Property Development Valuation and Advisory
Break Ground on Your Next Development Project with Confidence
Whether you’re considering a brand-new development, implementing building improvements, or want to ensure you maximise the value of your site – you need the confidence that your time, money, and resources are worth the investment. Our team provides expert advice and valuation services to enable you to make informed property decisions before embarking on your next project.

Our Coverage
We have a team of more than 500 local valuers providing coverage across 98% of Australia’s postcodes. Our experts have local knowledge in metropolitan to rural areas and experience with a wide range of development properties.

Our Technology
Our technology enhances the valuation process for everyone involved with customisable, automated workflows and centralised systems to access, manage, and deliver your reports.

Our Process
We integrate innovation into every step of our process from ordering a valuation to receiving your final report. Our seamless valuation experience combines the human expertise of our valuers and the efficiency of our technology.
Development & Project Site Property Services
Our Property Development Expertise
Our Experts

Ross Turner
General Manager - Commercial & Agri

Michael McNulty
National Director Operations - Commercial

Alexander Ben
Director - Commercial

Anthony Salce
Regional Director

Ben Farquhar
Director - Core Commercial

Cam Olson
Senior Director, National Risk - Specialised Commercial

Duncan Cameron
Director - Specialised & Advisory

Gavin Lipplegoes
Director - Specialised & Advisory

Glenn Boyd
Director Specialised & Advisory
![Headshot of John O'Grady [C]](https://opteonsolutions.com/hubfs/Bundy%20Images/John%20OGrady.jpg)
John O'Grady [C]
Director - Specialised and Advisory

Karlie Wolfe
Director - Residential Development

Kevin Murphy
Director - Commercial

Mark Quinn
Director - Specialised & Advisory

Matt Morton
Director - Regional Commercial & Agribusiness

Ray Codalonga
Director - Specialised & Advisory

Ben Giesecke
Associate Director - NT

Simon Pascoe
Associate Director - Residential

Tim Heath
Associate Director

Andrew Downie
Senior Valuer - Residential Development

Edward Ellis
Senior Commercial and Agribusiness Property Valuer

James Sharpe
Senior Commercial Property Valuer

Julian Hawkins
Senior Valuer - Residential Development

Mark Baxter
Senior Valuer

Phillip Humphreys
Senior Certified Property Valuer

William Sutherland
Senior Valuer

Esteban Verdugo
Certified Practising Valuer

Eva Schmidt
Certified Practising Valuer

Henry Knight
Certified Practicing Valuer - Residential Development

Scott Galloway
Certified Practicing Valuer - Residential Development

Tonya Brady
Certified Practising Valuer

Bret Taylor
Managing Director

David Gates
Director

David McKenzie
Director

Martin Tremain
Director

Matthew Tall
Director

Calvin Rogers
Director

Jennifer-Lee Sinclair
Certified Practising Valuer / Advisory Specialist

Michael Smyth
Senior Valuer

Ross Turner
Areas of Expertise
- Sydney metropolitan office, office development and mixed-use valuations for mortgage security, financial reporting, advisory and due diligence purposes
- Childcare valuations (including national portfolio reporting and management)
- National portfolio valuations for Corporates, Government and Non for Profits for annual reporting, due diligence and advisory purposes
- Rent review valuations and assessments
- Valuation audit, and risk review advice for annual review assessments.
- Research and property advisory for national property markets, more particularly for those markets outside of those covered by traditional PCA Research
Industry Experience
Ross is the General Manager for Commercial and Agri, with over 18 years’ experience in property valuation and advisory across Australia in both metropolitan and regional markets.
Ross has the benefit of having previously reviewed and provided valuation advice from a financier’s perspective in an institutional banking environment. He has considerable experience managing large valuation projects for Government and Corporates across Australia for financial reporting, strategic advisory and mortgage security purposes.
Formal Qualifications
- Bachelor of Business Management, (Real Estate and Development), University of Queensland
- Certified Practicing Valuer
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute

Michael McNulty
Areas of Expertise
- Commercial Valuations
- Rural Lifestyle Valuations
- Residential Valuations
- Municipal Valuations
- Valuations for financial reporting
- Valuation Portfolio management
Industry Experience
Michael has over 20 years’ property industry experience across Commercial, Residential, Urban Growth, Municipal and Rural Lifestyle sectors. Prior to being promoted to National Director of Commercial Operations, Michael operated in the capacity of Regional Director at Opteon for over seven years managing Commercial, Agribusiness, Residential and Specialised Valuation teams across the multiple states. With a strong focus on positive customer outcomes, Michael’s experience growing and developing specialist teams across multiple sectors is broad.
Formal Qualifications
- Certified Practicing Valuer (CPV)
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
- Bachelor of Business (Property)
- Certificate IV in Real Estate (Real Estate License)
- Diploma of Financial Services
- Masters of Business Administration (MBA)

Alexander Ben
Areas of Expertise
- Commercial office, retail and industrial valuations
- Childcare, medical clinics and cold storage facilities
- Mixed use developments
- Asset valuations for financial reporting
- Family law valuations
- Market rental assessments
Industry Experience
Alex has over 11 years of experience within the property industry with expertise across industrial, office, retail and mixed-use developments and with specialisations in childcare, medical clinics and cold store premises.
Prior to joining Opteon, Alex was previously the Director of Commercial Valuations at another firm – a position he held for five years.
Alex joined Opteon in late 2020, in the role of Director of Core Commercial. This important role services a number of clients including the major banks and private clients for financial reporting and legal advice.
Formal Qualifications
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 63188)
- Certified Practising Valuer
- Bachelor of Business (Property)
- Member of the Property Council of Australia

Anthony Salce
Areas of Expertise
- Residential development
- Prestige Residential
- Expert Witness
- Retrospective Tax Valuations
Industry Experience
Anthony has worked at Opteon since 2006, in that time he has been Associate Director for Metro division, International Product Manager for Cubetec and business development manager for Tax Depreciation Schedules.
Formal Qualifications
- Bachelor of Business (Property)
- Associate of the Australian Property Institute
- Certified Practising Valuer
- Accredited Panel Examiner for API

Ben Farquhar
Areas of Expertise
- Mortgage valuations (residential, industrial, commercial/retail, real estate rent rolls) up to $10,000,000
- Rental valuations (for rent reviews and commercial disputes)
- Financial reporting valuations
- Expert witness valuations and Government consultancy
Industry Experience
Commencing his valuation career in 2004 in Perth and becoming licensed in 2007, Ben has tended to focus on commercial property valuations across most generic fields including industrial, commercial/retail and residential. In 2007 Ben moved to the Kimberley and over the following 11 years covered most asset classes including residential, going concerns (sub $5,000,000) and agri-business valuations. Over the course of 2017 and 2018, Ben assisted with a lead roll in mass appraisals for the Northern Territory Government in Darwin and Palmerston. At the beginning of 2019, Ben moved to Brisbane in the role of Senior Valuer focusing on commercial property.
Formal Qualifications
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Master of Property
- Associate of the Australian Property Institute (AAPI) – API No: 65252
- Licensed Valuer (Qld) – QVRB No: 4091MR

Cam Olson
Areas of Expertise
- Commercial Property Valuation and Consultancy.
- Property Risk Management & Quality Assurance.
- Professional Development through mentoring.
- Business Development and enhancing our client’s experience.
- Commercial Property Finance & Debt Structuring.
Industry Experience
Cam has over 35 years property experience including commercial property risk management and property finance from within a major Australian Banking Group. In addition, Cam has extensive commercial valuation experience in SA, NT and NSW with a particular focus on major Retail, Office, Industrial and Residential Development assets and markets.
Cam's large property industry network and broad business experience, together with his passion for professional development through mentorship of our valuers, will contribute towards Opteon continuing to grow high quality business relationships & excellent service around the country.
Cam has a strong client and stakeholder focus, whilst always acting ethically and with integrity.
Cam was elevated to Fellow Membership of the API over 25 years ago and has been actively involved with the industry body in SA in various capacities including CPV & RPV Professional Interviews. Cam is passionate about the growth and sustainability of the valuation profession.
Formal Qualifications
• Fellow Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 64384)
• Certified Practising Valuer

Duncan Cameron
Areas of Expertise
- Commercial, retail, and industrial valuations
- Residential development project valuations (i.e., residential subdivisions, englobo land, built form developments)
- Specialised and trading properties (i.e., hotels, motels, taverns / licensed premises, lifestyle (retirement) villages, caravan parks, childcare centres, accommodation resorts, service stations etc.)
- Rental Determinations
- Compensation
- Expert Witness in property disputes in the District Court, Supreme Court, Federal Court, Family Law Court and State Administrative Tribunal
Industry Experience
Duncan joined Knight Frank in 1984, initially working in their Commercial Property Management Department before transferring to the Project Management Department and then finally to the Valuation Department, leading to professional licensing in 1988. In 1991 Duncan worked with the East Perth Redevelopment Authority as their property officer then moved in 1993 to Hooker Corporate’s (Perth) Valuation Department as Senior Valuer.
Duncan joined Opteon (Western Australia) (formerly Christie Whyte Moore) in 1994 as a Senior Valuer and was elevated to a Director of the firm in January 1999. During subsequent years Duncan has continuously remained as Commercial Department Director of Opteon’s Perth based practice, overseeing, and undertaking a wide variety of Specialised and Development Valuations throughout Perth and Western Australia.
Formal Qualifications
- Fellow of the Australian Property Institute (Admitted 1998) (API Member No: 64637)
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (Admitted 1988)
- Certified Practising Valuer
- Licensed Valuer (Western Australia) No. 497
- Bachelor of Business (Valuation & Land Economy) – Curtin University WA
- Bachelor of Science (UWA)

Gavin Lipplegoes
Areas of Expertise
- Experienced in the provision of valuation services for a broad range of purposes, including Pre-Purchase/Sale advice, Mortgage Security, Expert Witness, Market Rental Assessments and Insurance Replacement
- Areas of specialisation include Cold Storage facilities, Commercial and Residential Developments, Real Estate Rent Rolls, Petrol Stations and Child Care Centres
- Extensive experience in the valuation of asset portfolios for Financial Reporting purposes, including Government (all levels), GBE, Not-For-Profit and Educational Asset property portfolios
Industry Experience
Gavin is a senior property professional with over 17-years of property experience in Tasmania. His expertise in the field was recognised in 2003 when he was awarded CPV. Gavin has extensive experience across Commercial and Residential property segments, including multi-lot developments. In 2019, Gavin was appointed Director – Specialist & Advisory (Commercial) and played a pivotal role in Valuer training and development in Real Estate Rent Roll Valuations in Victoria and Tasmania.
Formal Qualifications
- Graduate Diploma (Property)
- Associate of the Australian Property Institute
- Certified Practising Valuer (CPV)
- Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
- Certificate of Compliance with the Australian Property Institute Continuing Professional Development Program
- Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia
- Graduate Certificate in Commerce (Business Banking)

Glenn Boyd
Areas of Expertise
- Commercial Property Valuations (Office, Industrial, Retail Asset Classes etc.)
- Mortgage Security Valuations
- Service Stations, Car Washes & Fast-Food Outlets
- Medical Related premises
- Industrial and Commercial subdivisions
- Corporate Real Estate
- Rental Valuations and Determinations
Industry Experience
Glenn has 20 years’ industry experience and is employed as a valuer by Opteon as Director – Specialised & Advisory within the Commercial Department. He has previously held Valuation and Advisory Director roles in leading international and local commercial real estate agencies. Glenn has expertise in the valuation of commercial, industrial and retail property. He provides advice to major lending institutions, corporate and private clients for mortgage, financial reporting, acquisition, disposal and consulting purposes. Glenn has considerable experience in Rental Valuations and Determinations. Glenn joined Opteon in 2013.
Formal Qualifications
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 62692)
- Member Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS)
- Bachelor of Business (Property) with Distinction, RMIT 1998
- Certified Practising Valuer (CPV)
- Certified Property Practitioner (CPP)
- API Accredited Specialist Retail Valuer
- Member of the API President and Small Business Commissioner (SBC) Panel of Determining Valuers
- Affiliate Member of The REIV
- Registered Valuer QLD & NSW
![Headshot of John O'Grady [C]](https://opteonsolutions.com/hubfs/Bundy%20Images/John%20OGrady.jpg)
John O'Grady [C]
Areas of Expertise
- Asset valuations for financial reporting and mortgage security purposes
- Central Business District office/retail and mixed use property valuation
- Commercial and Residential development projects
- Major land subdivision project valuations
- Compensation assessment valuations
- Valuation of accommodation hotels, motels and serviced apartment complexes
- Valuation of licensed premises and gaming premises
- Valuation of retirement villages, aged care facilities and private hospitals
- Strategic property investment advice
Industry Experience
John has 47 Years of experience as a practising property valuer and has held senior executive roles with Knight Frank Australia, CBRE and Savills prior to commencing with Opteon in 2012 as Head of Commercial Valuations. He provides wide ranging property advice supported by an unrivalled wealth of experience.
Formal Qualifications
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
- Certificate of Real Estate Management & Valuation – RMIT 1972
- Licensed Real Estate Agent

Karlie Wolfe
Areas of Expertise
- Commercial and residential valuations
- Development/project valuations
- Mortgage requirements
- Asset valuations for financial reporting
- Strategic investment property advice
- Strategic consultancy advice for active property developers
- Resumption of freehold land
- Pre-sale and pre-purchase advice
Industry Experience
In 2008, Karlie became a Certified Property Valuer in Western Australia and joined Opteon in the residential division in 2012. In line with Karlie’s previous commercial experience working in both the valuation and property development sectors of the market, Karlie joined the Commercial Division in 2014 and has since specialised in all types of development valuations. In 2015, Karlie became a Senior Valuer and in 2022, was appointed Director- Residential Development.
Formal Qualifications
- Certified Practising Valuer
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 65259)
- Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia License No. 44623
- Bachelor of Commerce (Double Major – Property and Marketing) - Curtin University of Technology – 2006

Kevin Murphy
Areas of Expertise
- Commercial property valuations
- Mortgage security valuations
- Feasibility Analysis
- Family Law/Expert Witness
- Financial Reporting
- Rental Assessments/Determinations
Industry Experience
Kevin has over 10 years’ experience in real estate valuation and advisory services predominantly throughout metropolitan Sydney. Kevin’s extensive experience expands across a wide range of asset classes including commercial, industrial, retail, residential and development sites. Kevin provides high level valuation and advisory services for various clients including all major banks, financial institutions, private clients, government departments, national and multinational businesses.
Formal Qualifications
- Certified Practising Valuer
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 77400)
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) Property Investment and Development

Mark Quinn
Areas of Expertise
- Specialised development valuations including master plan subdivisions, integrated unit developments
- Portfolio valuations within Cairns and surrounds and remote locations
- Expert evidence and litigation
- Prestige and residential properties
- Project feasibility analysis
Industry Experience
Mark has undertaken all facets of valuation over his 25 years of practising within North Queensland. This has included federal and supreme court matters, mortgage security purposes, resumptions and acquisitions, statutory assessment objections, capital gains tax and feasibility analysis of major projects in the region. Property valuations have been undertaken throughout Cairns and hinterlands and the more remote locations of Thursday Island, Karumba and Normanton. Mark’s role has previously involved training of cadet valuers and undertaking a National board member role.
Formal Qualifications
- Associate Diploma of Business - University of Qld
- Fellow of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 66658)
- Certified Practising Valuer
- Queensland Valuers Registration Board Registration No. 2348
- Fellow of the Urban Development Industry Association of Australia

Matt Morton
Areas of Expertise
- Industrial property valuations
- Commercial property valuations
- Development feasibility
- Rental valuations
- Residential valuations
- Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
- Government valuations
Industry Experience
Matthew has more than 15 years’ valuation experience in North Queensland over a broad spectrum of commercial and residential properties.
This experience includes valuation and property advice in both commercial and residential matters pertaining to resumptions, insurance valuations, rating appeals, Family, Federal and Supreme Court Matters, rental determinations, residential development feasibility and high value industrial facilities.
Matthew’s current role also involves training of cadet valuers, quotations, authorisation and distribution of valuation assignments to the other valuers and management support for the whole Queensland commercial team.
Formal Qualifications
- Certified Practising Valuer (2697)
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (3172)
- Bachelor of Business (Property Studies) – University of Queensland

Ray Codalonga
Areas of Expertise
- Asset valuations for financial reporting
- Commercial / Industrial
- Englobo / Subdivisional Land
- Rural Lifestyle
- Trading Properties
- Mortgage Requirements
- Pre-sale / pre-purchase advice
- Rental valuations
- Strategic investment property advice
Industry Experience
Ray commenced his property career with Baillieu Knight Frank in 1993, initially as a trainee commercial property manager before progressing on to being the inaugural assistant property manager at Market City, Canning Vale and then managing a portfolio of commercial, industrial and retail properties.
In August 1999, Ray commenced as a trainee valuer, still with Knight Frank and became a Licensed Property Valuer in 2001.
From 2003 to the present, Ray has been employed at Opteon, (predecessor’s Quantia and Valuation Partners WA Pty Ltd), predominately working in the fields of commercial, retail, industrial, residential subdivision, rural and specialised properties. Ray has also undertaken rental determination work.
Formal Qualifications
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (2001)
- Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia Licence No.44028
- Bachelor of Business – Curtin University (1989)

Ben Giesecke
Areas of Expertise
- Residential and commercial valuations and property advisory
- Valuations for mortgage security
- Valuations for stamp duty, capital gains tax and statutory requirements
- Valuations for acquisition and disposal
- Valuations for family law
- Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
- Rental valuations and determinations
Industry Experience
Ben joined the team at Opteon as Associate Director in Darwin. He brings with him over 17 years of valuation and advisory experience spanning over three capital cities including Darwin, Melbourne and Adelaide. Ben has extensive experience in residential and commercial valuations for mortgage security, stamp duty, acquisition, disposal, rental assessment and family law purposes.
Ben is a current local government elected Councilor of the City of Palmerston, a position he has held since early 2018. In that time, has served as an Alderman, Deputy Mayor and Acting Mayor. He is currently a sitting member of the Palmerston division of the Development Consent Authority and Council’s delegate to the Palmerston Regional Business Association. Ben has nominated for re-election at the upcoming local government elections in August 2021.
Formal Qualifications
- Certified Practising Valuer
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API No. 64591)
- Bachelor of Business (Property) – University of South Australia
- Currently studying a Master of Business Administration – Charles Darwin University
- Member Australian Institute of Company Directors

Simon Pascoe
Areas of Expertise
- Residential valuations for mortgage security purposes
- Valuation of prestige residential properties
- Adelaide CBD apartment valuations
- Rural lifestyle property valuations
- Small scale residential development
Industry Experience
Simon has 18 years of experience in the valuation property industry and has been with Opteon since 2011.
Simon is one of two associate directors for the South Australian residential valuations department in which he is involved in managing and training staff.
Simon’s specialist area of expertise is in residential valuations,, having vast experience in all residential property types including but not limited to prestige residential, Adelaide CBD apartments, residential development sites and general residential properties across the State.
Simon has been involved with the API for nine years as an examiner for Graduate Valuers transitioning into a Provisional Membership with Residential Property Valuer (PMRPV) accreditation.
Formal Qualifications
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute with Certified Practising Valuer (CPV) status
- Bachelor of Business (Property)

Tim Heath
Areas of Expertise
- Commercial and residential valuations
- Mortgage requirements
- Asset valuations for financial reporting
- Strategic investment property advice
- Resumption of freehold land
- Pre-sale and pre-purchase advice
- Family law
Industry Experience
In 2021, Tim was appointed an Associate Director in the Commercial Division of Opteon (Western Australia). Tim has extensive experience valuing a broad range of complex asset types including large scale industrial facilities, englobo development sites, and general commercial/retail, together with more specialised asset types such as childcare centres, service stations and self-storage facilities.
Formal Qualifications
- Bachelor of Commerce (Property) at Curtin University of Technology in 2004
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 65172)
- Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia, License No 44247
- Certified Practising Valuer

Andrew Downie
Areas of Expertise
- Market Value Assessments
- Residential Development
- Taxation (Stamp Duty, Capita Gains & GST)
- Replacement Insurance Value Assessments
- Public Open Space Valuations
- Acquisition & Disposal Advice
Industry Experience
Andrew has been exposed to a wide range of valuations including municipal valuations while working at the Stonnington City Council. More recently working exclusively in the Residential Development Valuations department throughout Victoria. The work-load ranges from 3-on-1 developments to larger-scale apartment buildings as well as Public Open Space Valuations and advisory work for local Municipalities.
Formal Qualifications
- Certified Practising Valuer
- Associate of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 85688)
- Vice-Chair of the YPP (Young Property Professionals) Committee

Edward Ellis
Areas of Expertise
- Agribusiness valuations including grazing, broadacre cropping, viticulture, horticulture and irrigation properties
- Commercial and Industrial property valuations
- Residential and Rural Residential property valuations
- Residential Development valuations
- Valuations for Family Law and property settlement purposes – court-related matters
- Valuation & Consultancy to Receivers/ Managers
Industry Experience
Edward is a Senior Certified Practicing Valuer based in Adelaide. Edward has worked with Opteon since 2008, previously based in Orange NSW before relocating to South Australia in early 2020.
Formal Qualifications
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API)
- Certified Practising Valuer (CPV)
- Bachelor of Agribusiness (Marketing) – University of New England, Armidale
- Advanced Diploma of Property Valuation Open Training Education Network (OTEN), Strathfield

James Sharpe
Areas of Expertise
- Commercial Office/Retail/Industrial Valuations for Mortgage Purposes
- Asset valuations for Financial Reporting
- Valuations for Compensation/Compulsory Acquisitions
- Residential Land Subdivision
- Development Finance Valuations
- Rental Valuations
- Valuations for Property Taxation
- Valuation for Rating Purposes
- Expert Witness for Court/Legal Proceedings
Industry Experience
James has extensive experience in the valuation of commercial, industrial, retail, office, residential and rural properties in the Illawarra area. He has prepared valuations for a wide range of uses varying from mortgage finance, for sale purchase, for taxation and legal proceedings. I have previous experience in preparing valuations as an expert witness for various Courts.
A former Chairman of the Australian Property Institute South Eastern Study Group, James became the Director of Opteon (South East Regional NSW) (previously Southern Valuers Opteon and Valuers Illawarra Pty Ltd respectively) from December 2002 to June 2014. Following this James was Regional Manager of Opteon from July 2014 to June 2017.
Formal Qualifications
- CPV Australian Property Institute
- FAPI Australian Property Institute
- Bachelor of Business (Land Economy) from Hawkesbury Agricultural College NSW

Julian Hawkins
Areas of Expertise
- Valuations for mortgage security purposes
- Residential development valuations
- Feasibility assessments
- Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
- Valuations for mortgagee in possession purposes
- Pre-purchase / Pre-sale advice
- Valuations for family law purposes
Industry Experience
Julian commenced employment at Opteon in 2008 (formerly Marketline) and achieved CPV status in 2010. Julian was part of the initial Opteon team located in the Docklands office and successfully grew the residential development division from this office.
Julian’s work has focused primarily on the valuation of multi-unit residential developments as well as subdivisional land valuations and apartment developments. This has involved an up to date knowledge of sales evidence and market conditions, understanding of the development process from initial site feasibility to turn-key, knowledge of financing requirements, understanding risk parameters and the economic climate, as well as the ability to liaise with various parties involved in the development process.
Formal Qualifications
- Certified Practising Valuer
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
- Graduate Diploma – Property Valuations, University of Melbourne (2008)
- Bachelor of Business (Economics and Finance), RMIT (2002)

Mark Baxter
Areas of Expertise
- Banking and Finance Valuations
- Valuations of Specialised Commercial Assets including accommodation assets (freehold interests and going concern)
- Valuations for Financial Reporting Purposes in accordance with AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement
- Matrimonial Separation and Family Court Valuations
- Taxation (Stamp Duty, Capital Gains Tax and GST)
- Replacement Insurance Assessments
- Compulsory Acquisition
- Residential Development Valuations/Feasibility Assessments
Industry Experience
Mark has more than 25 years of property industry experience, including 19 years as a registered valuer. His experience includes valuations of both residential assets (including residential development projects and prestige dwellings) and a wide range of commercial assets throughout Townsville and the wider North Queensland area. He undertakes valuations for numerous lenders for mortgage security purposes. He also has extensive experience in undertaking valuations for Local, State and Federal Government clients and other major National clients such as Defence Housing Australia and Australia Post.
Formal Qualifications
- Certified Practising Valuer
- QLD Registered Valuer (QVRB No: 2528)
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 66374)
- Bachelor of Business (Property Studies)

William Sutherland
Areas of Expertise
- General Commercial Valuations (all asset classes including retail, industrial and offices)
- Development Project Valuations (residential englobo land and built form developments)
- Specialised Property Valuations (hotels, taverns, night clubs, small bars, caravan parks, motels, childcare centres, resorts, service stations etc.)
- Expert Witness Valuations
- Property Consultancy
Industry Experience
William has practised as a property valuer since June 2000. Prior to that, he practised as a quantity surveyor. He has extensive experience in the valuation of a range of property types, including vacant sites suitable for both pure residential built-form and mixed-use built-form development, and is a specialist in hotel and leisure property valuations.
He has undertaken valuations of various interests in real estate, including fee simple freehold interests, leasehold interests, and freehold going concern walk in, walk out interests. William has also undertaken consulting work for a range of purposes including government agency and corporate internal decision-making purposes. This consulting work has included cost/benefit analysis and other decision-making analyses for both tenants and landlords. Further, William has undertaken scenario analyses for optimal investment in office and industrial property, as well as hotel development feasibility modelling.
In addition, William has undertaken market rental valuations for determination purposes, and has been involved in negotiation and resolution of market rental disputes, both via the determination process and outside of the determination process, on behalf of clients.
Formal Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (Quantity Surveying)
- Bachelor of Commerce (Management, Finance & Real Estate) (Hons)
- Certified Practising Valuer
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (Member No. 65314)
- Licensed Valuer No. 44413 for the State of Western Australia
- Professional Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) – Chartered Valuation Surveyor & RICS Registered Valuer

Eva Schmidt
Areas of Expertise
- Residential property valuations
- Commercial Property valuations
- Industrial Property valuations
- Rural valuations
- Valuations for mortgage security purposes
- Valuations for compulsory acquisition
- Valuations for property taxation, legislation and policy purposes
- Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice purposes
- Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
- Rental valuations
Industry Experience
Eva has worked with Opteon for over 18 years based in the Maryborough office whilst working throughout the Wide Bay region. Eva has a broad knowledge base and works in residential, commercial, industrial and rural property valuations. Eva regularly provides reports to property portfolio owners for commercial property, including mortgage security, acquisition and disposal requirements, compulsory acquisition and rental assessment amongst others.
Formal Qualifications
- Certified Practising Valuer
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 66563)
- QLD Registered Valuer (QVRB No. 2771)
- Bachelor of Business (Property Studies) 2003 University of Queensland

Henry Knight
Areas of Expertise
- Valuations for mortgage security purposes
- Residential development site valuations
- Residential englobo valuations
- Multi-unit development valuations
- Prestige residential property valuations
- Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
- Valuations for mortgagee in possession purposes
- Pre-purchase / Pre-sale advice
- Valuations for family law purposes
- Feasibility assessments
- Cashflow Analysis
Industry Experience
With over 10 years servicing Regional and Metro markets across Victoria, Henry has a strong understanding of the dynamics of the Melbourne residential market and development sector. He commenced at Opteon in 2013 and achieved CPD accreditation in 2015 where he undertook valuations in a range of markets across Melbourne.
Henry departed Opteon as an Associate Director in 2017 to work in the valuations industry in London where he gained experience in large scale Build to Rent (BTR) valuations and mixed use development site valuations. Henry returned to Opteon in early 2021 to work in the residential development team where his work focusses primarily on the valuation of multi-unit residential developments as well as subdivisional land valuations and apartment developments.
Formal Qualifications
- Certified Practising Valuer
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 73011)
- Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Certification (RICS)
- RMIT University (Bachelor of Applied Science Valuations) (2010)

Scott Galloway
Areas of Expertise
- Residential Property Valuations
- Residential Development Valuations
- Valuations for mortgage security purposes
- Valuations for Family Law purposes
- Public Open Space Assessments
Industry Experience
Scott has been involved with Opteon on a full-time basis since completing his university degree in 2012. In January 2013, Scott began working full time with Opteon assisting in residential valuations. Scott joined the Residential Department based in the Geelong office as a graduate assisting with all types of residential valuation while working towards qualification. Scott was admitted as Provisional Member of the Australian Property Institute (Residential Property Valuer) in December 2013 and has since gone on to become an Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (Certified Practising Valuer) which he obtained in April 2015. Scott is currently a member of the Opteon’s Victorian residential development team where he specialises in built form and urban growth development valuations across a large number of postcodes.
Formal Qualifications
- Certified Practising Valuer
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API No. 81475)
- Bachelor of Business Property (University of South Australia)

Bret Taylor
Areas of Expertise
- Asset Valuations for Financial Reporting
- Central Business District – Office/Retail
- Commercial Office/Retail, Industrial
- Compensation Assessments
- Depreciation Schedules
- Lessor/Lessee’s interests
- Rental Valuations
- Residential/Prestige Residential
- Rural Land
- Rural Lifestyle/Agribusiness
- Broad acre Farming & Irrigated Land
- Sub Divisional Land
- Hotels, Motels & Caravan Parks
- Multi-Unit Development and Feasibility Studies
Industry Experience
Formal Qualifications
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
- Certified Practising Valuer QLD 1404

David Gates
Areas of Expertise
- Retail, Commercial and Industrial Property
- Specialised Property (Home Parks, Motels and Service Stations)
- Development sites
- Residential Subdivision Development
- Commercial and Mixed Use Development
- Cashflow and Feasibility Analysis
- Specialist Retail Valuation including Market Rental Assessments
- Lessee and Lessor Representation
- Strata Replacement Insurance Valuations
- Valuations for Financial Reporting
- Land Value Assessments for Rating and Taxing
- Portfolio Valuations for Local and NSW Government
Industry Experience
David started his career in 1998 in Brisbane. He joined Urbis in 2000 as a Commercial Valuer and then QIC from 2004 where he worked as an Analyst on the redevelopment of CBD commercial property and major regional shopping centres. David relocated to the North Coast of New South Wales in 2010 as a Senior Commercial Valuer focusing on commercial property, going concerns and residential subdivisions.
David joined Opteon (North Coast NSW) in 2015 and became partner in 2016. He has a strong background in retail, commercial and industrial property, going concerns and both residential and commercial development.
Formal Qualifications
- Associate of the Australian Property Institute
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Property Economics)
- Specialist Retail Valuer NSW
- API CPD Compliance
- API Risk Management Compliance

David McKenzie
Areas of Expertise
- Expert witness in respect to the Timbercorp Almonds matter, involving water valuations of hundreds of millions of dollars (SCI 2009 – 10699)
- Recent valuation of 25 Gl of unregulated flows in Victoria for the Department of Treasury & Finance
- Irrigated holdings – dairy, horticulture, and cropping, in New South Wales and Victoria over 30 years, for a wide range of clients and purposes
Industry Experience
Qualified since 1991, David trained with the Victorian Valuer General, and has practiced in northern Victoria for over 30 years. He was instrumental in the inception, design and delivery of the API Specialist Water Valuer Accreditation. He has addressed several national and international conferences in relation to interpretation of water markets.
An agriculture supply-chain valuation specialist, David has particular expertise in relation to irrigation properties including dairies, orchards, vineyards, and intensive animal enterprises. He has valued major cool storage complexes, fruit packing and grading developments, glasshouses and multiple specialised going concern enterprises. He is an experienced expert witness, having given evidence in major litigation matters, in several jurisdictions, including the Victorian Supreme Court.
David has a deep understanding of rural economies and the water sector. He currently serves as a Director of Goulburn Murray Water, and has served several terms as Chair of North East Water, and as a Director of Goulburn Valley Water. He is co-Chair of the influential Water Policy think tank the GMID Water Leadership Forum and served on several State & Federal government regional development and water taskforces, panels and committees.
Formal Qualifications
- B. Bus (Property) - RMIT University
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 62435)
- Accredited Specialist Water Valuer
- Accredited Specialist Retail Valuer
- Certified Practising Valuer
- Award for Meritorious Service to the Australian Property Institute, 2015

Martin Tremain
Formal Qualifications
- Fellow of Australian Property Institute (FAPI)
- Certified Practising Valuer
- Registered Valuer NSWNo. 2362
- Registered Valuer QLD No 2057
- Member of Agriculture Institute of Australia,
- Certified Practising Agriculturist (CPAg)
- Diploma of Business (Valuation) – Hawkesbury Agriculture College
- Associate Diploma of Farm management –
- University of New England
- Professional Certificate in Plant and Machinery
- Valuation – University of Technology Sydney
Industry Experience
Martin has 36 years’ experience in the Australian property industry with significant experience across a very broad range of property types.
With a farming background and a professional education in valuation and agriculture,Martin specialises in the valuation of all categories of rural properties including: broadacre dryland and irrigated farming, mixed grazing properties, diverse range of intensive livestock properties, range of horticultural properties and agricultural processing properties including grain and fibre. The valuation of corporate scale rural holdings and portfolios is a long-term specialty service for both national and international clients.
In addition to Agriculture, significant experience in the valuation of commercial and industrial properties including specialised going concern properties.
Martin also provides valuation of Plant and Machinery and in particular Agriculture equipment and Agriculture Processing plants. Non valuation consultancy services include general agribusiness plus acquisition and divestment roles with large scale transport and logistic infrastructure projects.
Areas of Expertise
- Valuation of cotton properties across NSW and QLD
- Broadacre cropping and large-scale grazing properties
- Intensive livestock properties including cattle feedlots and poultry
- Horticulture/vineyards/wineries
- Agriculture processing and storage facilities
- Plant and equipment valuations
- Property and general agribusiness consulting
- Statutory valuation advice
- Asset valuations for financial reporting
- Compensation assessments
- Litigation matters and expert witness
- Acquisitions
- Specialised commercial, industrial and going concerns
- Non valuation consulting services including acquisition and divestment
- roles on state and national infrastructure projects

Matthew Tall
Areas of Expertise
-
Mortgage valuations for lending institutions
-
Strata Replacement Insurance valuations
-
Development Site Valuations
-
Pre-sale and pre-purchase valuations
-
Valuations for tax implications
-
SMSF valuations
-
Specialist Retail Valuer for Retail Rent Determinations and Reviews
-
Expert Witness in the Supreme Court, Federal Magistrates Court and Family Court
-
Mass Valuations for NSW Government entities
-
Valuations for Local Government and NSW Government entities
-
Financial Reporting valuations
Industry Experience
Matthew Tall has a broad knowledge of real estate markets beginning his career in 1991 as manager of residential, commercial, and industrial investment properties in Western Sydney before making the move to Byron Bay on the NSW far north coast in 1997.
He commenced his valuation career in 2002 joining a small firm which is now known as Opteon (North Coast NSW) in 2004 and becoming partner in 2008. Matthew has gained extensive valuation experience in a wide range of regional property types and markets including residential, rural/rural lifestyle, agribusiness (macadamia nut orchards, sugar cane and tea tree plantations), commercial and industrial properties, development sites, motels, bed and breakfast establishments and backpacker hostels.
Formal Qualifications
- Associate Australian Property Institute
- Associate Diploma of Business (Val)
- API CPD Compliance
- API Risk Management Compliance

Calvin Rogers
Areas of Expertise
- Management of Government Projects
- Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Tourism & Special Purpose Valuations
- Rental Determination Matters
- Litigation Valuation acting as an Expert Witness
- Diversified Property Services
- Portfolio Projects
Industry Experience
Calvin has worked in the property industry for the past 15+ years throughout Australia and New Zealand in both metropolitan and regional areas.
His experience includes valuation, consultancy, business development and management. Calvin specialises in government projects, specialised commercial and diversified property services.
Formal Qualifications
- Bachelor of Commerce – University of Sydney (2001)
- Masters of Property Development – UTS (2005)
- Registered Real Estate Valuer No 23145
- Advance Diploma of Property Valuation (2010)
- Member of API (Associate & CPV)

Jennifer-Lee Sinclair
Areas of Expertise
- Property Advisory
- Project Management
- Statutory Valuation Reviews (including objections & appeals)
- Concessional provisions for rates, land tax and statutory valuations
- Land Tax & Rates Reviews (including objections & appeals)
- Compensation / Acquisition Valuations
- Tax Depreciation Schedules
- Valuations
- Submissions
Industry Experience
Jennifer-Lee has worked with Opteon as a valuer since January 2010, specialising in property advisory services.
Jennifer is highly regarded in the field of statutory valuations, rates and land tax and each year undertakes reviews, objections and appeals for a large number of clients across Queensland.
Jennifer’s clients include international mining companies, primary producers, property developers and other significant landowners across Queensland particularly in North and Far North Qld.
Jennifer is a past Chair of the Australian Property Institute’s Townsville Discussion Group, serving in this role for three terms and in 2016 completed Townsville Enterprise’s Emerging Leader Program.
Formal Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts – Monash University 2001
- Graduate Diploma (Property Valuation) – Melbourne University 2007
- Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
- Certified Practising Valuer (API No.67059)
- Registered Valuer Qld (QVRB No: 3188)

Michael Smyth
Areas of Expertise
- Residential property valuations
- Rural lifestyle properties
- Prestige properties
- Strata units
- Small-medium scale residential developments
- Family Law and expert witness
- Pre-purchase / pre-sale advice
- Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
Industry Experience
As a valuer, Michael has been involved in a wide variety of property valuations throughout the Coffs Harbour region for mortgage security, family law, stamp duty and other purposes.
Michael regularly provides reports to major lenders for first mortgage lending purposes, solicitors for family law purposes, and accountants for taxation purposes as well as advice reports for Government Clients. Previous to his valuation career, Michael gained experience working in commercial property management and development in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
He has held a number of Commercial Property Management roles with major banking institutions, property services providers and large corporate organisations. Michael has gained valuable experience in the commercial and retail sectors, becoming skilled in lease negotiation, project management, lease renewals, rent reviews, lease interpretation, relationship management, budget forecasting and financial analysis.
Formal Qualifications
-
Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
-
Certified Practising Valuer
-
Continuing Professional Development Compliance
-
Bachelor of Property – University of Auckland
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