QUDAL Celebrates 10 years

However, an equally important part of the well-spirited evening was the announcement that the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AO has accepted to become the Patron of UDAL Inc. Qld. We are honoured and pleased to have her support and interest and look forward to meeting high vice-regal standards.

Some of the highlights over the last two years, since appointing Donnell Davis as our very able executive officer, (sadly now moving on to greater things in the international sphere) have accelerated us to new levels: an electronic network of over 1,000; exceeded target of new members and corporate supporters; a well progressing new strategic plan to 2015; established foundation institutional relationships with Bond and Griffith Universities; strengthened links with state government; ‘youth’ generation representative on our Board and conduct of a youth round table; major local government and corporate sponsors; links and partnerships with allied groups such as UN Habitat, Sust. Design Co-op. Research Centre and others; regular electronic newsletter; a web site; monthly well attended Forums; members collectively and individually actively furthering the urban design cause.

Preceding the party, the ‘guard’ was changed. Nothing like a nice meal to entice AGM attendance. The formalities were completed expeditiously to elect the new Board of: Andrew Hammonds, Chair; Peter Edwards, vice Chair; John Loneragan, Treasurer and John Clarke, Secretary, supported by a large, diverse and energetic management committee.

Vision for QUADL

The new Chair, Andrew Hammonds, in summary, states his vision for QUDAL over the next few years thus:

• It focuses our attention on the outcome – which is the creation of places facilitated by urban design and other ‘disciplines’ like engineering, surveying and planning. By recognising the range of stakeholders and professions involved in placemaking we not only broaden our support base; we increase our area of influence.

• The vision confirms the fundamental driver for urban design is the users of places (not the designers) – ultimately people who use a place who determine the benchmark of success.

• The vision also acknowledges that good places which are economically vital, environmentally responsible and socially equitable have universal qualities developed over thousands of years.

• Last, but not least, the vision confirms that our area of influence is not just cities but the suburbs as well as the towns and centres in the regions of Queensland.

• In order to deliver this vision my focus as President will be on: Placemaking; Place users; Partners; Presence; and Professionalism.

Congratulations QUDAL on 10 years of progress – and best wishes for the years ahead.