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SYDNEY (November 9, 2012) – The Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the Property Council of Australia (PCA) have formed 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 ULI South Asia Chairman Simon Treacy, group chief executive officer of MGPA, and PCA National President Darren Steinberg at the Property Congress at Sydney Town Hall on October 31.

ULI, with nearly 30,000 members worldwide, is a research and education institute 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.

The aim of the alliance is to foster a more informed, transparent, efficient and respected real estate marketplace in Australia and the Asia Pacific region. Through the agreement, ULI and the Property Council have committed to collaborate on a variety of mutually beneficial activities to encourage the creation of resilient, sustainable communities, including opportunities to jointly conduct industry research, and host international study tours and professional development programs. As part of the alliance, a series of ULI-branded real estate development sessions was featured at the recent Property Congress.

“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,” said Property Council Chief Executive Peter Verwer. “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 Urbis, one of Australia’s leading independent property consultancies, said he is looking forward to growing ULI’s presence in Australia. “Australia has great cities and is one of the most sophisticated property industries in the world,” 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 ULI Asia Pacific Senior Vice President John Fitzgerald. “We are delighted to be working with the PCA and we look forward to expanding our membership in Australia over the months and years ahead.”

About the Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute (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 sustaining and creating thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has nearly 30,000 members representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.

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