President's Message 2008-2009

I'm delighted to report that the BDA has fared well during the economic downturn and is now well placed to tackle the 2009-2010 year with great enthusiasm. During 2008-2009 the BDA focused on three important themes, and delivered information, debate and analysis in these areas:

1. Greater housing choice in Brisbane

The BDA assisted the Urban Land Development Authority in their endeavours to devise appropriate affordable housing formulae for their Bowen Hills and Northshore Hamilton areas. David Cant, CEO of the Brisbane Housing Company (BHC), also addressed members and guests on how the BHC delivers affordable housing.

2. Leading the creation of a better Brisbane

We increased the number of BDA patrons to 22, and staged 10 successful breakfast and luncheon seminars, notably:

• Macquarie Bank's Richard Gibbs' 2008 Economic & Investment Outlook
• Kelvin Grove Urban Village: The inside story (featuring a host of speakers)
• Paul Eagles, CEO, ULDA showcased the ULDA's vision for Bowen Hills and Northshore Hamilton
• Cr Amanda Cooper set out the Council's plans for the Howard Smith Wharves Revitalisation
• Nigel Chamier, Chair of the Lord Mayor's City Hall 2010 Committee, presented the strong arguments for saving City Hall
• The New Brisbane City Centre Neighbourhood Plan was explained by a panel of professional, government and development speakers
• Lord Mayor Campbell Newman addressed the BDA on 'Australia's New World City: Brisbane's future after the financial crisis'.

A highlight of the year was the Brisbane Awards presented by FKP Property Group and gala dinner honouring Steve Wilson.

Immediate Past President David Thomas continued to represent the BDA on the Lord Mayor's Roundtable.

The BDA submitted submissions on the following projects:

• North Bank Proposals
• Draft South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031
• Draft South East Queensland Climate Change Management Plan.

3. Retrofitting Brisbane with excellent and sustainable design

BDA Executive Director John Pettit continued his ongoing involvement in the Brisbane City Council's Long Term Infrastructure Plan Reference Group and the South East Queensland Regional Infrastructure Plan Reference Group.

Luncheon seminars included:

• A connected, people oriented vision for Brisbane' by internationally renowned urban designer Jan Gehl
• Evolving South Bank as a world-class creative destination' by Malcolm Snow, CEO, South Bank Corporation and Mike Gowan, State Director of the ABC.

During the year I felt ably supported by our hard working and ageless Executive Director John Pettit, and the efficacious secretarial support from Lorelei Broadbent. I am particularly indebted to immediate past Presidents' David Thomas and Steve Reynolds for their wise counsel and acerbic wits.

Our volunteer Executive Committee met monthly, enjoying each other's company and making valuable collective contributions to the BDA's initiatives and, through these, the creation of a better Brisbane.

Chris Skelton's guidance has ensured the BDA's financial position has remained strong in difficult times, and Michelle Lee's chairing of the Seminar Committee has enabled us to stage a great variety of highly relevant events with engaging and entertaining speakers.

Special thanks go to Baulderstone for their considerable sponsorship support, and Minter Ellison for their ongoing hospitality hosting BDA Executive Committee meetings and Patrons' Breakfasts.

For me the BDA remains one of Brisbane's great living assets, independent, thoughtful, amicable, and engaging. I'm honoured to have been part of it, and indebted to my colleagues for giving me the privilege to have been of service to my home town, the best city in the world.

I look forward to seeing you all again soon, and may 2010 be a great year for us all.

MARK DOONAR
President