Subdividing runs in his blood
Subdiving runs in his blood
Paul Ramsay, who has made his fortune in health care and television, has a soft spot for land subdividing.
30.10.2007 Mackay, Mercury, written by Mark Bode
Private health care tsar Paul Ramsay was in his element. It was the launch of the new environmentally friendly housing estate Plantation Palms — which is being funded by Paul Ramsay Holdings — and Mr Ramsay was walking the room like an expectant father. He may have been involved in major business dealings around the world for more than four decades but it was obvious he has lost none of his passion. As chairman of Paul Ramsay Holdings, he has made his fortune in health care and television, but land subdividing holds a soft spot in his heart. In what was believed to be Mr Ramsay’s first interview in 10 years, the founder and chairman of Ramsay Health Care Limited and Prime Television Limited spoke of how land subdividing was in his blood. Dressed smartly in a long-sleeve shirt and slacks, he looked lean and healthy. “My first job was a land subdivision in Campbeltown in 1959,” he said, adding: “My dad subdivided thousands of blocks of land.” He also pointed out with pride that his grandfather, Sir Austin Chapman, a member of Parliament, was regarded as the founder of Canberra. His father and grandfather would certainly have viewed Plantation Palms with raised eyebrows. The Mackay project, considered the first sustainable urban development in the region, aims to save as much as 4000 tonnes of greenhouse emissions a year. “I’ve done a bit (of land subdividing) over the years, but this is the biggest project,” Mr Ramsay said.
“I’ve known Kim Clarke (Xcel Properties CEO) for years. He’s designed a fantastic place — it’s certainly not run of the mill.” Mr Ramsay has never been described as run of the mill. He has been involved in health care since 1964, when he developed and managed one of the first private psychiatric hospitals in Sydney and has gone on to oversee the building of nine private hospitals, turning Ramsay Health Care into the largest private health operator in the country. Ramsay Health Care currently has a portfolio of 67 private hospitals and day care facilities across Australia and Indonesia, employing more than 20,000 people. Mr Ramsay took over Prime Television in 1985 when he gained control of Altarama Minerals. “My life is very interesting — there’s always something happening,” he said. “I’ve done things all over the world. I enjoy that.” So what is the secret of his success? “I’m a great believer in doing the best you can, and everything will follow.”
30 10 2007 - Paul Ramsay Success Story