About Kate
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | STRATEGIC ADVISOR | NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | INFRASTRUCTURE, HOUSING, PRECINCTS & URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Welcome. I’m a senior strategic advisor, non-executive director and industry leader with more than 20 years of experience shaping high-impact outcomes across infrastructure, housing, precincts and large-scale urban development.
As Executive Director of Carrington Avenue Advisory, I work with leaders in government, industry and the not-for-profit sector to deliver independent, evidence-based advice that supports sound investment, strategic alignment and long-term public value. My expertise spans strategy, feasibility, governance, and risk — applied across large programs, complex systems and city-shaping initiatives.
I’ve held leadership roles on multi-billion-dollar infrastructure and precinct projects, led cross-sector partnerships and directed multidisciplinary teams of 500+. I bring deep capability in strategy, governance, stakeholder engagement and commercial leadership, with a track record of driving transformation and integrated outcomes.
I hold a PhD in urban development, and qualifications in property economics, commercial law and social impact assessment. As a GAICD-qualified director, I contribute through board, committee and interim executive positions — supporting organisations navigating growth, transition and transformation.
My leadership is collaborative, future-focused and values-led—grounded in Integrity, Excellence, Innovation and Evidence-Based Decision-Making. I’m passionate about building stronger, more and sustainable communities, and thrive on connecting strategy to execution in ways that create enduring economic, social and environmental benefits. I’m often asking: How can we do better?
Areas of Expertise
STRATEGIC PLANNING
GAICD-qualified with board, committee and executive experience. Helping leaders shape future-ready strategies that are outcome-focused and execution-ready. Expertise spans precincts, housing, infrastructure and major programs.
CROSS-SECTOR ENGAGEMENT & REFORM
Experience working across government and industry. Builds strategic partnerships to tackle system-wide challenges — including housing, infrastructure, sustainability, skills and regional development.
INTEGRATED PLANNING & DELIVERY
Experience leading large-scale infrastructure and urban development programs from strategy to execution. Specialist in housing, precincts and infrastructure, with a focus on integrated, place-based and evidence-driven outcomes. Skilled in managing complexity, multidisciplinary teams, and program mobilisation.
Select Publications
GOVERNANCE | STRATEGY | RISK | OUTCOMES | INFRASTRUCTURE, HOUSING, PRECINCTS & URBAN DEVELOPMENT
ACADEMIC & RESEARCH INTERESTS
I explore how corporate governance, strategy and risk shape value creation across economic, social and environmental outcomes. With a commitment to excellence and integrity, my work seeks to strengthen the alignment between commercial performance and public impact—now and into the future.
PhD: ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN ANDE PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE
PhD (2018) Felt knowing, tacit knowledge and creative practice: Insights from architects and private developers in urban settings.
This research examines how tacit knowledge and creative practice influence architectural design, property development and urban planning, offering insights to enhance outcomes in complex projects and precincts.
A full copy of this PhD thesis is available HERE
SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
McCauley KC, Howitt R (2014) ‘Integrating social impact assessment into the planning regime of Parramatta City Council’, Local Government Law Journal, Thomson Reuters.
This article, co-authored with R. Howitt, discusses the importance of transparency, accountability, responsibility, and integrity in social impact assessment. It presents a case study of how these principles were integrated into the planning process of Parramatta City Council.
A copy of this article can be found HERE
