NSW AWARDS FOR PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 MESSAGE FROM THE PIA NSW PRESIDENT 4 MESSAGE FROM THE JUDGING PANEL 5 CONTENTS ABOUT PIA: LEADING EFFECTIVE PLANNING FOR PEOPLE & PLACES 6 NSW BOARD 6 2015 PIA NSW AWARD SPONSORS 7 BEST PLANNING IDEAS - LARGE PROJECT 10 BEST PLANNING IDEAS - SMALL PROJECT 12 FROM PLAN TO PLACE 14 GREAT PLACE 16 IMPROVING PLANNING PROCESSES AND PRACTICES 20 OUTSTANDING STUDENT PROJECT 22 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY PLANNING 26 HARD WON VICTORY 28 YOUNG PLANNER OF THE YEAR 30 PLANNER OF THE YEAR 32 PRESIDENT’S AWARD 34 AWARD NOMINATIONS 36

2 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS CONTENTS 3 MESSAGE FROM THE MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT FROM THE JUDGING PANEL

Welcome to the PIA NSW contributor to the economic, However, these Awards The PIA Judges panel ideas and approaches, and and valued the opportunities Awards for Planning social and environmental should also provide evidence for 2015, made up of five some quirky considerations that planning brings to Excellence 2015. wellbeing of NSW. to the wider community and people, were proud to to show diversity in our the cities and regions. We A major initiative of the NSW Whilst this work is ongoing, I elected representatives at all receive the 27 nominations profession. Nominations were would like to congratulate Division of PIA this year is to think one only has to look at levels, as to why planning is across the 12 categories of from government, student all winning awards and undertake activities that aim the quality of this year’s PIA important and should be fully awards for 2015. Planning and the private sector, and commendations for 2015! We to quantify and highlight NSW Award nominations as supported and adequately award nominations are covered both metropolitan would also like to encourage “the Value of Planning”. evidence of the accuracy resourced. Planning ‘done about being proud to and regional areas. all PIA NSW members to think Following on from work on of our thesis. Across the well’, as demonstrated by promote good planning! The judges reviewed and about your quality planning the same theme by our UK Awards categories, I see these Award nominations, This year PIA NSW received took many hours to discuss projects that add value to counterparts the RTPI, this projects and people that shouts of the real and fewer nominations than in and debate the range of our profession for 2016. initiative aims to dispel the demonstrably add value tangible “Value of Planning”. 2014, which we believe is a nominations. The judges myth that planning and to their communities and I wish to particularly recognition of the unique acknowledge the great planners are at times seen spheres of influence. acknowledge and thank work pressures facing our planning work undertaken as a hindrance to economic The NSW planning profession the Judging Panel Jenny state which is ‘open for around the state, realised growth, through over should be proud of the Rudolph as the convenor, business’. The nominations the wonderful opportunity regulation of development achievements of our peers Allan Gear, Alan Peters, covered a wide range of for planners to share ideas, activity. Our thesis is that and acknowledge their Monique Roser and Peter projects and work, with great good planning is in fact achievements through these Phibbs for their hard work, a major and essential Awards. dedication and commitment to their judging task this year. David Ryan MPIA CPP Jenny Rudolph MPIA Congratulations to all of NSW President PIA Judge Convenor the nominees and I wish the worthy NSW Award winners all the best at the PIA National Awards.

4 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS MESSAGES 5 ABOUT PIA: 2015 PIA LEADING EFFECTIVE NSW AWARD PLANNING FOR SPONSORS PEOPLE AND PLACES

The Planning Institute of actively advocate that to NSW DIVISION COMMITTEE SUPPORTER CATEGORY (PIA) believes in the government, industry and 2015/2016 power of planning to shape the community. SPONSOR: SPONSORS: President our world. Planning supports PIA carries out a broad our everyday life; connecting Marjorie Ferguson, MPIA CPP range of activities across the BEST PLANNING IDEAS YOUNG PLANNER us with places to live, to country over the year that Immediate Past President work, to study and to play. It are all about advocating for David Ryan, MPIA CPP – SMALL PROJECT OF THE YEAR supplies us with clean water better planning, developing and air to consume; with high quality planners and Vice President energy to power our lives; supporting the planning Jenny Rudolph, MPIA and with food to nourish our profession. Vice President Mary-Lynne Taylor bodies. Planning is the tool David Broyd, FPIA that creates places that we For more information on PIA PIA (Hon Fellow) or to become a member, go love and that nurture us now Vice President to www.planning.org.au Urbis is a market leading Mary-Lynne Taylor, honorary Bartier Perry is an established legal services within the and into the future. Planning Gary Shiels, FPIA CPP firm with over 50 years’ Fellow of PIA (awarded in and respected following groups: Property, matters. experience in helping clients the RAPI days of the 1990s) law firm which has been Corporate & Commercial, Brian Elton, MPIA PIA believes that our shape Australia’s cities and as a lawyer, lecturer, chair of providing expert legal Wills & Estates, Taxation planning professionals are Steve O’Connor, FPIA CPP communities. They bring panels and JRPP member, is services for over 70 years. and Business Succession, the key agents to deliver together a talented team of a passionate advocate for In that time, Bartier Perry Workplace Relations, great planning. Christina Livers, MPIA specialist professionals and good planning outcomes has grown to become a Commercial Litigation and PIA exists to nurture and Jocelyn Ullman, MPIA have over 400 staff members large and small and leading mid-tier practice Dispute Resolution and support the development across Brisbane, Sydney, therefore is delighted to be with corporate clients from Insurance Litigation. of high quality planning Darren Holloway, MPIA CPP Melbourne and Perth. part of the PIA Awards and a wide range of industry We believe legal excellence in particular, the important sectors, and appointments professionals. We want to Geraldine Haigh, MPIA CPP Commitment to professional should be a given; and the inspire planners to shape the quality has cemented Urbis’ award honouring successful to statutory bodies from all quality of service delivery, world to create great places. Tony McNamara, LPIA CPP reputation as trusted advisers small projects involving local levels of government. the difference. to their vast portfolio of communities. We have a recognised PIA is passionate about the Juliet Grant, MPIA Further information can be value that planners deliver clients, across private and and dedicated Planning found on our website to our society through Rachel McConkey, MPIA public sectors. The team & Environment team www.bartier.com.au their planning and we is renowned for providing servicing our extensive local Jane Fielding, MPIA clients with independent government and private advice and evidence-based sector developer client base. David Winterbottom, LFPIA solutions that hits the mark, We also provide personalised every time. Find out more by visiting urbis.com.au

6 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS ABOUT PIA 7 AWARD WINNERS

8 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS AWARDS 9 AWARD TO Planning and Environment undertook to enhance the BEST PLANNING NSW DEPARTMENT practicality, useability and OF PLANNING & outcomes derived from the ENVIRONMENT design code. The resulting NSW Better IDEAS - LARGE PROJECT Policy and Design SEPP 65 AND Guide have been PROJECT THE APARTMENT prepared following a process of consultation DESIGN GUIDE and engagement with professionals, peers and, STATE importantly, apartment NSW dwellers. They provide a user with design vision at one end of the process, and The depth and breadth of compliance awareness at apartment living space in the other. NSW cities has, of necessity, responded to urban growth. The judges were particularly attracted to a focus on While recognising that the design while working with design and quality of that natural influences, especially space had improved since light and ventilation. The the introduction of the judges were supportive that Residential Flat Design Code the Design Guide has also COMMENDATION We often hear of the boast and associated legislation, that a city is a great place considered affordability and HAMES SHARLEY, the NSW Department of housing diversity designs. to live, work and play but PENRITH CITY it’s another thing to seek to revitalise a city in Sydney’s COUNCIL west so that such a boast can be made. PROJECT Leveraging off the PENRITH opportunities available from PROGRESSION - drivers such as Badgerys Creek, this project has PLACE SHAPING identified a place based FRAMEWORK and design led economic strategy to revitalise Penrith. STATE Seeking to create residential NSW space, local jobs and green recreation space, the judges agreed that this was a bold examination and response to the City’s aspirations and expectations. AWARDED TO RECOGNISE OUTSTANDING PLANNING IDEAS FOR A LARGE PROJECT THAT HAS TOWN OR CITY, REGIONAL, STATE-WIDE, NATIONAL OR CROSS-JURISDICTION BENEFIT.

10 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS AWARDS 11 AWARD TO BEST PLANNING PROJECT URBAN IDEAS - SMALL INTERVENTIONS WAVERLEY COUNCIL PROJECT STATE NSW

Urban intervention, which breakout area and seating, means undertaking short artwork on walls of empty term actions for long term laneways, play structures change, is fast becoming a in a vacant courtyard and popular planning approach a large chess set in a mall to improve the public made a big difference to domain and create places creating a place. of activity. The judges were The small projects were impressed that a change so successful that when in culture and a shift in the Council removed them they manner in which a Council received a petition signed planned and implemented by 600 people to retain the four small temporary temporary project and install interventions can make permanent liveability and a huge difference in the lovability projects. community. Small temporary projects such as a parking bay converted to a public

CATEGORY SPONSOR MARY-LYNNE TAYLOR PIA (HON FELLOW)

AWARDED TO RECOGNISE OUTSTANDING PLANNING IDEAS FOR A PROJECT THAT IS LIMITED TO A SITE OR LOCAL PLACE/ NEIGHBOURHOOD.

12 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS AWARDS 13 AWARD TO URBANGROWTH FROM PLAN NSW COX RICHARDSON TO PLACE PROJECT THE PONDS STATE NSW

The housing of Sydney’s growing population in that are good places to live and which also address key issues of sustainability including social sustainability, is a very important task. Whilst many Central elements of part of the plan was to work plans promise a great deal, transforming the plan to out how to maintain the key the places they ‘sponsor’ a place have been the environmental features of are often lacking in some detailed design guidelines the project once the important elements. The that have been used to had been established, judges thought one entry turn the plan into a place including supporting an 80 really captured some of the and a focus on community hectare linear parkland. The best elements of current with both a community innovative solution was to practice in suburb-making. hub building as well as a establish an environmental very active new residents future fund to ensure the program. A particularly smart long term viability of the central riparian corridor. The plan also promotes the use of water sensitive urban design as a key component of much of the plan and its implementation. The popularity of the suburb as a place to live highlights the important role this development has played in lifting standards and providing a secure and sustainable community for a large number of western Sydney households for many years to come.

AWARDED TO RECOGNISE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A PLAN INTO A SUCCESSFUL PLACE.

14 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS AWARDS 15 AWARD TO The award goes to a project that serves commuters, that GREAT COX ARCHITECTURE connects the east and west PTY LTD, DESIGNINC sides of Chatswood, that created the basis for the PROJECT upgrade of the Chatswood PLACE Mall and surrounds, and CHATSWOOD that enhanced localized TRANSPORT connectivity to create much better urban spaces. INTERCHANGE + This project was not only METRO RESIDENTIAL about creating a large train station, it was about creating TOWERS residential, retail and entertainment opportunities STATE that would form the basis of NSW a new precinct and be part of the revitalization of the centre of Chatswood. The project was technically challenging and had a large number of complex issues and government stakeholders. The project is a model of what a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) should be.

AWARDED TO RECOGNISE A PLACE, STREET OR NEIGHBOURHOOD IN NSW

16 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS AWARDS 17 COMMENDATION The commendation for this award also goes to a GREAT LISMORE transportation centre, but SUSTAINABLE this time at a much smaller scale. The Lismore Transit TRANSPORT/ Centre had become, PLACE NORTHERN like many such centres, deserted and dangerous RIVERS SOCIAL thus discouraging users of DEVELOPMENT public transport. Moreover, COUNCIL the policing needed to make the centre functional, which emphasised the view that PROJECT the Centre was not a place LISMORE TRANSIT to spend time. CENTRE PROJECT The up-grade was based on the idea of Council creating STATE a place, and the resultant belief that stakeholders NSW should be intimately involved in the development and management of public spaces. The aim was not only to decrease anit-social behaviour but to achieve a space that was a positive addition to the community. It has been successful in achieving both. Through appropriate consultation, stakeholder involvement, good planning and design, Lismore has achieved a great place. Surveys show a dramatic change in local views of the transit centre.

AWARDED TO RECOGNISE A PLACE, STREET OR NEIGHBOURHOOD IN NSW

18 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS AWARDS 19

Using the NorBE Tool After entering lot information, which displays The NorBE Tool makes the NorBE assessment on the SIX Maps Viewer screen (Figure 1), the process less onerous for councils, providing a Pre-Assessment Checklist poses a series of consistent approach across all councils in generic questions to be asked at the start of meeting the requirements of the SEPP. each assessment. These questions help to Councils can assess most common types of focus the assessment on the nature of the developments, including most alterations and proposal and the adequacy and completion additions, swimming pools, single dwellings of all water quality documentation and dual occupancies, and small urban and accompanying the proposal. rural subdivisions. A Notice prepared under For a council user, the Tool will indicate Clause 64 of the Environmental Planning and immediately whether the proposal is one for Assessment Regulation 2000 allows Councils which they can complete the NorBE who use the NorBE tool to assume assessment (a Module 1: Sewered or Module concurrence for these development types, 2: Unsewered), or whether it needs to be enabling council staff to undertake their own referred to WaterNSW for concurrence. For NorBE assessments. consultants, the Tool will open the Consultants can prepare NorBE assessments appropriate Module screen (1, 2, 3 or 4) for The Tool saves the assessment each time the completionManagement’ of .the It assessment.models the Adirection series of and assessorfor lodging clicks withthe ‘Next’council buttonfor any to ty movepe of distance that three contaminants of concern development. Councils can then certify the questions relevant to the development type between the screens to the next part of the are(faecal posed coliforms, for each nitrogenModule, withand thepho mostsphorus) assessment.assessments It for thoseautomatically development generates types for will travel beyond the edge of the effluent which there is assumed concurrence, or thorough assessment required for conditions of consent according to the management area (EMA). This allows a visual forward them to WaterNSW for concurrence. development types with the greatest information entered by the user, for example potentialinterpretation risk to waterand quality.assessment The quest ofions the conditionsThe Tool relating guides theto erosionuser through and sedimenta number dealpotential with impact such ofissues a development as site onand water controlof screens measures. depending Notes canon thebe addednature atof anythe developmentquality (Figure risks, 2). including stormwater and proposal, recording the decision process for stage of the assessment. wastewater management. Help widgets have each development. beenThe useradded is torequired assist tothe enter user infanswerormation The unsewered Modules of the Tool (2 and 4) questions,(development and a poptype,-up boxeffluent appears whenvolumes, include the wastewater effluent model anproposed outcome wastewaterhas been reached. and disposal system (WEM) as part of the assessment. The WEM types and sizes, soils data and estimated risk) is a GIS-based effluent plume generation into four WEM screens that appear as ‘tabs’ AWARD TO COMMENDATION Transparency. Consistency. Additionally a developer modelling tool to support the design of on- across the top of the screen. The proposed Certainty. applicant may influence site wastewater systems, and the only one of EMA site is located by ‘clicking’ on the aerial WATERNSW WAVERLEY COUNCIL IMPROVING Three values required in where the contribution will its kind. It has been externally peer reviewed photo, which generates system GIS data for the business of developer be spent. by industry experts and has attracted the that site and its possible suitability as a PROJECT PROJECT contributions in NSW. An innovative policy, and an interest of other councils and other natural location for the EMA. improved planning process. resource management organisations. The THE NORBE WAVERLEY COUNCIL The judges were attracted PLANNING If the effluent plume is predicted to leave the A real synergy of ideas and WEM has been designed so that it can be ASSESSMENT TOOL PLANNING to the Waverley Council site, or reach a watercourse then the investment. used even by those without extensive Planning Agreement Policy proposed on-site system will not have AGREEMENT background knowledge or technical because it provided all three. demonstrated that it has a neutral or STATE PROCESSES expertise. POLICY 2014 beneficial effect on water quality. Also, errors NSW A transparent approach The WEM draws upon natural resource and system constraints are identified by the to negotiation and spatial data for model inputs and design Tool, allowing the WEM to be used as a Protecting the quality of STATE implementation. A consistent AND calculations, and meets the minimum design tool, and ensuring consistency with water sourced from Sydney’s NSW approach in assessment, requirements of the Australian Standard AS1547:2012 (Figure 3). drinking water catchment is and a certainty of outcome

1547:2012 ‘On-site Domestic Wastewater an important social function, in terms of an increase in Figure 1. NorBE Assessment Tool – The Lots Screen shared equally between floor space, while associated PRACTICES 2 Government at all levels, and increases in returns are the community. provided to Council as a In delivering a web-based public benefit. The additional tool to make a planning benefit was increased contribution in this scientific affordable housing for space, the judges agreed communities who need it! that WaterNSW had truly delivered an improved planning process. Enabling a consistent approach to the preparation of submissions and the regulatory assessment of the impact of development proposals on the catchment environment, use of the tool has reduced the number of applications needed to be Figure 2. Example of a WEM Outcome Effluent Plume Generation assessed by WaterNSW by 3 half, reducing assessment times, resource utilisation, and ultimately applicant costs. A worthy recipient of an Award in this category, as we have seen an assessment tool with a specific spatial and scientific focus, which meets AWARDED TO RECOGNISE THE the objective of streamlining ACHIEVEMENTS OF PLANNERS, PLANNING processes which may be AUTHORITIES AND DEVELOPMENT ENTITIES considered onerous by some. IN TRANSLATING GOOD PLANNING POLICY

INTO IMPROVED PROCESSES AND PRACTICES IN THE WORKPLACE AND ‘ON THE GROUND’. Figure 3. System constraints identified by Tool (in red and orange) The site of the proposed EMA, or type of on- and familiarisation program before ‘go live’ site system can be altered in various of both versions of the Tool. These programs scenarios to assess whether alternative provided the opportunity for further proposals contain the effluent on-site. In this enhancements to be identified and 20 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS AWARDS 21 way, consultants can use the NorBE Tool as a incorporated in the final version. Council staff design tool, ensuring that their proposal will were also formally surveyed on their have a neutral or beneficial effect on water experiences in using Version 1 of the Tool quality before they submit it to council as and their feedback was used to inform the part of the DA. recent upgrade. All training and support is The first part of the NorBE assessment, provided at no cost to councils or including wastewater effluent modelling if consultants. relevant, is able to be completed as a The NorBE Assessment Guideline supports desktop assessment. The last section requires the implementation of the SEPP by providing a site visit. In completing the relevant ‘tabs’ clear direction on what a NorBE means and for the assessment, the Tool leads to a how to achieve it, and provides the decision- particular action or generates a NorBE making framework for the NorBE Tool, outcome, for example that NorBE is satisfied, ensuring transparency. and for councils, that consent may be issued WaterNSW has also developed User Guides on water quality grounds. Reports for for both councils and consultants that individual assessments and determined provide step-by-step instructions on how to applications can also be generated directly use the Tool. Screen shots are included to from the Tool. inform every stage of the assessment Collaboration and Implementation process, as well as providing hints for The active involvement of key stakeholders troubleshooting. All these documents are was a key strength in the Tool’s available to download from WaterNSW’s development, affording a high degree of website, and through links provided in the scrutiny. Councils and consultants were NorBE Tool. Assistance is also available involved in workshops during development, through WaterNSW’s Help Desk link in the and participated in a comprehensive training Tool. 4

AWARD TO The plight of households who are experiencing OUTSTANDING EMMA CLINTON financial stress in the housing PIA (GRADUATE) market has been taken PIA AWARD NOMINATION up by planners, especially Emma Clinton PROJECT the plight of so called “key workers” such as teachers, STUDENT Outstanding HOUSING Student nurses and police. However, Project ESSENTIALS - LOW TO there are a larger and less PROJECT MODERATE INCOME charismatic group of workers oderate who are on low wages Income WORKERWorker HOUSING providing a very important Housing in range of services in cities. In Housing Essentials: Sydney’sIN SYDNEY’S an original and interesting Low to Moderate Income Worker Housing IN Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs EASTERN SUBURBS thesis, the student created a new category called

August 2015 STATE “essential workers” and used NSW quantitative data and a series of interviews to position this group right at the centre of the housing debate. “Housing Essentials: Low to Moderate Income Worker Housing” was considered by the judges as an outstanding and original piece of work that will make a significant contribution to the affordable housing debate in Sydney and elsewhere. The author concludes that an unexpected outcome of this research was the potential use of the “essential worker” term as way of galvanising action in the area of affordable housing.

AWARDED TO RECOGNISE OUTSTANDING PLANNING WORK BY A STUDENT.

22 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS AWARDS 23 COMMENDATION The role of urban markets is seen by many planners OUTSTANDING TINA KAO as a key opportunity for PIA (GRADUATE) stimulating economic activity in an area and PROJECT bringing additional foot STUDENT traffic to help stimulate THE IMPACT OF economic activity. RETAIL MARKETS ON International examples PROJECT LOCAL ECONOMY include the Brooklyn markets in New York and the Camden Town markets in STATE London. However, in Sydney NSW the Newtown markets were at one stage closed down by Marrickville Council who became concerned about their “negative economic impacts” on local shopkeepers. This issue highlighted the need to measure the impacts of markets on local economies. This task was the subject of a student research paper which used the case study of Surry Hills Markets in Sydney. “The impacts of retail markets on local economy” was considered by the judges as an excellent and original piece of work that will make a good contribution to the debate, and provide a more balanced view about the impacts of local markets. It also will provide an excellent platform for further research in this important area of research.

AWARDED TO RECOGNISE OUTSTANDING PLANNING WORK BY A STUDENT.

24 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS AWARDS 25 New Little Street pedestrian Crossing

AWARD TO that is often difficult to bring into the planning process. PUBLIC Lane Cove’s Strategy for COUNCIL an Age-Friendly Lane Cove aims to make the Council PROJECT area a good place for older ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR AN people to live, work and visit. The programme targets ‘AGE-FRIENDLY the environmental, social AND LANE COVE’ and economic factors that influence the health and STATE wellbeing of older adults. COMMUNITY NSW The judges were impressed by Council in the process of assessing a city’s strengths This project caught the and gaps, involved PLANNING Judges’ attention because older people at various of its integration into the rest stages of assessment. of the Local Government The programme not only COMMENDATION Associations (LGA) strategy, included the experience ASHFIELD COUNCIL and its aging community. of older people in the city, The Council applied but also developed social PROJECT international best practice cohesion and support standards and developed to lone households. The ASHFIELD TOWN a strategy that included programme aided council CENTRE RENEWAL an empirical rating tool but simultaneously helped that could be widely used form new support networks STATE across Australia. The strategy and friends. NSW Changing the roll-over kerb to an accessible parking space Busdevelopment stop shelter included and new seat at Warilla consultation with a group Ashfield Town Centre The consultation process was Renewal is a project that a lesson in doing things right. at first glance looks as if it is Interestingly it included the only about the renewal of a active contribution of 200 town centre. However when Ashfield Boys High School considering the judges found students.

that renewal is more broadly The result is a new Civic about dealing with the Centre, a great Public

cultural diversity. Square, green space and Ashfield Council conducted creative renewal, all aimed

New traffic lights at Birdwood Ave and Longueville Road a major community at accommodating diversity. engagement process

called Ashfield’s Biggest Conversation. The

Conversation assisted in the delivery of Ashfield’s AWARDED TO RECOGNISE INITIATIVES Town Centre Strategy and, IN BEST PRACTICE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT importantly, signalled the

THAT ACHIEVES AN OUTSTANDING AND significance of renewal, not only to the town centre INNOVATIVE CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIAL project but to Ashfield’s PLANNING PRACTICE AND OUTCOMES. neighbourhoods.

26 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS AWARDS 27

New seating plan for the western end of the Plaza – now installed New line work on pedestrian crossing

AWARD TO The winner of this Award Council also implemented faced the challenge of a other initiatives in the HARD WON GREATER TAREE shopping street that was town centre. In particular CITY COUNCIL largely devoid of people, regulations and charges and had a high number were replaced with three TIDY UP TAREE of vacancies. Council’s simple rules: a common VICTORY NIGHT BAZAAR relationship with shop sense approach, talk to owners was poor mainly neighbouring businesses, PROJECT due to onerous approval and be responsible for the processes for use of the footpath. Activity on the IMPROVING TAREE’S footpath, high fees, and footpath increased and is TOWN CENTRE the vigilance of Council now a permanent feature. Rangers. By working together, this STATE With seed funding that was Council revitalised their NSW supported by contributions streets and community from local businesses, the spirit, and developed strong Council implemented partnerships. Through a tidy up program to thinking and working create a civic meeting differently, they made place. Over 60 community significant changes to members worked hard their town centre with little over two days to achieve funding and lots of people a new meeting place power, driven largely by the with public art, flowering community. gardens and comfortable seating. A Night Bazaar then took over the street, where over 5,000 people came out to celebrate.

THIS AWARD IS FOR A PLANNING INITIATIVE, EFFORT OR LEADERSHIP THAT HAS RESULTED IN POSITIVE PLANNING OUTCOMES IN THE FACE OF DIFFICULT OR TRYING CIRCUMSTANCES.

28 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS AWARDS 29 AWARD TO COMMENDATION The judges were impressed with her demonstrated YOUNG ANDREW WHEELER LAURA innovation in project PIA (AFFILIATE) SCHMAHMANN delivery and contribution MPIA to the management of STATE the planning practice of PLANNER OF her employer. She has NSW STATE also presented papers at NSW local and international THE YEAR Andrew Wheeler has conferences, contributed achieved a great deal to planning publications, This Young Planner is at the in his relatively short and played an active role in beginning of a promising planning career. The judges the PIA NSW Young Planners career in planning. She AWARD were impressed by his committee. has honed her skills in State considerable contribution government and consulting From the glowing references to research and policy and has recently been she has received, this Young development in the accepted as a Masters Planner is considered important public policy of Philosophy Research a ‘future leader for the area of planning for healthy Candidate, where she is profession’ and is ‘exactly built environments, and his researching knowledge the kind of emerging efforts toward promoting and spillovers in industry clusters exceptional talent that the raising the profile of planning in Sydney. planning profession will need by presenting at numerous to drive the role of spatial planning and other planning forward’. interdisciplinary conferences. And as if that wasn’t enough in such a short career, this Young Planner has also made a significant contribution to PIA as Managing Editor of New Planner, National Convenor of the Young Planners Network, PIA Board Director, and sitting on various CATEGORY SPONSOR committees. According to his many referees, this Young Planner has ‘demonstrated a mature grasp of complex relationships between research, policy and practice’ and has ‘helped raise the profile of healthy planning among public health and planning profes sionals’.

FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION OR ACHIEVEMENT BY A YOUNG PLANNER.

30 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS AWARDS 31 AWARD TO A well respected independent planner PLANNER OF SARAH HILL, MPIA who is also an advisor to government on matters STATE relating to urban renewal, strategic planning and THE YEAR NSW governance, and a planner who led and completed major projects with high AWARD accolades as well as a significant contribution in the planning industry this year (and over the past few years), is this year’s Planner of the Year. Having made a significant contribution and being a member on advisory committees and panels, leading major projects in the last year, such as the housing diversity study for UrbanGrowth NSW and , developing a draft retail policy to inform the NSW SEPP and advising Cabinet on the economic barriers to Sydney Centres – the judges believed that Sarah Hill is a model worthy of this award. Sarah is an innovative and business leader at HillPDA, has promoted women in the planning industry and in the last two years lead the way on cultural change and the value of planning for the profession. We have all seen Sarah in action, and acknowledge her dedication, leadership and frankness to achieving good planning blended with economic thinking in NSW. Congratulations to Sarah Hill for the award for Planner of the Year.

AWARDED TO RECOGNISE A PLANNER WHO PROVIDES VISIONARY LEADERSHIP.

32 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS AWARDS 33 AWARD TO In making this Award, the NSW President Award, I have PRESIDENT’S PATRICK FENSHAM considered the projects MPIA and nominations made for 2015. I have selected a STATE well-regarded and admired AWARD 2015 planner who has made NSW a significant contribution to planning, led a range of policy debates and set planning and economic frameworks across the state and country. In recognition of his understanding of the big picture metropolitan issues, his innovative thinking in strategic policy issues, and his contribution to urban economy, I congratulate Patrick Fensham on his success on this award. In keeping with the intent of enhancing and leading planning debates, Patrick Fensham has managed and been involved with government in setting policy platforms, such as the employment lands, and has made a contribution to urban renewal projects, such as Central to Eveleigh. He is an important leader in SGS where his inspiration and commitment is copied, and his wealth of knowledge is shared by many. Congratulations to Patrick Fensham.

AWARDED TO RECOGNISE ACHIEVEMENT IN REPORTING OR PROMOTING PLANNING ISSUES IN THE PUBLIC ARENA.

34 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS AWARDS 35 AWARD NOMINATIONS

BEST PLANNING IDEAS FROM PLAN TO PLACE GREAT PLACE IMPROVING OUTSTANDING PROMOTION OF THE HARD WON - SMALL PROJECT PLANNING PROCESSES STUDENT PROJECT PLANNING VICTORY Mark Moran at Little Bay Lismore Transit Centre Project AND PRACTICES Urban Interventions GSA Planning Lismore Sustainable Internal Tug-of-War: The Hunter Strategic Infrastructure SPCC - Narnia Christian Waverley Council Transport/Northern Rivers The NorBE Assessment Tool experiences of rural youth Plan - Stakeholder Preschool The Ponds Social Development Council WaterNSW out-migration Students Engagement & Promotion Environmental Property Liverpool City Centre UrbanGrowth NSW & Cox Ellie-Mae Simpson Package Services (Aust) Pty Ltd Revitalisation - Macquarie Richardson The Ponds Port Stephens Development Hunter Development Street Mall & Bigge Park UrbanGrowth NSW & Cox Control Plan 2014 The Impact of Retail Markets Corporation Improving Taree’s town URBIS Richardson on Local Economy centre Tina Kao, PIA (Graduate) PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Greater Taree City Council & BEST PLANNING IDEAS Chatswood Transport Waverley Council Planning Tidy up Taree & Night Bazaar Interchange + Metro Agreement Policy 2014 “Housing Essentials - Low to & COMMUNITY - LARGE PROJECT PLANNING Residential Towers Waverly Council moderate income worker YOUNG PLANNER SEPP 65 and the Apartment COX Architecture Pty Ltd housing in Sydney’s Eastern Strategy for an ‘Age-Friendly OF THE YEAR Design Guide & DESIGNINC Suburbs” Lane Cove’ NSW Department of Planning Emma Clinton, Laura Schmahmann, MPIA & Environment PIA (Graduate) Ashfield Town Centre Elle Clouston, MPIA Penrith Progression - Place PLANNER OF THE YEAR Renewal Strategy Andrew Wheeler, Shaping Framwork Ashfield Council Hames Sharley & Penrith City Sarah Hill, MPIA PIA (Affiliate) Council Future Gladesville - Community-led DCP PRESIDENTS AWARD Parramatta City Centre Amendment Planner of the Year Planning Framework Study Place Partners & Patrick Fensham, MPIA Architectus Group Pty Ltd Hunters Hill Council

36 PLANNING EXCELLENCE 2015 NSW AWARDS AWARD NOMINATIONS 37 THANK YOU

The Planning Institute of Contact PIA Australia (PIA) is the peak For more information on PIA national body representing policy, events, initiatives and planning professionals. becoming a member, visit PIA was established in www.planning.org.au 1951 to serve planning professionals and promote For more information on PIA planning as a profession. events and activities, visit PIA boasts approximately www.planning.org.au 4,800 members and supports planners in all states and Planning Institute Australia - territories in Australia. It National Office also has representation Suite 16/Level 3, in 36 different countries 11 National Circuit, around the world. PIA aims Barton ACT 2600 to support the Australian planning profession and T 02 6262 5933 community in the creation E [email protected] of liveable communities, W planning.org.au vibrant economies, sustainable places, diverse cultural expression and social cohesion.

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