Town Planning Professionals Victoria
Universal Planning is led by Stephen O’Brien. He is a qualified town planner with over 40 years’ experience. He understands that strong planning outcomes need diverse expertise.
Stephen’s experience spans town planning, development advisory work, and government decision-making. He supports clients through complex planning processes. These include planning permits, subdivision permits, building approvals, and VCAT matters.
Explore our services for project support. Read our About page for more background.
Why Choose Universal Planning
Stephen’s expertise covers land use planning and highest-use planning. It also includes planning scheme amendments and VCAT representation. His strategic advice helps clients make informed decisions.
Universal Planning also works with trusted consultants. This support helps projects run smoothly. It also allows clients to focus on broader priorities.
Stephen has past and present associations with professional bodies. These include the Planning Institute of Australia. The PIA represents planning and the planning profession nationally.
Stephen’s Planning Accomplishments
Since establishing Universal Planning in July 2013, Stephen has prepared more than 4,000 town planning reports. These cover residential developments, commercial developments, subdivision applications, planning advice, and scheme amendments.
He regularly appears at VCAT as an advocate. He is skilled at guiding clients through complex planning requirements. His approach combines technical knowledge and practical judgement.
Stephen also served his community as a City Councillor. He chaired Manningham City Council’s Planning Committee from 2012 to 2016. This gives him exceptional insight into local government.
Career Project Background
Stephen’s career includes senior and advisory roles across several jurisdictions. He worked as Project Planner with the Premier’s Department, Office of Economic and Trade, Queensland Government.
He also worked as a Project Analyst on secondment with the New Zealand Government’s housing department. He served as Senior Ministerial Policy Advisor to the Queensland Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning.
His private sector roles include Managing Director at Knight Frank Phuket. He also worked in the development arm of the Dubai Government. There, he helped deliver master planned communities across the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam.
Local And Industry Insight
Stephen previously worked as Senior Executive Officer, Planning Services, for Yarra Ranges Shire Council. He has also consulted to Telstra.
His background gives clients strong public and private sector insight. It also supports practical advice across councils, panels, and tribunals.
Stephen is highly regarded across the planning industry. He is known as a competent and respected professional.