For more information, contact: James Hacking, BlueCurrent Hong Kong +852 2967 8982

APAC, October 31, 2012 – The Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the Property Council of Australia (PCA) have today announced a strategic alliance intended to boost Australia’s access to international thinking on urban and real estate issues.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations was signed by Simon Treacy, Chairman, ULI South Asia, Group CEO, MGPA and Property Council National President Darren Steinberg in front of 500 people at the Property Congress at Sydney Town Hall today.

Property Council Chief Executive Peter Verwer said the aim of the alliance was to foster a more informed, transparent, efficient and respected real estate marketplace in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

“The Asian century is also the urban century and Australia needs to be at the forefront of new thinking and leading practice on urban issues,” Mr Verwer said.

“There is no more respected global urban and real estate thought leader than the Urban Land Institute and we are proud to be forming this strategic alliance with them.”

“This alliance will open up a powerful exchange of ideas on urban issues, providing members with opportunities to participate in stimulating study tours and creating a platform for joint research projects.”

Incoming ULI Australia Chairman Peter Holland, Director of International Property Economics at one of Australia’s leading independent property consultancies, Urbis, said that he was looking forward to grow ULI’s presence in Australia.

“Australia has great cities and one of the most sophisticated property industries in the world,”
Mr Holland said.

“ULI’s unparalleled research capacity and global network of public and private sector professionals will add a lot of value to the Australian market.”

“The partnership with the Property Council of Australia will allow ULI to extend its reach through the Asia Pacific region and better serve its Australian membership base.”

“Australia is a very important country for ULI,” said John Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific, ULI. “We are delighted to be working with the PCA and we look forward to growing our membership in Australia over the months and years ahead.”

ULI is a research and education institute, with over 30,000 members worldwide, dedicated to leadership in the responsible use of land and to the development of thriving, sustainable communities. ULI Asia Pacific serves the Institute’s nearly 1,000 members in North Asia, South Asia, Japan and Australia. The Property Council of Australia is the representative of the $600 billion property industry in Australia.

About the Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute (www.uli.org) is a nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has nearly 30,000 members worldwide representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.