A national lobby representing some of the Geelong region’s premier residential developers has appointed a new leader.
Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) has elected Darren Cooper as national president to replace outgoing leader Michael Corcoran, who has served in the role since 2015.
Mr Cooper has more than 30 years of experience in the development industry and he currently serves on a variety of boards in the development industry, not-for-profit organisations and private companies and is a strategic advisor to national developer, AMEX Corporation.
He is a life member of UDIA WA and is a former senior executive at Mirvac, Blackburne Property Group and PEET Limited. He has also served as national vice-president of UDIA.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to lead Australia’s most prominent development industry group, Mr Cooper said.
“Our industry delivers 10 percent of Australia’s GDP and employs 10 per cent of Australia’s workforce. UDIA is here to ensure that our industry’s voice is heard given this massive contribution.
“As national president I will continue to focus UDIA on prosecuting balanced and evidenced-based policy positions that will benefit our industry, the economy and the wider community,” he said.
“The Urban Development Institute’s role, and therefore UDIA’s national advocacy, has never been more important given that our Federal Government, Opposition and crossbenchers are increasingly involved in development industry policy and especially in directing major infrastructure funding allocations.”
Outgoing president Michael Corcoran said: “After two years as UDIA national president, I’m delighted to pass the baton to Darren Cooper who I regard as one of the most experienced and capable leaders in the Australian development industry.”
“Over the past two years, UDIA has ensured that housing affordability, supply and infrastructure policy is at the epicentre of Federal Government focus and policy settings. Darren will continue with this focus with my full support as immediate past president.”
Members of the Victorian branch of the UDIA include prominent local developers such as Villawood, whose general manager of development Neil O’Connor sits on the national body’s board of directors.
