Join the conversation shaping the future of property development in New South Wales. Register now to secure your place.

You’re invited to an engaging evening at the Sydney Property Think Tank 2026, a forum bringing together senior leaders from across the property, development and infrastructure sectors to explore one of the most pressing challenges facing the industry today: how to balance liveability outcomes with development feasibility in an evolving policy and planning environment.

Opening the discussion are Andrew Porter, Global Lead - Future Communities and Stewart Verity, Market Leader Property and Buildings at GHD, who will examine the forces shaping Australia’s housing future. Drawing on their deep industry experience, Andrew and Stewart will explore how generational change, shifting community expectations and long‑term demographic trends are influencing the way we plan, design and deliver housing and infrastructure.

Following the keynote, Andrew and Stewart will be joined by a panel of industry experts to cut through the noise and unpack what these challenges mean in practice, including the impact of the National Housing Accord, recent NSW planning system changes and the ongoing challenge of delivering higher‑density housing that is both liveable and commercially viable.

For event enquiries, contact events@cbp.com.au

• Industry insight: Hear directly from senior leaders on the policy, planning and market forces shaping the future of housing and development in NSW.
• Practical perspectives: Gain real‑world insights into how liveability, feasibility and community outcomes can be balanced in today’s planning environment.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with peers and leaders from across the property and development sector in a relaxed, professional setting.

We’ll conclude the evening with networking and enjoy the exceptional hospitality of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Whether you’re attending for the insights, the connections or simply to enjoy a great evening with industry peers, this is an event not to be missed.

PLAY

Andrew Porter
Global Lead - Future Communities | GHD

Andrew has over 25 years of consulting, leadership and commercial experience across a diverse range of market sectors, including defence, environment and water. In his role as GHD’s Global Lead for Future Communities, he uses his deep experience as a strategist, influencer and collaborator to help clients put people at the heart of building communities that are connected, resilient, productive and inspired.

Coupled with a background as an Environmental Scientist, Andrew brings deep practical experience in research, policy, leadership and governance to inspire teams and create smart, sustainable solutions. Andrew is known for his ability to develop early, enduring and collaborative relationships across industry; underpinned by creativity, deep environmental and social insights, and innovation to create lasting benefits for communities. 

Stewart Verity
Market Leader Property and Buildings | GHD

Over the course of his 33 years’ experience in private practice, development organisations and government, Stewart has developed a significant and awarded track record of accomplishment in the design and delivery of urban environments. Stewart has a history of success in roles ranging from bespoke design tasks to the management of large, multi-disciplinary teams through both design and delivery phases of urban projects. He has worked at scales ranging from small public parks, through to the creation of new cities and towns, throughout Australia and the world.

Stewart’s recent roles include Program Director for the redevelopment of the Garden Island Defence Site in Sydney, Project Director for redevelopment of Cockle Bay Wharf and creation of a new bus interchange at Macquarie Park. As general manager Urban Design and Planning, he was also part of Lendlease’s senior leadership team in the design and delivery of the Barangaroo South project. He is able to leverage a wide perspective and significant experience to create places of value, for clients and community.

Hon. Stuart Ayres
Chief Executive Officer | UDIA NSW

The Hon. Stuart Ayres is Chief Executive Officer of the Urban Development Institute of Australia. The leading industry association for the development industry in NSW. In addition, Stuart is also the independent Chair of the NSW Tourism Association.

Between 2010 and 2023, Stuart served in the NSW Parliament as the Member for Penrith. During that time, he spent 9 years as a Minister across several portfolios, including Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Sport and Tourism, Police and Emergency Services, WestConnex and Western Sydney. He was also the Deputy Leader of the NSW Liberal Party.

Stuart was instrumental in the establishment of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and Western Sydney City Deal, oversaw the delivery and transaction of WestConnex and lead the largest renewal of sporting infrastructure in NSW outside of the Olympics, including the redevelopment of the Sydney Football Stadium (Allianz) and Western Sydney Stadium (CommBank).

Jean-Paul Fraticelli
Partner | Colin Biggers & Paisley

A member of the Property & Development group since 2017 and Partner since 2025, Jean-Paul is an accredited specialist with over 10 years of experience working in all areas of property law. Jean-Paul's expertise is in property developments and special projects, including acquisitions, disposals, off-the-plan sales and property due diligence, as well as in commercial, retail and industrial leasing. Jean-Paul is a member of the Law Society of New South Wales and is also a contributor to the LexisNexis Australian Property Law Bulletin.