Mick Sheppard
Director
Core Skill
Town Planning | Project Coordination | Educational Developments
Qualifications
Master of Philosophy in Town Planning,
University College of London (1991-1994)
Bachelor of Science (hons), (Geography),
Loughborough University (1987-1990)
University College of London (1991-1994)
Bachelor of Science (hons), (Geography),
Loughborough University (1987-1990)
Associations and Committees
- Ongoing: Member of Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)
- Property Council: Sunshine Coast Committee
About Mick…
Mick is a highly regarded Town Planner with over 30 years’ experience across both the private and public sectors. He has extensive expertise in leading negotiations on complex development proposals spanning a diverse range of land uses. He develops strategic planning pathways that maximise value for clients while providing clear, commercially focused advice on site development potential. His career includes experience with a leading London planning practice, further strengthening his strategic and international perspective. Mick is known for leading project teams with a systematic, detailed and solutions-oriented approach, ensuring thorough outcomes on even the most complex projects.
Career Highlights
- 2016-current: Director, Project Urban
- 2012-2016: Director, DFS Group Maroochydore
- 2004-2012: Associate Director and Planning Manager of Dillon Folker Stephens, Maroochydore
- 1998-2004: Associate Director, The Halpern Partnership Ltd, London
- 1997-1998: Senior Planner, Carpenter Planning Consultants, Norwich, England
- 1996-1997: Planning Officer, Environment Department, Tasmania (1 year job swap)
- 1991-1997: Assistant Planner, London Borough of Redbridge
Development Planning Achievements - Agriculture
- Secured approvals for multiple macadamia nut processing and sorting facilities across the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast Regional Council areas
- Led approval of an intensive horticulture development at Bunya Road, Yandina, including buildings with a combined floor area of approximately 8 hectares that exceeded Council preferred height limits
Development Planning Achievements - Residential
- Serenity on Second, Maroochydore: Material change of use for a 54-unit residential development on Second Avenue, Maroochydore
- Woodgate: 113 lot rural residential subdivision for Bundaberg Regional Council which responded to the traffic, bushfire and environmental issues that affected the subject site
- Goodwood: 57 lot rural residential subdivision that successfully addressed the flooding, ecological and bushfire constraints that affected the site
- Cosmopolitan, Maroochydore: Mixed-use development at Cotton Tree Esplanade comprising 144 residential units with ground-floor commercial uses
Development Planning Achievements - Commercial
- Peregian Springs Shopping Centre: Planning approvals for the original shopping centre and a major extension approved in 2024
Development Planning Achievements - Education
- Ipswich Grammar School: Planning approvals for a new boarding house and demolition of existing heritage boarding towers
- Sunshine Coast Grammar School: A variety of the material change of use applications for additional classrooms and facilities
- St Andrew’s Anglican College, Peregian Springs: Secured a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation to establish a long-term framework for future campus growth
- The Luther Heights Youth Camp, Coolum Beach: Approval to expand the facility to 430 beds and endorsement of a new master plan
- QCCC, Mapleton: Material change of use to extend the existing site and deliver additional space for outdoor recreation and educational activities