Blog Posts

Prepared and delivered a series of six (repeated) one-day training sessions for State Significant Development and State Significant Infrastructure Assessment Officers. As many of the staff are specialists, the objective of the program was to provide an overview of the NSW Panning and development assessment system; for some it was a refresher course. Under the UTS Institute for Public Policy and Governance banner, the sessions were a duet with Stephen Krimmer. Great to work with Stephen and with UTS.

The Heart Foundation, Active Living NSW and the NSW Government have published 'Liveability and Local Government: embedding liveability into council's strategic planning processes. I was the writer on the team, working closely with Laura Oakley (of the Heart Foundation) for over 18 months. Finalistaion was delayed by Covid and missed the introduction of Local Stratergic Planning Staements (LSPS) by councils, and a missed a number of other recent developmets (including the bushfires and the pandemic).

Despite the delays it is a useful resource for the current reviews of councils' Community Strategic Plans (given the upcoming 2021 elections). Also, the LSPS process in NSW (especially in Sydney) was rushed, and the advice stands for ongoing reviews and updates. For Local Health Districts and other stakeholders it is still a valuable resource on understanding and utilising councils' strategic planning activities.

On the same day, the Heart Foundation published the third edition of the 'Guide to utilising councils' Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework (IPRF) to promote Active Living and Healthy Eating' and an overarching, simple guide to accompany these two detailed resources. The IPRF guide was reviewed and updated by Karen Legge. I am pleased to see the update, as I was the writer on the Team for the first two editions (2010-11) for the Premier's Council For Active Living.

Appointed by Shoalhaven City Council to prepare and deliver a Pre-DA Community Engagement Strategy for the new Library, as a member of the Brewster Hjorth Architects Team. This  commences with three Community Workshops in early December to inform the Concept Plan. The detailed concept plans will be exhibited on a Presentation Day in February 2021, followed by a formal exhibition period for the DA.

What a pleasant surprise, on August 17, being elected as Life Fellow of PIA.

This is usually celebrated at a PIA function but, because of COVID, I had the opportunity to invite 20 of my colleagues to share the presentation at a zoom session. Many stories were told by the group and myself from my career so far. Quite emotional. 

I often ask myself 'who am I working with?', as a measure of how I'm going. When I looked around the room I was very happy with the answer.

The groundwork on the Framework commenced with working sessions at Central Coast and Ballina.

Both successful, with lots of local interest and case studies/ implementation ideas from councils and Local Health Districts, to feed our draft framework. Worked as a Team with Laura Oakley, plus ALNSW assistance and Ministry of Health presence. Standard format for our program – clear on Councils' Strategic Planning Frameworks, showcasing local HEAL initiatives and workshopping opportunities/ constraints and solutions. Really enjoyed the plane flights and the chance to get to know new ALNSW staff.

Two final locations (Mid-North Coast and Wagga Wagga).

While the final Framework has been prepared it awaits approval before becoming publicly available. Unfortunately, the delay has meant that advice on Local Strategic Planning Statements has not been available for the first round of Statements. However, the advice, plus coverage of the broader council strategic planning requirements and on Local Environmental Plans  and Development Control Plans continues to be most relevant, especially with the upcoming council elections and the State Government's intent to require ongoing reviews.

Two day in-house training program with Greg New, Lindsay Taylor, Stuart Simington and council staff.

Focus on Planning Agreements (and value capture) and the detail on development contributions. King's Hill land release as a case study

The purpose of this Framework/Guide is to recommend appropriate actions at the local government level to assist in the implementation (and ongoing sustainability) of the provisions of the NSW State Government’s ‘Healthy Eating and Active Living’ (HEAL) Strategy.

The project commenced late January and will run until late 2019. In particular,it aims to assist councils to integrate HE and AL into their various strategic planning processes. It is a project in two stages: firstly, a draft Framework, followed by four working sessions (around the state) to refine the resource. The Project Manager is Vanessa Burow (ALNSW Manager) and key players are the Local Health Districts across the state.

Appointed as part of the UTS Institute for Public Policy and Goverrnance Team to organise and run, for the NSW DPE, a series of training sessions.

The training is for council staff, councillors and practitioners, and will commence this year with a Sydney session for staff and councillors, moving to other Sydney and non-metropolitan locations in 2019. 

The LSPS is a long-awaited bridge between the wealth of State Government reigonal planning initiatives and local planning strategies and actions, in particular, amendments to council Local Environmental Plans. Of equal significance, the LSPS is an opportunity to link planning action to councils' broader Community Strategic Plans.

Writer on the Team

The Team comprised the DP&E and a number of councils from around the State. Great to see your work on the DP&E Home page. A good product, nominated for a PIA award, following on from over a decade of Leichhardt/ Inner West Council's DA seminar series

A big work-week for me at home in the Shoalhaven

Firstly, as facilitator for a workshop with the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Committee and Councillors, to discuss priorities and operations. 

Secondly, the fourth, final and one of the best Active Living NSW Seminars. A great day, with a full range of speakers, including council staff and Culburra resident Karen Legge

Western Sydney University have engaged me to teach Planning and Environmental Regulation in 2018.

This is an opportunity for me to re-cast my resourses and interest in planning law and administration through WSU's Planning Program. The Unit is mandatory for some students and an elective for others. So far 50 or so enrolees! The program builds on that offered previously by Laura Schatz and includes input from ParraCity council and a field trip to the Land and Environment Court

Building upon the DA Best Practice Guide, the DP&E have commissioned me to produce a written Guide and a Seminar Kit for non-professional applicants.

The purpose of the Guide is to provide advice on the DA process for small-scale residential development. The Seminar Kit is based on the successful Inner West Councils two-hour DA seminar. 

The primary target audiences are:

• land and property owners extending or rebuilding their principal place of residence
• owner developers
• small scale non-professional developers 

 In addition, the Guide is targeted at:

• Building designers 

• Project ‘granny flat’ specialists/sales consultants: packages from industry – ‘we’ll do it for you’

• Neighbours

• Sales consultants (giving pre-purchase advice)

Types of development covered: the Guide covers domestic-scale residential development and construction, from alterations and additions to dual occupancy. More specifically, it covers:

• Alterations and additions to an existing dwelling

• Construction of new dwelling houses, including project homes that are not ‘complying development’

• Secondary dwellings (granny-flats)

• Dual occupancy

In response to the Premier's Priority (speedy DA assessment), and pressure from the Federal Government (both under the banner of housing affordability), the NSW DP&E have prepared the Guide: best practice, targets and key milestones. I have been asked by the DP&E to assist with advice on how best to deliver the Guide to key local councils.

A draft Report is with the Department, forming part of what I assume is ongoing action and groundwork.

After presentations and working sessions In Western Sydney and Circular Quay, the Team was off to the regions. The capacity building sessions focussed on how Local Government's 'Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework' can be utilised to promote HBEP's Three Domains – Active Living, Healthy Eating and Community Connectedness. DW as facilitator and participant.

At both places, the keynote address was delivered by Dr. Jennifer Kent, with presentations by local councils and Local Health Districts showcasing local initiatives - Town Centre Masterplans, Transport Strategies and Partnership Building. This was followed by a workshop activity on the IP&R Framework.

At Sydney airport, waiting for the  plane to Wagga Wagga I had the joy of running into my first true love, Sue. We were gobsmacked. It has been thirty years. 

I facilitated this full day on diabetes prevention for Western Sydney, a hotspot. 

Really stretched my facilitation skills, with over 100 attendees and 20 or so speakers. The speakers and co-chairs were from a broad cross-section of disciplines and sectors, and was promoted by the Premier's Department (responding to his childhood diabetes objective). We presented and discussed the evidence and generated a range of options for action – an input to a Western Sydney Diabetes Strategy. Of course, this included the role of Built Environment professionals. 

The ambitious session was successful in achieving the aim of the day – prompt mobilisation of the various forces under the auspices of the Premier. 

On October 29 I facilitated a one day forum on Planning for an Active Western Sydney, culminating in the WSROC Mayors signing the Walk 21 Charter. 

The morning session featured a number of speakers, with a keynote address from Ben Rossiter (Victoria Walks) and brief presentations from Parramatta and Fairfield Councils and Stephen Moore (Roberts Day). This was followed by group work on the main theme – how to use the IR&R Framework to promote active living. 

Facilitted two workshops for Wodonga Council on Active Travel, as part of their draft Integrated Transport Strategy. Held at ther Cube.

The first session was with local school representatives and the second was with a cross section of council staff. At both sessions formal presentations were made by Victoria Walks and the Bicycle Network. A successful day – the school kids were terrific (outlining issues for them) and the staff were engaged in the early dsicussion on the need for a whole of Council approach. Great potential at Wodonga, especially for active travel and the revitalisation of the CBD.

Breakfast Day 1 at UNSW final year course 'Professionalism Ethics and Politics'. Well timed given the upcoming election and, hopefully, a revival of the Planning Reform Agenda. Good to be back on campus.

Chaired a session at the International Walk 21 Conference, organised by PCAL, on Health Evidence and Policy Development in Planning.

Speakers were Professor Susan Thompson (HBEP, UNSW), Paul Klarenaar (Director, NSLHD Health Promotion) and Jeff Oatman (Green Buildings Council of Australia). It went well, with inspiration from Susan, case studies from Paul and an insight into GBCA from Jeff.  Lucky it was held in the Sonar Room and not the Rotor!

The BPB has appointed me as Writer on the Team to prepare the Guide.

The Guide will clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of the various players, in particular private and council certifiers. In addition, it will outline the key stages in the process, providing advice on specific matters.

I was invited to work with the Heart Foundation (and other members of the SA Active Living Coalition) as the SA State Government commences their Planning System Review. This follows from my active involvement in the NSW Review over the last 2 years.

The session featured papers from Wendy Bell and myself: on "An Ideal Planning System" and Lessons from NSW" respectively. At this early stage in their Review (Listening Stage), focus was upon articulating the scope of Planning (to include health), with a workshop session to develop Key Issue Statements in relation to significant matters for community health and well-being. Details are available from the SA Heart Foundation

A fun night as a panellist at Wollongong's Brewery to discuss "Selling Community Consultation"

Joined on the panel by Carey McIntyre (Shellharbour) and Laurel-LeeRoderick (DP&I), with Carla Rogers (Evolve) as facilitator. My "catchphrase" poster prepared with Jonnie and Rebekah at Milcstudio (Orient Point).

A successful Roadshow with Susan Thompson to Albury and Griffith: aeroplanes and a road-trip.

That's eight down: Port Macquarie, Canterbury, Shellharbour, Penrith, Newcastle, Albury, Griffith and central Sydney. On each occasion with a council planner (or two) to provide a local context. This worked well. See also my Images and the HBEP website: www.be.unsw.edu.au

Picture: Matthew Smithwick

Bordermail Story:
http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/1610382/feeling-alone-a-rural-issue/

Facilitator for this half-day session (Saturday March 23), with representatives of the Community Consultative Bodies (CCB) and Council (Councillors and senior staff), to discuss improving the relationship. Formal presentations and general discussion. Positive vibes. Working on the Overview of Proceedings now.

Great view from home, thanks to Davey Hockney and Joan Wellings.

After a Xmas break its back on: gearing up for my favourite job (UNSW Professional Practice) and the HBEP Healthy Planning travelling show (with Susan Thompson).....and waiting for the proposed Planning Bill!

Appointed to produce an engagement strategy for the new district library

What a pleasant surprise. On August 17 2020 I was elected Life Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).

While a presentation is usually conducted at a PIA event, because of Covid I was able to select 20 colleagues to join me for an hour on zoom. This was a privilege and very touching for me, with complements and stories from my career to date. I also told a few stories.

In conclusion I described how I often ask myself this question – 'Who am I working with?. I looked around the zoom-room with a big smile and a tear in my eye.