Who’s Who in 2022, Government Gurus: John Aitken

John Aitken, a leading figure in the rise and rise of Brisbane over the last 40 years, is now adding his considerable expertise to the planning and development of The Mill at Moreton Bay.

As a director of Millovate, which was set-up to create The Mill as a “destination landmark”, Mr Aitken is a key figure in the activation of around 65 hectares at the Petrie site.

In its 2021-22 annual report, Millovate said the priority had been working on a Business Plan aligning Council’s vision and deliverables for The Mill at Moreton Bay, as well as Millovate’s strategies and tactics to deliver the staged master planned development”.

The annual report said this comprised social infrastructure to support health and wellbeing; Sustainable Urban Infrastructure to attract capital; Economic Development for enterprise growth and innovation and Environmental Sustainability.

Also operating functions for Millovate; progressing the Master Plan Development Plan and Development Roadmap to guide development for the next two decades and an Interim Development Strategy for Mill Central and Mill Innovation.

The annual report says this included programs for digital telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, healthcare including a private hospital and education, which includes three new buildings for UniSC Moreton Bay.

About John Aitken

John Aitken has been one of the leading figures in Brisbane’s growth and global positioning over the last 40 years.

During that time, he has helped create many of our biggest annual events including Riverfestival and Riverfire. He has also overseen the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

The profile on Moreton Bay Regional Council’s website describes Mr Aitken as “one of the leaders in economic development and placemaking for cities”.

Mr Aitken was CEO of Brisbane Marketing from 2008-2017. His Linkedin profile says in that time he helped deliver $4 billion of economic outcomes, Brisbane’s Global Precincts and Digital Strategies and G20 leveraging strategy.

He then set-up the Brisbane-based consultancy firm Inspiring Cities which lists Queens Wharf Brisbane, Howard Smith Wharves, North Harbour, MBRIT, Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce and Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce among its clients.

Mr Aitken is a non-executive board member of Millovate as well as the Chair of Property, Investment Attraction and Innovation Subcommittee.