Our Story
Our story started in 2005, when Habitat Development Group was founded by Cleighton Clark with a straightforward vision – deliver great value with no compromise on quality.
Reliability is at the core of who we are. We operate with a disciplined and consistent approach, project to project, that ensures our customers get what they were promised. To maintain this level of service, we manage each stage of the project lifecycle intimately from site acquisition and design through to construction and sales. We are both the developer and builder on all our projects and have been from the early days.  Our commitment to a project goes well beyond completion of a building.Â
We aim to deliver homes and communities where people are proud to call home.Â
— CLEIGHTON CLARK – FOUNDER
The People Behind Every Development
Every Habitat development is shaped by a broad network of talented professionals, both within our business and alongside it.
Our in-house teams across development, design, construction, finance, sales and customer experience bring deep experience and shared standards to every project. With architecture and design capability embedded within the business, we maintain clear vision, consistency and accountability from concept through to completion.
Beyond our internal capability, we partner with a select group of specialist consultants and industry professionals who align with our standards. These relationships are founded on trust, accountability and a shared commitment to delivering quality outcomes.
From subcontractors and trades through to branding and presentation, many of our external partners choose to work with Habitat repeatedly — not just because of the projects we deliver, but because of the culture we have built.
Together, this extended team ensures every Habitat development reflects the same standard of care, craftsmanship and quality.
Cleighton Clark
Managing Director
Cleighton founded Habitat Development Group with a clear purpose: to deliver great quality and value to its customers.Â
Today, he leads the Group’s strategic direction and oversees all site acquisitions, applying a disciplined approach to every opportunity. Under his leadership, Habitat has grown into one of Australia’s leading integrated development and construction groups, recognised for its reliability, consistency and for delivering high-quality, thoughtfully designed residential communities.
His leadership is informed by studies at the University of Queensland and the London Business School. Cleighton is committed to continuous improvement and long-term sustainable business growth. He fosters a culture built on trust, collaboration, transparency, accountability and excellence, ensuring Habitat reliably and consistently delivers on its promises.
Carmen Woollard
Chief Financial Officer
Carmen joined Habitat in 2015 and oversees all financial and accounting functions for the Group. A Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor of Business, she brings extensive experience in financial governance, reporting, budgeting, risk management and commercial analysis.
Known for her collaborative approach and strategic problem-solving, Carmen works closely across the organisation to support sound decision-making and drive continuous improvement, ensuring strong financial stewardship and sustainable growth.
Cade Elliott
Chief Operating Officer
Cade joined Habitat in 2015 as a Project Manager before progressing to Construction Manager and, most recently, Chief Operating Officer. In his current role, he leads the performance and continued growth of the company’s construction operations.
With more than 24 years’ experience across residential, commercial, retail, hospitality and education projects, Cade brings strong expertise in estimating, contract administration and project delivery.
Cade holds degrees in Construction Management and Business Management and combines deep technical knowledge with strong commercial and operational judgment. He also holds an Open Builder’s Licence.
Cade is passionate about developing high-performing teams and building a business that can continue to grow without compromising its culture, quality or commitment to its customers.
Oscar Wasko
General Manger, Development & Design
Oscar joined Habitat in 2020 and brings more than 14 years’ experience delivering complex commercial, residential and hotel developments in Australia and the UK. With a Bachelor of Urban Development from QUT, he specialises in design management, feasibility, planning approvals and project optimisation.
Oscar oversees the full development lifecycle, working closely with consultants, stakeholders and directors to ensure project success, commercial performance and the delivery of high-quality outcomes.
Karen Daly
Karen joined Habitat in 2024 with more than 20 years’ experience in senior leadership roles across commercial, operations, people leadership and customer engagement. She is known for building high-performing teams, driving strategy and leading meaningful cultural and organisational growth.
At Habitat, Karen oversees Sales, Marketing and Customer Experience, bringing a people-first approach that strengthens customer satisfaction, team engagement and long-term brand loyalty.
Matt Ryan
Matt joined Habitat in 2021 and has extensive experience delivering large-scale residential construction projects. Having progressed through senior project delivery roles within Habitat, he has developed a strong understanding of the Group’s construction standards, systems and culture.
As General Manager – Construction, Matt oversees Habitat’s construction operations, with a focus on project performance, programme, commercial outcomes, quality and developing high-performing teams.
Matt is committed to developing people, driving continuous improvement and building the construction capability to support Habitat’s ongoing growth.
