This issue

From the president 2 Being brave: a call to planners to embrace genuine community engagement 18 News Th e new risk frontier: bushfi re risk Political turmoil or the new norm? 3 and land use planning challenges in a Being an Expert Witness 4 changing climate 20 Solomon Islands planners’ four-day Contested landscapes – the impact of intensive 5 rural residential development on food production 22 Young Planner refl ects on 2014 State Conference 7 Mastering the art of planning 24 Young Planner update 7 People British planners praise SEQ’s approach to Q&A: Koon Hean 26 planning and development 8 Ambushed, I was …. 27 Brisbane City Council’s digital strategy Letters 28 for planning and development 8 Place Plan Community attitudes to the Coorparoo Empowering Solomon Islands Junction TOD 29 communities to improve resilience to Cover: Community engagement in Solomon Found Horizon – Postcard from Nepal 31 Islands (see story on page 9) climate change 9 Cover design: Zara Ali Best practice community engagement www.zaraali.com.au principles 15 Editor: Dan Molloy Committee: Linda Tait MPIA CPP John Van As MPIA Eve Vickerson MPIA

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Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 – 1 From the president

Government to ensure that the value of seeking their involvement and base our planning is realised through a commitment decisions on that response, we need to be to good planning outcomes, delivering and ready to justify and re-engage when this protecting great places for our community position changes. When I say we here, I to enjoy now and well into the future. mean the collectively “we”. Of course there will be times when things go against the A number of recent events across plan or the norm or the expected – this is Queensland (both man-made and natural) the nature of the industry we work in. Th is have made me personally refl ect on our role is especially true in planning when schemes as planners and the need for us, no matter are really only updated every 10 years (just what area of the industry we work in, to look how much changes in our own lives ensure we are eff ectively communicating within 10 years!) and engaging. I am therefore very pleased that we have taken the Undertaking What this all says to me is that we need Fulfi lling Engagement piece of the Planning to be continually engaging and adapting Matters jigsaw as the theme for this edition. to our environments and the expectations of our stakeholders. Let’s be proactive For me this concept is so fundamental to not reactive – let’s be mindful of our our industry - arguably it is most important. stakeholders and the need to respect our

Kate Isles MPIA Th e art of engagement is without a doubt a various roles within the industry. We should Queensland President core skill and its eff ectiveness is something after all still be committed to an outcome Welcome to the fi rst edition of Queensland that we learn and will continue to learn that represents good planning. across our careers. Each and every day Planner for 2015 and what a start to the As you are reading this I am half-way we engage. How well we engage will be year we have had! Th e calling of the state through a community consultation program refl ected in our performance, the feedback election prompted PIA to document our with Toowoomba Regional Council. We we receive and the networks that we will election platform stating what we are are taking the community on a journey as build. Fulfi lling engagement does not looking for in a state government as it it relates to the fl ooding across the region. necessarily mean that we will always win relates to our profession. Th ere is nothing more rewarding as a and in some circumstances it’s actually not planner then being able to get out into the For me, it again reiterated the need for about winning or being right. planning to look beyond political cycles communities that we are helping to shape and have a bipartisan approach in a number Th e underlying principal of engagement – listening, learning, sharing and enabling - of areas such as an infrastructure plan. I is that stakeholders have the chance to and we need to be doing more or this. personally support four year fi xed terms infl uence the decision-making process. For So as we head into 2015 some wise words at our state government level and truly us planners this applies no matter if we are from a surprising author that I think we can believe that this would not only benefi t our talking with our clients, the government or all learn from. profession but all of Queensland. the community. When we engage we need to be true to this principle and this in my “Th e great mistake is to anticipate the Our platform was premised through three opinion is where we have and can fail as outcome of the engagement; you ought not clear channels - Plan, People and Place. planners. to be thinking of whether it ends in victory We made fi rm recommendations in each or in defeat. Let nature take its of these areas and PIA looks forward If during a plan-making or major proposal course, and your tools will strike at to working with the new Queensland we are engaging with our community, the right moment…” Bruce Lee. Your magazine – get involved

Queensland Planner is published quarterly and is the flagship If you feel you can make a contribution to Queensland Planner publication of PIA in Queensland. We value the authors, please email me at [email protected] or give me a advertisers and sponsors whose contributions ensure that call on 0407 653809. the publication is of a standard that reflects our professional membership and PIA as an organisation. Dan Molloy Editor As editor, I rely on a small group of dedicated planners to develop themes, story ideas and access their professional networks to ensure that Queensland Planner remains relevant, topical and a key benefit to members.

As we move into 2015 and seek to build on the development of the magazine achieved last year, the opportunity is available for two members to join the editorial committee.

2 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 News Political turmoil or the new norm? Brendan Nelson MPIA CPP MAICD National President

As the dust settles following the development of the Queensland Plan in community confi dence in our politicians. Queensland election, it’s interesting the last 2 years, but the true test will be Failure will invariably result in continued to refl ect on the recent volatility of in its implementation. Implementation is localised planning arguments which Australian politics. We have seen two not the sole responsibility of one person, become highly politicised and end up fi rst term state governments with group or government agency and must be failing everyone, often with the planner substantial mandates lose in recent resourced appropriately. being caught in the middle. months, including in Queensland with further volatility occurring federally. Prior to the election, PIA Queensland At a higher level, there are even more Th ere are many reasons for this volatility President, Kate Isles and the Queensland challenges with the lack of a national including localised jurisdictional issues, Committee called on both parties to use policy on our future growth, management but it’s more complex than that and I the foundation of the Queensland Plan to of environmental constraints such as believe that we are seeing the emergence guide the planning system in Queensland climate change. Australia is currently of a new norm where large mandates are and to ensure that Regional Plans are growing by about 500,000 people per meaningless if governments fail to deliver developed for each region to support the year, and to put this into context, we on promises or cannot articulate and development of local planning schemes. need to deliver the equivalent of a new deliver a shared future vision. Th e principles of the Queensland Plan Townsville or Sunshine Coast every 6 provide this foundation, but it will months or a new Gold Coast every year One of the contributing factors to this require a signifi cant transformation in or so! Th is cannot be done with short new political norm includes a change in the approach currently being taken with term thinking, without planning or the demographic and generation of our regional planning. One of the challenges without the community being part of the voting public. Over the past 50 years, with the development of Regional journey. the traditional generation (born prior Plans is its relationship to infrastructure to World War 2) has reduced from 32% planning and provision. Infrastructure Ignoring the lack of planning leadership to 14% of the voting public and this planning and regional planning go federally, I have watched with interest number will continue to decline. Th e hand in glove and must be considered at the level of reform that each of the Baby Boomer generation has also peaked together. Th is is not a new phenomenon planning systems across Australia are and is also declining as a percentage of in Queensland and has been undertaken undergoing. With the exception of the voting public and now only represents previously with the South East Queensland the Northern Territory, every state approximately 25% of voters nationally. Infrastructure Plan and Program. Th e and territory in Australia is currently Th e big emergence in recent years has Productivity Commission has recognised undergoing (or has undergone been Generation X (1965-1976) and Y the importance of providing certainty within the last decade) some form of (1977-1994) who collectively now make in relation to areas of future growth, planning system reform. In the case of up almost 40% of the voting public. Th e infrastructure and the provision of Queensland, planning reform has been increased sophistication in technology, services. undertaken twice in the same period! Th e social media and the internet largely level and extent of planning reform has used by the X and Y generations means Th e new Palaszczuk Government has become necessary in many jurisdictions that governments are now judged on a announced the introduction of Building as a result of legislative clutter, political 24 hour cycle and access to information Queensland to provide advice on mandate and over regulation. In the and data has never been better. As such, infrastructure priorities based on cost- case of Queensland, planning reform has governments that don’t respond and benefi t analysis and community benefi ts. seemingly been attached to changes in adapt to the changes in generational Whilst the detail is still being developed, government. It is now time to focus on expectations are more likely to suff er this is a signifi cant milestone provided implementation and delivering outcomes. consequences at the ballot box than may that Building Queensland is also involved Th e platform is built; now is the time to have been the case previously. in the upfront development of Regional get on with it. Plans. In taking this approach, eff ective When considering the nature of this and informed community debate can I invite Members to contact me with any political volatility, it is clear that our help shape future planning, including feedback, ideas or concerns via brendan. political leaders need to balance short discussions on funding options. Nobody [email protected] or 0467 719 198 term political drivers with a “real” long expects Rome to be built in a day, term vision in the context of changing but informed upfront discussion and generational expectations. In the absence engagement with our communities will of national context, Queensland has made start to change the way in which planning some good progress in this space with the is viewed and will engender greater

Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 – 3 News Being an Expert Witness John Brannock LFPIA

Planners were blessed with two esteemed of clients. Th e seminar presented a • Be prepared – don’t take short cuts speakers for the fi rst CORE SKILLS IN timely reminder that our responsibilities but ensure that you have read and PLANNING seminar of the year entitled as planners extend far past our daily considered all necessary planning Being an Expert Witness. Christopher activities and our own desk. We have documents and planning principles; Hughes QC and Chris Buckley LFPIA responsibilities to: • Take advice and assistance – and presented a well-articulated and logical insist on being provided with it • the community; overview of the often feared expert where necessary. witness role. Whilst considered by many • the client and/or employer; as a truly frightening experience (fear of A number of conferences with other the unknown), this key role of a planner • the profession; experts and also the barrister or solicitor was thoroughly demystifi ed and all conducting the trial are recommended • our peers; and most importantly planners are recommended to gain some before and during proceedings to ensure experience in the area, or at the least to sit • to one self. that you are fully assisted in the giving of in the public viewing section and see the expert evidence. thrusts and parries of a P&E Court case It is no coincidence that the community being played out. is listed fi rst: our overall responsibility Regardless of your level of experience it is to the public. Our profession governs is important to consider the facts, the Th e need to be a professional at all how, when and where future generations planning documents and the principles times, was one of the initial key messages will live, work and play, and that of each case, to form an independent, presented. A professional, not just in responsibility isn’t a matter that we honest and reasoned view about each the witness box or when preparing a should take lightly. case. Th ere is nothing more embarrassing joint experts’ report, but a professional or harmful to a case than giving evidence every way, in any facet of the planning Chris followed on to remind us that favourable to one client, which is community, be it the public sector, the good professional practice in any inconsistent with the evidence you have private sector, or in academia. Chris profession involves, on a regular basis, given in another case favourable to reaffi rmed that we are fi rst and foremost reconsideration of fundamental principles another client. Th is ties back to basing learned professionals who make a and role of the professional. In this your opinion on the base principles of business and earn a salary from our work. regard, whilst your learned opinion planning. Th is in turn holds us all to the daily may alter over time, it should not swing responsibility of ensuring we do our work wildly day-to-day and development- Th e key message for all of us was that all to the best of our professional ability. It to-development, and should always be planning professionals can, and should, also results in us being accountable for governed by our responsibility to the apply key skills of expert witnesses to our the advice and service we provide. Being public/community. daily practice of the profession: accountable and able to justify what we • Is our message clear? say and why we say it, is one of the pillars In the role of an expert witness, a of giving evidence. planner’s fi rst duty is to assist the Court, • Can I justify that allegation or and also to tell the truth. With this in comment? Signifi cantly, our responsibility does mind, the two golden rules were put • What is the planning principle at not solely lie with meeting the demands forward: play and is this action in the public interest? Whilst it is acknowledged that tried and tested experts are often those that are called upon to provide evidence most frequently, we can all gain ‘expert witness’ experience in a manner of forums including explaining an opinion to a Local Government meeting, a full Council or committee meeting; to an edgy public meeting; and to any entity in the development process. All of these will test your opinion and constitute sound training.

4 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 News Solomon Islands planners’ four-day intensive Alan McNeil MPIA

In November last year, PIA Queensland planning system in Solomon Islands. Th e comprehensive itinerary for the team, to hosted a team of very grateful and excited National Government has responsibility give the planners an overview of how the planners visiting from Solomon Islands. for the planning framework in Solomon Queensland planning system functions. Planners Buddley Ronnie, Rowley Islands, and the implementation is largely Over four very full days, the team visited Wanega, Alphonsus Osifo’oa, Cindrella the responsibility of the nine provincial planners in local government, state Vunagi, Stanley Kataha, Lancelot governments and the Honiara City government and private practice, and the Tapo’oa, Ckemeron Willie and Wanta Council. In reality however there has Planning and Environment Court. At Jionisi had previously had little or no been an almost complete lack of policy the latter, His Honour Judge Rackemann exposure to any other country’s planning and strategic direction, meaning that explained how the court functions and system, and for some it was their fi rst planning decisions tend to be based on the team were able to view a case from time overseas. Seven of the team are individual merit rather than on policies the gallery. Kerry Doss FPIA and his employed by the Solomon Islands or plans. Town and Country Planning team at Brisbane City Council presented Ministry of Lands, Housing & Survey Boards are meant to be appointed for a comprehensive overview of the Brisbane in the Physical Planning Division (with Honiara and each of the nine provinces to City Plan 2014. Th e team visited the Buddley as Director), and one (Stanley) make decisions on planning applications, Department of State Development, is the sole planner based at the Honiara but currently only the Honiara Board is Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP). City Council, which is the authority functioning. Th e visit to Brisbane was Th e Planning and Development Bill responsible for planning the capital city organised by the Secretariat of the Pacifi c had been introduced to the Queensland (population approximately 75,000). Community (SPC) and funded by the Parliament the very same day, and the Australian Government (Department of team was privileged to meet with Deputy Th e purpose of the visit was to expose Foreign Aff airs and Trade). Director –General Greg Chemello MPIA these planners to a fully-functioning who explained the purpose of the new planning system, thus enabling them to PIA Queensland President Kate Isles and legislation. At the Port of Brisbane, the adapt and create methods to improve the State Manager Dan Molloy organised a planners were amazed at the sheer size

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Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 – 5 News of the operations, and David Hertweck gave a short presentation and tour of the port facilities. Th e team also visited the Newstead Gasworks, Energex building, and South Bank.

Th e timing of the visit neatly coincided with the PIA Annual General Meeting, and the Solomon Islands planners were honoured to be guests at this meeting on the fi nal evening of their visit, and a fi rst experience of a hail storm was thrown in as a bonus!

Th e planners soaked up a lot of information in a very short space of time, Solomon Island Planners at PIA 2014 AGM and the Queensland planners they met growth in peri-urban areas outside the saw fi rst-hand the impact of the severe likewise learnt a lot about the similar and city boundary. Vehicle ownership has also fl ooding event of 2011 and how the often diff erent challenges faced by planners increased rapidly, leading to congestion local council and partners responded in Solomon Islands. Buddley noted that on the city’s roads and a lack of parking in to help the community to recover. Th e the team learnt that planning can be a the CBD. In Brisbane, the team observed development of a new subdivision for tool to bring about a decent quality of how the provision and design of on-site fl ood victims in Grantham was especially life, by employing quality urban design parking areas can help to alleviate traffi c relevant to the team, and the Solomon and eff ective community consultation. congestion and meet the demand for Islands Government is also pressing ahead Ckemeron was also struck by the degree parking in commercial centres. Th e team with a new subdivision intended for of community involvement in decision- also noted how medium and high density victims of the recent fl ooding in Honiara. making for proposed developments. residential developments can satisfy the Upon returning to Honiara, the team Solomon Islands planning legislation does needs of a growing urban population. fi nalised a fi rst draft of a new Honiara not require any notifi cation of applications Local Planning Scheme. Th is planning to neighbouring landowners or any In April 2014, Honiara was hit by scheme is the fi rst in Solomon Islands to other parties. Th e team was particularly torrential rain and fl ash fl ooding, introduce planning controls specifi cally for impressed with the design and quality of resulting in 22 lives lost and the fl ood-prone areas, storm surge-prone areas, new residential subdivisions at Riverbank, destruction of approximately 243 houses in the city. Th e fl ooding was the worst in car parking standards, building setbacks, Warner Lakes and Fitzgibbon Chase, and minimum lot sizes for subdivisions. including the allocation of land for public living memory for this relatively young city created in the aftermath of World Th e team intends to commence public parklands, and the eff orts of developers consultations shortly and is aiming to to build community cohesion in new War II. Th e degree of destruction was compounded by a lack of gauges on have the planning scheme fi nalised and subdivisions. Alphonsus also admired the approved around mid-2015. extent of public access to and alongside the the Mataniko River, the lack of a fl ood warning system, the lack of planning Brisbane River in the city. Th e team is very grateful to PIA controls over fl ood-prone areas, and Queensland for arranging a compact but poor building construction methods. Honiara is experiencing rapid population benefi cial program, and the planners Th e team’s itinerary included a visit to growth (currently around 2.7% per hope to continue the dialogue and the Lockyer Valley, where the planners annum), and even greater population exchange with PIA. Lancelot summed up the team’s thoughts, saying that this visit was a “dream come true”, as they never expected the whole team would have the opportunity to visit Australia to witness an advanced planning system. Th e shared experiences are more likely (than an individual planner’s experience) to lead to a broad strengthening of the planning system in Solomon Islands, including greater emphasis on strategic planning. To PIA, the team says “tagio tumas!” (thank you very much!)

Alan is Chief Technical Adviser to SPC’s project of assistance to the Solomon Islands Ministry of Lands, Housing & Survey. Contact [email protected] 6 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 News Young Planner reflects on 2014 State Conference

Sam Evans PIA (Student) was the winner Green who provided an entertaining insight Th e social program was very well organised of the 2014 Queensland Young Planner on engaging with elected offi cials. Th e Young and provided the perfect opportunity scholarship that provided full conference Planners Forum was an excellent opportunity to make new connections in a relaxed registration and accommodation to attend the to interact with other young planners who atmosphere. State Conference at the Gold Coast. Sam spoke are at a similar point in their careers. to Queensland Planner about his experience. Th e opportunity to attend PIA Queensland Th e conference itself, was held over the State Conference 2014 allowed me to meet I was lucky enough to join 300 planners following Th ursday and Friday and was new people, engage with the profession I from across the state for two and a half days a great experience to be involved in. I am entering and take home a lot of great of invigorating and informative discussion thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to memories. I would highly recommend to all about the next wave in planning. As a meet new people and engage in many young planners (students and graduates) to student at the time about to graduate, insightful conference sessions. From attend these events in future if they have the I found it to be a great experience. Th e Mark McCrindle’s insights into the trends opportunity to do so. conference began on Wednesday afternoon shaping the future, to a great overview with the Young Planners Forum, a program Th e Young Planner scholarship is by Mark Peters of preparations for the designed specifi cally for students and funded each year by the Wendy 2018 Commonwealth Games to be held graduates. Th is session was highlighted by Chadwick Memorial Trust. on the Gold Coast and of course Andrew presentations from John O’Callaghan, who Hammonds entertaining town planning encouraged us to think outside the square version of QI the conference provided a and to be inspired by planning; Chris Isles, great chance to see fi rst-hand the direction who provided excellent insight into the of the profession I am now entering. practicalities of development and Russell Young Planner update Catherine Andrews PIA (Graduate) – QYPG Convener

People love well planned areas, it is just Committee members are employed managers and private consultants. It’s that most of them do not know that it is across a variety of sectors including state designed to encourage a breaking down thanks to planning; whether that be specifi c government, local government, private of the walls which can be built up, by regulations or controls, or a conscious consultants and university representatives. facilitating an understanding of each removal of these regulations to allow things Th is mix provides us with the ability to person’s role. Th ere will also be a time where to happen organically. As an industry, we facilitate events that cover a broad range of both “sides” can provide constructive advice have an incredible opportunity to shape our interests and concerns that young planners, to enable the assessment process to be as local communities and make them better. across all sectors are faced with today. effi cient and eff ective as possible.

As Queensland Young Planner convener Our fi rst event for this year is set for 17 Check online, or our facebook page my aim for the QYPG this year is to deliver April and is a networking event between (Queensland Young Planners) for events and programs to encourage out of the state and local government assessment more details. box thinking within your local community. I would love to challenge Young Planners from the beginning of their careers to get out of the offi ce and into the communities they In 2014 Mackay Regional Council: are planning for - to see the opportunities available and be a catalyst for change. introduced an Economic Development Incentive Policy

I have served on the QLD Young Planners achieved 26 Development Process improvements Group committee for the last few years and GHGLFDWHGDƋUVWSRLQWRIFRQWDFWIRUDOOPDMRUSURMHFWV now have the absolute pleasure of being the convener for 2015. I work as a consultant at adopted Fair Value Charges Ken Ryan & Associates and have done so for the last 3 and a bit years, fi rstly as a student and then as a graduate planner. I have experienced fi rst-hand the benefi ts of having a group targeted directly at developing young planners emerging into the industry. Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 – 7 News British planners praise SEQ’s approach to planning and development

Th e way planning is undertaken in South across boundaries brings major benefi ts to practice which clearly demonstrates the East Queensland has been praised in a the region. Th e councils are commended added value that planning brings.” major report by the Royal Town Planning for working together to create sustainable Th e report contains strategic planning Institute (RTPI). Th e report commends economic growth and prosperity based on a principles for maximising the benefi ts of the way the region’s councils have come much more connected region. planning across boundaries in order to together to co-ordinate key development Peter Geraghty, RTPI International Chair generate more economic prosperity and and planning functions. said, “Collaboration, strong leadership better outcomes for communities, including and democratic accountability are key major infrastructure and housing that is Strategic Planning: Eff ective Cooperation to strategic planning. Th e South East well connected to where people work, go to for Planning Across Boundaries features Queensland approach is a model to create school, and enjoy their leisure activities. South East Queensland as one of its key better connected, economically successful Th e full report is available at: http://www. case studies highlighting how eff ective places for people to live and work. It is a rtpi.org.uk/knowledge/policy/policy-papers/ cooperation between diff erent councils great example of international planning strategic-planning/

Brisbane City Council’s digital strategy for planning and development Brisbane City Council

Brisbane's expanding economy is at the then selecting a property or multiple than 50,000 views and more than 20,000 centre of one of the fastest growing urban properties and the relevant category of factsheet downloads. regions in Australia. Last fi nancial year, proposed uses. PD Online then asks a more than 4,425 development assessment series of questions, as required, before In March, Council is launching the Your applications were lodged in the Brisbane advising whether a development proposal City Your Say online community where Local Government Area and 37,858 is exempt, self-assessable, code assessable or members can have their say and help shape plumbing services approvals were completed. impact assessable, or if Council should be a better Brisbane. Th e new online platform contacted for more information. will enable residents to participate in Council is investing in Brisbane’s online surveys and discussion forums, get international profi le as Australia’s New World Online Heritage Incentives updated about projects and events such as City, a place that is not only friendly to visit Scheme grant applications neighbourhood planning activities, and but also a place where it’s easy to do business. fi nd out what other residents are saying, Brisbane was only the second city in the Council’s Heritage Incentives Scheme, including about planning matters. Your world to appoint a Chief Digital Offi cer, which provides property owners with City Your Say members will also be alerted who worked with the business community expert advice and some fi nancial to upcoming planning events and one- to form Brisbane's fi rst digital strategy. Th e assistance to conserve heritage-listed on-one development advice sessions with bold strategy was launched in 2013 and aims properties, is going online this month. Council’s planning information offi cers. to drive digital uptake and use in Brisbane. Owners will be able to make grant For more information, visit www. Council is continuing to drive its online applications electronically, and quickly strategy to make planning and development fi nd clear information to help determine brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council easier for both residents and business. their eligibility and application on 133 BNE. requirements. Th is more-effi cient New level of assessment online tool applications process will reduce approval timeframes and provide Council with PD Online’s level of assessment enquiry more comprehensive data for planning function, launched in December 2014, helps purposes across the city. users establish what kind of application is required for their development under Your City Your Say Brisbane’s City Plan 2014. It gives instant advice, potentially saving owners and their Council’s planning approach acknowledges representatives time and money during the our community’s strong desire to have their development application process. say and be involved in planning. Brisbane City Plan 2014 involved Brisbane’s largest

Th e tool is accessed through completing a citywide planning program in more than a PD Online helps users establish what kind of property search from the PD Online page, decade, with the online plan receiving more application is required for their development 8 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 Plan Empowering Solomon Islands communities to improve resilience to climate change Dr Philip Haines, Kylie Rolley MPIA, Dr Simon Albert, Shannon McGuire MPIA

Introduction In response to the overshadowing risk of tsunami and the emerging challenges associated with sea level rise, a provincial capital on the small reef island of Taro, in the Solomon Islands, is choosing to relocate their homes, infrastructure and lives to higher ground on the adjacent mainland. Fortunately for Taro Island, higher ground is within close proximity – something that is not true for places like the Marshall Islands and Kiribati. While relocation of villages under threat from natural hazards is not new in the Pacifi c, Conducting Community Engagement at the Taro Island Markets this is the fi rst time a provincial capital existence of important coastal wetlands. land use planning and community and will attempt to relocate because of climate Furthermore, additional land negotiations stakeholder engagement. change and other coastal risks. are likely to be required to secure access to a suitable water supply, a hydropower Th e focus of this paper is the project, Th ere are many challenges and issues site and road and sea links. ‘Climate Change Adaptation Plan – to be considered in planning for the Choiseul Bay Township, Solomon Islands’ relocation of a community such as Taro Th e scenario described above is not and specifi cally the community and – continuity of provincial and social an isolated example. Customary land stakeholder engagement component of services; continuity of employment; can present major challenges for many work. Th e lessons drawn from this work fi nancial capacity of individuals/ island and coastal communities in Pacifi c are applicable to a range of eff orts to families to relocate; maintenance of nations needing to relocate to higher support communities responding to the access and connection to the sea; and ground in response to climate change. risks associated with climate change. loss of family homes / assets are just a Whilst customary land can enhance few. For the Taro Island community, resilience at the village scale, it can be Project overview: perhaps the biggest barrier to the capital’s restrictive for the planning of provincial Climate Change Adaptation Plan relocation to date has been acquiring or national level infrastructure. Th e – Choiseul Bay Township, Solomon suitable land for the new capital on the implications for those looking to relocate Islands mainland. Negotiations with customary can include the lack of suitable non- land owners have been underway for customary land available for development Working in collaboration with the over two decades, which only recently and the diffi culty in relocating whole Australian Government’s Pacifi c-Australia resulted in the purchase of a 470ha parcel communities together rather than in Climate Change Science and Adaptation of land, now owned by the Choiseul fragmented groups. For climate change Planning programme, environmental Provincial Government. A signifi cant adaptation projects such as the one consultancy BMT WBM (BMT) portion of this land is unfortunately described in this paper, it is critical to partnered with Buckley Vann Town unsuitable for development due to its understand customary land matters as Planning Consultants and the School low-lying topography, steep grade or the the issues pervade all activities, including of Civil Engineering, Th e University of

Choiseul Bay communities are exposed to a range of coastal hazards:  Mean sea level is rising at a rate of 7/8mm per year (3 times the global average)  7 tsunamis have been recorded in the area since 1950  A 1/100 year tsunami would inundate 95% of the provincial capital, Taro Island Land Reclamation by Community Members, Taro Island Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 – 9 Plan

Figure 1. Key Project Stages government and national government and Relationship to In-Country levels. Th e engagement outcomes Engagement Activities showed near unanimous support for the relocation by the Taro Island community and authorities. Recent evacuations of the island in response to local tsunami warnings have helped to heighten awareness of the vulnerability of the existing capital.

As the relocation process will require major infrastructure investment, authorities will look to the support of international development partners in order to safely transition the Taro Island community to higher ground. Recognising relocation of the community will take 20 years or more, the climate change adaptation plan outlines a range of ‘stop gap’ measures to help reduce damage and loss of life if major events occur in the interim. Th is includes preparation of a tsunami emergency response plan and structural Figure 2. Community Inspired reinforcement of some critical assets. Vision for the New Township Th e main stages and components of work, including community and stakeholder engagement activities, are illustrated in fi gure 1.

Study Area - Taro Island, Choiseul Bay

Choiseul Bay is located at the northern end of Choiseul Island, within the Choiseul Province, Solomon Islands, approximately 500km north-west of Honiara and only 50 km from neighbouring Bougainville Island (Papua New Guinea). Taro Island, located within Choiseul Bay, is the provincial capital, with a land area of 0.4km2. It has a resident population of approximately 900 and provides essential services (including transport access, supplies, referral Queensland to develop an integrated change. Th is has formed the basis for the hospital, education, banking services climate change adaptation plan for development of an adaptation plan, the and government administration) for the Taro Island and the surrounding area of centrepiece of which is a detailed program broader province with a population of Choiseul Bay. of works for relocation of the Taro Island approximately 26,000. community to the adjacent mainland Th e project developed robust mapping and a comprehensive planning scheme to Continued growth of Taro Island is no of existing and future hazards and other regulate future development within the longer possible as all available land on land constraints. Th is mapping, together existing capital and at the relocation site. with community identifi ed values, the island is utilised. Development has underpinned a vulnerability and risk Th e adaptation plan utilised the extended into neighbouring Supizae assessment and the development of a outcomes of extensive engagement Island to accommodate demand for suite of adaptation options to improve carried out with local communities, housing, however, this is equally low- community resilience to existing and relevant stakeholders and government lying and vulnerable to coastal hazards future hazards, including climate authorities at local community, provincial and future climate change.

10 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 Plan

To respond to coastal risks and limited expansion area, land on the adjacent It was important that the project team spent time with community members and other stakeholders discussing climate change science and what this could mainland was acquired in 2011 from mean for Taro Island and the relocation site. This was done by: customary landowners by the Solomon Islands Government and bequeathed - Spending time talking to communities about the range of climatic changes to the Choiseul Provincial Government that can be associated with climate change (CPG) for the purposes of relocation - Showing mapping of current and future natural hazards (incorporating the and future development of the provincial effects of climate change and sea level rise) at different likelihoods and capital. Th is land, with a combined area regular projection intervals (e.g. 2014, 2030, 2055, 2090) of 4.7km2, will be the site of the proposed - Showing mapping of current and future natural hazards overlaid with relocation for the provincial capital. community values, as identified by the community. This allowed the project team to work with the community to identify risks to Figure 3 shows the location of Taro Island community values by assessing exposure to natural hazards and vulnerability and the adjoining relocation site on the to impacts. mainland. engendering trust and rapport with the and other stakeholders at critical stages in community. Th e project team members the project’s development. included both males and females. Th e timing and purpose of each visit is More than 300 people participated in the summarised in Figure4. engagement activities. Itineraries for all trips were developed and approved by the Australian Government Summary of engagement activities prior to the visits taking place to ensure Th e seven in-country visits occurred at the project team and relevant stakeholders regular intervals throughout the project were familiar with, and had prior input to maintain momentum and maximise into, the engagement program. community awareness and engagement A summary of the typical itinerary used in the project from a diverse range of for the in-country engagement visits is community, government, NGO and other provided in the table on page 12, based stakeholder groups. Repeat visits were on the January and March engagement Figure 3: Taro Island and the Relocation Site critical to ensure that previous engagement campaigns to Taro Island. Itineraries outcomes were accurately recorded, for other trips were modifi ed to suit the Community engagement: appropriately used to inform the project purpose of the trip and the stakeholders outcomes and verifi ed by the community being engaged. Overview Preparation of the climate change adaptation plan and the design and layout of the new township incorporated extensive and meaningful engagement with a broad range of community members and stakeholders including local communities, NGOs, customary land holders, interest groups, relevant authorities, national and provincial governments. As shown in Figure 4, seven in-country visits were made over the eight month project duration, providing multiple opportunities for community and stakeholder involvement at various Figure 4: Timing and Purpose of Engagement Visits stages in the adaptation plan’s preparation. Engagement with community Th e consultation team consisted of members on Taro Island and environmental scientists, town planners surrounding communities found that and engineers with considerable local people were fearful of the experience in indigenous engagement threats posed by climate change and in a variety of contexts and cultures. tsunami. Importantly, one member of the project team had previously been a resident of Overwhelmingly, the majority of the Solomon Islands and could speak community members were in favour of the relocation. fl uent Pijin, which was critical for Engaging with Community Members on Taro Island Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 – 11 Plan

Day Target Stakeholder Engagement method • No documentation available that Day Choiseul Provincial Government  Meet with key local contacts to provide described culturally appropriate 1 (CPG) (premier, provincial secretary project update and confirm the week’s engagement protocols; and chief planners) engagement program • Limited resources locally available (for  Conduct a walking tour of Taro Island and the relocation site example, no colour printing facilities and in some cases, limited internet, Day CPG officers  Hold a government workshop phone and email communication); 2 Community members and leaders,  Door knocking and one-on-one meetings community group representatives, with local community group representatives, • Lack of power supply in some service providers and infrastructure community leaders, service providers and communities or at certain times of the managers infrastructure managers day / evening; and  Stall at the local Taro Island market Day Taro Island community and visitors to  Hold a local community workshop • Th e remoteness of some communities 3 Taro Island from surrounding villages meant that the logistics of organising Community members and leaders,  Door knocking and one-on-one meetings catering, transport, accommodation community group representatives, with local community group representatives, was, at times, a signifi cant challenge and service providers and infrastructure community leaders, service providers and could not easily be arranged in advance. managers infrastructure managers Day Community members of surrounding  Travel to and meet with local community Most of the above challenges were 4 villages (Supizae) representatives at Supizae resolved during the initial in-country Community members of surrounding  Travel to and meet with local community engagement visit and by using the villages (Poro Poro) representatives at Poro Poro contacts, knowledge and language skills Day Community members of surrounding  Travel to and meet with local community of the multi-disciplinary project team. 5 villages (Moli) representatives at Moli Community members of surrounding  Travel to and meet with local community Other challenges encountered at various villages (Nukiki) representatives at Nukiki stages throughout the engagement Day Community members and leaders,  Informal drop in session set up at Taro Island activities include: 6 community group representatives, local market service providers and infrastructure • Th e delicate nature of customary land managers ownership and the need to discuss land Broader Taro Island community  Host a thank you movie night for the ownership matters with tribal groups including children community and community members as part of preparing the concept plan options and Typical Engagement Itinerary planning scheme for the new township; Engagement challenges in a developing country context and include: • Raising unrealistic expectations within the community given the lack of Some of the early community and • Limited understanding of the available resources (both personnel and stakeholder engagement challenges organisational structures and roles of the fi nancial resources) allocated to take the encountered by the project team National and Provincial Government; relocation forward and implement the occurred during the planning phase of recommendations of the adaptation plan the engagement activities. Many of these • Little contact information available and undertake necessary works; and challenges are considered common to for other local stakeholders such as projects involving community engagement community leaders and NGOs; • Th e division of responsibilities and occasional lack of communication and co-ordination between the Provincial and National Government. In most instances, the key to dealing with the above challenges was to ensure the project team communicated regularly with all relevant community members and stakeholders in a manner that was transparent and genuine. Reflections and learnings An evaluation undertaken by the project team following the project’s completion identifi ed six learnings considered critical to building local ownership of the project and ensuring the project outcomes have the greatest potential for successful Engaging with CPG and SIG Officers and Elected Representatives implementation, as follows: 12 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 Plan

Seeking to understand and respect some information about their home In response, considerable eff orts were local history and culture town, family life and time spent in the made to engage with the ‘hard to reach’ Solomon Islands. community members through door Th e way in which engagement activities knocking, market stall days in the are planned and conducted in Australia Speaking a common language provincial capital and boat travel to small can not simply be transplanted into a English is not commonly used in rural remote communities on the mainland. In Pacifi c Island or developing country some instances, letters requesting entry context. It was critical that the project areas of the Solomon Islands – eight languages and dialects are used in into communities in order to conduct team fi rst developed an appreciation meetings had to be hand delivered for Solomon Islands history, culture, Choiseul Province alone with Solomon Islands Pijin and English commonly in advance by a Choiseul Provincial traditions and norms and that this Government representative. understanding was used to inform the spoken at formal settings and Pijin being the most commonly understood language preparation of the engagement strategy. Selecting appropriate engagement across tribal groups. Examples of the ways in which culture materials and methods to facilitate infl uenced the engagement approach and Acknowledging this, strategies were engagement and prioritise local techniques include: employed to ensure information and knowledge • As a patriarchal society, women in material was accessible, easily understood Engagement materials and methods Choiseul are often reluctant to voice and suitable for the target audience. were carefully selected having regard for opinions in a group of mixed gender. Th is included having a study team the learning preferences of the target In order to elicit feedback from member fl uent in Pijin in attendance community / stakeholder group and female members of the community, at all community engagement sessions the ability to convey technical and it was essential that group workshops and producing community engagement scientifi c information in a manner easily involved break out sessions during material in both English and Pijin. interpreted and understood. which men and women were divided into separate groups and facilitated by Building community and political Th e engagement materials selected were a project team member of the same ownership highly graphical and often involved the gender. Th is was essential to tap into display of spatial information on A0 size important local information, especially As an external party to the Solomon hard copy maps on which participants given that women, having diff erent Islands, the project team had an ethical could draw and write to record their roles in society compared to their male responsibility to raise awareness and views. counterparts, often expressed diff erent build ownership in the project from insights and views that otherwise could a diverse range of stakeholders in Th e outcome was the ability to record not have been identifi ed. order to maximise opportunities for highly localised information that could implementation and to attract donor be taken back to the project team’s offi ces • Perceptions of time and processes funding. and geo-referenced into a Geographic needed for consensus building often Information Systems (GIS) system. diff er across cultures, therefore, it Th is objective was pursued by engaging Th is approach allowed the integration was critical for the project team to with a diverse and broad range of and layering of scientifi c information understand and respect how these stakeholders (including tribal leaders, with local knowledge and provided the processes occur in Solomon Islands women, children, men, Choiseul following benefi ts: communities. Th e ways in which Provincial Government representatives, the project team made allowances for Solomon Islands Government • Th e engagement materials selected were this included arranging multiple and representatives, business owners, church appropriate for the target audience, frequent visits over the course of the representatives, NGOs and development lessened the barriers presented by project so that communities could partners) on multiple occasions. language diff erences and provided consider and discuss options in their maximum opportunity for community own time; and allowing for silences Th e approach helped to secure both and stakeholder input; and and uninterrupted thinking time community and political ownership • Th e use of Geographic Information when conducting conversations with in the project and its outcomes (i.e. Systems (GIS) in this manner meant community members. simultaneous bottom-up and top-down that scientifi c and local knowledge • Th e sharing of some personal ownership). could be integrated and the preference information by project team members for one source or type of knowledge Engaging the ‘hard to reach’ can be appropriate when engaging over another (e.g. scientifi c versus with Solomon Islands communities. Due to the remoteness of some local) avoided. Th is often assisted with breaking rural communities and the limited Valuing local knowledge the ice and building rapport with availability of formal communication community members, especially when and transportation networks, some Th e value of local knowledge in meeting with a community for the fi rst community members and stakeholders ensuring that the project outcomes and time. Project team members typically were ‘hard to reach’ for engagement recommendations were appropriate, fi t introduced themselves by sharing purposes. for purpose and achievable can not be Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 – 13 Plan overstated. At the same time, the process situations. A referral hospital in the ‘Climate Change Adaptation Plan – of working with communities to tap into location specifi ed, combined with a Choiseul Bay Township, Solomon Islands’ local information was critical to building smaller health clinic in the centre of project. Th e refl ections herein may be of community ownership. town, was considered to be a more interest, especially to those conducting appropriate response in this context. similar work with communities needing Th e value placed on local knowledge to relocate or expand signifi cantly in the • Conversations with local community throughout the project is evidenced future. by the time taken to understand and members suggested that a facility incorporate local input at various providing overnight stay adjacent to For the Solomon Island communities stages in the project development. the jetty where cargo ships dock was with which the project team worked, we Th is included regular in-country visits needed. As the only location in the sincerely hope the process followed will and opportunities to report back province where cargo is delivered, serve to empower them to improve their to community members to verify community members travel to the resilience to climate change and tsunami, information previously provided and how capital from all over the province both now and in the future. We would it had been used. to receive deliveries and transport like to take this opportunity to thank goods back to local villages. Without them all for their important contribution Examples that demonstrate the knowing the exact day and time of the to this project. importance of incorporating local ship’s arrival, villagers sometimes have knowledge into planning and adaptation to wait for days at a time and need About the authors responses include: basic amenities and shelter close to the jetty. Dr Philip Haines - Operations Director, • Advice from local community Water and Environment Group, BMT members and government stakeholders Th ese are just two examples of the WBM Pty Ltd indicated that the preferred location importance of incorporating local for the provincial referral hospital was knowledge and the local way of life into Kylie Rolley MPIA - Senior Planner, a location near the coast separated the adaptation plan and planning scheme Buckley Vann Town Planning Consultants from the provincial town (rather than preparation process. Th e information MPIA a central location within the town). is essential as best practice planning Th e basis for this was the need to locate Dr Simon Albert - School of Civil and adaptation responses are specifi c Engineering, Th e University of Queensland the hospital within easy access of the to place and culture and therefore, can coast to ensure patients on route from not be translated from other contexts. Shannon McGuire MPIA - Principal neighbouring villages, who travel by Information of this type can only be Planner, Buckley Vann Town Planning sea, can access the hospital as quickly understood by engaging with local Consultants MPIA as possible in the case of an emergency. people. Furthermore, it was thought that a At the 2014 PIA Queensland Awards for hospital located within the centre Conclusion Planning Excellence, this project received of town would be overwhelmed by Excellence Awards in the Best Planning responding to non-emergencies and Th is paper has attempted to highlight Ideas – Small or Local Project category and provision of pharmaceutical supplies, the challenges and learnings relevant Public Engagement and Community thereby reducing the capacity of the to the community and stakeholder Planning category. It won the gold hospital to respond to emergency engagement process applied to the trophy as Overall Winner.

14 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 Plan Best practice community engagement principles Michelle Blicavs, CEO IAP2 Australasia

Th e International Association for Public Th e linking of the term ‘community’ to • Public participation includes the Participation (IAP2) was founded on ‘engagement’ serves to broaden the scope, promise that the public’s contribution the belief that those who are aff ected by shifting the focus from the individual will infl uence the decision. decisions have the right to be involved in to the collective, with the associated • Public participation promotes the decision-making process. Since 1998, implications for inclusiveness to ensure sustainable decisions by recognising IAP2 Australasia has been supporting consideration is made of the diversity that and communicating the needs and people who implement public decision exists within any community. interests of all participants including making processes by off ering training and Contemporary engagement dynamics are decision makers. resources and promoting the principles of diff erent from traditional approaches to community engagement. • Public participation seeks out and public participation. Th e purposes and facilitates the involvement of those So what is community or reasons to engage have expanded. While potentially aff ected by or interested in still decision and outcome focused, in a decision. stakeholder engagement? the contemporary engagement dynamic the decisions being made may be those of • Public participation seeks input from Th e word ‘community’ defi nes individuals government, local government, businesses, participants in designing how they and groups of people; stakeholders, NGO’s, community groups, families and participate. interest groups and citizen groups. A individuals. community may be a geographic location • Public participation provides (community of place), a community of Th e lead points and hosts of community participants with the information they similar interest (community of practice), engagement may be government, need to participate in a meaningful way. or a community of affi liation or identity local government or business or the • Public participation communicates to (such as industry or sporting club). engagement leaders may be drawn from participants how their input aff ected within communities themselves. Th e the decision. Th e word ‘stakeholder’ defi nes individuals, balance of roles and responsibility in group of individuals, organisations or a terms of decision-making and action is Th e code of ethics is a set of principles political entity with a specifi c stake in the therefore more dynamic. which guide the integrity of the process. outcome of a decision to the impact of a All IAP2 training practitioners must policy, project or proposition. Local governments, community uphold these principles. organisations and public agencies make • Purpose: We support public Engagement is a planned process better decisions and have greater impact participation as a process to make with the specifi c purpose of working on their communities when they increase better decisions that incorporate the across organisations, stakeholders and the frequency, diversity, and level of interests and concerns of all aff ected communities to shape the decisions or engagement of partner organisations, stakeholders and meet the needs of the actions of the members of the community, community residents and consumers. decision-making body stakeholders or organisation in relation to a problem, opportunity or outcome. Th e model considers the following • Role of practitioner: We will enhance defi nitions: the public’s participation in the Th e defi ning elements of community and Leads: Who is responsible for defi ning decision making process and assist stakeholder engagement include: and managing the engagement process, decision makers in being responsive to the public’s concerns and suggestions. • purposeful including defi ning the problem or opportunity to be solved. • Trust: We will undertake and • planned process encourage actions that build trust and • shaping of decisions and actions of Acts: Who is responsible for leading the credibility for the process and among communities and/or organisations actions that arise from the decision that all participants is made. • recognition of the interrelationship • Defi ning the public’s role: We will between the decisions and actions IAP2’s core values defi ne the expectations carefully consider and accurately of organisations, stakeholders, and aspirations of the public participation portray the public’s role in the decision communities and individuals process. Th ey include: making process. • recognition of the rights and • Public participation is based on the • Openness: We will encourage the responsibilities and roles of belief that those who are aff ected by a disclosure of all information relevant to organisations, stakeholders, decision have a right to be involved in the public’s role in the decision making communities and individuals. the decision-making process. process. Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 – 15 Plan

• Access to the process: We will ensure that stakeholders have fair and equal access to the public participation process and the opportunity to infl uence decisions. • Respect for communities: We will avoid strategies that risk polarising community interest or that appear to “divide and conquer”. • Advocacy: We will advocate for the public participation process and will not advocate for a particular interest. Party or project outcome. • Commitments: We will ensure that all commitments made to the public, AP2’s core values, code of ethics and public participation spectrum are foundational elements of effective public including those by the decision maker, participation processes and IAP2 encourages individuals and organisations to incorporate these principles into are made in good faith their processes. • Support the practice: We will mentor new practitioners in the fi eld and educate decision makers and the public about the value and use of public participation. Case studies in planning excellence Each year IAP2 Australasia recognises and encourages projects and organisations that are at the forefront of public participation and who clearly embody the above principles. Th e IAP2 Core Values Awards were created to encourage excellence, quality and innovation in public participation internationally. Embedding the IAP2 Core Values in organisations and projects that demonstrate leading practice is a key focus for the awards.

Last year’s IAP2 Australasian Project of the Year was awarded to the City of Greater Geraldton & Curtin University The IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum provides a quick reference to the levels of community engagement Sustainability Policy Institute. Th is local available to adopt. It recognises that not every project will require intense collaboration and some will require government area realised it had lost the more than information delivery. It is about selecting the right level based on the needs/constraints of the decision confi dence of its community at a time maker and the potential impacts on stakeholders. when it faced some serious challenges. To turn this around, they partnered with Curtin University to dramatically change their practices over a 4 year period.

Rather than creating plans and then going public, asking people to ‘have their say’, the city created continuing opportunities for everyday people to deliberate important issues as they emerge - respecting diff erent perspectives, considering the trade-off s and possibilities, then searching for common ground and proposing a coherent way forward. Using a broad range of public deliberation techniques, small and large scale, face 16 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 Plan to face and online and integrating social media, the City has included around 3,000 residents in meaningful engagement to decide issues of importance to them. Over the fi rst three years, the outcomes of these deliberations have included the development of a Strategic Community Plan to drive the City’s operations, a new Statutory Plan for the natural and built environment as well as Precinct Plans, beginning with the most disadvantaged precincts. Th e most ambitious undertaking has been Participatory Budgeting of 100% of the City’s budget, delivered under the banner of #changesCGG. An important outcome of this work has been the signifi cant improvement of trust between the public and City and Legacy Way vice versa. Using both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies measuring participant and broader population views, it has been clear that this approach has been a win-win for the City. Another useful case study is the winner of the Core Values Awards Infrastructure category; Brisbane City Council/Transcity Joint Venture. Th eir project ‘Legacy Way’ is a 4.6 km underground tunnel connecting the Western Freeway with the inner City bypass in an eff ort to improve traffi c connections. Th e $1.5 billion project has 37 cross passages, operates a 24 hour construction site and impacts some of Brisbane’s most established inner city communities- resuming 454 properties and aff ecting The 7,400 residents. As a result the Community and Toowoomba Region Stakeholder Relations team has conducted more than 14,000 proactive The Toowoomba Region is experiencing substantial growth with events since 2011 with only 6 per cent of a number of large and exciting development projects happening. total interactions being complaint driven. Th e project team have consistently The Council’s aim is to facilitate development and ensure that demonstrated the public participation the region’s natural and built assets are properly sustained and values over multiple packages of work, which have driven key construction protected. changes that have led to reduced resident For more information about development projects in impact based on their requests. Toowoomba, please phone 131 872 or go to Toowoomba Th is has resulted in a stronger project Regional Council’s website. overall. It is clear that the IAP2 Core Values and Principles used for the practice of public participation lead to better informed decisions that refl ect the interests of aff ected people and better outcomes overall. P: 131 872 For more information visit www. W: www.toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au iap2.org.au Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 – 17 Plan Being brave: a call to planners to embrace genuine community engagement Jo Buldeski

As professional planners and Many remember their fi rst attempts at professional education and expertise practitioners, we are often placed in a engagement, often a town hall meeting gives us a capability to plan for the position of power through our knowledge or other less-than-constructive event, good of others. Th is is especially true and ‘expertise’ in the concepts that guide and many are still scarred by some single for those who are constrained by costs, the development of planning schemes vocal and antagonistic participant’s particularly those competitively tendering and other planning documentation. feedback and a feeling of being attacked for work. Th e short-term view is that less Sometimes we even claim that our or undermined. Often this anger is engagement signifi cantly lessens cost/fees. knowledge of the spatial construct of a provoked (perhaps even justifi ed to some Th e alternative view to take, however, is place is superior to that of people living degree) by late, superfi cial, and ineff ective that in the longer term, well-executed in that place. But is it? Under our piles engagement, a habit that the planning engagement can signifi cantly reduce of legislation, documentation, and maps profession, like many others, has slipped risk; not only the likelihood or severity of lines and colour-coded zones, it’s into. of objections and/or submissions, but easy to become detached from what we ultimately poor planning decisions, all are actually trying to do: guiding the We should ask ourselves, are we really of which incur increased cost and eff ort development of communities in order engaging with the broader community to address and/or reverse when their to enhance people’s lives, balanced with and giving them a chance to meaningfully true nature becomes apparent. Be brave: impacts on our environment. Can we participate in planning for their Show your client or key decision-makers, really know the full story through lines communities? Or are we shying away up front, how your comprehensive on maps and paperwork? from the real deal, instead only giving engagement strategy, above and beyond some (educated, connected) community the minimum requirements, will In any given community, are we the members an opportunity to provide ultimately enhance the product and owner of a small business? Th e parent feedback (the more cynical of us would reduce delays and objections. of children with asthma? A diff erently read that as “complain”)? abled professional in a wheelchair? A Planners’ fear of facing an Let’s briefl y look at each of the common descendant of people who have lived on assumed hostile community. the land for thousands of years? A local barriers to productive participation recreational fi sherman? Have we lived in planning, and discuss how we can A majority of people are relatively savvy, through a fl ood event in that community? attempt to overcome the perceived and they know when you are genuinely Can we remember what the town went challenges, by being brave. seeking their input, or when they are simply being placated with a show and through after the factory fi re of 1982, A lack of understanding (or belief) or what things were like before the main dance about being consulted, knowing that early, continual, and genuine retail strip began to deteriorate? Can full well that the important decisions technical reports give us all the answers engagement can be productive have already been made. Th e latter (not to mention all the right questions)? and create a better product or can have the eff ect of making people outcome for more people. resentful and yes, even hostile. Being Yes, it’s common that the fi rst response proactive and starting communication to uttering the word “consultation?” It’s an easy default position to undertake and engagement from the earliest stages is a well-orchestrated combination of the minimum requirement for planning, of a project is a great way to maximise grunts, cynical laughter, and eye-rolling. safe in the assumption that our the value of community participation. By involving the community from the start and through to the end of the planning processes a sense of shared ownership is ultimately being created. Being up front about what is and what isn’t on the table for discussion (and why) can be the fi rst step in setting reasonable expectations for productive and focused conversation on the topics at hand. Be brave: Set the expectations early, be honest about what you are seeking input on and be frank on which issues are off the table. Give people space and time to vent (and feel heard), then seek out constructive feedback. Also 18 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 Plan keep people informed on how you’ve used their feedback. Ensure they feel like a real part of the process, not a one-off add-on or tick box exercise after all the decisions have already been made. An assumption that the community is irrational, doesn’t understand reason or respect planning expertise. Th is is something we don’t like to admit to ourselves, but deep down it’s an unfortunate by-product of professional knowledge, and planners aren’t the only ones to fall victim to it. We have to recognise that the power we are given through our professional experience and study has its limits; that people who live in communities in which we operate have knowledge that isn’t accessible otherwise—some experience only comes minimum requirements, fi nd ways to give of the extra access may just need some from living it. Th is is particularly true of a range of community members a voice! personal attention. Make them feel heard, communities with high proportions of validated, and understood – even if you hard-to-reach populations, and especially A lack of willing participants due can’t ‘give’ them everything they want. true in communities that are based on to consultation fatigue and the non-Western constructs of ‘land’ and its expectation of ‘not being heard’ In conclusion…. uses, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait or being ignored. Islander communities. Th e community is the greatest resource Sometimes even the best designed and of information and local knowledge Acknowledging other ‘ways of knowing’ actively promoted engagement program a planner has access to. We need to (or epistemologies) also provides a level will have to face the challenge of no one make the most of this vast resource in a of insight that can only add to the quality showing up, or if someone does, they may constructive and equitable way which will of the ultimate outputs and outcomes of be jaded and come in with preconceived, go some way to neutralising the “planner your eff orts. Be brave: Recognise that potentially negative, expectations of the and planned” dichotomy. We also begin your planning expertise is only part of the exercise. We have to recognise that who to share the ownership and responsibility puzzle, and everyone knows that almost and what has come before us will have for a development, plan, or scheme, completing a puzzle with pieces missing is set the tone for participants and have reducing the likelihood of resistance and extremely unsatisfying. Consciously and ramifi cations that will be felt throughout opposition. creatively seek out the other pieces! your own process. Nevertheless, be brave: Be brave. Go above and beyond and Start fresh! In the face of community Often weak regulatory mandates share your journey; the outcome will be detachment from the process, seek people for community engagement in more useful, realistic and appreciated out, go to schools, community group planning processes. if the community has a shared sense of meetings, sporting clubs, chambers ownership and investment. A ‘public notifi cation period’ does not of commerce, and show them you are community participation make. Th e genuinely seeking their input. Once you Jo Buldeski is a social planner with Cardno, bureaucratic ways in which we accept have their attention, be upfront on how who holds a Bachelor of Social Science ‘offi cial submissions’ are often diffi cult you operate, what people have input into, and almost a MURP. She is committed to to understand and access (for example, and assure them (and follow through) achieving balanced outcomes for clients by those who haven’t got professional that you will keep them informed with and the communities in which they work knowledge, have literacy issues, are too how their feedback is used (e.g. through through participatory and collaborative busy working and raising families, or a project website, by keeping a register processes. simply don’t have the confi dence to of your participants, contact details, and interact in the ‘offi cial’ sphere). Th is is their feedback/concerns). Be even braver: a deterrent to many people who may Freely provide your contact details to otherwise have valuable input into a people who have a keen interest. It may planning process—even potentially seem intimidating, but knowing that avoiding costly mistakes without some you’re open to communication simply piece of local knowledge hitherto assures a large majority of people, and the unknown. Be brave: exceed the (likely) few people that do take advantage Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 – 19 Plan The new risk frontier: bushfire risk and land use planning challenges in a changing climate Laura Gannon MPIA

2014 was a year which saw many higher than average temperatures (BOM, to plan eff ectively for a safer future. Australian and world weather records 204; Hughes & Steff en, 2013). General broken and overall, a global temperature increased severe weather is also projected. The Role of Planning at 0.69 degrees above the 20th century Combined, the eff ects of these weather Peri-urban growth, also commonly average rendering it the hottest year on changes will place many regions of the referred to as the ‘urban fringe’ or ‘urban record (Climate Council, 2015). Th e State at a new bushfi re risk frontier. bushland interface’, remains one of United Nations (2008) has identifi ed Increased storm activity will escalate the the more critical planning pressures climate change as ‘the defi ning issue of likelihood for ignition via lightning strike infl uencing the level of risk exposure our time’. Certainly from a planning (currently estimated at 25 percent of to both existing and new communities perspective it is not diffi cult to ignitions) across drier landscapes (ABS, (Norman et al., 2014; Handmer & understand the forecast impacts. Whilst 2004). Opportunity for important hazard Haynes, 2008). Populations in these much recent attention has focused on reduction (prescribed burning) activities locations tend to identify themselves issues relating to sea level rise and its will be reduced as a result of protracted as part of the urban landscape and quantifi cation within local planning fi re seasons and overall fuel load dynamics therefore, maintain a heavy reliance on schemes, increased bushfi re risk is also will alter in adjustment to a warmer, urban services (i.e. fi re services) with a an area which requires an advanced level drier climate and changing vegetation lack of general knowledge and awareness of attention and the development and characteristics. Th e very manner in which with regard to bushfi re risk and a lack implementation of more sophisticated tactical bush fi refi ghting is undertaken of personal responsibility (Handmer land use planning mitigation approaches will also be aff ected. Overall these & Haynes, 2008; AFAC, 2012). In to limit the extent and severity of impacts will generate more frequent addition, this growth also expands the projected impacts on people and and severe fi re activity across regions level of hazard reduction activity required communities. of Queensland with less opportunity of local governments and fi re agencies in for suppression. Evidence is currently Bushfire Climate Impacts indicating a number of these issues are perpetuity which presents certain fl ow-on already emerging. issues in terms of resource availability and A substantial issue lies in the level of capacity (Teague et al., 2010; Handmer understanding with regard to how Of course, this remains a simplistic & Haynes, 2008). In combination with bushfi re risk will increase both directly synopsis of projected climate change climate impacts, higher numbers of and indirectly as a consequence of climate factors expected to give rise to increased people and property will be exposed to change and the role of adaptive planning fi re weather, fuel loads and more severe increasing levels of bushfi re risk (Norman in mitigating its impact on existing and fi re behaviour associated with what is a et al., 2014). new communities. complex interaction of climate functions. However, with average Australian An over-reliance on building approaches Climate change impacts are projected temperatures on the rise since the 1950’s, to reconcile risk exposure is also an to yield longer and more severe annual climate mitigation and adaptation apparent issue, largely caused by an fi re seasons with lower average rainfall, measures must now form a critical undefi ned or uncertain understanding of more frequent and severe drought and component of planning policy if we are the interoperability between planning and relevant building instruments, namely Australian Standard 3959-2009 (Gannon, 2014).

Despite these pressures, the role of land use planning remains one of the most eff ective mechanisms in the mitigation of natural hazard and risk borne to new and existing communities from climate impact (Ellis et al. 2004). How planning methodologies are rationalised and utilised by governments with respect to bushfi re is integral to the level of land use responsiveness, and ultimately the preparedness and resilience of communities. Whilst current approaches Issues exist with current planning approaches rely heavily on statutory measures such 20 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 Plan

Hazard Reduction Stradbroke Island January 2014 as overlay mapping and overlay codes, or its potential impacts on Australian • move away from a one-method-fi ts-all it is policy and strategic processes which communities, planners remain uniquely approach which is currently the case in are most appropriate in identifying and placed to champion adaptation Queensland, and utilise new mapping responding to risk from natural hazard processes. Whilst fi rmly off the Newman methodologies to develop a suite a land (Norman et al., 2014; Gannon, 2014). In Government’s policy agenda, consultation use practices which respond to varying contemplating a planning system which conducted as part of the Queensland Plan levels of risk addresses climate adaptation specifi cally process overwhelmingly identifi ed climate • emphasis of shared responsibility for bushfi re hazard, planning policy must change impacts are of signifi cant concern both horizontally and vertically across provide for the consistent application of to a vast number of Queenslanders. To governments and government agencies, robust practices. this end, planners maintain an endemic non-government organisations and responsibility in a leadership capacity community groups Bushfi re protection planning policy is to encourage and implement climate required to set appropriate evidence- adaptive land use policy. • develop strategies to further enhance based risk exposure parameters around bushfi re education and awareness in which existing and new communities Key Adaptation Actions both professional and community must achieve. Strategic processes must contexts, in a movement away from utilise advancing technologies and Responding to climate pressures is an poor risk perception. risk assessment methodologies in the issue which current planning activities development and implementation of must contemplate to ensure as little Th e balance of a number of competing planning instruments. Whilst increasingly impact as possible is borne to future interests which generally emerge within innovative practices and data are communities. Considerations in terms planning processes will remain an issue emerging, it is how these tools are utilised of developing climate-adaptive planning but ideally, the prioritisation of natural and capitalised upon in a planning context processes to reconcile bushfi re risk hazard in policy and strategic planning which will guide resilience activities into include the following: directives will avoid potential confl ict and the future (Gannon, 2014). Overcoming emphasise the achievement of community • informed planning policy which issues of risk perception, or complacency, resilience in the face of a changing climate. re-adjusts the relationship between and avoiding the continuation of the strategic and statutory planning Laura Gannon is a Senior Town Planner status quo is a particular challenge measures and ensures State-wide and Bushfi re Planning Specialist with (Norman et al., 2014). Th e level of consistency Jensen Bowers Group. She is the Convenor of risk perception in Queensland when PIA Queensland’s Environmental Planning compared with southern and western • increased strategic rationalisation Chapter and is the PIA representative on States is a real issue in terms of identifying of bushfi re hazard and inclusion of the State Government’s Climate Adaptation and accepting our level of bushfi re risk emergency management methodologies Partnership Strategy Group. She is also exposure. Bushfi re disaster can and to assess and address cumulative risk a PIA representative on the Australian most likely will occur in Queensland at • quantifi cation of impacts on existing Sustainable Built Environment Council’s some point; we must be prepared and and established communities and Resilience Task Group. carefully consider eff ective prevention development and implementation of approaches to minimise potential impact measures to improve resilience Laura is a member of PIA’s National on life, property, infrastructure and the Climate Change Advocacy Group, chaired • utilisation of advanced fi re modelling environment (Gannon, 2014). by Andrea Young FPIA. Members with an and prediction technologies in land interest in this area are invited to contact In a time when governmental policy use planning processes to enhance PIA Queensland for details on across the country is retreating from full sophistication of development joining or contributing to this group. acknowledgement of climate change, approaches

Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 – 21 Plan Contested landscapes – the impact of rural residential development on food production Ian Sinclair, FPIA

Food is an important commodity and 2012a). So it can be seen that agriculture lots (greater than 2 ha) that are scattered one that is a necessity of life. But food is a signifi cant part of the Queensland throughout the rural area but who don’t has been largely ignored by the planning economy. practice farming on a full time basis. profession when considering where people Queensland has four of the top fi ve live – both in urban and rural areas. Th e A defi nition has been devised and is as perishable vegetable producing council focus has been on housing, transport, follows: areas: Bundaberg, Whitsunday, Lockyer infrastructure, environment and others Valley and Southern Downs and the “Th e residential use of rural land is called but not food. In fact, preserving the land top three total vegetable producing rural residential development; that is, people that grows our food has not been seen LGAs: Bundaberg, Lockyer Valley and live on rural lots, but use the land primarily a signifi cant constraint to residential Whitsunday. Th e Cassowary Coast is the for residential rather than agricultural development at all. Th is is strange because number two and North Burnett is the purposes. we all have to eat. Contrary to many number four producer of fruit. Tablelands, beliefs, we don’t have much good quality Rural residential development can be divided Southern Downs and Bundaberg are also agricultural land in Australia that can be into two main categories: rural fringe and in the top ten in Australia. used to grow fresh fruit and vegetables. rural living. Rural fringe development is Th e latest assessment of arable land has All of these regions are growing (except characterised by single detached houses shown that it is only 5.6% (FAO, 2010). Cassowary Coast and North Burnett) and and dual occupancies on lot sizes of Th is article will provide some insights this growth is for both urban as well as approximately 4000 square metres to two into the production of fresh fruit and rural residential development. Th ese areas hectares laid out in an estate. Th is estate vegetables and highlight the problems also have a broad mix of rural land uses usually joins or is in close proximity to an being faced by the producers. with rural residential being the highest urban area. number. Th is is based on land use surveys Queensland is the number one producer carried out for Whitsunday, Gladstone Rural living, on the other hand, features of fresh vegetables in Australia producing and Toowoomba Regional Councils single detached houses and dual occupancies 20.4% of total vegetables and 45.8% in Queensland and also many similar on lot sizes between one hectare and 40 to of perishable vegetables.(ABS, 2012b) regions in NSW. 100 hectares and can adjoin farmland or It is the number two producer of fruit vegetated areas (it should be noted that there behind Victoria with 30% of the total Th is is an issue that is not just limited to are sometimes lots of less than one hectare). production emanating in Queensland. Queensland. Th e number four perishable People living on these lots use the land Th e total value of fruit and vegetables is vegetable and number fi ve total vegetable primarily for residential purposes, although $1,939 million or $26.3 % of the total producer in Australia is Wyndham they may graze some cattle or have horses. value of Australia’s fruit and vegetables. Council which is on Melbourne’s south Th is requires lot sizes of more than two Th is has a conservative multiplier of west fringe. Around Australia, the majority hectares if land degradation is to be avoided. between 4 and 6. Th e ABS census of of perishable vegetables are grown on Th e lots do not adjoin townships or villages population and housing has shown that the metropolitan fringes. Th is is because and are scattered throughout the rural there are 55,416 people employed in of the good land, access to reliable landscape.” (Sinclair & Bunker, 2012) p186 agriculture (2.7% of the total) which is water as well as a good labour force. It slightly higher than mining at 52,955 is not uncommon for the large fruit and In all of the Council areas mentioned people which is 2.6% of the total. (ABS, vegetable farms in Queensland to employ above, the rural residential development 50 – 100 people. One other aspect that – both rural fringe and rural living, are has to be considered is that in the winter often located next to fruit and vegetable months, Queensland produces most of the farms. It is most often the case that the perishable vegetables consumed in NSW rural residential use has moved next to the and Victoria. It should be note also that farm. Th is is made easier with each rural 80.8% of Australia’s population lives on lot having a dwelling entitlement. the eastern seaboard. (ABS, 2014) Th e presence of agriculture and non-rural Th e term rural residential development land use in the one location can often has a number of diff erent meanings. It generate confl ict due to their potential generally refers to estate type of living on incompatibility. lots between 0.4 and 2 ha where services may or may not be provided. However, Farming causes noise, odour, dust and so this classifi cation does not take into on which often are not able to be kept Figure 1 consideration the people who live on larger within the property boundaries. Any 22 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 Plan person can make a complaint about a land use that is causing noise, odour or other pollution to cross its boundaries and lead to a loss of amenity to the surrounding land uses. Th e basic principle of the pollution law is that the emitter of pollution should keep the pollution within the boundary of the subject property. If a farmer cannot keep the pollution within the boundary of the property, they can be found to be in breach of the pollution laws and compelled to either amend the farming operation to not cause the pollution or cease operating altogether. “It could be said that the Th e contested land can be identifi ed by legislation benefits the complainant and not locating each rural residential house and the producer because its target levels have ‘reversing’ the buff ers by generating a been set for an urban situation, not a rural 500m buff er around each of the dwelling one.” (Sinclair and Bunker 2012, p190) houses. Th is exercise has been done for the Whitsunday Region as part of the Th e issue of land use confl ict can arise when Whitsunday Rural Lands Strategy. Th e there is no separation between incompatible density of rural residential dwellings in uses, let alone the misunderstanding, which the vegetable growing area around Bowen, may exist about the purpose and character Gumlu and Guthalungra (which makes of a district. Land use confl icts may arise in up the Whitsunday vegetable growing such situations through noise, odour, farm area) has meant that the contested land Map 1 - Contested land - Bowen chemicals, access, land degradation due to has taken up approximately 2,500 ha of mining and extractive industries, light, visual vegetable growing land. Th is can be seen amenity, dogs, and stock damage and weed from Map 1 which shows the contested infestation, to name just a few. Th e buff er land in the Bowen area. Th e hatched land distance depends on a number of aspects is the contested as it covers the vegetable of the use such as noise intensity, odour or growing areas and the dot is the rural spray drift. Th e Queensland Government residential house. Photo 1 shows the has prepared a number of documents dealing contested land from a rural residential with buff ers and the most recent being dwelling across the road from a tomato titled Buff er Areas - Minimising Confl ict packing shed which exports 800,000 10 between Agriculture and Residential Areas kg boxes of tomatoes each year. has a number of buff er areas depending on whether it is noise, odour, spray drift or A similar exercise has been done for land dust. Th ey range from 60m to 1,000m. A in the Bundaberg Region and this is conservative approach to buff ers for fruit shown as map 2. and vegetable production would be 500m. Food is a necessity of life and its locational Th e land inside these buff ers has been called factors need to be considered when we are the contested land. planning our urban and rural residential areas. Fresh fruit and vegetables are grown Map 2 - Bundaberg One issue that has to be addressed is in areas where there is high population the basic planning principle of the new growth and this causes land use confl ict. use blending in with the current one. We need to address this when we are Bibliography Th is has not happened in the past with considering the urban expansion of our ABS. (2012a). 2011 Census of Population and Hous- ing Basic Community Profi le. dwelling houses being permitted to locate urban areas. We also need to consider the in areas close to the property boundary location of dwelling houses in rural land ABS. (2012b). 7121 Agricutlural Commodities Aus- tralia 2010-11. with the adjoining property with little and not locate them in areas where they or no consideration of the impact it may are going to cause land use confl ict. ABS. (2014). 3218 Regional Population Growth, have on the agricultural use on the next Australia. door property. Th is leads to rural land use If we consider food producing land as a Daniels, T., & Bowers, D. (1997). Holding Our Ground: Protecting America’s Far ms and Farmland. Washing- confl ict. signifi cant constraint to urban and rural residential development and preserve if ton DC: Island Press. Th is can be described as the cycle of for the future, we can grow food and grow FAO. (2010). FAO Statistical Year Book – Land Use. farmland conversion which has been houses and have a sustainable future. Sinclair, I., & Bunker, R. (2012). Planning for Rural Land- detailed by Daniels and Bower (1997) and scapes. In S. T. a. P. Maginn (Ed.), Planning Australia - An Ian Sinclair is Principal Consultant Overview of Urban and Regiona l Planning (Second which can be seen from Figure 1. for Edge Land Planning ed.). Melbourne: Cambridge University Press. Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 – 23 Plan Mastering the art of planning Robin King-Cullen LFPIA

In the last edition, inspiring Young responsibility, and understanding the link think for themselves and stand up for Planner Nicole Willis answered the between politics and planning. what they believe in. question “Was undertaking your planning degree diff erent to what you expected?” as Th e missing attribute (perhaps the Confi dent planners recognise good follows: diff erence between a great planner and a development for a particular area and do master of the art of planning) seems to be their best to support it. “I had thought City Planning would be a combination of confi dence, insight and fairly black and white. I also thought we resilience. Faced with strongly presented non- would be getting pretty close to a perfect planning arguments, we can sometimes planning system. What I learned was that I’ll explain more, using a small selection of forget the importance of basic planning planning is more of an art form than a stories (shown in italics) from the survey. principles, and can underestimate the scientifi c profession”. infl uence we professionals have on Confidence planning outcomes. Mastering the art of planning Planning is not for the faint-hearted. Th e from a graduate planner in local PIA’s recent member survey1 suggests six fi nancial investments and quality of life of government: attributes of a great planner: ordinary people are at stake in the arena we work in, and vast profi ts and losses can My early challenge in development 1. professionalism and integrity be made through changes in development assessment was to be able to accept and rights. Here powerful players argue adopt the council position and then 2. ability to understand and communicate communicate and defend that position to spatial concepts forcefully, and public meetings can seem like the last of the blood sports. applicants. Th is was a tricky process. One 3. technical knowledge of planning aspect was learning ‘what?, and ‘how?’ content areas It takes confi dence (and sometimes Council did things (but not to ask too 4. understanding and ability to work with great courage) to take responsibility by many ‘why?’ questions). Learning to like the planning framework giving, and sticking to, a true professional Council’s long-held policy positions was a opinion; or being the lone voice speaking challenge to a new graduate planner with 5. ability to communicate and engage out for needed change; or extending some idealism still intact. Th e second with a range of stakeholders yourself by taking on a more challenging aspect was considerably more diffi cult - how 6. creative integration to develop career path. to have enough confi dence and front to balanced solutions. communicate the Council position (which from a graduate planner in private may not have been my own) with sometimes But is there something missing? consultancy: diffi cult and aggressive applicants. Th is Last year I started collecting the I was tasked with writing a Statement involved considerable communication early career experiences of senior and of Environmental Eff ects to support a skills, some courage (overcoming fear) and well regarded planning colleagues2. development application for a 30 storey learning the language and negotiation Experienced planners were asked to write building in the middle of a golf course, miles skills that help with those discussions. about their most memorable experience as from any other development. While I didn’t And it involved the support of peers and a recent graduate - what they were doing, think the development was appropriate, supervisors. Th ose early development what happened, and what advice they I didn’t realise I could question it, as my assessment experiences were particularly would give to young planners as a result. employer had accepted the job. It was only memorable and it certainly required a Th ese stories about events that shaped on a subsequent project I realised I could say quick transition from graduate to council each person’s professional development, "I can't support that development", and it planner. My advice from this experience is also shed light on the qualities needed to would simply be handed on to someone else to communicate well and be fl exible. master the art of planning. who could. 30 years later, I still cringe when I go past that development. My advice from Insight Interestingly, very few of these stories this experience is to not be afraid to have an “Insight”4 includes the ability to critically were about technical/scientifi c lessons opinion and stand up for what you believe. review, discern and understand what learned in early career days - by far the 5 Confi dent3 planners know their stuff , and is true and real. Critical review is majority were lessons about handling an important skill in the practice of adversity, learning from mistakes, taking can explain planning principles to non- planners in simple language. Th ey know professions like planning, where good 1 http://www.planning.org.au/aboutpia/what- makes-a-great-planner their own strengths and weaknesses. Th ey 4 the power of acute observation and deduction, 2 The project is described at www.planningse- 3 not to be confused with arrogance (a sense of discernment, perception crets.com.au superiority, self-importance, or entitlement) 5 sometimes mistaken for negativity or criticism 24 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 Plan judgement and realistic expectations of the other candidate. Th e other candidate from a student planner in an NGO: a less-than-perfect world are needed. A won the election and became Mayor. It I had sent out some correspondence defence against fads and ‘group think’, was apparent he knew what had been accidentally but it had further issues with critical review also helps develop an going on in the lead-up to the election, it. I initially denied sending it but had independent mind and spirit. and that he had little trust in the planning tried so hard to fi x the problem without department head and, by association, the my supervisors knowing. Th e supervisors Planners with insight assume nothing. whole planning staff . My advice from picked up the issue and resolved it quickly. Th ey are thorough and rigorous, this experience is never play politics - the Th ey held a meeting with me to discuss the understanding the diff erence between planner’s role is to give professional, objective issue, but instead of denying it, I owned facts and rhetoric; between planning advice equally to all elected representatives. documents and built outcomes; and my decision and the consequences. I found between their role and the role of others. Planners with insight know the out later that my supervisors were more importance of timing and context, concerned with my work ethic than the work from a graduate planner in local focussing on outcomes, and managing I performed, and were impressed with how government: perceptions. I ended up owning the mistake. My advice from this experience is that everyone makes One particular manager was insistent about from a graduate planner in state mistakes. Do not blame anyone but yourself two things. government: and you will walk out of the situation with 1. Be the planner and work out the issues My fi rst job after Uni was with state your professional image intact. and possible solutions before seeking help. government in another country. In that Planners with resilience are not put role, we attended every planning appeal to 2. Write carefully, review work, and submit provide impartial planning advice to the off from doing a thorough job just any draft report as if it is the fi nal. Town Planning Appeals Board. Th e site was because they think the outcome is pre- one that I drove past every day on the way determined, or because there is pressure Whilst being held accountable to these to work. When I wrote my report, prior to for a diff erent outcome, or because time requirements was sometimes diffi cult and giving evidence, I didn't do a site inspection, is short. Th ey avoid lazy thinking and frustrating, it reinforced to me from an believing I knew the site and the locality very give their best professional opinion, no early stage the importance of independent well. At the appeal, I stood up and expounded matter what. thought, problem solving and attention to my view with great conviction. About half- detail. Th e skills I learnt at this time were way through my presentation, the judge looked Some stories of early career experiences formative in making me a better, more over his glasses and asked me "..what about talk of non-supportive work accountable planner. I still remember the the school across the road?" Th e existence of environments, and situations where sea of red pen that appeared on my early a school across the road completely blew my the planner’s recommendations were reports, and the countless times I was sent argument and I stood speechless, realising attacked, ignored, or overturned. away to think an issue through again. I’d made an utter fool of myself in front of I couldn't see the point of this constant Resilient planners don’t take these colleagues, solicitors and barristers. My advice challenging, and at times I resented it. Now from this experience is to always, always do a setbacks personally - they try to be I realise it was the making of my career. site inspection, even if you think you know the fl exible and adapt to diffi cult situations. Th at manager has been my most infl uential site. Th e context of the planning matter in mentor, although I didn't always appreciate And finally…. question will greatly infl uence what you see, the lessons at the time. My advice from and the way you perceive the site. Masters of the art of planning are this experience is expect to be challenged. passionate about their profession, Learn as much as you can from experienced Planners with insight are not unduly rightly believing they can make a planners, but don't rely on them to solve infl uenced by irrelevant information your problems. Being able to write well is a (such as non-planning arguments, verbal positive contribution to people’s lives critical prerequisite for being a good planner. assurances, other people’s deadlines), or and to the environment. Planning is Develop this skill as much as you can. ‘background noise’ created by famous/ exciting, alive, and endlessly fascinating, important/wealthy/angry/loud people. so stay positive and love what you do! Planners with insight respect other viewpoints, the impact planning Resilience P.S If you have a story and a lesson learned regulations have on development costs, from your experience as a newly graduated and the democratic process and legal Resilient planners adapt to changing planner, please complete the survey nature of planning. roles, but never forget the fundamentals at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ of their profession. Th ey stay positive ShareYourPlanningExperience, or contact from a planner in local government: and enthusiastic in the face of stress and me at [email protected]. Th e adversity. stories will be included (anonymously) It was the lead-up to a Council election in a book to be published later this year - and it seemed to me that my boss, the We can never get it absolutely right - working title: “Th e Art of Planning - 100 planning department head, was favouring sometimes we make mistakes. Planners lessons from planning practice” one Mayoral candidate and providing with resilience own their mistakes and information and assistance about planning refl ect, learn and grow as a result of their Robin King-Cullen is the owner of matters that was not equally aff orded to experiences. Planning Secrets Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 – 25 People

I hope I have managed to convince people of Q&A: the value and importance of good planning and how it can help to ensure orderly Dr Cheong Koon Hean development, as well as create a better living Dan Molloy environment for everyone. Planners can give a city a bold vision to look forward to and add value and identity to a place. For example, my colleagues and I worked to formulate a Architect-turned-planner Cheong Koon Hean clear vision of what a new signature image for is responsible for many of Singapore’s cityscapes Singapore as a global city could be and pushed including one million public housing units. She’s to realise these plans. We now have Marina helped uplift design standards, values community Bay, a new city extension that has created a lot spaces and has recently been inducted into of buzz and excitement for our city. Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame. Second, I believe that a city must pursue Cheong Koon Hean What are some of the experiences design excellence. We introduced the Good governance, proper planning processes that have shaped your ideas of Architecture and Urban Design Excellence and strong institutions need to be in place to planning and how you approach Programme to uplift design standards for ensure that plans can indeed be implemented. projects and what has been the Singapore. I felt that it was important to In addition, the community and stakeholders greatest challenge you have had to create greater awareness for good architecture should be roped in to help shape plans and make in your career? and urban design. For example, by policies so that they lend support and voice to recognising good design through higher Planning for Singapore has taught me the ensuring that longer term planning goals will level awards, funding and incentivising value of a ‘forward planning approach’ be achieved. good design initiatives and making design a and the need to optimise scarce resources. key consideration in planning submissions Singapore is a ‘land and resource constrained’ What are you looking forward to the and land sales in strategic areas, the city has city state. It is both a country and a city. As most about your visit to Melbourne? progressively transformed for the better. a city state, we have to cater to land uses that Melbourne is one of the most liveable cities in most cities do not need to provide for. Aside How have you seen the role of the world and there is so much to learn from it. from setting aside land for the usual land women in the planning profession Th e city’s been highly creative in its planning. uses such as housing, commercial, industrial change during your career? In particular, I’m impressed with the way and social facilities, we also have to cater to the city engages its community to transform major infrastructure needs such as power Th ere are quite a number of women in the city, paying a lot of attention to the generation, water catchment, waste disposal the planning profession in Singapore. rejuvenation of public spaces and making the as well as military use. Th e greatest challenge Th eir competency is increasingly being city walkable. Melbourne Docklands has taken in planning for Singapore is to ensure that we recognised and they are entrusted with more off well and in particular we have a lot to learn can cater to all our development needs. responsibilities. For example, I was privileged about Place Management from Melbourne. to be the fi rst woman appointed to the CEO In view of our unique circumstances, we do position in both the Urban Redevelopment not have a lot of room for mistakes when How do you see the sharing of Authority and the Housing Development your experience as something that we develop. We therefore adopt a forward Board in Singapore. looking, long-term integrated planning Australian planners can greatly approach. Th is is to ensure that we have What do you see as the greatest benefit from? enough land to meet our development needs challenges for the planning Given our land constraints, we have well into the future. It also helps us identify profession looking forward? developed a high rise, high density city. the diffi cult trade-off s to facilitate decision We place a lot of emphasis on developing a With rapid urbanisation and increasing making, as well as prioritise our infrastructure sustainable and highly liveable city. I hope complexities in managing urban growth both investments. Our limitations make us more to be able to share some of the strategies we regionally and in cities, more countries and mindful of the need to optimise both land pursued to try and make Singapore a great cities recognise the need for good planning. and resources such as energy and water. city to live, work and play in. As many Asian However, putting a plan on paper does not cities share similar challenges as us, and are My planning approach is also shaped by living mean the plan will be implemented. Th ere are highly urbanised and dense, perhaps they in one of the densest cities in the world. I many challenges to overcome. First, there is a may fi nd some of Singapore’s experiences therefore place `liveability’ and ‘sustainability’ need to align the multiple levels of planning useful. At the same time, I hope to learn from high on the agenda when I plan. We have to be at the federal, regional and local governments. the success stories of other cities as well. Th e more creative in our planning and urban design Constant changes in political leadership in Congress provides a good platform for the to ensure that we mitigate the high density many cities make it diffi cult to plan long mutual exchange of ideas. environment. Today, despite our denseness, term and to make politically unpopular but Singapore is regularly ranked as one of the most necessary trade-off s. Most cities also face fi scal Koon Hean is guest at Planning Congress 2015 liveable and attractive cities in Asia. constraints which delay the implementation that runs from May 13 to 15 at Melbourne of much needed infrastructure to support the Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf. What do you think your greatest smooth functioning of the city. Planners need contribution to the planning industry to fi nd `room to manoeuvre’ and creative For more information go to www. has been? ways to overcome these challenges. piacongress.com.au 26 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 People

I am honoured and pleased to be an Ambushed, I was …. FRAIA and readily acknowledge that John Byrne LFPIA FRAIA my architecture degree, my fi rst degree, has always strongly informed my city- making. An understanding of how built form goes together and diff erent ways it might is hard to shake and really critical. … which leads me to refl ect on the central But it’s not the only infl uence. skills of urban design and planning. My third degree, the Master of Town Th ere I was, quietly standing with Planning one, got me into PIA which, Greg Vann, John Brannock and other as younger sibling, has increasingly good colleagues in the middle of the demonstrated how diff erent it is from the Queensland PIA Christmas session older Institute and wonderfully so. when Kate Isles, Dy Currie and Brendan Its embrace of multi-disciplinary Nelson (three very important people) city-making with a wide variety of pulled this swifty on me and announced stakeholders can be seen in its ability- that I was now a Life Fellow of PIA. focused (not qualifi cation-defi ned) In the following blur of that PIA evening, chapters, in its open-edged all-inviting I took the unprepared opportunity to awards programs and more. When a say some things. Since opportunism variety of us from various backgrounds and rule-breaking are fundamentally sought in 2000 to establish (out of Dy Currie MPIA CPP , John Byrne LFPIA Brendan important urban design and planning the AIA’s Queensland Urban Design Nelson MPIA CPP strategies, too little acknowledged and Committee) a more widely inclusive understood, I won’t now apologise. After advocacy and discussion group that was I delight in continuing to be invited to all, the national, perhaps international, to become the Urban Design Alliance in deal in a design/planning continuum exemplar that is the Kelvin Grove Urban Queensland, key fi gures in the architects, that stretches from regional planning all Village is one helluva example of chance, whose logistical and symbolic support the way through to the detailed design opportunism and rule-breaking. was very important, sought to limit or of places and the built form that usually control the new mob’s ability publicly defi nes and infl uences them. It would, I think the central thread of what I said to express criticism of the works of of course, be a cheap shot at my other that December night was my pride in PIA any architects. If you saw it as an AIA tribe to say we can always knock down and therefore the sense of honour I felt at Committee criticising its own, perhaps the architect’s building and start again this recognition by “my tribe”. that’s understandable. while it’s much harder to begin again on the structure of precincts or cities. But City-making is, and must be, inherently But PIA who, with what I felt was a that puts greater responsibility on us and multi-disciplinary, and I am lucky to sit most practical, supportive and perhaps good city-making must involve design- in several tribes: not just PIA (and at least confi dent mind-set, delegated to UDAL its informed skills or it’s a recipe for disaster. three of its various chapter sub-sets) but urban design functions. Did PIA have less also the Institute of Architects, of which interest in protecting its members? Did Many of the diff erences of opinion that I am also a Fellow. It often puts me in it think its members don’t do anything we need to confront refl ect diff erent an interesting position of infl uence and worth defending? Or did it accept professional or stakeholder stances; but negotiation - of clarifying and prioritising there are fundamental urban planning they also refl ect at times our inability to - in the symbolic “architects versus questions, some with long-term impact, communicate eff ectively the issues at stake. planners” brawls. I speak both tribal that need to be discussed openly for the In a contradictory world where the gap languages, seem accepted (or viewed with good of the community and diff erences between haves and have-nots is widening equal suspicion) by both and therefore of opinion are therefore not just part of and global futures are frighteningly can build bridges and communicate ideas. that but important to acknowledge and challenged while populist politics win, I test? Does PIA operate in a fundamentally think our PIA is right to be both widely But PIA and AIA seem to me to be very more energetic dialogue? inclusive as it focuses on real issues. diff erent in important ways. Th e AIA has much more the quality of an elite, closed I think it is the last of these and I am So I suggest to you, my tribal colleagues, (well, certainly strongly-defi ned and edged) honoured at being part of that. Saying that this is as much about process as it is shop. It is powerful and does great work in publicly that I disagree with another about content. Th e central city-making protecting and promoting what it knows is member of our tribe on something skills that we need to promote and important about, for example, the design doesn’t seem to me to undermine the practice are: of the built environment and how we get status or importance or sense of identity this done well. Its power is reinforced by of the tribe and what it has to off er. • creative solutions-proposing (or strategies state legislation limiting the ownership and In fact, I think it is fundamentally for problem-solving) or design, use of “architectural “ terms. reassuringly human.

Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 – 27 People

• rigorous analysis and clear thinking And so, please, dear Dy, Brendan and • being invited to China to advise on about the strengths and weaknesses of Kate, making me a Life Fellow I hope renewal strategies, which so reinforced diff erent options so derived, and doesn’t mean you think I should back off . my belief that, while rightly sensitive Th ere is so much more I want to do - we to signifi cant cultural and other • eff ective communication by many need to do. contextual diff erences, we have a lot means that recognise the diff erent of useful experience to off er for the In a year of practical consulting to public languages and preoccupations of the consideration of others. and private clients and QUT teaching, many diff erent stakeholders, thus 2014 had some special highlights for me allowing cooperative decision-making, And then in December came the ambush and they included: well-founded external review and and this Life Fellowship thing. community engagement. • winning a national Australia Award I am humbled and energised by it and I for Urban Design for the landmark Th ey are processes or skills common to all thank our PIA for the honour it does me. “Urban Voices” book (and you should stakeholder disciplines and their separate all have a personally-signed copy of this content and values, and therefore both John Byrne is a former Director: Urban important collection of insights about independent of them and, at the same Design and Planning in the Queensland how city-making happens!) time, essential for team-building and co- Government. Now working as a consultant operation. I strongly believe all three can • contributing to an Auckland University adviser in urban design, planning and policy, be taught. Th ey are strategies I to try to book honouring the late Professor he is also a long-standing Adjunct Professor bring to work-shopping, peer reviewing, Tom Fookes, my dear friend who so in Urban Design and Architecture at QUT. negotiating and more and I want to think epitomised the good that unassuming His refl ections on the logical “chance” origins they underpin lots of what you, my fellow thoughtful inquisitive persistent of the award-winning Kelvin Grove tribe members, do in other ways, across individual urban planners can do in project appeared in the Queensland the exciting diversity that we are. the world, and Planner Winter 2011 edition.

Letters

Dear Editor, I trust that the contradistinction between Perhaps the backdrop should have past and future was purely coincidental, been that of the house which won for Re: Achieving a Vision - a Cover Revisited but it could not be more stark. It is its architect the 2014 Robins Dodds doubtless so, as the Palau proverb exhorts, Award for Residential Design, which What a pity that the cover of Queensland that “the past determines the present and house inspires, as all his houses do – Planner (Volume 54 No. 4), annotated the future”. unashamedly evoking the future. “Achieving a Vision”, is counter- Now there’s vision! intuitively superimposed on an ably- However any vision must not dwell in the Yours faithfully, portrayed house of obvious heritage value. past as this cover so inadvertently infers. Victor Feros LFPIA

Queensland Planner Advertising Sizing and Pricing Black and White Full page 185x275 $450.00 Half page 185x130 $275.00 Quarter page 90x130 $195.00 Business card 90x50 $125.00 Full Colour Full page (outside back) 185x275 $775.00 Half page (outside back) 185x130 $475.00 Full page (inside back) 185x275 $625.00 Half page (inside back) 185x130 $375.00 Full page 185x275 $550.00 Half page 185x130 $325.00 Inserts (supplied by advertiser) Max 4 Sheets (A4 size or smaller) $375.00 Additional sheets $25.00 Over 4 sheets Neg (Inserts must be supplied as one document) A discount of 10% will apply if booking is for 4 (four) consecutive issues and payment is made in full. All Artwork supplied in .TIFF or PDF form with 3mm bleed For more information or should you wish to advertise please contact: Queensland planner (07) 5465 7331 or [email protected] CoverC of f QQueensland l d planner l SSummer 2014 28 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 Place Community attitudes to the Coorparoo Junction TOD Ciaran Callaghan PIA (Student)

My interest in pursuing planning after supported in the local communities of applicable to the proposed Coorparoo high school fi rst came from a geography South-East Queensland. TOD, as the extension of the eastern assignment involving a comparative busway has not yet been announced, analysis of three options aimed at Community attitudes meaning no major transit infrastructure improving travel along Old Cleveland will exist within 400m of the site. Much of Coorparoo is currently Road, a major transport corridor that characterised by low-density residential extends east from Brisbane to its smaller Project methodology – engaging development, designed around private sibling the Redlands. One of the options with Coorparoo transport. Th is is common to many was the provision of Transit Oriented Australian cities, De Vos, J. et al (2014, Th e project utilised both quantitative and Developments (TOD’s) at public p. 239) states “Australian cities are qualitative methods of data collection. transport nodes along the corridor. characterized by the development of low- Th e fi rst method involved a quantitative Th is project kick-started my desire to density neighbourhoods with a low diversity survey with community members in study planning at a tertiary level, so and a car-oriented design”. Areas with the area surrounding the site of the when it came time to select a research existing low-density characteristics (like proposed TOD. Th e survey involved a topic for my University dissertation it those of Coorparoo) often face greater number of brief scoping questions in seemed fi tting to select something with barriers relating to negative community order to establish a demographic snapshot tangible links to what fi rst sparked my perceptions of TOD. of the sample population. Th e survey interest. Accordingly, my research project also queried the attitudes towards the focussed on community attitudes to Negative community perceptions of proposed TOD. In total 34 surveys were Transit Oriented Development, using the TOD are linked to a perceived fear of completed over three diff erent days, recently approved Coorparoo Junction amenity impacts and dislike of change, utilising diff erent on-peak and off -peak TOD as a case study. which are present within the populations times each day. of Australia’s suburban areas. Existing Transit Oriented Development is research contends that negative attitudes Th e second method involved individual well promoted through the planning are related to attachments to a low- qualitative interviews with key profession, however the concept remains density, high car-use lifestyle. Bajracharya, community stakeholders. Th e interviews largely unknown to the wider public. Khan & Longland (2009, p.6) reference aimed to provide more detailed Despite the clear strategic intent of the that TOD is negatively perceived due information about perceptions to the Queensland State Government and local to “the much celebrated 'Great Australian Coorparoo Junction Transit Oriented councils within South East Queensland, Dream’ of the detached house with garden Development and its likely impact on the practical implementation of TOD has on a quarter acre lot”. suburb. Interviews were conducted with been hindered by multiple barriers. key community members including the Newman (2005, p.12) argues “Australian Other negative perceptions relate to fear local State MP, the head of the P & C cities are littered with examples of lost of higher densities and reduced parking for Coorparoo State School and a local TOD’s” while other authors contend that rates. Bajracharya, Khan & Longland business owner. TOD-type examples have emerged in (2009, p.6) claim that “anecdotal evidence Australia accidently. Negative community suggests that in the SEQ context there Project results - what does perceptions are considered as a key barrier are some negative perceptions within the Coorparoo think of TOD? to the eff ective implementation of TOD. community about increased densities and Th e results of both the interviews and Community attitudes often present a their potential impact on property values, surveys indicated an overwhelming challenge when attempting to facilitate crime rates and other lifestyle issues”. Th ese support for the proposed Coorparoo elements inherent to Transit Oriented perceptions are consistent with a ‘not- TOD. Development, such as increased density in-my-back-yard’ or “NIMBY” attitude and reduced parking rates. to TOD which further acts as a further barrier to implementation. By engaging with the community of Coorparoo at multiple levels, the project Negative perceptions are also linked aimed to gain an understanding of to poor public transport infrastructure community perceptions to the proposed delivery that does not align with the Coorparoo Junction TOD. By doing so, development of TOD’s, subsequently the project intended to develop a better compromising the ability to convey understanding of how TOD can be better communal benefi ts. Th is is directly recently approved Coorparoo Junction TOD

Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 – 29 Place

Notably 82% of respondents were in Finally, the results illustrated a clear support of the proposed TOD, which was desire for increased public consultation, further refl ected in the interviews with with a number of respondents suggesting comments including “I think it will be that increases in public advertising and good for the area” and “the proposal presents meetings would be the best way to lots of benefi ts to the community and will improve community understanding. revitalise the heart of Coorparoo”. Much of the support stemmed from a community What can be learnt from the desire to improve the current dilapidated study? Survey Area centre and stimulate the local economy. Th e results clearly indicated a very strong the proposed TOD. Th is links back to Despite an undeniable support for the support for the development, notably an inherent predisposition to private proposed Coorparoo Junction TOD, due to its perceived revitalisation of modes of transport. TOD by nature is the community also voiced a number of the defunct inner-suburban centre. attempting to provide a solution to issues concerns, relating primarily to parking Unfortunately, this does not necessarily caused by reliance on private transport. and traffi c. show support for TOD but rather for the Th rough a greater understanding of TOD revitalisation of the dilapidated centre, the community of Coorparoo may show Secondary concerns included height making it diffi cult to ascertain whether a greater acceptance to aspects such as and the evident increased in the local the Coorparoo community actually reduced car parking. Th is also further population. Th e was refl ected in the supports Transit Oriented Development. supports claims that perceptions of interviews, with the State MP declaring Th is however does raise an interesting TOD are negatively infl uenced by poor “there were genuine concerns amongst the point regarding the possible increased integration between the development of community about initial proposal plans, desire for TOD projects in defunct inner- TOD projects and provision of transport concerns around parking, height and the suburban centres. infrastructure. Th e proposed extension look of it.” Further statements from the of the Eastern Busway to the TOD site head of the Coorparoo State School Further increasing the diffi culty to currently has no anticipated construction P&C also raised concerns about parking, determine community perceptions is the timeframe and this uncertainty gives stating “families with small children, don’t lack of public knowledge regarding TOD legitimacy to community concerns about allow them to get a bus or walk so parking and what it involves. It is inherently parking and traffi c. is already at a premium”. diffi cult to determine whether support for TOD exists if the majority of the Conclusion Th e results also demonstrated a defi nitive community do not have any knowledge lack of knowledge for TOD, with 88% of the concept. Th is ties into another Whilst the project was impeded by a of respondents stating they had not heard fi nding of the project, which indicated number of timing and scope limitations of the term. Th e small percentage that that the community has a clear desire that resulted in some data gaps, the were aware referenced hearing of the term for increased public consultation. It results still presented a number of clear only through other TOD projects, like could be inferred that support for the and grounded fi ndings. Milton and Yerongpilly, but did not have proposed Coorparoo TOD may be more Whilst there is substantial support an understanding of what TOD entailed. forthcoming if the community possessed for the Coorparoo Junction TOD, Again this was refl ected in the interviews, a greater understanding of the benefi ts many community perceptions and the head of the P&C referenced that and purpose of the development. existing lifestyle preferences present community members had “absolutely no signifi cant challenges to eff ective TOD idea” what TOD is and had “never heard Th e project illustrated that increasing implementation. Consequently effi cient of it”. parking and traffi c issues were the major community concern relating to and deliberate consultation eff orts should be made in an attempt to foster an increased understanding within our communities regarding the benefi ts of good TOD outcomes.

Further, until TOD is clearly understood by the community, there will be a limited ability to accurately ascertain community perceptions of TOD.

Th e project presents a platform for further research into community attitudes to Transit Oriented Development with a specifi c focus on developing strategies to increase community support at locations across South-East Survey Results, Community Concerns regard Proposed Coorparoo Junction TOD (Callaghan, 2014) Queensland. 30 – Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 Place Found Horizon – Postcard from Nepal Eve Vickerson MPIA

In the 1960s, Kathmandu was home to “freak street”, named after the longhaired hippies that came seeking their herbal Shangri-La. Th e freaks have long since disappeared and with them it would seem the idea of Kathmandu being a quiet oasis of calm. Modern Kathmandu is a bustling city. Th e valley is home to 2.5 million people. Th e city is loud: honking vehicles, barking street dogs, braying cattle in the streets, screeching monkeys and the general background noise of people going about their daily life. Like many developing areas in the world, Kathmandu is rapidly urbanizing. According to the World Bank, “Th e Kathmandu Valley is growing at 4 percent per year, one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in South Asia, and the fi rst region in Nepal to face the unprecedented challenges of rapid urbanization and Lake Gosainkunda (Source: Jack Clancy, 2014) modernization at a metropolitan scale” (http://www.worldbank.org/ en/news/feature/2013/04/01/managing-nepals-urban-transition). Th e biggest town planning challenge facing the city is the provision of enough infrastructure to support the growing population. Equally challenging is how to address the declining environmental values of the Kathmandu Valley as the city continues to expand. Despite the intense bustle of Kathmandu, the promise of Shangri- La can still be found in rural Nepal. I recently trekked the Langtang Valley which is only a half day’s 4WD drive north-east of Kathmandu. Th e scenery is epic and is almost overwhelming in its beauty.

Snow Ponies (Source: Jack Clancy, 2014) Th e trek starts in the lower, balmy tropical forests and rises to the snowcapped mountains of the Himalayas, where there are ancient villages nestled in the foothills. Th e landscape is dotted with Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Th ere is also a tangible Tibetan infl uence originating from the nearby border. With the help of our most excellent guide, Sappa, from Nepal Base Camp Treks (http://www.nepalbasecamptreks.com), we climbed a 5,033m high mountain called Tserko-Ri and were greeted at the summit by colourful prayer fl ags fl uttering in the wind. Th e view was literally breathtaking due to the altitude. In between mountain Kathmandu (Source: Eve Vickerson, 2014) summit adventures, we stayed in teahouses run by incredibly warm and welcoming local people. During the trek, I met a young Australian woman who had moved to Nepal to work for the Global Women’s Project (http:// theglobalwomensproject.com.au) a Melbourne based not-for-profi t focusing on innovative education and livelihood solutions for women and girls in developing countries. She was involved in running a training program called “Light the Spark” which gives women the skills to carry out basic electrical wiring in homes and business. It was enlightening to meet a young Australian trying to make a diff erence in the world. Also enlightening were the intense mountain landscapes, the cultural melting pot of Kathmandu and the exhilaration of going on a once-in-a Snowcapped Peaks (Source: Jack Clancy, 2014) lifetime adventure to the Himalayas. Queensland Planner – Autumn 2015 – Vol 55 No 1 – 31 Information

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