Planning Excellence 2012 AWARDS

Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice

Commemorative Booklet PIA Awards for Planning Excellence

The PIA Awards for Planning Excellence leadership. The category line up now has a recognise, reward and celebrate outstanding more holistic coverage of those unique goals planning achievements. This is a highly some planning projects set out to achieve and regarded industry awards program that to better represent the multidisciplinary nature provides a forum for planners and planning of planning practice. Additional categories teams within the profession to showcase their were created to celebrate planning leadership excellent work and promote planning to the by both planners and non-planners. We will wider community. continue to improve the quality and credibility of the PIA Awards for Planning Excellence The annual Awards program allows planning each year. professionals from all states and territories the opportunity to have their work critically judged Those who participate in the PIA Awards for by local peers with winning projects from each Planning Excellence make a small but important jurisdiction later judged at the PIA National contribution that demonstrates a commitment Awards ceremony. Planning projects winning to advancing the planning profession. Through at state or territory level have the opportunity this program the community can see the to be acknowledged nationally as the best of enormously important and positive contribution what planning and planners in Australia have the Planning profession makes to the future of to offer. human settlement. The program is designed to encourage continued excellence in planning achievements in an industry that applauds leadership, creativity and best practice. Promoting planning success stories in this way reaches out to engage the community with the message that planners really do make a difference. Kirsty Kelly Dyan Currie The set of categories in the PIA Awards for Excellence program was recently revised to put more focus on planning practice and planning Contents Contents

Message from the PIA SA President 4 Message from the PIA SA Awards Convenor 5 2012 Awards for Excellence Sponsors 6 2012 Awards Convenor & Judges 7 Planner of the Year 8 Young Planner of the Year 9 From Plan to Place Award 10 Outstanding Student Project Award - Tertiary 12 Best Planning Ideas Award - Large Project 13 Best Planning Ideas Award - Small Project 16 Public Engagement & Community Planning Award 17 Improving Planning Processes and Practices Award 19 Great Place Award 22 Cutting Edge Research and Teaching Award 23 President’s Award 25 Minister’s Award 26 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Overview 28 2012 Planning Excellence Awards Nominees 30 Fellow Elevation 35

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Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice. 3 Message from PIA SA President Message from PIA SA Convenor

A wide range of South Australian nominations The nature of planning for good and tangible received this year reflect the considerable work outcomes necessarily involves a time lag undertaken by planners in all public and private between the planning process and its results, sectors over the last twelve months. by which time other planning tasks have come to dominate the thoughts and efforts of those I congratulate the entrants on their submissions who work constantly in the field. and the Awards Committee for the difficult job of judging the entries. The focus for planning has As mentioned previously, ‘Good news’ more recently been on the city and the entries accounts of planning are frequently overlooked reflect the necessary planning for quality public for planning involves contested viewpoints space, interactive community consultation and from across different sectors of the community. building liveable, well designed higher density This is why PIA Awards are so valuable for the housing. This builds upon the quality of past profession and the wider public. The event is planning by our fellow members and I would a time to pause, appreciate and celebrate the like to take this opportunity to acknowledge quality of planning in ‘making a difference’ in that our prizewinners in their fields of planning this state and to recognise the people involved. I continue the fine tradition of good planning particularly thank our sponsors for their support demonstrated by our predecessors in planning to enable us to promote the awards to a wider such as Stuart Hart AO whose contribution to audience. Enjoy the moment and anticipate the the development of the region has future! been recognised nationally.

An evolving process of planning has come to demonstrate the relevance of working across related professions collaboratively as demonstrated in the Integrated Design Commission’s excellent workshops over the Dr Iris Iwanicki FPIA, past two years. The dialogues engendered President PIA SA Division have been exciting and we look forward to the continued application of this process through the structures set up by our state premier and planning minister. Landscape architecture, architecture, engineering, surveying and planning contribute to quality outcomes and I am impressed at the passion and competence of the multidisciplinary teams involved in the entries received.

4 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Commemoration Publication Message from PIA SA Convenor

As a profession, planning is firmly grounded to recognise the personal contributions of in a rich tradition of place-making and place- individuals, up from only one last year. changing. From the earliest building regulations through to today’s major urban projects, Once again my thanks go to the judging panel planning is the profession that is uniquely able for their expert assessment and their collegiate to plan and deliver places and spaces that work approach, as well as to Des and the PIA team for communities, for the environment and for for their support. the economy. Importantly, thanks also to all those PIA This year’s Award nominations are a showcase Members who put in the work required to submit of just how effective planning can be in shaping a nomination. Congratulations to the winners tomorrow’s environments and communities. and best wishes for the national judging. They highlight a diverse range of planning achievements and remind us all that the ultimate test of planning must always be whether it leads to a tangible improvement (either directly or indirectly) to what happens “on the ground”.

This year a total of 29 nominations were received across ten categories. This is seven more than Stuart Moseley FPIA, CPP last year, a very pleasing result considering the Convenor 2012 SA Awards for Planning tough economic climate that we have seen over Excellence the last 12 months.

This is the second year of the new nationally- consistent awards categories, which offer much greater scope for the Awards to recognise places and people (as well as continuing the “tradition” of recognising plans and planning). Pleasingly, this year’s nominations are starting to take advantage of the new opportunities that the new categories offer.

For example, this year there were a total of five nominations received to recognise places and spaces, up from only two last year. Similarly, this year a total of four nominations sought

Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice. 5 PIA SA would like to thank the generous sponsors of the 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence

2012 Awards for Excellence Sponsors

6 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Commemoration Publication PIA SA would like to thank the Convenor & Judges for their time and assistance with the 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence

2012 Awards for Excellence Sponsors 2012 Awards Convenor & Judges

Judges Convenor

Dr Donna Ferretti Stuart Moseley

Cate Atkinson

Gavin Leydon

Dr Iris Iwanicki

Des Commerford

Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice. 7 Planner of the Year This Award recognises a planner who provides visionary leadership. WINNER NICOLE HALSEY URPS

Nicole brings an extremely collaborative style to her leadership roles. She draws out the skills and knowledge of those on the team to build a robust solution to the task being addressed. She is encouraging and supportive of staff who are at earlier stages of their careers. She is an excellent mentor.

Nicole’s areas of expertise include climate change and National Resource Management planning and community engagement. Nicole has been working with State and local government and the not for profit sector assisting organisations and the wider community understand what climate change means for them.

Last year, this work culminated in Nicole’s appointment to the Premier’s Climate Change Council which is an independent body reporting direct to government on climate change issues in our State.

Nicole inspires collaboration in a wide range of environmental planning, social planning and master plan projects. These projects have included Facilitation of the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Planning Reference Group, City of Port Augusta Consultation with Children and Young People, Resilient Coastal Communities preparing for Sea Level Rise in the Upper Spencer Gulf and Bridging the Gap between Planning, Development and the National Resource Management.

Nicole has demonstrated superior communication skills tailored to a range of diverse stakeholders and is a leader in her field as demonstrated by her appointment to the Renewable SA Board, membership of the SA Premier’s Climate Change Council, Former Chair of the PIA (SA) Environmental Planning Chapter, presentations of several papers at Planning Conferences. She is currently a Director of URPS.

Nicole is a worthy recipient of the Planner of the Year Award 2012.

8 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Commemoration Publication Young Planner of the Year This Award recognises the outstanding contribution or achievement of a Young Planner. WINNER MICHAEL ARMAN URPS

Michael graduated from the University of South Australia with a first class honours in the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning in 2010. In 2011 Michael was awarded the PIA Undergraduate Student Prize and the University of South Australia Certificate of Academic Excellence, along with the University’s Social Planning Thesis Award.

Michael’s outstanding input into the profession is framed by contributions to a number of academic publications; co-authored research projects presentations at conferences and leadership roles in the PIA Young Planners Committee.

Michael’s commitment to social justice and environment sustainability permeates all areas of his life beyond his professional interests. He is a volunteer tutor for the Australian Refugee Association, a volunteer for Trees for Life, and has volunteered with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition.

Since graduating Michael has been a key player, on behalf of his employer, in such projects across a wide variety of topics and clients. His generous giving of his time to the Planning Institute is well known and appreciated.

He is an emerging leader of our profession in South Australia and brings skills and passion to a range of roles in promoting excellence in planning.

Michael is a worthy recipient of the Young Planner of the Year Award 2012.

Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice. 9 From Plan to Place Award This Award recognises the implementation of a plan into a successful place. WINNER Christies Beach to Port Noarlunga Foreshore Revitalisation City of Onkaparinga, Shannon Architects, Outerspace Landscape Architects, Taylor Cullity Lethlean, Badge Constructions, MacMahon Services & Outside Ideas This project has transformed a key section of the south coast foreshore into a vibrant, attractive and functional open space that balances environmental objectives with recreation, tourism and economic development objectives.

In bringing together four (4) individual projects that draw on strategic objectives and urban design principles expressed in Federal, State and local planning documents, the City of Onkaparinga has created an exciting and attractive place that effectively connects a series of key nodes along the coast.

By engaging with a range of community groups and acknowledging important historical events, the project has engendered a strong sense of place and ownership amongst locals and visitors alike, ensuring that it will remain a popular destination.

The project is an exemplary approach to the renewal and reinvigoration of a complex and highly used coastal foreshore.

10 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Commemoration Publication From Plan to Place Award This Award recognises the implementation of a plan into a successful place. WINNER Revitalising St Peters Project Stage 1, Dunstone Grove Linde Reserve City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters

This is a highly impressive project that demonstrates the benefits of an integrated and well- planned approach to place-making and local infrastructure development.

In bringing together a range of environmental design initiatives with public art, a community garden and re-modelled community facilities, the project has transformed a previously tired but well located local park into a vital community asset that is accessible and appealing to a wide range of social groups.

The project incorporates innovative water sensitive design techniques and energy efficiency mechanisms while enhancing the accessibility and connectivity of the Reserve that will assist in boosting the local economy and enhancing the vibrancy of the locality.

Dunstone Grove – Linde Reserve is an outstanding example of how effective planning can be in improving the quality and amenity of local places and spaces.

Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice. 11 Outstanding Student Project Award Tertiary This Award recognises outstanding planning work by a tertiary student. WINNER Unley Road Transit Corridor Redevelopment Gabriella Vikor, Jack Reynolds, Jordan Peters, Laura Kerber & Mohammed Ali from the University of South Australia An excellently conceived and structured study, this work displays a level of maturity not normally seen in student projects of this sort.

The objectives and rationale for the study are clearly articulated while the study outcomes are ably supported by documentary evidence. Accessible and easy to read, the judges were extremely impressed with the way in which the study brings together local development plan provisions with the broader metropolitan objectives of the 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide.

In demonstrating a strategic approach, this study will offer a very useful reference point for the City of Unley’s planning staff and any other council seeking to encourage vibrant development in and around important transit corridors.

12 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Commemoration Publication Outstanding Student Project Award Best Planning Ideas Award - Large Project This Award recognises outstanding planning ideas. WINNER Adelaide City South East Precinct Master Plan Renewal SA, Jensen Planning + Design, Grieve Gillett, Bell Planning Associates & Intermethod

This project is an outstanding approach to planning for the effective rejuvenation of existing housing estates.

This project is exemplary in its approach to identifying the enormous potential for a large scale mixed use and distinctive new “quarter” for the city by focusing upon three large public housing sites in the south east corner of the city.

The master plan presents concepts of internal communal open space and pedestrian linkages. Opportunities are explored for the creation of new public plazas as well as the concept of vertical and roof gardens as an approach to improve the urban environment of higher density living areas.

Design concepts to achieve a more sustainable living arrangement inform the concept plans inclusive of energy and water consumption, greening the city, movement and parking aspects.

The plan also provides a guide for policy review, future infrastructure planning, and a framework for staged development over the next 5-20 years within an expected delivery of good design outcomes.

Well illustrated, clear in intent and with a comprehensive estimate of ongoing costs in today’s economy the Master Plan provides an accessible and attractive document and is noteworthy for carrying the expectations of a more collaborative design process one step further in its scope and content.

Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice. 13 Best Planning Ideas Award - Large Project This Award recognises outstanding planning ideas.

COMMENDATION Planning for Social Infrastructure and Community Services for Urban Growth Areas , South Australian Local Government Association, City of Salisbury, City of Playford, City of Onkaparinga & Elton Consulting

Responding to the 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide’s increased density infill development, this entry is highly commended for its examination of future social infrastructure needs.

As a collaborative exercise between the Cities of Charles Sturt, Salisbury, Onkaparinga and Playford and the Local Government Association the associated research into emergent social needs involved intensive consultation with local and state government agencies, community organisations, academics and developers.

The report focused on areas for future development linked to improved public transport infrastructure and provided informative case studies from existing urban growth areas in Australia and overseas. While the latter are useful, the process was based upon a clear appreciation of local issues and mindful of the implications of an ageing population as well as increased population density upon local social resources and capacities.

The report takes a strategic look at locations, areas and needs in metropolitan Adelaide but has applicability to all social planning methodology within a wider context.

The result is a timely guide which helps to ensure that social infrastructure planning is recognised as an important component in helping to create liveable and sustainable communities.

14 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Commemoration Publication Best Planning Ideas Award - Large Project This Award recognises outstanding planning ideas.

COMMENDATION Rundle Mall Master Plan Adelaide City Council, Connor Holmes, FJMT, DASH Architects, Steensen Varming (Australia), Murray F Young & Associates, Rider Levett Bucknall & Empower Justice Service

The Master Plan is commended for its approach for rejuvenating Rundle Mall, Adelaide City’s main retail centre.

As a place making project, the process involved extensive stakeholder and community engagement as a key element to identifying effective outcomes. A comprehensive review of physical, economic and organisational aspects of the Mall shifted the focus away from traditional urban design and planning approaches by successfully integrating the hard and soft elements of place through a robust governance and implementation framework that could be adopted for other precincts, main street and / or centres.

Emphasis has been placed on creating vibrant colour and spaces within the Mall as a catalyst for diversions and ephemeral activities. The result promises vibrancy while respecting heritage buildings and retaining key sculptures and other features of the Mall that make the place distinctive.

As a result of the Master Plan, significant funding has been secured to see the development of the Mall commence in 2013. The project has the potential to act as a catalyst for a larger City renewal and sets the scene for enlivening public space throughout the Mall. The judges were impressed by the well documented and attractively presented entry.

Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice. 15 Best Planning Ideas Award - Small Project This Award recognises outstanding planning ideas. WINNER Streaky Bay District Management Plan District Council of Streaky Bay, Suter Planners, Wax Design & URPS

The Streaky Bay District Management Plan is an impressive piece of work which has been underpinned by a rigorous and comprehensive engagement program.

It articulates a balanced and defensible account of the important environmental attributes of the district and the opportunities these present to realistically shape the district’s future development.

Well illustrated and set out, this Plan demonstrates a truly collaborative approach that should, as a result, enjoy widespread community support.

The Plan demonstrates that good planning is as much at the heart of our regions as it is at the heart of our cities, and is a tribute to the foresight and initiative of the client Council.

The report challenges correct planning practice by placing the assessment of demand and supply as the framework for the strategic direction of particular locations within the study area. Small locations and sites of the study are treated in a manner to enhance the uniqueness of the local environment and community expectations and at the same time produce a co- ordinated approach to coastal management.

16 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Commemoration Publication Public Engagement and Community Planning Award This Award recognises initiatives in best practice public engagement that achieve an outstanding and innovative contribution to social planning practice and outcomes. WINNER Adelaide Central Reinforcement Project ElectraNet Pty Ltd, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Aurecon & Gould Thorpe Planning

This project is an outstanding example of how good community engagement and broad-based project planning can deliver infrastructure that not only provides essential services, but adds considerably to the cultural and social fabric of communities.

The Adelaide Central Reinforcement Project started with the imperative of securing additional electricity supply into central Adelaide in order to underpin future growth and investment in the City.

However through a comprehensive process of engagement with communities and Councils (and a willingness to respond), coupled with the innovative use of analytical tools based on social and environmental parameters (as well as economic and financial), the Project ended up delivering significant community “wins” beyond the core infrastructure provision outcome.

These included building the new cables into a new and innovatively-designed pedestrian bridge across the (rather than opting simply to route the cables along across the River), a new electricity substation that is enclosed within a building (rather than the traditional “open air” approach) and the undergrounding of the new trunk cables.

None of these outcomes were originally envisaged when the Project commenced.

By demonstrating a broad-based and community-grounded approach, the Adelaide Central Reinforcement Project demonstrates the value of incorporating community planning into major infrastructure projects to deliver better outcomes.

Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice. 17 Public Engagement and Community Planning Award This Award recognises initiatives in best practice public engagement that achieve an outstanding and innovative contribution to social planning practice and outcomes.

COMMENDATION City Plan 2030 – Shaping Our Future – Engagement with Children and Young People City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters, Wax Design & URPS At last a project that solely engages the minds of the future in a tangible and accessible way.

In recognising the value that children and youth can bring to planning, the project has demonstrated that their insightfulness is important in building the urban environments of tomorrow.

Just as importantly, the project and has developed and trialled techniques that can be applied more broadly to draw out these insights and apply them to planning for the future.

In particular, the judges were impressed at the way that the process of engagement recognised that children and students tend to live more “in the moment” than many of us. The engagement approach was tailored accordingly, rather than just including young people in a broader process.

The project allowed for the consultation outcomes to be carried forward into action by providing a clear link to the Councils’ Strategic Plan, and was presented to a very high standard.

The judges would like to encourage the Council to undertake a longitudinal study with this same group over the next 10-15 years to determine how their views change over time, and understand the extent to which consultation with young people succeeds in shaping their environment.

18 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Commemoration Publication Improving Planning Processes and Practices Award This Award recognises the achievements of planners, planning authorities and development entitites in translating good planning policy into improved processes and practices in the workplace and ‘on the ground’. WINNER Streets for People Compendium for South Australia Practice South Australian Active Living Coalition, Heart Foundation, Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, Renewal SA, Department of Health and Ageing, GTA Consultants & Intermethod This project is an outstanding example of how the quality and efficiency of the planning and development assessment system can be boosted by providing information resources that support quality design and decisions.

Responding to an identified gap in information and consistency across South Australia regarding the design of shared-use spaces between cyclists, pedestrians, cars (and increasingly gophers and electric bikes), the Active Living Coalition has produced an attractive and readable document full of information and guidance for street designers, landscape architects, engineers and planners across the State.

The Compendium is the result of a collaborative review of existing traffic and road design standards and guidelines and national and international best practice with a particular focus on lower trafficked street environments.

It provides best practice examples and graphically demonstrates how these can be applied “on the ground”, and has been successfully trialled in consultation workshops and guided street design for the Bowden redevelopment and street cross section designs in the City of Charles Sturt.

The Compendium is user friendly and demonstrates rigour in its clear and specific statement of objectives, evidence of sound and plausible research, analysis, and in conclusion provides comprehensive reference to Australian and other standards and further resources to achieve ‘liveable streets.’

Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice. 19 Improving Planning Processes and Practices Award This Award recognises the achievements of planners, planning authorities and development entitites in translating good planning policy into improved processes and practices in the workplace and ‘on the ground’.

COMMENDATION Integrated Design Commission - Design Review Panel Integrated Design Commission

The South Australian Design Review Panels aim to support the statutory planning system by providing a mechanism for the collaborative and iterative attainment of design excellence.

Modelled on the approach implemented by the UK Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), the Panels are a broad-based tool intended to assist in improve the quality of design and ‘to build a robust and transparent ongoing conversation in design in South Australia’.

The Panels offer an independent and voluntary process to designers and prospective applicants in both the public and private sector. Made up of members selected from a pool of thirty design and planning related professionals, the Panels are one of the key methods identified for improving the quality of design and the built environment in South Australia.

The Panels provide a peer review process carried out in a two-way sharing of information and material prior to the formal lodgement of a development application. Outcomes are intended to promote and support design quality within significant developments.

A variant of the Panels has recently been implemented by the State Government in the City of Adelaide, auguring well for the contribution this initiative can make to the quality of development proposals in South Australia.

20 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Commemoration Publication Improving Planning Processes and Practices Award Improving Planning Processes and Practices Award This Award recognises the achievements of planners, planning authorities and development entitites in translating good planning policy into improved processes and practices in the workplace and ‘on the ground’.

COMMENDATION The Residential Code Improvement and Implementation Program Department of Planning, Transport & Infrastructure, Connor Holmes & Heynen Planning Consultants The South Australian Residential Code Improvement Program is a broad-based approach that comprises a comprehensive platform of regulatory change, information resources, training and promotion aimed at achieving user buy-in for the streamlined assessment of minor and routine development applications.

The Project involved consultation with a reference group of key stakeholders; a peer review of relevant reports and research; regulation changes; a fact sheet and “plain English” user guide; a “smart” electronic checklist and special-purpose development application form; a series of training sessions across the State; and a website consolidating information and resources into a single location.

The Program has delivered a suite of information and practical tools that will enable proponents and Council officers to gain the benefit of the Code from a “lay” persons perspective. It is based on extensive research and on a “user perspective” to determining impediments to the understanding and use of the Code.

The program illustrates significant partnership principles, involving stakeholders at key stages and being based on an imperative to support and assist (not just to control and regulate).

The Residential Code Improvement and Implementation Program is noteworthy for its rigorous, broad-based, innovative and comprehensive approach to what has previously been viewed almost entirely as a technical regulatory instrument.

Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice. 21 Great Place Award This Award recognises a ‘Great Place, Street or Neighbourhood’ in South Australia. WINNER Stirling - The Spirit of the Hills Council & Stirling Business Association

The District Centre of Stirling, situated in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, is an iconic, economically vibrant and culturally significant place that is valued not only for its natural and/or built features, but for its connectedness, resonance with people and its capacity to make us feel good.

Stirling District Centre is a place that engages people on a range of levels, meets a wide range of interests, gets people out of their homes and into the environment, and is a genuine experience.

The judges were particularly impressed by the overall community engagement that occurs in Stirling and the range of activities it hosts that are focussed on the existing environment and using it to its best advantage.

This has re-energized the town and ensures its existing assets are used to their optimum. The range of experiences within the town meets the varied interests of all who visit, and has underpinned the existing community without necessarily having a overall negative impact upon them.

Careful management of built development, the retention of historically important buildings, investment in civic facilities, the calming of traffic, the provision of welcoming pedestrian environments and a strong partnership between the Council, businesses and community has ensured the success of this ‘great’ South Australian place.

22 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Commemoration Publication Great Place Award Cutting Edge Research and Teaching Award This Award recognises an outstanding achievement in planning scholarship, research or teaching. WINNER Green Infrastructure Working Paper Connor Holmes, Oxigen & Botanic Gardens of Adelaide

The Working Paper on Green Infrastructure contributes strongly to planning issues and op- portunities within the urban environment and clearly sets out the values and benefits of this approach for a range of development partners. Sound research has been defined in the paper to establish an innovative approach to forging links between government and private agencies to define an achievable vision for a range of green infrastructure assets.

The paper is framed by clarity in the presentation with a user friendly communication of re- quired techniques and challenges to deliver an integrated approach to all aspects of a project. The use of international and national case studies, to promote this planning concept and im- portance of green infrastructure, as a design tool, reinforces the success of sustainability prin- ciples and innovation being embedded in development processes.

The judging panel was impressed by the extent to which the authors of the paper aimed to engage stakeholders with a range of implementation streams to achieve an outcome that ad- dresses all aspects of a project by linking existing planning processes with green infrastructure strategies. The paper is not only a teaching and research manual but promotes a new ap- proach to urban form as attractive and vibrant living environment.

Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice. 23 Cutting Edge Research and Teaching Award This Award recognises an outstanding achievement in planning scholarship, research or teaching.

COMMENDATION Best Practice Open Space in Higher Density Developments Project Suter Planners, Wax Design, URS, TECTVS, Ric McConnaghy & City of Charles Sturt

This research project strengthens the current principles related to the design of quality and innovative open space. The research undertaken by the project team clearly reinforced the need for building upon various levels of best practice in the built environment. The project demonstrates benefits and opportunities for stakeholders and introduces a new approach to planning for open space to achieve high quality in design of higher density development.

The report defines objectives and recommendations in a clear statement for key outcomes to be achieved by planners in working with developers and communities. It was clear to the judging panel that the report was grounded in practical research to support guidelines for integration of amenity issues to maintain and promote high quality open space provisions.

24 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Commemoration Publication Cutting Edge Research and Teaching Award President’s Award This award recognises the most outstanding contribution to issues relating to urban and or regional planning in Australia WINNER Resilient Coastal Communities: Preparing For Sea Level Rise In The Upper Spencer Gulf Integrated Climate Change Sector Agreement Committee, URPS, Sinclair Knight Merz, Dr Mark Siebentritt, SGS Economics & Planning, Bell Planning Associates & Norman Waterhouse Lawyers My Award for the Report on Resilient Coastal Communities is for a number of reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates a way to translate what to many people is an important future issue but is lacking in immediate relevance to their daily life. As the introduction to the Report states, the emphasis on resilience in facing future challenges is well documented in government policies. Much of the work undertaken to date by the three tiers of government to assist communities to adapt to climate change involves high level strategic direction. However, it does not necessarily provide guidance to the broader community in terms of how to respond to and plan for climate change. Providing this guidance to the community is a key aspect to be addressed as climate adaptation planning takes place around the State.

This report addresses the need to build the resilience and adaptive capacity of business and communities at the regional and local level, to empower people to take action by making relevant information available and proposing a process of decision making through easily accessible tools to increase community awareness and understanding of the opportunities of climate change. Focus was on the city of Whyalla and it’s community.

The result is an excellent example of consultation and engagement on an important national issue.

Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice. 25 Minister’s Award This Award recognises the achievements of planners, planning authorities and development entitites in translating good planning policy into improved processes and practices in the workplace and ‘on the ground’. WINNER Adelaide Central Reinforcement Project ElectraNet Pty Ltd, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Aurecon & Gould Thorpe Planning

Revitalising our City and selected areas of our inner suburbs is at the heart of the 30 Year Plan, and at the heart of the Government’s planning agenda. High quality infrastructure, outstanding design and effective community engagement are essential pre-requisites for success.

The Adelaide Central Reinforcement Project is exemplary in the way that it combines all three of these important considerations.

By augmenting the City’s power supply, the project will underpin the growth of jobs and population that we all want to see in the inner City.

Through innovative design and a broad-based approach to assessing costs and benefits, the infrastructure has also delivered community and environmental benefits.

And perhaps most importantly, the proponent has engaged affected communities and addressed community issues as an integrated component of the project.

The Adelaide Central Reinforcement Project has not only achieved a very important infrastructure outcome, but done so in a way that engages the community and satisfies broader environmental and social concerns.

These are all principles that can and should be applied more broadly to support the processes of urban growth and change envisaged by the 30 Year Plan.

26 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Commemoration Publication Minister’s Award Minister’s Award This Award recognises the achievements of planners, planning authorities and development entitites in translating good planning policy into improved processes and practices in the workplace and ‘on the ground’.

COMMENDATION Streaky Bay District Management Plan District Council of Streaky Bay, Suter Planners, Wax Design & URPS

Regional Councils face particular challenges in planning for the future of their communities – and none moreso than coastal Councils, who are grappling with important issues like sea level rise, coastal recreation and tourism, and population growth.

The Streaky Bay District Management Plan is an outstanding example of a small rural Council using partnership processes to achieve a robust high-quality planning framework that reflects local aspirations.

Council engaged its communities and worked collaboratively with Government agencies to deliver a plan that has been presented to a very high standard and will serve as a valuable planning tool for the District for many years to come.

Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice. 27 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Overview

Planner of the Year Award Winner: Nicole Halsey URPS Young Planner of the Year Award Winner: Michael Arman URPS From Plan to Place Award Winner: Christies Beach to Port Noarlunga Foreshore Revitalisation City of Onkaparinga, Shannon Architects, Outerspace Landscape Architects, Taylor Cullity Lethlean, Badge Constructions, McMahon Services, Outside Ideas Winner: Revitalising St Peters (Stage 1 - Dunstone Grove/Linde Reserve Redevelopment) City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters Outstanding Student Project Award - Tertiary Award Winner: Unley Road Transit Corridor Redevelopment Gabriella Vikor, Jack Reynolds, Jordan Peters, Laura Kerber, Mohammed Ali from the University of South Australia Best Planning Ideas - Large Project Award Winner: Adelaide City South East Precinct Master Plan Renewal SA, Jensen Planning + Design, Grieve Gillett, Bell Planning Associates, Intermethod Commendation: Planning for Social Infrastructure and Community Services for Urban Growth Areas City of Charles Sturt, South Australian Local Government Association, City of Salisbury, City of Playford, City of Onkaparinga, Elton Consulting Commendation: Rundle Mall Master Plan Adelaide City Council, Connor Holmes, FJMT, DASH Architects, Steensen Varming (Australia), Murray F Young & Associates, Rider Levett Bucknall, Empower Justice Service Best Planning Ideas - Small Project Award Winner: Streaky Bay District Management Plan District Council of Streaky Bay, Suter Planners, Wax Design, URPS Public Engagement and Community Planning Award Winner: Adelaide Central Reinforcement Project ElectraNet, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Aurecon, Gould Thorpe Planning

28 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Commemoration Publication 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Overview

Public Engagement and Community Planning Award Commendation: City Plan 2030: Shaping Our Future - Engagement With Children & Young People City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters, Wax Design, URPS Improving Planning Processes and Practices Award Winner: Streets for People - Compendium for South Australia Practice South Australian Active Living Coalition, Heart Foundation, Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure, Renewal SA, Department for Health and Ageing, GTA Consultants, Intermethod Commendation: Integrated Design Commission - Design Review Panel Integrated Design Commission Commendation: The Residential Code Improvement and Implementation Program Department of Planning, Transport & Infrastructure, Connor Holmes, Heynen Planning Consultants Great Place Award Winner: Stirling - The Spirit Of The Hills Adelaide Hills Council, Stirling Business Association Cutting Edge Research and Teaching Award Winner: Green Infrastructure Working Paper Connor Holmes, Oxigen, Botanic Gardens of Adelaide Commendation: Best Practice Open Space In Higher Density Developments Research Project Suter Planners, Wax Design, URS, TECTVS, Ric McConnaghy, City of Charles Sturt President’s Award Winner: Resilient Coastal Communities: Preparing For Sea Level Rise In The Upper Spencer Gulf Eyre Peninsula Integrated Climate Change Sector Agreement Committee, URPS, Sinclair Knight Merz, Dr Mark Siebentritt, Bell Planning Associates, SGS Economics & Planning, Norman Waterhouse Lawyers Minister’s Award Winner: Adelaide Central Reinforcement Project ElectraNet, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Aurecon, Gould Thorpe Planning Commendation: Streaky Bay District Management Plan District Council of Streaky Bay, Suter Planners, Wax Design, URPS Fellow Elevation Awarded to: Chris Bennett

Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice. 29 2012 Planning Excellence Awards Nominees

The Hamley Bridge We All Want Justine Aldersey, James Butterworth, Haley Irvine, Thi Huy Le, Matthew Loader, Flora Mercier, Rebecca Millar, Thi Thanh Huong Nguyen, Ronald Pattipawaey, Reb Rowe, Chelsea Salagaras, Kathryn Steinwedel, Xiaojia tan, Zhe Wei, Hui Zhang & Jiahan Zhao At the invitation of Wakefield Regional Council (WRC), sixteen Master of Planning and Master of Planning (Urban Design) students studying Urban Design Principles undertook a student planning study in Hamley Bridge. The project aimed to encourage students to challenge and fine-tune the urban design and planning theories introduced in the classroom by testing them in the field against the lived experience of a community of people who wanted a say in the future direction and shaping of their place. The place in this instance is the rural township of Hamley Bridge that lies just outside the northern boundary of The 30-year Plan for Greater Adelaide with its projected growth centres of Gawler and Roseworthy. It was considered that if the town’s community could define their values and direct them towards a clear strategic direction then they could benefit best from future population growth in the region. Already Gemtree Property Pty Ltd has proposed a 52 hectare suburban subdivision on the town’s boundaries which would more than double the town’s footprint as well as its population within 20 years. Through a process of engagement and collaboration with the WRC, the Hamley Bridge Community, and key stakeholders Viterra and Gemtree, the students and staff have produced a report entitled “The Hamley Bridge We All Want”. This report draws together the community’s aspirations for the town and interprets these into an urban design concept plan for the future. It offers practical ways to improve the town environment, reinforce community values and safeguard Hamley Bridge’s agricultural and environmental context. Inner Metro Rim Structure Plan Hassell HASSELL was commissioned in 2010, by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure to develop a new generic methodology for the preparation of Structure Plans under the 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide. Following the successful development of this methodology and the prototype plan for the North West Corridor, HASSELL was then retained to use the same approach for Adelaide’s Inner City rim – stretching outwards by 1 kilometre from the edge of the Parklands. The purpose of the Structure plan is to define – in plan form – the broad scale opportunities for development and the potential direction for housing, commercial development, infrastructure and public space over the next 30 years. The methodology is underpinned by a ‘design-led’ approach which has been a major policy direction of the South Australian government over the last 3 years. .This approach focuses on planning as a design profession, and concentrates on people and their specific requirements for housing, community, services, transport, recreation and employment. The Inner Metro Rim has become an exemplar for structure planning within the state and will be used as the reference document for the preparation of all other Structure Plans and for the subsequent Precinct Plans.

30 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Commemoration Publication 2012 Planning Excellence Awards Nominees

Splash Adelaide Adelaide City Council Splash Adelaide was a program run by Adelaide City Council (ACC) with support from the State Government from December 2011 until March 2012, delivering a series of temporary pilot activation projects within the City of Adelaide. The program presented a new opportunity for ACC to collaborate with business, stakeholders and community partners to create short term vibrancy in the City with the view to attract longer term investment and city transformation. Splash Adelaide’s spaces and activities developed ensured maximum human contact with different cultures and community groups within the city, and helped create social opportunities that were interesting and special to Adelaide. As part of this project a number of street transformations were created to support compact interventions and community-driven projects with ACC achieving: • 35 Activations - A diverse series of events, initiatives and activities, from larger scale projects such as the Bike Park in Hindmarsh Square through to smaller street transformations such Chesser Street Lounge and the addition of deck chairs to the North Terrace precinct to create a welcoming environment for all city users; • Over 20,000 people (est.) experienced and participated in the Splash Adelaide project, which provided activities for all types of street users, promoting contact and inclusiveness for all ages and backgrounds by creating a streetscape that is inclusive, fun and most of all memorable; • Positive business development – Council developed and built upon its relationships with new and existing local businesses, empowering business owners to initiate and participate in street transformations as members of the community; and Together all Splash Adelaide initiatives enhanced Adelaide City as a great place, extending the use of streets, promoting human contact and social interaction with a variety of activities that were inclusive of all ages and community groups.

Quality ISO 9001

Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice. 31 2012 Planning Excellence Awards Nominees

Picture Adelaide Adelaide City Council

Picture Adelaide is Adelaide City Council’s largest and most successful community engagement project to engage the people of Adelaide in planning for the city’s future. It received 4,469 ideas and submissions.

Picture Adelaide was a three stage project that sought community input, from the ground up, into Picture Adelaide – Words in Pictures events the development of major plans for the city. It was a fun, informative and interactive engagement, which sought to break from the traditional more bureaucratic image of government consultations. It integrated complex planning concepts into easily understood futures for the City. It engaged in ways that had not previously been achieved including interactive mapping websites, a phone app, photography, sculpture, discussion forums, open days, consultation cafes, pop up consultation couches and reply paid postcards. This led to people from a range of demographics contributing their ideas. For the first time in a strategic planning consultation youth were well represented. The project sought to build a community of interest, with each stage seeking contribution in a positive and empowering way and encouraging discussion amongst the community. The ideas from previous stages were used to build concepts and draft plans for further feedback in subsequent stages. Thus the plans were built in partnership with the community. This led to very strong support from the community for the final plans. It has set a benchmark for public participation at Adelaide City Council and its format, tools and technology shared with other local governments free of charge to support their consultations.

Mawson Lakes City of Salisbury, Lend Lease & Renewal SA Mawson Lakes is an example of urban design and planning at its very best, from the initial concept and planning phases to what has evolved today. At the core of planning for Mawson Lakes was the understanding that a sustainable city could not be constrained by conservative thinking or reliance on conventional ideas. In view of this the joint venture of Delfin-Lend Lease, the then Land Management Corporation (LMC), in partnership with the City of Salisbury, and Uni SA set out with aims of achieving new benchmarks in built form, transport orientated development and delivery of higher density living in a suburban setting surrounding a vibrant mixed-use town centre. The result of the above has enabled the transformation from what was previously sparse vacant land to an award winning location to live, work and play. The existing University and Technology Park provided a substantial base to work with and enabled the first stage of the Mixed-Use town centre to develop as well as the Mawson Innovation Precinct. The residential areas surrounding the town centre are unique sustainable high quality neighbourhoods integrated with more than 180 Ha of parks, reserves and waterways that provide space and amenity for people to play and relax, as well as play an important role in terms of treatment of urban stormwater and the creation of wetlands and biodiversity areas. The Mawson connector and transit interchange (recognised as a Transit Orientated Development (TOD) in the 30 Year Plan) provide integrated and diverse transportation options for the community and the surrounding city. “The great achievement of Mawson Lakes is not the physical changes, although they are amazing...The great achievement is the development of a community, born out of cooperation between partners, each determined to make a difference.” Former Vice Chancellor and President of UniSA, Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley.

32 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Commemoration Publication 2012 Planning Excellence Awards Nominees 2012 Planning Excellence Awards Nominees

The Planning Strategy for South Australia, Annual Report Card 2010-2011 Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure

The Planning Strategy outlines the State Government’s direction for land use change and development within South Australia. An annual monitoring, evaluation and reporting system was agreed to as part of the governance arrangements to assess the progress of implementing The 30- Year Plan for Greater Adelaide and accompanying Plans for regional South Australia. Monitoring of targets is essential to ensure that the Planning Strategy is responsive to changes in population and the economy, housing market and environment. Key highlights of the Annual Report Card 2010-2011 include: • significant progress has been made in developing structure plans for key growth areas in Greater Adelaide and major regional townships • rezoning has occurred to increase land supply for housing and employment-generating activities in both metropolitan and regional areas • a continuing roll-out by the Government of physical and social infrastructure across South Australia • steps have been taken to update local development plans and reform planning policy to reduce the total number of zones • significant progress has been made towards climate change adaptation • planning of Adelaide’s first transit-oriented development at Bowden • increased levels of affordable housing and the update of the State Housing Plan • reforms and improvements to natural resources management.

Salisbury Town Centre Renewal Community Engagement Process City of Salisbury, Natalie Fuller & Associates Pty Ltd & URPS This nomination is for the community engagement process used to shape the future development of the Salisbury Town Centre (STC). The STC is earmarked to become one of Adelaide’s major activity centres by 2040 in accordance with the 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide. In order to develop a Structure Plan and Revitalisation Strategy, the City of Salisbury embarked on an 18-month process to gain input from key stakeholders and the wider community. A comprehensive community engagement process undertaken by the City of Salisbury, with support from Natalie Fuller and Associates Pty Ltd in partnership with URPS, provided multiple innovative opportunities for a wide range of stakeholders including local traders and community members to contribute their ideas throughout the project. The engagement process exemplifies how innovative techniques which utilise visual tools to excite the imagination can be used effectively to involve ‘the hard to engage’ communities in developing a long term strategic plan. This was extremely important to effectively involve the ‘the hard to engage’ communities in developing the Structure Plan and Revitalisation Strategy. Community input has significantly influenced the design process and final plan. The approach used for engaging the community also demonstrates the importance of tapping into existing networks and building partnerships to leverage resources and build wide-spread community support for future change. Collaborative relationships established with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders in developing the Structure Plan will help to ensure the success of ongoing partnerships in implementing the plan.

Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice. 33 2012 Planning Excellence Awards Nominees

Horseshoe Bay Alexandrina Council The Alexandrina Council would formally like to nominate Horseshoe Bay at Port Elliot for The Great Place Award. Horseshoe Bay is considered to display a number of facets and characteristics that defines it as a Great Place. Horseshoe Bay is located in the South Coast Township of Port Elliot on South Australia’s and was proclaimed a port on 28 August 1851 and established as a safe seaport for the River Murray trade. Since that time, Horseshoe Bay has become a very popular holiday destination due to its features that range from pristine blue waters and open parks to its built historic features. Horseshoe Bay is associated with many open parks that are accompanied with BBQ’s, seating, tables, chairs, shelter and provide a place for people to interact and use the space provided. The War Memorial garden is a place that has a number of functions ranging from remembering our fallen, picnicking, wedding ceremonies, and resting places. In 2008, the Alexandrina Council undertook a redevelopment of Horseshoe Bay that incorporated an upgrade of ramps, paved paths, street furniture and public art, which helped reinforce the heritage of the Bay. So what is it about Horseshoe Bay that makes it a Great Place? Is it the natural beauty of the bay framed by rocky outcrops, The Three Sisters and the breakwater? Is it the ability to bring families and friends together to enjoy the sun, surf and sand? Is it the history of the shipwrecks and the early settlers? Is it the walks along the beach and around the rocks to enjoy the coastline vista? Whatever it is, Horseshoe Bay has the ability to draw locals and visitors to enjoy its many natural wonders and make people say it is a “Great Place”.

City of Charles Sturt - Employment Revitalization Plan Property & Advisory (formerly t/a Colliers International Consulting Services), URPS & Barry Burgan As Lucy Turnbull, vice chair of COAG said at the Competitive Cities Conference in Adelaide in June, “we [also] need to look at integration between land use planning… and land economics. There are a lot of good planners but they don’t put what they are doing through the prism of economic feasibility”. The City of Charles Sturt’s Employment Revitalization Plan (CSERP) is an exception to the rule. Charles Sturt straddles the corridor between the City and Port Adelaide and includes some of Adelaide’s oldest industrial suburbs. Many of these areas need renewal and revitalization. Via the 30 Year Plan, the Planning Strategy identifies this ‘north west corridor’ as a priority area for intensification of land use, especially for housing. But the 30 Year Plan also includes significant jobs targets, including industry in Charles Sturt. If these targets are to be met, at least some of Charles Sturt’s industrial lands will need to be brought back into full production. In 2008, the Industrial Land Study identified nine Prime Industrial Areas (PIAs) in Charles Sturt. This new brief was to prepare an Employment Revitalization Plan, for initial application in one of those areas. The task was to set the strategic scene, assess the PIAs, select a Priority Precinct, then plan for its revitalization. The initial review took in the economic, commercial and planning aspects of renewal, allowing development of a strategic framework to guide the ensuing work. Following a many faceted assessment, Beverley, which has scale, centrality and shortcomings, was chosen as the Priority Precinct. The outcome is a plan for renewal with two streams:- an economic renewal plan, in which the underlying strategy is grounded, and which often has a regional focus; and a localized on- ground plan which takes in transport and other infrastructure upgrades, Development Plan policy and urban fabric. It is a blueprint for renewal which can not only be applied in Beverley, but also in other precincts and localities. 34 2012 Awards for Planning Excellence Commemoration Publication Fellow Elevations

Chris Bennett - Elevation to Fellow

Chris has dedicated his career to urban planning, with 37 years of service within local government. 15 years at Adelaide City Council from the mid 1970’s, and 22 years in what is now the City of Charles Sturt. Chris initially qualified with a degree of Bachelor of Laws from the University of Adelaide (graduating May 1970) and commenced his local government career at the City of Tea Tree Gully in a legal role. Determining that a law focus was not really for him, Chris undertook further post graduate studies, completing a Masters of Town Planning at the University of Adelaide (graduating in July 1977). He joined Adelaide City Council in 1975 and stayed until 1990. Back in the 70’s and 80’s planning in the City had a different history to the rest of South Australia – the City of Adelaide Plan was reviewed every five years which meant after each review there was three years of certainty, followed by two years of review – a challenging planning environment!. The various City Plans were known as the 1976 Red Book, the 81 – 86 Blue Plan, the 86 – 91 Green Plan and the 91 – 96 Silver Plan. Chris had much input into these plans. During the 1970’s, planning was a quantified and simple box system. Lead by John Mant and Michael Llewellyn-Smith, within the City arose a more sophisticated approach to planning involving the closer integration of strategic planning and development control policy. This led - on 1 March 1977 - to a City Plan being introduced with a mix of quantitative and for the first time, qualitative principles. In 1977, this qualitative assessment was innovative. It also has to be borne in mind that this was a time when elected representatives made planning assessment decisions. Chris brought a high degree of professionalism to the challenge, interpreting these new qualitative and subjective ‘desired future character statements’. So the current “new” thinking about desired future character actually had much of its early beginnings in some of Chris’s work! Chris demonstrated exceptional skills at explaining the concepts, and making suggestions to applicants that would lead to applications better fitting the aims of this new statutory system. Chris’s approach very much built on his legal and planning skills, and the personal qualities he demonstrated. Chris’s professional interpretation of qualitative provisions and the certainty he brought to buildings on the ground lead many people – both elected and proponent – to rely on Chris’s advice and skills. In around 1990, Chris moved to the City of Woodville (now City of Charles Sturt) to lead their planning policy work. This involved leading a team and coordinating consultants in a wholesale review of centres and industrial areas, overseeing heritage survey’s and endeavouring to establish policy to better guide development in valued suburbs of character housing. It also involved initiating policy change to respond to coastal erosion issues impacting on foreshore development. In 2012, with Chris’s career at City of Charles Sturt now extending to 21 years, he has contributed to the planning profession for over 37 years – an impressive record! Throughout his career, Chris has displayed a determination to bring good design and change for the betterment of the communities he served. With a highly intelligent approach to planning, he was able to straddle highly complex strategic planning analysis from the policy level through to minute detail. Being legendary for expansive analysis, Chris’s intellect and dedication to better communities and places has created a notable legacy of professionalism and service.

Recognising, Promoting and Celebrating Good Planning Practice. 35 Planning Excellence 2012 SOUTH AUSTRALIA AWARDS