Former State Penrith MP Stuart Ayres has landed a new permanent job.
Ayres has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW, the state’s leading development industry body.
“UDIA NSW is delighted to announce the appointment of Stuart Ayres as our new CEO at a critical time for the housing and development industry in NSW,” the UDIA NSW Board said in a statement.
“As a prominent member and advocate of Australia’s fastest-growing region in western Sydney, Stuart has a great understanding of both the economic opportunities and inherent challenges involved in the delivery of major projects that will create jobs and additional housing supply for NSW.
“He also understands the power of collaboration between industry and government, and what can be achieved when there is alignment of policy, investment and resourcing between the public and private sector.
“Following his distinguished career as a senior Cabinet Minister and Member of NSW Parliament, we are confident Stuart can reinforce UDIA’s standing as the leading voice for the development industry in NSW.”
Ayres was the State Member for Penrith from 2010 until 2023, and held numerous ministerial portfolios during that game.
“I’m enthusiastic about leading an organisation that is deeply committed to shaping cities and creating great communities,” Ayres said.
“For a NSW Government that has building homes as its top priority, there are no more important partners than those businesses and organisations that are UDIA members.
“I look forward to building on UDIA’s rich history of policy leadership and collaboration to ensure as a state we build more homes for people to live in and dynamic places to work.”
Ayres steps into the shows of Gavin Melvin, who has been Acting CEO since the start of the year. Melvin will continue with UDIA NSW.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.