Chris leads Renewal SA, the state government’s property group, in delivering lasting impact through property and projects for South Australia, across the environment, community and economy. The urban renewal activity focuses on increasing the amount and availability of affordable housing, creating connected and sustainable communities, accelerating the supply of housing for our regions, facilitating industrial and commercial developments, and contributing meaningfully to the elimination of carbon emissions. Chris holds over two decades of experience in the property industry across consultancy, private development sector and government, across a number of States. He is dedicated to helping drive initiatives that unlocks economic and social growth for South Australia.
As Chief Executive of Infrastructure SA, Jeremy has led development of the State’s first 20-year infrastructure strategy and is responsible for providing independent advice to the South Australian Government on infrastructure projects and prioritisation. His team has a strong focus on evidence-based decision-making and seeks to improve the maturity of infrastructure planning and investment across government. Infrastructure SA also aims to identify projects that deliver benefits for all South Australians by adopting a state-wide cross-sectoral lens. This is aided by Jeremy’s deep experience in both the public and private sectors. He has held senior roles at the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and Department for the Premier and Cabinet; meanwhile his vast commercial and business experience comes from having worked in property development at Places Victoria for three years and in private equity CVC Capital Partners in London for nine years.
Matt Opie commenced as Chief Executive of Defence SA in April 2024. Matt’s priority is to support and grow the defence and space sectors in South Australia to contribute to the state’s prosperity and national defence capability. His role also encompasses Chief Executive of the South Australian Space Industry Centre and responsibility for the Defence Innovation Partnership and Veterans SA. An Australian Defence Force Academy and Royal Military College Duntroon graduate, Matt has held senior defence positions across government, industry and academia over the course of his 35-year career. He served as an officer in the Royal Australian Corps of Signals in Australia, Europe and the Middle East. Matt has worked on high technology defence projects in the Asia-Pacific, US and Europe with defence forces, governments, research organisations and the private sector. Prior to joining Defence SA, Matt served as Director Defence and Space at the University of South Australia, where he was responsible for the university’s research strategies and engagement with the defence and space sectors. Previously he has also held various roles at Saab and BAE Systems in program management, business development and industry engagement. Matt has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration.
As the Head of Project Delivery at Adelaide Airport, Peter is passionate in leading a team of project managers and specialists delivering all Capital Infrastructure Projects of both aviation and commercial developments at Adelaide and Parafield Airport Ltd. He possesses extensive experience in Construction Projects ranging from Residential through to Commercial and Aviation Capacity and Expansion initiatives. Peter holds a keen interest in Governance as part of his role at Adelaide Airport and continually strives for efficiency and improved ways of working. As a dedicated professional, he is committed to continually advancing his knowledge and experience through self-learning, training, education and learning from peers. Additionally, he is devoted to volunteering with Surf Life Saving SA and holds several development coach awards to assist in training future coaches in the movement. Peter holds a BSc Hons, Building Surveying from Liverpool John Moores University (UK) which covered Project Management, Construction Law, Landlord and Tenant Law, Architectural Design and Specification amongst other elements of our industry. Peter also recently completed the PACE PMP obtained at University of Adelaide. Peter has over 20 years experience in Project Management and the Built Environment, working across multiple sectors in varying roles.
Rebecca brings over 15 years of experience as a licensed residential building supervisor to her role as Director at Adelaide Green Homes (AGH) and Alliance Development and Construction. AGH aims to transform the housing market with their commitment to energy-efficient, beautifully designed homes. AGH's mission is to make high-performance homes accessible to more homeowners. Their approach combines passive design principles, a focus on airtightness, and advanced mechanical systems to create homes that are both sustainable and future-proof. By optimizing these elements, AGH delivers energy-efficient residences that remain affordable without compromising on quality or design.
Adrian Esplin is the CEO of Sarah Constructions (60+ year family business), leading the organisation since 2014. In that time, Adrian has grown the Sarah business four-fold to an annual turnover of $0.5bn, to be a significant commercial contractor and property owner in South Australia. Adrian’s career has spanned over 30 years in commercial construction and development, starting in 1994 with GHD as a structural engineer, before moving into contracting with Lendlease. In 2000 he commenced with Brookfield Multiplex; in 2007 becoming Regional Director and member of the Vic/SA Executive. During this period, he also assumed responsibility for Multiplex Developments SA. Adrian has served on various business and community boards and is currently Director of Youthinc, an alternate education provider for disadvantaged youth recently achieving accreditation from the Department of Education. He is also an adjunct lecturer for the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Adelaide. Adrian was President of the Property Council’s South Australian Division and a Director from 1 April 2020-23 March 2023.
Jackson Digney is a Certified Passive House Consultant and Builder committed to raising building standards and driving energy efficiency in the South Australian construction industry. With a deep passion for sustainable homes, Jackson challenges the status quo by delivering cutting-edge, energy-efficient building solutions. His approach focuses on providing a seamless, stress-free experience for clients, backed by the latest technologies and best practices from around the world. As the owner of Enduro Builders and Climasure, Jackson consistently strives to push the boundaries, setting new benchmarks in comfort, health, and energy performance for new and existing buildings.
As a seasoned Graduate Architect, Registered Builder, and Certified Passivhaus Designer with 30+ years of experience, I am committed to designing and building sustainable, cost-effective housing. My focus on 60-year life spans, reduced energy usage, and carbon footprints reflects my dedication to ecological responsibility. I am a firm believer in the Passivhaus Standard, which delivers energy-efficient, eco-friendly buildings that prioritize both occupant health and environmental stewardship.
Lloyd Damp is CEO of Southern Launch and is at the forefront of the space industry in Australia. He founded Southern Launch in 2017 and the company conducted the first commercial space launch from Australian soil in 2020. Today, Southern Launch employs 30 people and operates two licensed space launch and return facilities in Koonibba and Whalers Way on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia. These multi-user space launch facilities have been used by domestic and international customers with the Koonibba Test Range hosting the launch of the first high-powered rocket under Australian legislation. Lloyd leads a team dedicated to developing world-class space launch and return facilities in South Australia and providing bespoke solutions for customers. Lloyd’s vision is to build a connected space industry centred around domestic launch and return capabilities to establish Australia as the next global space hub. Prior to starting Southern Launch, Lloyd spent over 12 years working for the Australian Government specialising in complex program design and delivery. While there Lloyd also played a small part in helping Australia undertake regular rocket launches into space from Woomera.
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