Founder

Craig Pickering founded Community Development Advocacy SA Inc. in 2024, before its launch in July 2025, after personally witnessing how local communities are routinely sidelined in major planning decisions that directly affect their lives, their streets, and their futures. A long-time volunteer and respected business strategist, Craig has served as Media & Legal Liaison for the Glenside Development Action Group and actively contributed to Magill Matters – two grassroots campaigns that challenge large-scale developments lacking genuine community consultation.

Galvanised by what he calls “a system that needs to be turned on its head,” Craig authored the White Paper on the Imperative of Early Community Consultation, which outlines the systemic exclusion of communities from the planning process and proposes legislative reform to place local voices at the forefront. He also penned the investigative report Council Complicity, exposing the contradiction between South Australian councils’ stated commitments to community engagement and their frequent approval of developments despite overwhelming public opposition.

Craig’s founding of CDASA reflects his belief that individual community groups, often under-resourced, need a united, credible peak body to amplify their voices and ensure they are heard by developers, planners, councils, and legislators. His vision is for CDASA to act as that catalyst for change, championing fairness, transparency, and accountability in development decisions across the state.

Outside his advocacy work, Craig brings decades of business experience across more than a dozen industries. He has consulted widely in strategy, finance, marketing, and governance, earning over thirty written recommendations on LinkedIn that describe him as “a natural communicator,” “a deep thinker,” and “an incredibly effective operator who sees the big picture but never misses the detail.”

Craig has also dedicated time to mentoring emerging business leaders and supporting not-for-profit organisations, always with a focus on integrity, equity, and impact. His commitment to community, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a powerful advocate for a better way forward in South Australia’s planning system.

Recommendations

“I just wanted to say a huge thank you for attending the committee meeting last night and for all the information you provided. Your insights were absolutely brilliant, and your help was invaluable in guiding us through everything.” – Charlotte

“Thanks Craig, you are a Legend and a Life Saver.” – Rosy

“Near the end of his talk about collaboration …talks about courage, and I think you demonstrate the attributes he discusses.” – Heather

“Thank you again for your support, it is reassuring to know there are experienced people like you offering guidance to help community members like myself. It truly makes a real difference, and I’m very grateful.” – Gina

“I have not read a better, clearer, comprehensive and more professional report in over 50 years of professional accounting.” – Jim

“You have produced an excellent document and…your arguments are very significant.” – Ian

“Thank you so much, Craig. I’m deeply grateful for your good, thorough & patient work in submitting all these reports.” – Carolyn

“Craig, terrific work. You are a warrior.” – Dan