Maha Sinnathamby
Brisbane, Property
QLD Rich List 2013
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Brisbane, Property
$841 million (up $25 million). Last year: No.7
Maha Sinnathamby spent years chasing politicians, trying to convince them his dream of building a privately owned city on scrub between Brisbane and Ipswich was not a crackpot idea.
Greater Springfield is now a reality - and the pollies come seeking his wisdom.
The 73-year-old, who grew up in a poor Malaysian village, is one of 20 business and community representatives appointed to a special panel for the G20 Summit of world leaders in Queensland next year.
A $1.3 billion rail link to Springfield - the visionary city built on the four pillars of community, education, technology and health - is to open by the end of 2013.
Other major developments this year include the announcement by Mater Health Services of an $85m, 80-bed private hospital and council approval for expansion of the Orion shopping centre.
Mr Sinnathamby and business partner Bob Sharpless bought the 2860 hectare site for $7.2 million in the early 1990s.
The entrepreneur was named one of the 100 Most Influential Indians in the World in December, the only Australia-based entrant on the list.
He nominates Mahatma Gandhi as his inspiration in business and rises at 3.30am each morning to meditate.
Mr Sinnathamby's daughter Raynuha - managing director of Springfield Land Corporation - was appointed Queensland President of the property Council of Australia in February.