Maha Sinnathamby

Brisbane, Property

Maha Sinnathamby

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.