New captain steers the ship in Victoria

New captain steers the ship in VictoriaDiving deep into the policy detail and building stronger relationships with members are top priorities for the Property Council’s new executive director in Victoria, Sally Capp.Formerly the chief operating officer of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Capp has experience in executive roles in government and business, including time as the CEO of the Committee for Melbourne, head of markets at KPMG in Victoria and the Agent-General in London for Victorian Government.But her enduring passion is working with member organisations.”I really value the relationship that we can build with members – it is a very different relationship to that with customers or clients,” she says.”The investment made by members of the Property Council goes well beyond their own self-interest – and that’s something I find energising and inspiring.”Her first task as captain of the ship in Victoria is to “get to know our members better” and to develop a targeted advocacy agenda that delivers best bang for buck.”A huge amount happens across the property landscape on a day-to-day basis – it’s very vibrant and constantly active. This presents many opportunities, but it’s also important that we focus on areas where the Property Council can have a positive impact.”One of the advocacy priorities on Capp’s agenda is the Victorian Government’s Better Apartment Design Standards, which will be finalised later this year. “The consultation period is now closed, and the guidelines are sitting with the minister at the moment. We’ve played a big role in contributing to discussions around the guidelines, and have influenced the department’s thinking,” Capp says.Another burning issue is the Melbourne Planning Scheme Amendment C270, which proposes permanent changes to the planning controls that guide the built form.”This amendment would apply the same plot ratios and set-backs to both residential and commercial developments – a move that would make commercial sites untenable and have a big impact on jobs because we won’t be able to accommodate the growing population in the CBD,” Capp says.Capp also has her sights set on major new developments, including Fishermans Bend – which will accommodate 80,000 people – and North Melbourne’s Arden Street, which will grow to house 25,000 new residents and 43,000 jobs.”Fishermans Bend is owned by more than 3 stakeholders predominantly from the private sector, while Arden Street is wholly owned by government. We will be keen to see how the two developments unfold, as we have a role to play in getting good outcomes for industry and the community in both,” she says.”I’m excited to champion an industry that has a huge impact not just across its own sector, but creating jobs, prosperity and growth across the economy and entire Australian community,” Capp concludes.