Brad Williams: Leading the way in urban planning

A passion for sustainable development

Brad Williams, RPS’ General Manager – Sunshine Coast has been a passionate surfer since childhood. He finds sheer exhilaration and solace in catching waves, forging a strong connection with nature. 

“When you’re in the surf, you feel totally alive. Getting in the ocean is vital for me – it’s become this lifelong passion,” he enthuses. 

Brad’s love for the outdoors translates into his professional life, where he champions projects that integrate natural environments with urban planning. His goal is to enhance both community living and environmental stewardship. 

“I get a lot of satisfaction from projects that consider the natural environment, like the Oceanside master planned community and Bokarina Beach where RPS has been supporting our client Stockland for over a decade,” he explains.  

Oceanside was awarded Australia’s best master planned community at the 2020 Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) National Awards of Excellence for blending affordability, liveability, and sustainability. 

Brad’s commitment to sustainable and thoughtful development is evident throughout his work, with Bokarina Beach remaining a standout project in his career. 

“You don't get many 30-hectare beachfront sites in the middle of a regional city anymore. Working on such a site was a fantastic opportunity.” 

“It's a site within my local community, very close to where I live. We're now approaching the end of the development cycle, and seeing it fully developed with its waterways, and integrated beachfront is probably my most rewarding smaller project.” 

A career dedicated to the growth of South East Queensland

Born and bred in South East Queensland, Brad is deeply invested in the region’s development. 

“It's close to my heart as to how this area grows and how we balance our natural environment, economic growth, housing availability, and resources,” he explains. 

“At the scale of development that I'm involved in, particularly master planned communities among the largest in the nation, I get to have a meaningful input and see the vision for where the region is going.” 

Brad has spent most of his career in urban planning, witnessing significant shifts and growth across the property sector in South East Queensland. 

“There has been a lot of change. Certainly, South East Queensland has grown and matured a lot in the last decade or two, and I've tried to make myself relevant in the context of those changes.”

As a planning consultant working on some of the largest and most innovative master planning projects in the South East Queensland region, including Caboolture West, Aura, Bokarina Beach, Forest Glen Urban Village, and Birtinya, Brad has worked closely with the local Councils, community stakeholder groups, the Queensland Government, Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), and commercial clients.

Brad’s dedication to the Sunshine Coast region and advancing industry standards was evident during his tenure as Chair of the Property Council Australia’s (PCA) Sunshine Coast Committee, which he led for four years until 2024. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the Sunshine Coast Business Council, and is a member of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), Queensland Environmental Law Association (QELA), and Planning Institute of Australia (PIA). As a Certified Practicing Planner, he regularly contributes to these bodies through event attendance and assistance in policy and submission work.

“I aim to give back to the industry and foster good development outcomes in South East Queensland (SEQ). I’m driven by a commitment to shaping sustainable and vibrant communities,” he shares.   

Innovative projects, strategic vision, and industry recognition

Throughout his career, Brad has been involved in numerous high-impact projects across South East Queensland. Notably, he has contributed to the Aura development, a significant undertaking that has shaped the region’s urban landscape. 

“Aura was just a potential development site when I got involved in 2009. Today, it stands as a testament to strategic vision and collaborative effort,” he reflects. 

Brad’s significant contribution to the property sector was recognised at the 2024 inaugural People in Property Awards, where he received the judge’s commendation for the Industry Impact Award. The awards, held by the Property Council of Australia Queensland, acknowledge the achievements of leaders across the property field. 

With awards in six categories, the Industry Impact Award specifically recognises ‘individuals who contribute significantly and consistently to the property industry beyond their own organisation, over an extended period of time, and for the purpose of advancing the industry and its people through knowledge sharing, advocacy and/or leadership.’

Brad was shortlisted in a competitive field and endorsed for his strong advocacy for the Sunshine Coast, his expertise in good development outcomes across South East Queensland, and for his exceptional expertise in shaping the region throughout his extensive career. 

“To be grouped with some of the best minds in the property business was very rewarding and humbling. That kind of peer recognition as an industry leader is a defining career moment, and a driver for continued growth,” he beams. 

At the awards, the Property Council of Australia Queensland described Brad as “a strong advocate for the Sunshine Coast and instrumental in engagement between industry stakeholders.”

In the competitive landscape of Queensland’s development industry, this award not only honours Brad’s individual contributions but also highlights the collective efforts of his team at RPS.  

Where it all began: the journey to leadership

As a young adult, Brad’s affinity with the ocean, mountains, and forests motivated him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in science, majoring in environment and ecology. But after realising where the job opportunities lay, he shifted his focus to urban planning, undertaking a post-graduate qualification. 

“My university experience taught me that the principles I learnt in environmental management could be applied to urban environments and emerging cities. I had great lecturers that exposed me to spatial planning, and that expanded by horizons.”  

Once set for a career in urban planning, Brad soaked up the spectacle of Expo 88, a six-month event still regarded as Brisbane’s coming of age moment, transforming the now vibrant South Bank Parklands area.

“I spent way too much time at the Expo, which physically and culturally changed Brisbane. I had just finished university, so I was having a break before starting work,” he remembers. 

Brad’s first urban planning job was with the Brisbane City Council, working on CBD development proposals and inner urban local planning projects in West End, South Brisbane and Kangaroo Point. Since then, he’s had an expansive career, with the past 24 years spent at RPS. 

As the General Manager of RPS Sunshine Coast, a role which Brad has held for seven years, he oversees day-today operations, client relations, and business development. His role is multifaceted, involving everything from financial management to strategic planning and client engagement. 

“Client focus is a big part of my day. My role requires me to address specific project needs, maintain strong relationships, understand diverse perspectives, and maintain a balance between local and global expectations.”

“If you do a job well, you’re directing how new communities evolve and grow,” he emphasises.

Today’s challenges, tomorrow’s specialists

According to Brad, innovative leadership in urban planning and development requires robust problem-solving, particularly in navigating regulatory and community challenges. 

“Problem-solving is more about strategic visioning and addressing issues that may not be immediately apparent to developers,” he explains. 

This approach has been pivotal to ensuring successful outcomes for complex projects, balancing developer aspirations with community and regulatory considerations. 

For those entering the field, Brad underlines the importance of gaining diverse experiences and staying engaged with community dynamics. 

“Accumulating a wide range of experiences is key. Understanding different perspectives and being adaptable is crucial for success in urban planning,” he advises. 

His final counsel for newcomers into the sector is to follow is his own personal mantra: to connect with nature.  

“Get out into the ocean, climb a mountain, bask in the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast.”