This award recognises a significant improvement in planning process or major planning reform which leads to good planning outcomes undertaken by a planner, planning authorities (local or state/territory) and development entities.
This award seeks to recognise an initiative that converts a planning policy and strategy into practice and in doing so achieves a great planning outcome. It is awarded for organisational arrangements or planning initiatives that have achieved improved planning performance or processes and advanced the public interest.
This award seeks to recognise the value adding that occurs from a new planning framework or improvements in practice that lead to enhanced development or community outcomes. The award-winning projects will be ones that contribute to a positive planning culture.
Whilst the genesis of the outcome may be a report, document, scheme or strategy, it is the implementation, action and delivery on the ground which this award seeks to recognise.
Meet the nominees:
NSW Nominee: Improving planning processes for Aboriginal people in Western Sydney
GHD, Zion Engagement and Planning and Waters Consultancy together with their clients Department of Planning and Environment, Transport for NSW and Sydney Metro.
The Western Sydney Social needs assessment - Country, culture and community project empowers and embeds Aboriginal people and voices in planning processes to achieve better outcomes for Country, culture, and community. This methodology has been developed across a variety of unique projects, has strong strategic alignment, and advances the importance significantly of planning with Country.
This project shows a visionary approach, achieves strong commitment to planning and undertakes key workings with Traditional Custodians and Knowledge Holders which has improved the planning process, and strongly aligns with enhanced good planning outcomes.
QLD Nominee: Brisbane Green Factor
Brisbane City Council - Design Brisbane, City Planning and Economic Development
The Brisbane Green Factor is a tool to measure and guide the assessment and impact of urban development on green outcomes and infrastructure in Brisbane.
The project represents an innovative and original response to an increasingly important element in the development of our metropolitan areas.
By reducing the complexity of designing, measuring, and testing urban green infrastructure, the tool provides a non-statutory supporting mechanism to assist development practitioners with green infrastructure implementation.
SA Nominee: Transitioning to the PDI Act
City of Unley
This project demonstrates a considered and structured approach to improving the City of Unley’s service standards during the implementation of the Planning Development and Infrastructure Act 2116. The transition team took the unique opportunity presented by the Act’s implementation to undertake a broad review of their existing processes and to implement change, setting an example for local government authorities across the state.These changes have resulted in the team being able to consistently meet legislative timeframes, reduce customer complaints and receive regular positive feedback.The project can be successfully transferred to other assessment authorities and shows how leadership and creative thought in planning can help to address challenging tasks.
WA Nominee: The Pre-lodgement Public Consultation Concession in Local Planning Policy 7.2 - Reducing, Refunding and Waiving Planning Fees
City of Subiaco
The City of Subiaco has taken a fresh approach to the community consultation component of their planning process by incentivising the applicant to consult with their neighbours before lodging the development application. This is a simple, transferable initiative which encourages grass roots consultation and has the added benefits of shortening processing times. It provides the opportunity for the applicant to alter the plans as a result of the consultation even before an application is made, smoothing the process for all.