UDIA appoints new Executive Director

The Urban Development Institute of Australia (SA Division) has appointed Pat Gerace as its new Executive Director.

Mr Gerace will take over the role on August 17 from outgoing Executive Director Terry Walsh, who will retire from the position after seven years.

Mr Gerace brings extensive public and private sector experience to the role, and was most recently Executive Director of the Local Government Association in South Australia. Prior to that he was a State Government ministerial adviser.

UDIA (SA) President and Chair of the selection committee John Stimson is excited to welcome Mr Gerace, who was appointed ahead of a strong field of candidates.

“Pat has outstanding qualifications in economics, finance and law, as well as detailed knowledge of the public sector, regulatory frameworks and parliamentary and legislative processes,” said Mr Stimson.

“He also has practical experiences working with government ministers in the areas of transport, infrastructure, housing and urban development, which will assist the UDIA to continue to develop its profile with government ministers and members of our industry.

“His appointment will also continue the good work of the UDIA in engaging with members and identifying issues for resolution, and maintaining credible and effective public relations.”

Mr Stimson added: “We have a progressive, service-oriented culture with our staff, our elected leadership and our active members, who are driven to represent the interests of our members,” he said. “This is an exciting time for the UDIA as we move from our inaugural full-time Executive Director to a new chapter in an industry strongly supportive of economic growth for South Australia.”

Established in 1971, the UDIA (SA) represents the interests of the development industry in
South Australia in collaboration with all levels of government. It represents all sections of the urban development sector, including developers, councils and service providers such as engineers, planners and surveyors. As the fifth largest contributor to output in SA, the property development industry employs 56,000 people or 7% of the State’s total workforce, and accounts for almost $9 billion or 12% of Gross State Product.

FURTHER INFORMATION:  Please contact
UDIA (SA) Executive Director Terry Walsh on 0408 704 790