Obituary: David Turnbull

David Turnbull was an outstanding and visionary planner who was always way ahead of his time. Unfortunately his life was taken far too soon late March, when his cancer got the better of him and he passed away unexpectedly.

David was a contemporary of mine and others, a peer to many and a leader to all.

He always had the highest level of integrity and commitment in everything he did.

He was a junior planner at the Shire of Bulla when I first met him and together we worked on the then emerging outpost of Greenvale– a new subdivision that was exemplified by its very large lots and opulent houses. From those early days, I am very proud to have walked the journey of his career with him.

After local government amalgamations, David moved to Whittlesea as Director of Planning where he spent many years shaping new communities, including Mernda, which developed through the former CEO Graeme Brennan, his and Chris de Silva’s commitment and passion for ensuring it would be a great place to live. They led the planning for Mernda in a visionary way and would not allow anything through until they were completely satisfied it would work. In particular, they led the way in implementing development contributions for growth areas, and the Mernda Structure Plan has always been held up as the exemplar in that regard.

David then became CEO at Whittlesea, which he led with distinction until he moved on from there. Soon after, David became CEO of Mitchell Shire.

It is difficult to think of a planner who has been more committed to local government than David.

This was deservedly recognised by VPELA when David became the second recipient of the Paul Jerome Award in 2006 for excellence in service to local and State Government.

David never stood still and he was passionate about exploring new ideas from other cities, where he did extensive study and research. He would return from such trips full of enthusiasm and energised to try and do things differently, and his energy was all encompassing – he would inspire others to think outside the box with him.

David spoke at various VPELA conferences and seminars and for all, he always gave so freely of his time to share his visions for planning in Victoria.

I recall one conference when he urged us all not to think of planning for Melbourne 2030 as it was back then in the early 2000s, but to think more broadly to 2050 and to think big about getting the right infrastructure in place before anything else. Wise words indeed.

David was committed to good strategic planning in a way that was raw, it was honest and it was just great common sense.

On behalf of VPELA, we offer our most sincere and deepest condolences to Suzanne, his children, family, friends and colleagues on the tragic loss of one who has had such a powerful and positive influence in the urban morphology of Melbourne. Rest forever in peace David, and thank you.

Kathy Mitchell, Immediate Past President