Interview with Bob Sharpless | S6EP03

In this episode of The Development Drum, Bob Sharpless reflects on his journey and transition from working as a civil engineer to becoming the Deputy Chairman of Springfield City Group, the master developer of Greater Springfield. He explains how building his career and his landmark project from the ground up, required navigating early risks, and how planning for worst-case scenarios served as a deliberate strategy to protect his personal assets. Bob offers a candid look into his diverse career journey, from balancing the high-stakes pressures of master-planning with long cycling rides, to reflecting on his impactful time as Chairman of the Brisbane Lions. It’s an insightful conversation on how Bob has focused on unyielding regional aspiration and playing the long game with the same analytical problem-solving he practiced in engineering. 

Guest Bio: Bob Sharpless is the Deputy Chairman of Springfield City Group – the master developer of Australia’s fastest-growing city. He is one of the nation’s most experienced property development figures, leading to his induction into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame in 2019 with Springfield City Group Chairman Maha Sinnathamby AM.

Bob became a civil engineer for the Western Australian Government before he moved to Brisbane in 1985 as a director and shareholder of the MUR Group, the forerunner to Springfield City Group. The MUR Group had acquired almost 3000 hectares of land on the doorstep of Brisbane that would transform into Greater Springfield. Bob oversees Springfield City Group’s activities with responsibilities across all elements of the business.

Connect with Bob Sharpless:

• Website: https://www.springfieldcity.com.au/

About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.

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Get in Touch: We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have feedback, guest suggestions, or sponsorship enquiries, reach us at udia@udiaqld.com.au

Recorded and Produced at our The Podcast Boss podcast studio in Brisbane