Emma Riley RPIA (Fellow) 

Emma Riley is the founder of Era Advisory and a seasoned planning specialist with over 25 years’ experience. She is dedicated to shaping communities through strategic insight, authentic leadership, and a commitment to sustainable development. With qualifications in business, leadership, planning, environmental studies and design, Emma exemplifies continuous learning and is recognised as one of Tasmania’s business leaders.

As Managing Director and Board Chair of Era Advisory, she leads the business’ ethos of leaving places better than we found them, leveraging her diverse skills to deliver community-centred, innovative outcomes that foster resilience and long-term success. Her leadership fosters a culture of trust, autonomy and high standards, encouraging flexibility, collaboration and empowerment. This has shaped Era’s unique position as trusted advisors who use strategic thinking to ensure every project is driven by purpose and clarity. Emma’s ability to distil complex issues into clear narratives resonates with decision-makers at all levels, from local stakeholders to politicians.

Emma also has proven experience in governance and has completed qualifications with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Emma has been actively involved with the Planning Institute of Australia across her career including serving on the Tasmanian Division Committee from 2003 through to 2012 and as Division President from 2006 to 2010. She has a strong professional reputation in Tasmania and regularly presents on planning issues throughout a wide range of forums and seminars and is often called on to provide advice and direction on planning-related matters. She was previously Executive Chair of the Tasmanian Planning Reform Taskforce and has been a member of the UTAS Planning Course Advisory Committee, the Building and Construction Industry Advisory Council and the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.

Emma became the National President of the Planning Institute of Australia in November 2024 after having served as the Tasmanian Director since 2018 and Vice-President and chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee since 2021. 

Location: National

Role: President