GRANT SHEPHERD APPOINTED UDIA WA PRESIDENT

The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA WA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Grant Shepherd as President, following the Institute’s Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday, 22 October 2025.

Mr Shepherd has been an active member of the UDIA WA Council and has served as Vice President for the past two years. He brings extensive industry experience and a strong commitment to delivering sustainable, innovative development outcomes across Western Australia.

In his current role as Residential Director at Hesperia, one of WA’s leading private development companies, Mr Shepherd oversees a diverse portfolio of residential projects. His work spans the full spectrum of development activity, from planning and infrastructure delivery to navigating complex market dynamics. This hands-on experience gives him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the urban development sector today.

“Navigating WA’s planning and infrastructure landscape requires clear, strategic thinking and a collaborative and proactive approach with Government,” Mr Shepherd said.

“My goal as President is to provide strong leadership that advances the interests of our members while ensuring our industry continues to deliver great places and housing choice for the diverse Western Australian community,” Mr Shepherd said. 

“It is critical that we continue to work proactively with all levels of Government to deliver the housing we need.” 

Mr Shepherd succeeds Richard Pappas, who has served as UDIA WA President for the past two years, overseeing the Institute’s successful State Election Campaign that shone a spotlight on the housing supply crisis and ensured that housing was front and centre of all political party’s policy platforms.  

Under Mr Pappas' leadership, UDIA WA also continued to enhance its reputation as a leading voice for the development industry, particularly in championing housing supply solutions across the spectrum from single homes to apartment living, in both infill and greenfield locations. 

“I’ve witnessed first-hand the value of strong leadership in achieving real outcomes for our members and the broader community,” Mr Shepherd said.

“I’m committed to building on this foundation, bringing clear direction and strong advocacy to the role of President.”

As the state continues to navigate the ongoing housing supply crisis, UDIA WA remains at the forefront of policy advocacy, engaging with all levels of government and key stakeholders to unlock supply and collaborate on delivering housing supply.

Critical issues on Mr Shepherd’s agenda include the planning, funding and delivery of enabling infrastructure for housing; ongoing streamlining of planning and environmental approvals processes; and continuing to increase community understanding and support for a more compact and connected Perth. 

“If we’re serious about delivering greater housing choice, we must also support appropriate urban infill and increased density,” Mr Shepherd said.

“All stakeholders, including private industry, government and the community need to work together so we can ensure that housing is being delivered to meet today’s needs, and for our future,” Mr Shepherd said. 

“That is vital to ensuring affordability, sustainability, and the ability for people to find homes that suit their evolving needs.”

Mr Shepherd concluded by thanking Mr Pappas for his service and reaffirming his commitment to ensuring the development industry is supported in the core role of building liveable and inclusive communities across Western Australia.

End

Contact: 
Gemma Osiejak
Executive Manager Communications & Marketing
P: 0421 506 819
E: gosiejak@udiawa.com.au