Kerry Doss

Kerry Doss is one of Australia's most accomplished urban planners, bringing over 37 years of deep, hands-on experience across all levels of government and the private sector. He holds qualifications in coastal management, urban and regional planning, business management and project management. As Principal of Kerry Doss Consulting, he provides expert advice on planning, housing, infrastructure and urban development, drawing on decades of strategic and operational leadership in complex policy and project environments.

Kerry’s distinguished public service career includes his appointment as State Planner of Queensland and Deputy Director-General of the Planning Group in the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning. In this role, he oversaw the operation of Queensland’s planning system. His leadership shaped regional planning frameworks, guided legislative reform, and managed the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA).

Earlier, as Manager of City Planning and Economic Development at Brisbane City Council, Kerry was the city's most senior planner for nearly a decade. His portfolio included urban design, infrastructure, neighbourhood planning, economic development, and renewal strategies—managing annual budgets exceeding $150 million and revenues over $120 million.

Kerry has also worked extensively in consultancy and now is principal of his own firm. He has delivered growth strategies, planning scheme reviews, infrastructure frameworks, and development advice to councils and private sector clients alike. Kerry has also worked across NSW and QLD. He is at home in providing pragmatic advice to both small and large organisations as well as dealing with issues confronting urban, regional and rural environments.

Kerry is a Fellow and Registered Planner with the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), where he has held executive roles including QLD Vice President. He sits on a wide range of boards and panels including the NSW Planning Panels, NSW Government Biodiversity Conservation Advisory Panel, University of Queensland Professional Advisory Board and is an Adjunct Industry Fellow to Griffith University’s Urban Research Program. He has previously held board roles with the South Bank Corporation, Cross River Rail Delivery Authority and Griffith University’s Professional Advisory Board.

A respected mentor and thought leader, Kerry continues to play a key role in shaping the profession through university teaching (University of Queensland and University of Sunshine Coast), formal and informal mentoring, and presenting across Australia on planning and governance. His consulting work continues to focus on supporting better outcomes through partnerships, collaboration, clarity, and strategic insight.