Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy this week announced that former minister Theo Theophanous, Brian Haratsis, Laurinda Gardner and Freya Marsden have been appointed to the MPA board for the next three years. They will join chairman Chris Banks AM and fellow incumbents Leonie Hemingway (deputy chair) and Bill Kusznirczuk, who have been reappointed for a further three years.
“The Metropolitan Planning Authority has a significant role in the management of Melbourne’s growth over the coming decades and building on the success of the previous board is important for the ongoing health of the MPA,” Mr Guy said.
“Brian Haratsis, Laurinda Gardner, Freya Marsden and Theo Theophanous each bring strong senior executive experience and a depth of understanding of the role of the MPA that is required at this critical time, and will complement the skills and experience of reappointed board members Chris Banks, Leonie
Hemingway and Bill Kusznirczuk.
Mr Guy said the energy and expertise of the MPA board would help drive positive planning, development and economic outcomes through the
implementation of Plan Melbourne.
“The revised MPA board has a wealth of strategic planning experience and commercial acumen and I look forward to working with the board and Chief Executive Officer Peter Seamer to implement the 79 key actions assigned to the MPA and to retain Melbourne’s status as the world’s most liveable city,” Mr Guy said.
“Mr Theophanous, an economist by trade, has extensive experience in public policy and served as a senior State Government minister. His experience is well suited to the MPA board.
“Mr Haratsis is an economist and future strategist who has more than 30 years’ experience in providing detailed advice to governments and major corporate clients throughout Australia,” said, amongst others, the Victorian Minister, introducing to the public the new appointees.
The MPA is an independent statutory body with a broad, facilitative role to work with local councils, other government agencies and the planning and development industry to help deliver exciting Greenfield and Urban Renewal projects across Victoria. It reports directly to the Minister for Planning.