In Conversation: The Lachlan Webb Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

In this Urbanity-26 conversation The Urban Developer chief executive and founder Adam Di Marco talks with Springfield City Group chairman Maha Sinnathamby AM and deputy chairman Bob Sharpless—the duo behind the creation of Springfield City.

Sinnathamby and Sharpless were the recipients of the 2026 Lachlan Webb Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognises an individual or individuals whose vision, leadership, and legacy have made a lasting impact on the cities we live in—celebrating those who haven’t just shaped skylines, but redefined what’s possible through bold thinking and long-term commitment.

Maha Sinnathamby AM is chairman of Springfield City Group and one of Australia’s most influential property entrepreneurs. Alongside deputy chairman Bob Sharpless, Maha led the creation of Australia’s first master-planned city since Canberra—Springfield City— transforming more than 3000ha into a major urban centre on Brisbane’s western corridor.

Today, Springfield is home to more than 55,000 residents and a full suite of education, health and transport infrastructure. Maha’s career spans engineering, development and large-scale city building, underpinned by a long-term vision for nation-building and community creation.

Bob Sharpless is deputy chairman at Springfield City Group.

Moderator: The Urban Developer founder and CEO Adam Di Marco

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