Straight out of university, urban designer Mitch Tilly of Bribie Island is excited to already be helping influence and shape the future of the rapidly growing Moreton Bay region.

The USC graduate is keen to make a difference for his community using the knowledge and skills from his Bachelor of Urban Design and Town Planning (majoring in Sustainability and Society) in his role at Moreton Bay Regional Council.

“It is exciting to see so much development in the region, especially with such big catalyst projects coming online such as Caboolture West and the Petrie Mill site, which includes USC’s new Moreton Bay campus,” said Mitch.

“These developments will become defining moments in the region’s history.”

Mitch said that development in Moreton Bay offered many urban design opportunities, with the State Government driving urban growth targets for the region, particularly in the Caboolture West greenfield area which is expected to house 68,000 new residents over the next 40 years.

“It is now up to designers and practitioners from all development-related disciplines to work together to meet this target through revitalisation and consolidation development as well as the large-scale greenfield expansion sites,” he said.

“I am currently working on two different projects looking at quality design outcomes for future housing products across different typologies and densities. This involves a great deal of research, collaboration and physical site inspections across the region.”

Mitch said that while gaining his degree, he developed the skills to face such challenges, including critical thinking, communication and technical skills, problem-solving and knowing how to apply technologies to local and international contexts.

“My USC degree helped me get to where I am today,” he said.

“The combination of urban design and town planning was the perfect qualification required for a designer working within a strategic planning environment.

“The small class sizes at USC also allow for a strong connection with local practitioners so, before graduating, we were already equipped with the skills and the contacts needed to hit the ground running.

“The greatest learning opportunity was during my final year trip to India and Nepal where I spent a month living and working in ‘slum’ communities with social enterprise Pollinate Group that provides solar lighting and water filtration to the communities.”

Mitch graduated with First Class Honours and a University Commendation for Academic Excellence with a Grade Point Average of 6.33 from a possible 7, and the USC Student Leadership Award. He also boosted his employability by sitting on multiple committees, taking on an internship and attending industry seminars.

Moreton Bay Regional Council Coordinator, Urban Design and Place Making, Amy Grey said it was these industry-related activities, combined with his degree that made Mitch a standout for the role.

“USC Planning and Urban Design graduates will be valuable to our growing region,” she said.

“And the new USC Moreton Bay campus at The Mill will be a catalyst for innovation in the region as we look forward to more people living, working and visiting here.”

USC Australia will hold an online Open Day on Sunday 19 July. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the website from 9.30am to 12.30pm AEST to chat to staff and students about degrees and university life and watch presentations and virtual tours.