Our Journey
Over UPD’s 28 years in Western Australia, we’ve witnessed and been part of a remarkable journey of growth and progress in the region’s land development industry. UPD has traded through the Global Financial Crisis, Brexit, Covid-19 and some major international conflicts. The business has seen the birth of industry 4.0 including the rise internet adoption, social media, ecommerce, renewable energy and AI.
Throughout this time, Western Australia has experienced significant milestones and transformations, including the Mining Boom, significant population growth and the urban expansion of Perth. There has been major state government focus on infrastructure investments and projects along with rapid advancements in technology.
All of these elements have changed the way we live, work, travel and communicate in Western Australia.
Despite the challenges and changes over the years, UPD has remained steadfast in our commitment to supporting the land development industry in Western Australia. We’ve endured and thrived alongside the region, adapting to evolving needs and technologies to provide reliable connections that empower communities and connect people to their investments.
As we look to the future, we are confident that Western Australia’s land development sector will continue to go from strength to strength, and UPD will be there every step of the way.
1996
Underground Power Development started 1996
First job for Western Power 1996
Western Power Corporation (WPC) – Launch of State Underground Power Programme*
Underground Power Development Joined Urban Development Institute of WA 1996
1999
Len Franklin, Site Inspector, our longest tenured employee commenced working for UPD 1999
2001
Kevin Saunders, NER Engineer joined UPD 2001
2003
Sandra Edwards, Senior Draftsperson joined UPD 2003
Electricity System demand exceeds 3000MW*
2006
Robin Moran, Senior Draftsperson joined UPD 2006
WPC reorganised into Western Power, Synergy, Verve Energy and Horizon Power 2006*
2007-2009
Global Financial Crisis 2007-2009
Electricity system demand exceeds 4,0000MW with 50% supplied by underground Power*
2011
Richard Feillafe, Drafting Team Leader joined UPD
2013
Peter Brazendale NER Engineer joined UPD
2014
Perth’s population exceeds 2 million
2015
NBN Co connections go live in Western Australia
2016
Brad Ellett appointed as sole Director of Underground Power Development July 2016
Keith Lockitt appointed as UPD’s Comms Consultant
2017
Appointed to Western Power Professional Engineering Panel 2017
Michael Vu, Project Administrator joined UPD 2017
WALGA Panel Awarded 2017
2018
Anne Wilkinson, Accounts & Finance Coordinator joins UPD 2018
2019
Bob Cocivera appointed as UPD’s Electrical Site Consultant for the South West 2019Stewart Tassell, Project Coordinator joined UPD 2019
COVID-19 2019
2020
Vivienne Mossman, General Manager joined UPD
Brad Ellett appointed to UDIA Infrastructure Committee
2021
Damian Twyman, Senior Designer joined UPD 2021
Raymond Slater, Draftsperson / Designer joined UPD 2021
Brad appointed to UDIA Standing Advisory Group 2021
Vivienne Mossman appointed to the NECA Women’s Advisory Council
2023
Vivienne Mossman appointed to the ECA WA Women’s Advisory Council 2023
Vivienne Mossman appointed as Non-Executive Director of the Electrical and Communications Association of WA 2023
New Logo announced 2023
Jasmine Carson, Project & Administration Coordinator joined UPD 2023
UPD becomes UDIA Outlook Partner 2023
2024
Brad Ellett appointed to UDIA WA Infrastructure Committee for 2024-2025 and the Expert Pool 2024
Vivienne Mossman appointed as Chair of the UDIA WA Professional Development Committee and to the Education, Connection & Excellence Committee for 2024-2025
UPD appointed to the Specialist Engineering Consultant Panel Member 2024
Komang Handayani, Draftsperson joins UPD 2024
Brendan Tascon, Draftsperson joins UPD 2024
Kenny Renju, Office Administrator joins UPD 2024
New website launched