Liesl Codrington | Director

Liesl Codrington is a strategic planner, human geographer and trusted advisor with more than 22 years’ experience helping government and industry navigate complex planning, development and policy challenges. As Founder and Director of Vaere Social, she works at the intersection of planning, sustainability and public value, supporting projects, places and policy that shape the future of cities and communities.

With more than 20 years’ experience across government, consulting, and independent practice, Liesl is a systems thinker and strategist known for translating complexity into clear, practical direction. She works with governments, industry and communities to shape policies, precincts and infrastructure investments that respond to climate change, evolving social needs and the long-term liveability of cities and regions.

She has contributed to national reform agendas, including Australia’s inaugural climate disclosure stakeholder engagement strategy (AASB), renewable energy portfolio reviews with ARENA, and planning reform for the ACT Government. She has also held senior leadership roles across both government and consulting.

Liesl’s work spans Australia, from Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to regional NSW, South Australia, and the Victorian alpine region. Her portfolio includes experience gained through senior roles in government, consulting and independent practice, including major urban precincts and regional initiatives such as the Snowy Mountains and Wagga Wagga Special Activation Precincts, Mirvac’s Harbourside redevelopment, Acton Waterfront, Canberra’s City Centre, and Ginninderry, alongside social impact assessments, regional strategies and policy reform processes.

Her expertise covers social planning, social impact assessment, social infrastructure planning, housing and urban policy, placemaking, community wellbeing, and the design of equitable public spaces. She brings a human geography lens to understanding people, place and social patterns, integrating social insight, stakeholder engagement and systems thinking into planning and infrastructure decisions.

A skilled communicator and perceptive listener, Liesl brings empathy, clarity and strategic insight to complex environments. Her people-first approach underpins her leadership in socially and environmentally sustainable planning, ensuring outcomes are socially meaningful, environmentally responsible, and long-term.