning basis for residential development in metropolitan Melbourne. In addition, other projects currently being undertaken, such as the review of the Planning and Environment Act have the potential to directly impact on the use of existing and new residential zones. It is our view that these projects should not be undertaken independently, and there should be an increased leadership role provided by DPCD to facilitate the implementation of the overarching policies seeking to direct development in Melbourne, and Victoria.
We intend to make our full response to the Residential Zones Review available online in the Latest News Section from Tuesday 14 April 2008.
MacroPlan Australia are running a free information session on the recent housing policy initiatives in Victoria. To register your attendance, contact Heather Stewart on 9600 0500 or stewart@macroplan.com.au.
Please see aboveto download the revised flyer.
3-4-09 Retirement Villages Australia
'Retirement Seminar Series Wrap Up'
MacroPlan Australia in conjunction with Gadens Lawyers wrapped up the last Retirement Villages Association Seminar on Wednesday the 25/3/09, with Wayne Gersbach, Andrew Giles and Arthur Koumoukelis presenting at Gadens' South Australian Office to yet another packed room of interested attendees.
Overall MacroPlan and Gadens Lawyers presented 5 engaging retirement presentations which were well received in all states. The presentations effectively covered both the macro and micro details of developing, operating and identifying retirement opportunities within New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland. The presentations provided attendees with a localised and broader national overview of the retirement industry and where it is heading.
MacroPlan would like to take the opportunity to thank all attendees for their interest in the series. Our special thanks also to Gadens Lawyers who sponsored the events and to the Retirement Villages Association for their initiative.
MacroPlan's Wayne Gershbach presenting at the Queensland RVA conference (Photo Courtesy of the RVA)
12-3- 2009 LGSA Tourism Conference 2009
'Creating a Strong Foundation in Tourism'
MacroPlan sponsored and attended the 2009 Local Government Shires Association held at the Kiama Showground Event and Exhibition Centre. The event was hosted by Kiama Municipal Council and focused on exploring new opportunities for Local Councils relevent to their communities . Tourism contributes more that $ 20 Billion dollars to the economy annually and provides 158,000 direct jobs highighting the importance of this industry to our local economy and community.
With challenging times ahead it is important to support the tourism Rindustry and develop new opportunities. MacroPlan is at the forefront of tourism research and has national experience in supporting Local and State Government by:
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developing new tourism and economic development strategies;
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identifying new partnerships with both private and public entities;
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and, locating new development opportunities.
MacroPlan's services include :
- Undertaking Tourism Market Assesments;
- Development Concept and Feasibility;
- Strategy Development;
- Spatial Analysis and GIS;
- Market Advice and Product Research;
- Planning Applications and Specialist Reports;
- and, Negotiation, Consultation and Facilitiation.
12-3-2009 National Rental Affordability Scheme Workshop Presentation
MacroPlan's information session on Housing Affordability on Wednesday the 11th of March drew close to 50 attendees including builders, developers, investors and representatives from both Local Government and Not for Profit Organisations. The session was an overwhelming success and allowed for MacroPlan to share its wealth of knowledge relating to Housing Affordability and assist attendees on how to effectively navigate the NRAS Scheme.
If you have any additional queries please feel free to contact Andrew Giles, David Bruce or Shannon Coppa in our Melbourne office on (03) 9600 0500.
To access a digital copy of the MacroPlan NRAS presentation click on the link below.
Download MacroPlans NRAS Workshop Presentation
6-3-2009 FREE National Rental Affordability Scheme Workshop @ MacroPlan's Melbourne Office
NRAS: Optimising Your Submission
Wednesday 11th March at 4:30pm.
Housing affordability is key issue for our community. Government has responded by making a variety of grants/funding opportunities available to the public and private sector.
MacroPlan has been working extensively on a range of projects that incorporate housing affordability as a key objective. We have been frequently approached by government and private clients alike seeking answers to questions about grant assistance e.g.: National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS), Housing Affordability Fund (HAF).
MacroPlan have several staff who have experience as NRAS First Round Facilitators and in preparing Second Round applications. As part of this process we have been actively involved in bringing projects to fruition.
Given the tight timelines for NRAS Round 2, we believe it may be useful for a representative from your organisation to participate in a free facilitation session run by MacroPlan in our Melbourne office; Level 4, 356 Collins Street, Melbourne.
The tentative date we have set is the Wednesday 11th March at 4:30pm.
We envisage the workshop would include information and assistance around the following key themes:
- NRAS and HAF Explained
- Your Questions Answered
- Optimising Applications
- Partnership Opportunities
- Step by Step Application Case Study Example
This session will also provide an opportunity to meet with other interested parties considering their involvement in NRAS, and discuss your own key issues and questions with MacroPlan staff.
If you are interested in participating in this free session, please respond with your expression of interest by email to coppa@macroplan.com.au by COB Thursday 5th March 2009. We realise this is a short time frame however we recognise there is a need to respond expeditiously.
16-2-09 RVA Retirement Conference LIFTS OFF!
The first RVA Retirement Conference for 2009, held last week at Gadens Lawyers city offices, was a great success with over 100 people attending the seminar.
The presentation featured Brian Haratsis (Chief Economist &Managing Director - MacroPlan), Andrew Giles (General Manager, Communities & Research – MacroPlan) and Arthur Koumoukelis (Partner - Gadens Lawyers) and was attended by representatives from a number of sectors linked to the retirement industry including Architects, Accountants, Developers and Finance Professionals.
The highlight of the event was the informative and interactive presentations given by the three key speakers, during which attendees contributed to the discussion to assist in developing their understanding of the Retirement Industry. The MacroPlan presentation focused on understanding where retirement is heading based on industry experience and some of the key demographics that are driving this sector, while the Gadens’ presentation provided a great insight into the intricacies of operating retirement villages, current and future product trends and the economic and regulatory environment of the sector.
The event concluded with a site tour of two retirement villages - Sydney’s new prestigious Waterbrook at Greenwich and Chatswood Garden Village.
If you require any additional information on the conference feel free to contact Michael Tilt or Wayne Gersbach in MacroPlan's Sydney Office on 02 9299 8988 or tilt@macroplan.com.au / gersbach@macroplan.com.au. Alternatively you can contact Andrew Giles in Macroplan's Melbourne Office on 03 9600 0500 or giles@macroplan.com.au.
For details on the next RVA Presentation taking place in Perth on Wednesday the 18th of February follow the link below.
Download the RVA "the New Investment Frontier" newsletter for details
21-1-09 National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) Update
"Addressing Housing Affordability Through Partnerships"
MacroPlan believes that the issue of affordable housing is one of Australia’s most significant challenges which require a practical response, visionary leadership and clear decision making now and in the future. A partnerships approach is needed to address the important challenges of housing affordability in Australia. Stakeholders are required to understand the important drivers which influence housing affordability such as demographics, property fundamentals and land use economics.
MacroPlan have been intimately involved in the NRAS scheme, both as National Partnership facilitator and assisting in the development of successful applications. Our detailed understanding of the scheme, combined with our relationship with key stakeholders and facilitation of partnerships across Australia all combine to place MacroPlan in a unique position to assist in the NRAS submission process or simply understanding what housing affordability means. The MacroPlan team can also assist in the ongoing planning, provision and development of affordable housing.
Should you require any further information on MacroPlan's involvement in the NRAS project, please contact David Bruce on (03) 9600 0500 or alternatively bruce@macroplan.com.au
NRAS Scheme Partnership
Partnership Facilitator for the NRAS Scheme
14-1-09 - MacroPlan lead the way in innovative funding of new growth projects.
The Victorian Government’s recently announced Melbourne 2030 policy review – Melbourne @ 5 million – represents an aggressive approach to facilitating new land supply to meet Melbourne’s growth challenges.
The policy review identifies up to 4 investigation areas in Melbourne’s main growth corridors (Melton-Caroline Springs, Wyndham, Hume-Mitchell-Whittlesea and Casey-Cardinia), highlighting an urgent need to determine how to deliver sustainable and integrated community based developments which facilitate employment growth including effective transport infrastructure delivery.
MacroPlan is working closely with several growth area Councils, landholders and developers to formulate innovative mechanisms for addressing these challenges. MacroPlan is preparing advice in relation to range of rating and revenue strategies, Developer Contributions Plans (DCPs), housing affordability funding submissions and negotiated infrastructure funding agreements via Section 173 of the Local Government Act 1989. These mechanisms aim to ensure that communities benefit from sustainable approaches to funding new infrastructure.
24-11-08 - Retirement Village Association (RVA)
MacroPlan in conjunction with the Retirement Village Association (RVA) will be conducting a series of practical and interactive workshops in February and March of 2009 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. The interactive workshops will discuss a range of emerging retirement market trends and issues that reflect the complex needs of our ageing communities and highlight the need for innovative approaches to achieve success in this market space.
The workshops are intended to assist the industry to better understand how to plan for new retirement communities, to maximise benefit to customers and achieve better return on investment. The sessions will provide up to date information on:
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Understanding market drivers and key segments;
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Retirement living trends;
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Capitalising on economic conditions and the regulatory environment; and
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Potential retirement living hot spots.
MacroPlan also has a proprietary National Retirement Supply Database with provides insight into current product and pricing levels across the nation.
An optional afternoon visit to a range of RVA accredited projects is also available to interested attendees.
Should you require information on workshop attendance or further details on MacroPlan’s extensive range of retirement advisory services please contact Michael Tilt on 02 9299 8988 or tilt@macroplan.com.au
Download the RVA "the New Investment Frontier" newsletter for details
11-11-08 - Retirement Villages Association National Conference
“The wine of life – better with time"
MacroPlan recently attended and exhibited at the Retirement Villages Conference. The event was an exciting showcase of retirement products with key addresses on the current and future trends of the Retirement Market.
Download MacroPlan's 2008 Retirement Marketing Brochure
Download MacroPlan's 2008 GIS Services Marketing Brochure
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