May 2025 Edition
ULI Australia
The mission of ULI is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide.
Message from the Chair
Easing geopolitical tensions is welcome news for Australia’s trade outlook—but uncertainty in capital markets and development pipelines remains. In times like these, knowledge exchange becomes critical. It’s also one of the most powerful aspects of the ULI global community.
I’m pleased to confirm that our 2025 ULI Australia National Conference, Global Futures – Smart City Investment: Global Pathways to Sustainable Urban Growth, will take place on 27–28 November at NSW Parliament House.
This year’s programme draws lessons from the United States, Europe, and Asia to examine how international markets are funding urban transformation—and what Australia can learn. We'll explore how climate risk, demographic shifts, capital volatility, and emerging technologies are reshaping how we plan, finance, and deliver the built environment.
Given these pressures, ULI Australia’s Net Zero Imperative was proud to support the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning through a Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) focused on sustainable street tree outcomes. The panel brought together global expertise to advise on integrated, long-term planning solutions.
There has never been a more urgent need for public and private sector collaboration to advance the net zero agenda with practical, globally informed strategies. We look forward to sharing the outcomes of this work and more in the lead-up to November.
Finally, I hope to see many of you this week at the ULI Asia Pacific Summit in Hong Kong, where we’ll explore how climate challenges are redefining real estate fundamentals—and how cross-sector collaboration can unlock new opportunities for value creation.
Yours sincerely,
Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives (Real Estate) Brookfield Properties
Asia Pacific and Middle East, ULI Australia Executive Committee Chair
Urban Land Institute Net Zero Imperative Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) for Victoria State Government Department of Transport and Planning
Prioritising Street Trees: ULI’s Net Zero TAP Report for a Greener Victoria
Commissioned by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Net Zero Imperative Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) was tasked with a critical assignment: to explore how to elevate the role of street trees in our communities and identify practical steps to overcome longstanding barriers to their delivery. This work recognises the essential role of trees in shaping liveable, healthy, green, and climate-resilient places.
Led by a panel of international and local passionate experts with extensive experience in street tree canopy and urban greening, the TAP drew upon international and national case studies, as well as extensive stakeholder interviews, to develop a suite of practical, actionable recommendations.
This work builds on a foundation of exceptional research and on-ground practice already underway across the sector. We extend our sincere thanks to the TAP members, Strategic Advisers, and all contributors who shared their insights and expertise. Their collaboration has resulted in one of the most comprehensive consultations on urban street trees conducted in Australia to date.
We look forward to continuing our work with the Department of Transport and Planning and the wider industry to bring these recommendations to life and to embed trees as essential urban infrastructure moving forward.
ULI Australia Net Zero Imperative Chair
ULI Melbourne District Councillor
Senior Development Advisor
Yarra Valley Water
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Upcoming Events in Australia
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