Brian Haratsis

Brian is an economist, planner and adviser with more than 40 years’ experience in urban economics and planning in Australia and internationally.

Brian studied Town Planning (BTRP) and Economics (B.Comm.) at Melbourne University (opens in a new tab) and finished his education at the London School of Economics (opens in a new tab) (M.Sc.). He later worked at Harvard with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy (opens in a new tab).

Brian established Macroplan in 1985 after gaining experience in local Government, State Government and private consultancy.

He is the author of several books including AI Cities + Renewable Energy Regions (opens in a new tab) (2026), Autropolis: The Diverse Mobility Revolution (2017), Destructive Cities (2016), Beyond the Fringe (2013), Follow the Money – Made in Australia (2012) and Australia 2050: Big Australia? (opens in a new tab) (2011).

A frequent speaker and panelist, Brian is a recognised industry leader and Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia (opens in a new tab) and Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association (opens in a new tab), holding positions on several Property Council of Australia (opens in a new tab) Committees.

Brian provides services to a range of major corporate and government clients throughout Australia.

Having started Macroplan and led it for 40 years, including three years as a Director of the Victorian Planning Authority (opens in a new tab), Brian appreciates the complexities and requirements of business. He is working on some of the largest and most innovative projects in Australia.

Macroplan is a boutique consultancy across town planning and economics, feasibility, finance and development management. It specialises in major mixed-use development projects, apartments and greenfield projects, retail, industrial, hotels, data centres and entertainment: the full suite of corporate investment sectors.

His experience spans every State in Australia and every step of the development process. He has connections to and relationships with major corporates, and key relationships at State and Federal level. He believes relationships, innovation and collaboration are the keys to doing business in the property sector, hence his thought-leadership approach to Macroplan. A continuous relationship with the marketplace is essential, so he is active in all the major organisations, including the Property Council of Australia (opens in a new tab), the UDIA (opens in a new tab) and the ULI (opens in a new tab).

His most recent book, AI Cities + Renewable Energy Regions (opens in a new tab), demonstrates unique insights into the property market and the future of key sectors. He prides himself on his work ethic, and reading and research are a constant source of inspiration.

His biggest strengths are knowing how each step in the property business actually works, what the current metrics driving deals are and, most importantly, who to work with to get those deals done.