Meet Our All-Star Team
Today, after 30 years in business, our team of over 20 town planners, architects, and local government specialists have helped over 50,000 people navigate council approval. We have a collective 387 years of council approval history.
Our in-house team specialises in helping property and business owners like yourself navigate the approval process from any council.
We proudly continue the mission that Max Fragar envisioned when he started our consultancy all those years ago. You will find strength in the depth of our team and confidence in the breadth of our experience.
Council Approval Group was proud to host former Planning Minister Rob Stokes, as a honorary guest speaker at our 2024 Conference. This photo was taken at our annual 3-day retreat, which included a focus on health and wellbeing, professional development and social engagement.
50,000 +
People
Helped
Helped
387+ YRS
Collective
Experience
Experience
2.5 DAYS
How Often We
Get Approval
Get Approval
$500K
Potential Value
Added to Clients
Added to Clients
Max Fragar
LIFE FELLOW PIA, REGISTERED PLANNER PLUS (EIA), FOUNDER
Max Fragar, the guru and head honcho, is our principal consultant. With over 50 years experience he is a Registered Town Planner Plus (EIA) and one of Australia’s most experienced town planners.
Colin Fragar
CO-FOUNDER
Colin Fragar is a best selling author, graduate lawyer and experienced property developer, having purchased his first investment at age 19.
Tracy
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & HR
With over a decade of experience in the property world, which includes working for the Australian Property Institute, Tracy has a wealth of knowledge and a love of all things property.
Ken
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING
Ken is a highly experienced town planner having worked for local government entities in Australia and the United States spanning the breadth of the profession including strategic planning, development planning and social planning. You will find Ken to be friendly, helpful and knowledgeable as he works pragmatically to bring your development dream to fruition.
Giuseppe
SENIOR ARCHITECT
Giuseppe Calabrese is a registered architect in NSW & Vic. Having previously worked for both boutique and major award winning firms in Sydney, he has a wide range of experience across project types. His in depth knowledge and experience with Council makes the approval process fast efficient and reliable. (Nominated Architect NSW Registration #8079, QLD #6233, Design Practitioner #DEP0003894)
Tyler
TEAM LEADER / TOWN PLANNER
Tyler has experience in Queensland and Victoria, both in the public and private sectors. He is passionate about negotiation and client satisfaction, and he works hard to balance the commercial and public interests of planning applications.
Jane
SENIOR TOWN PLANNER
Jane is a fully qualified town planner with over 20 years planning experience having worked at the local and state government levels in statutory, strategic, planning policy and research, planning law and heritage planning, in three states including New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria.
Ritta
PLANNING SPECIALIST- RETROSPECTIVE WORKS
As a registered Planner with the Planning Institute of Australia, Ritta has significant development and construction experience predominantly in residential projects and commercial projects. A passionate PIA member, she has been a mentor for young planners since 2020.
Shayne
TOWN PLANNER
Shayne is an urban planning practitioner with over 30 years' experience in development assessment & related planning policy at local and state government level.
Rebecca
TOWN PLANNER
After working across both local and state levels, Rebecca has over 13 years experience in Queensland planning. She has a strong interest in preserving heritage buildings and promoting sustainable outcomes for our clients.
Tania
TOWN PLANNER
Tania is a fully qualified Town Planner with over 30 years planning experience having worked at the local government and private sector. She has a strong knowledge of the legislative process, and clear understanding of New South Wales and Queensland planning legislation and policies.
Albert
TOWN PLANNER
Albert has 5 years of experience as a statutory development assessment officer. He enjoys listening to people's ideas, providing innovative solutions, and resolving problems to help them achieve great planning outcomes.
Rupert
TOWN PLANNER
Rupert is a fully qualified Town Planner with over 10 years experience working with the Queensland, New South Wales and Victorian Planning systems. He is passionate about planning and enjoys working with people to help them achieve their desired outcomes.
Julie
TOWN PLANNER
Julie began working as a Town Planner in 2004. Her academic qualifications and project experience have enabled her to understand the planning approval process deeply. Julie collaborates and strives to build strong relationships to achieve optimal client outcomes.
Grace
TOWN PLANNER
Grace has over six years of experience in the property sector. Her diverse range of expertise across real estate and town planning gives her a strong understanding of the property lifecycle, from planning and approvals through to development and delivery. With a Masters degree in Urban Planning and experience working for local government in both NSW and QLD, she brings a comprehensive skill set that supports innovative and well-considered development outcomes
Michael
ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTSMAN
Michael is a passionate and creative architectural designer with 10 years experience in the design industry, along with international project experience.
Ojie
ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTSMAN
A Computer Engineering Technology Graduate and Data Researcher, Ojie has been applying his skills as an Architectural Draftsman for over 5 years. Ojie's driven to deliver all-inclusive project plans to meet clients property needs.
Rey
ENVIRONMENTAL MAPPING OFFICER
Rey's lends his expertise as our Environmental Mapping Officer, providing comprehensive EMC Reports on client properties for our Town Planning Team.
Klara
CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATE COORDINATOR
Klara brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in Building & Construction, predominantly across New Homes, Subdivisions, Renovations & Extensions. Her background in Project Management shines through in her coordination of the Construction Certificate process.
Justin
PROPERTY CONSULTANT
Justin takes great pride and satisfaction working in an environment where he has the opportunity to help people. His extensive property experience and positive attitude allow him to guide clients through the often complex approval process with ease.
Emily
PROPERTY CONSULTANT
Emily brings a wealth of customer service experience to our team, coupled with a passion for property development. With her understanding and empathetic nature, she finds fulfillment in helping people navigate the council approval journey.
Kate
PROPERTY CONSULTANT
With a strong background in business development, Kate is passionate about helping clients bring their visions to life. Her experience, combined with a genuine interest in seeing others succeed, allows her to guide projects from idea to execution with purpose, clarity, and a focus on real results.
Angelique
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Angelique has been with the Council Approval Group for over 10 years, providing exceptional service for both our team and clients alike.
Eden
ASSISTANT TO THE CEO
Eden has over 10 years combined experience in Customer Service, Sales and Operations. Her goal is to provide efficient support and excellent customer satisfaction.
We Make Council Approval as Easy as...
1
Claim Your FREE 30 Minute Consult with one of our Property Consultants
2
Let’s Us Conduct a Preliminary Planning Assessment (PPA)
3
We Prepare & Submit Your DA or CDC with a 98% Success Rate*