The Queensland Government has accepted a recommendation from the independent board of Economic Development Queensland to appoint Julian Simmonds as its permanent CEO.
Mr Simmonds’ appointment as CEO of Economic Development Queensland was recommended following two rigorous performance reviews by the Board Chair and a formal interview conducted in September.
In the last six months, Mr Simmonds has supported the Government in delivering a refocused EDQ with the declarations of the North Harbour and Mount Peter PDAs unlocking 22,200 new homes and a record 8,003 house and lot approvals in the 2024/25 financial year.
As Acting CEO, Mr Simmonds has also commenced review of the long-stalled Development Schemes at Woolloongabba and Northshore Hamilton to streamline the delivery of 26,000 new homes by removing red tape and burdensome planning rules put in place by the former Labor Government stifling the delivery of housing in these PDAs.
Mr Simmonds brings extensive experience across planning, development and local government, which was acknowledged by his appointment to the South Bank Corporation board under the former Labor Government.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie said the independent board’s recommendation to appoint Julian as permanent CEO provides industry and EDQ with leadership stability.
“A refocused EDQ is critical to deliver more homes for Queenslanders to ease Labor’s Housing Crisis following a decade of decline,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“Julian brings extensive experience across planning, development and local government and I know that he will drive EDQ’s delivery over the next five years to deliver more homes and job-creating economic development opportunities for Queenslanders.”
Economic Development Queensland Chair Brendan O’Farrell said Mr Simmonds was unanimously appointed permanent CEO.
“Mr Simmonds has shown exemplary commitment, capability and vision in this role over the last six months with his appointment unanimously supported by the board,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“His performance has set a new benchmark for excellence, and we are thrilled to confirm his permanent appointment.
“This appointment will embed the objective of enabling housing supply in this great state of Queensland, providing more families with a place to call home.”
Mr Simmonds said he looked forward to working with the Queensland Government further following his appointment as permanent CEO of EDQ.
“Over the last six months, a refocused EDQ, in partnership with the Queensland Government, has been able to unlock critical housing right across the state and ease the housing crisis,” Mr Simmonds said.
“I’m grateful to have been appointed permanent CEO of EDQ – a refocused organisation delivering record results for Queenslanders.”
Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Queensland CEO, Kirsty Chessher-Brown said EDQ played an important role in delivering more homes, sooner.
“The Institute has always been and remains strong supporters of EDQ and believes that it can play an incredibly important role in increasing speed to market and importantly, assist the industry deliver more homes on the ground, sooner,” Ms Chessher-Brown said.
“Since his time in the role, Julian has demonstrated a willingness to engage with the property industry, and commitment to transparency and accountability, including the release of a Development Assessment Report Card.
“EDQ is well equipped to assist our collective efforts in responding to prevailing challenges and there has never been a more important time for EDQ to play a leading role as a facilitator of housing and jobs across the state.”
Property Council of Australia Queensland Executive Director, Jess Caire said PCA also welcomed Mr Simmonds appointment.
“The Property Council welcomes the appointment of Julian Simmonds as the permanent CEO of Economic Development Queensland,” Ms Caire said.
“EDQ plays a critical role as an enabler of development in Queensland, and central to that is its partnership with the private sector. Industry has welcomed the organisation’s pragmatic and engaged approach, particularly in recent months.
“Ensuring Priority Development Areas are fast-tracked and positioned to deliver a range of housing typologies is essential as is the need to unlock more job-creating industrial land.
“Recent efforts have sharpened EDQ’s focus on housing delivery, progressed key precincts like Woolloongabba and Northshore Hamilton, and unlocked strategically located land to meet Queensland’s future needs.
“The Property Council looks forward to continuing to work with EDQ to identify practical solutions that unlock much-needed supply.”
