February 15, 2017
A planning giant steps down
Jude Munro AO, Chair, Victorian Planning Authority has announced that the CEO of the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA), Peter Seamer is stepping down from the role as of Easter.
The driving force behind first the Growth Areas Authority (GAA), Metropolitan Planning Authority (MPA) and now the VPA, Peter has been instrumental in planning 60 new well designed and liveable suburbs and employment areas in Melbourne’s growth areas.
Peter Seamer took the helm of the GAA shortly after its creation in 2006. The GAA was originally established to address the lack of coordinated planning and development across Melbourne’s Greenfield sites that had led to many under-serviced dormitory suburbs.
The GAA and its successor organisations have worked hand in hand with councils and developers to create a Greenfield sector that now leads the country for affordability, diversity and design.
One of his finest achievements has been helping keep the dream of home ownership alive in Melbourne for many homebuyers in well planned areas with access to new and improved infrastructure. Serviced lots sell for $200,000 less in the growth areas of Melbourne than they do in Sydney.
Peter has led the VPA’s efforts to replicate this same professional approach to strategic planning in many middle and inner city projects they are now progressing, in areas like the Arden Precinct, the Monash, La Trobe and Sunshine Employment clusters, and strategic sites throughout Melbourne and key regional areas.
The VPA is also leading the land use planning in Bacchus Marsh and Jacksons Hill, Sunbury.
Peter Seamer has had an outstanding career of public service with highlights including:
- CEO of Federation Square during its building phase and its first few years of operation.
- CEO of several cities, including Essendon, Greater Bendigo, Whitehorse, and the City of Sydney.
Peter Seamer advised the Government of this move mid last year and will remain CEO until 13th April. An executive search for a new VPA CEO is now underway.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne:
“Peter Seamer has made an enormous contribution to planning in Victoria. He’s played a key role helping establish the VPA and he’ll be sorely missed.”
“Thankfully we’re not losing Peter’s talents altogether. He’ll be serving the state and putting his strategic skills to use in a new role which will be announced shortly.”
Quotes attributable to VPA CEO, Peter Seamer
“It has been an absolute privilege to serve the Victorian community and I leave satisfied that the job of managing Victoria’s population growth is in safe hands’.
Quote attributable to VPA Board Chair, Jude Munro AO
“On behalf of the board of the VPA, I would like to acknowledge Peter’s outstanding leadership of strategic land use planning in Victoria over the last ten years.”