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WA masterplanned community and industry leaders pick up UDIA National Awards for Excellence

Keren BellosEastern Reporter

A WA masterplanned community and two industry leaders were honoured at the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) National Awards for Excellence in Perth last week.

Mirvac’s Erskine development Osprey Waters triumphed in the Environmental Excellence category at the event, which celebrates exceptional urban development.

The win follows State recognition last year for the estate on the Peel inlet featuring 6.38ha of landscaped natural parkland with walkways, boardwalks, tree-lined streets, retained natural vegetation and the protection of wildlife habitats.

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It was awarded for being an example of how a dedicated development team has overcome challenging environmental circumstances.

“Challenges have included the need to retain significant vegetation; manage public access to the waterfront, including historical boat launching usage; manage acid sulphate soils; maintain wildlife corridors; and recreate wildlife habitat, specifically for the nesting of the osprey eagle,” UDIA national president Michael Corcoran said.

LWP Property Group managing director Danny Murphy won the Allen Vogan Award for his outstanding commitment to the urban development industry and Amex Corporation director Cameron Shephard received national life membership due to his significant contribution to the institute over many years.

Mr Murphy formed LWP in 2000 to take over the property operations of Sanwa including its role in the Ellenbrook project. It has 12 active projects with an annual turnover of more than 1000 lots and $200 million.

“Danny is a huge asset to the urban development industry in WA and nationally,” UDIA chief executive Allison Hailes said.

“He has over 35 years experience in the industry starting in South Australia and held a range of senior positions across Australia before settling in Perth in 1992, when he commenced the Ellenbrook joint venture between Sanwa Property Group and the Department of Housing.

“Further to his management role at LWP, Danny has volunteered his time extensively to the industry, including serving as UDIA president in South Australia from 1989-1990 and as a councillor in WA from 1992-1993.

“He is also very active in providing advice and mentorship to younger industry professionals and provides invaluable knowledge to UDIA to assist in our advocacy role.”

Mr Shephard has been an institute member for more than 20 years, serving as a council member for two terms, UDIA WA president from 2011-2013 and UDIA national president from 2013-2015.

He was honoured with UDIA life membership in WA last year and the national life membership is added recognition for his service.