Liza Valks

Liza Valks is a respected leader and planning professional, renowned for her people-oriented approach to leadership and project delivery. She places a strong focus on building trusted relationships and fostering collaboration, integrating the needs and expertise of both clients and consultants into business strategies and project decisions.

Liza is a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia and has over three decades of experience (33 years and counting) in the industry predominantly in private practice with Buckley Vann and later Ethos Urban. She has spent much of her career in private practice, advising state and local governments and large corporates on strategic planning, policy development, and navigating complex development approval pathways. She has collaborated with clients across Queensland, interstate, and internationally, enjoying the variety, travel, and opportunity to connect with people across the industry. She has a particular passion for precinct and master planning, as well as government infrastructure projects such as LGIPs and growth management strategies, and planning for essential facilities like ports, hospitals, and schools.

Liza has always embraced new opportunities, and thrives on bringing together diverse, purpose-driven teams to tackle these complex projects, balancing strategic vision with practical outcomes. She has led numerous large-scale, multifaceted projects, including the development of new planning schemes for various local governments, neighbourhood plans and for many years, developed strategies across housing, transport (particularly seaport facilities), education and health sectors. She was one of a handful of planning experts involved in first and second generation LGIPs and a State appointed Independent Reviewer for many years.

In addition to her technical experience, Liza has held senior and executive leadership roles for many years at Buckley Vann and Ethos Urban. From people and culture management, to QMS and most recently her Regional Director (Qld) role and Executive Leadership position, she has balanced business and technical responsibilities, while honing her executive skills over the last decade.

Liza has been a role model for many in her profession and served as an informal mentor to professionals, particularly women in the initial stages of their careers. Her natural empathy, combined with broad experience and openness about navigating the challenges of setting boundaries and finding a suitable balance between all aspects of life while being impactful in the workplace, inspires confidence in others navigating their own career pathways. She has been an active supporter of PIA since her graduate days, as well as member and active participant in the Property Council of Australia and Committee for Brisbane committees.