The Year in Review a New Planning System LGPN Forum Awards 2013 Planning Institute of Australia

December 2013 Issue No. 97 new planner

The year in review A new planning system LGPN Forum Awards 2013 Planning Institute of Australia. NSW Division. 2013 Awards for Excellence in Planning The Awards for Excellence Program recognises innovation, leadership and excellence in the planning profession, stimulates the public awareness of excellent projects and emphasises the importance of good planning in the community. Congratulations to the winners of the 2013 NSW Awards for Excellence in Planning and thank you to all the nominees

OUTSTANDING STUDENT PROJECT IMPROVING PLANNING PROCESSES & NEW FELLOWS OF THE PLANNING Award – Laura Schmahmann for Regulating PRACTICES INSTITUTE 2013 Urban Design: a comparative study of Award – Shellharbour City Council for The Institute congratulates NSW Members knockdown rebuild. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management who have been elevated to Fellows of the Development Assessment Toolkit PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNITY Institute. They were presented with their PLANNING HARD WON VICTORY certificates at the Awards for Excellence Award – Transport for NSW for North West Rail Award – Daly International in conjunction Gala dinner held on 7 November. – Stakeholder and Community Engagement with Ericsson for NBN Fixed Wireless Project Elevation from Corporate Member to Fellow is recognition by the National Council of Commendation – Defence Housing Australia CUTTING EDGE RESEARCH & TEACHING the Planning Institute for Australia for for AE2 Ermington Commendation– University of New South the conspicuous service rendered to the Wales Faculty of the Built Environment for BEST PLANNING IDEAS-SMALL PROJECTS profession, including a number of years Redfern Waterloo Urban Design Strategy Award – PLACE Design Group in conjunction in senior and responsible positions in the with Warringah Council, Cardno, Godden PLANNING FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG planning field. Mackay Logan and Elton Consulting for Dee PEOPLE Chris Berry FPIA Why Town Centre Master Plan Award – Cred Community Planning in Nicole Gurran FPIA Commendation – Elton consulting in conjunction with Tweed Shire Council for Tweed conjunction with Mid-Western Regional Youth Strategy “Speak Out” Engagement. David Laing FPIA CPP Council, Caerleon Mudgee LTD and Catherine Van Laeren FPIA CPP OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT BY A YOUNG Development Planning Strategies for PLANNER Caerleon Residential Urban Release, Mudgee Award - Tim Sneesby BEST PLANNING IDEAS- LARGE PROJECTS SERVICE TO THE INSTITUTE Award – NSW Department of Planning & Award – Greg Woodhams FPIA CPP Infrastructure for Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy PLANNER OF THE YEAR Award – Sean O’Toole FPIA Commendation – SGS Economics and Planning in Conjunction with Wyong Shire PRESIDENT’S AWARD Council for Wyong Shire Employment Lands Award – Oran Park Town Greenfield Study and Industrial Land Audit Development Company and UrbanGrowth NSW for Oran Town Park Centre PIA NSW DIRECTORY 2014

David Seymour MPIA CPP DIVISION COMMITTEE Committee Members UrPlan Consulting President Brian Elton MPIA David Ryan MPIA CPP Elton Consulting Gary Shiels LFPIA CPP City Plan GSA Planning Wesley Folitarik MPIA Vice President NSW Trade & Investment Ian Sinclair FPIA Marjorie Ferguson MPIA CPP Edge Land Planning City of Canada Bay Council Diana Griffiths MPIA CPP Studio GL Javier Valderrama MPIA Vice President Arup Stephen Gow FPIA CPP Christina Livers MPIA (Graduate) Hill PDA CONTACTING THE COMMITTEE The Vice President (Regional) NSW Divisional Committee Members Scott Anson MPIA Stephen O’Connor FPIA CPP are elected by the NSW Membership. Hunter Development Corporation ERM Their role is to represent the interests of the Members. They Immediate Past President Jenny Rudolph MPIA can be contacted through the NSW Sarah Hill MPIA Elton Consulting Divisional Office by phone or email to Hill PDA Mike Svikis MPIA CPP [email protected] Mike Svikis Planning Contents IssueThis 83 issue contents

Editorial 4 In the Courts 24 President’s Message 5 Opinion - Community engagement 25 Executive Officer’s Report 6 2013 - the year of new population data for NSW 26 Infrastructure Matters 7 Healthy Built Environments 28 Planning Perspectives 8 Opinion - Mining camps 29 Norton Rose Fulbright Review 11 Opinion - Planning basics 30 Revisioning Planning 12 PlaceMakers 31 What planning achieved for development NSW Consulting Planners 32 in 2013 14 BasePlan 34 Local perspectives - the LGPN voice 16 PlannerTech 36 LGPN 2013: impressions from a new planner 17 Inbox 36 Planning for the 22nd century 18 Bob Zehner: a memoir 37 2013 LGPN Forum in pictures 20 International Snippets 38 Promoting improved efficiencies 22 Snapped 39

Editorial Team Nicole Philps Brigitte Buchholz Andrew Wheeler Robyn Vincin

Each quarter New Planner invites a Guest Editor to comment Editorial on the theme of that issue. NSW Executive Officer PO Box 484, North Sydney NSW 2059 Contributors Suite 3, 221 Miller St, North Sydney NSW 2060 Deadline for March 2014 edition is: Tel: 02 8904 1011 Fax: 02 8904 1133 Friday 7 Februrary 2014. The theme for March 2014 issue is Email: [email protected] “Community engagement” Email: [email protected] The views expressed in New Planner Design and Production are those of the authors and do not Nationwide Advertising Pty Ltd necessarily reflect the views of the Tel: 02 9955 4777 Fax 02 9955 7055 Planning Institute of Australia. Email: [email protected] Cover Photo: Brigitte Buchholz

Subscriptions 2014 New Planner is available on subscription to non members of PIA NSW at a cost of $88 per annum,GST inclusive. Email: [email protected]

ISSN 1324-8669 PP a233-867-00015 newplanner | DECEMBER 2013 | 3 Editorial

Looking forward - looking back However, it seems that in reality the current features including “PlannerTech” and debate about the future of planning in NSW Local perspectives: the Local Government Traditionally the final issue of New Planner has paid little attention to the potential Planners Network views. for the year is an issue which reviews both of spatial planning to provide solutions to Thank you to the many contributors who PIA activities over the year, and activities many aspects of our most difficult social within the planning profession. have provided the content for our magazine. issues.” Thank you to the Editorial team of Andrew As the outgoing President Sarah Hill Stephen Gow has provided a review of the Wheeler, Brigitte Buchholz and Nicole reflects in her column “Often in planning 2013 Mudgee Forum “The importance Philps and look out for new ideas from we walk a tightrope to balance the opinions of informed professional input in the them in 2014,as we approach the 100th and perspectives of the community” and context of the NSW Government’s planning edition of New Planner. Thank you to Rose in that vein, we have called upon planners reform package was very much evident in Saltman who has assisted with editing of from various sides of the industry to give discussions from the welcome reception recent issues. their views on 2013. onwards. Moreover, the potential for 2014 will be another big year, and New The variety of opinions and perspectives members to make telling contributions in Planner will be a voice for some of the represented here are both the great this change process was highlighted in the changes. The theme for our March issue opportunities and the challenges for our striking similarity between aspects of the is one which has received a lot of airplay profession and our industry, and there have current reforms and proposals put forward this year – community engagement – your been some challenges. by delegates at the previous Forum in contributions will be welcome n From Stephen McMahon’s “The highway Leura.“. You can read Stephen’s full report was jammed with broken heroes on a last in this issue, and papers from the Forum chance power drive” reflection on what are available on our website. planning achieved for the development From an editorial perspective, it has been industry in 2013 … so much promise … great to see New Planner become a voice ; to Sarah’s Reilly’s reflections from a for planners, with an increasing number social planning perspective: “It’s great to of unsolicited opinion pieces which add see outcomes for the entire community to the valued regular contributions. This in the literature around planning reform. year we have added some new regular

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4 | DECEMBER 2013 | newplanner President’s message Sarah Hill, President PIA NSW Division editorial

represent the interests of our members. Division but I’d like to take this opportunity With respect to the second foci, we have and to thank him for his contributions so far. To continue to work with the State Government Greg Woodhams who stood down as Vice and tertiary institutions to design a package President in early 2013 – thank you for your of education programmes to be rolled out contributions, and especially for the strong with the new planning system to support leadership of the Policy Committee. I am so planners across all industry groups. pleased you were able to personally be there A notable win for us was the scale of the to receive your Service to the Institute Award. State budget awarded to education this year I would also like to stop and take the time following much of our encouragement behind to thank Robyn personally. Not only has the scenes. We are also working with the she delivered an outstanding service to our Well it is true that all good things Department of Planning and Infrastructure, members but she has been my rock. It is true come to an end, and sadly for me local government and industry to identify that behind any half way decent President my term as PIA NSW President has and resource practical measures that can be there is a great Robyn. Robyn has advised expired. I believe that every good implemented by all players in the planning me, mentored me, guided and supported me President knows the right time to and property industry to enhance our culture through many unknowns and challenges over stand down and to support a new voice and our collaborative approach to achieving the past two years. She has been available and fresh opinion. For this reason it a vision and great planning outcomes. 24/7 as the job requires and kept me focused is an absolute delight to announce Improvements to our culture arguably on what matters – our profession and its and congratulate David Ryan as becoming more important in light of the members. Robyn has listened to my ideas and my replacement. David has proven recent obstacles faced by the draft Bills. made them happen and all I can say is thank instrumental in preparing PIA’s policy Importantly our strategic direction and you, you are a truly professional and wise position regarding the new planning priorities in NSW business planning reflect woman. David, you will be in great hands. system over the past two years and for the PIA national priorities. The key policy My thanks to the Chairs of all our Chapters, that reason I believe there is no greater areas for PIA and the planning profession Networks and Branches and their local person to lead us forward as next year generally have been reflected in the major Committees who have represented so well we put flesh to the bone on matters “Planning matters” campaign which PIA the interests of their respective groups. ranging from new planning regulations has rolled out across each Division. In NSW Your contributions to policy development, to State policies to subregional plans. this has been reflected in and in some cases the preparation of draft submissions and been led by, the work we have been doing on organising events relevant to your areas Over my term as President, I have had the changing the culture of planning. of interest and expertise has made a huge great privilege of meeting and learning from difference to the quality and depth of our work. so many interesting people. In this respect I Whilst undertaking the above, we have sought wish to commence by thanking every NSW to consistently deliver high quality networking On behalf of PIA our thanks goes to our member of the Institute for their input, and professional development events for our sponsors throughout the year for their support and guidance throughout the year. members. Robyn Vincin, our fearless executive continued generosity without which we could Often in planning we walk a tightrope to leader has continued to work tirelessly and not continue to deliver the number or level of balance the opinions and perspectives of the passionately to run over 45 successful events services that we do. community. During my presidency whilst I find that also provide a positive return to ensure In light of the year we have had, my hope is that planners are not short of an opinion, I am the sustainability of the Institute. In addition that you can agree that there is great benefit pleased to say that I also found that planners Robyn has managed our members enquiries, in being a member of the PIA family. I would have a respect for different points of view and provided career advice, established mentoring argue that with the changes set to occur a willingness to listen. We are also aware of programmes and kept us all connected over the next few years, it will be ever the the importance of getting our facts right, of and informed with the support of her highly more important to be part of a professional doing our homework and being careful not to capable team member Anthony Pignatiello. network of like-minded people who seek to perpetuate misunderstandings further. In doing this Robyn and I have been blessed continually grow and expand their education So in order to say sayonara, I thought I would with a great volunteer team. I consequently and ways of thinking. I encourage you to wrap up with a brief synopsis of our activities would like to acknowledge the support and continue to be engaged and to help us to this year. These activities may be summarised hard work of the Division Committee and make a difference in the coming year. Whilst I into two key areas – representing the thank them for their efforts on behalf of stand down as President, I can say for certain profession at the table of many Departmental PIA NSW. A special thank you goes to Vice that I will practice what I preach and stay and Ministerial meetings and by focusing on Presidents David Ryan and Scott Anson, to active in my pursuit to raise the profile of the what our members will need to effectively our Past President Tony McNamara for his profession and recognition of its substantial implement a new planning system. ongoing contribution, and to NSW Board value. Member Anthony Newland. To retiring Explaining the first of our foci further, we Regards Committee Members Chris Pratt and Tony have led on major industry stakeholder McNamara, who have both given years of groups, played a key role in Ministerial active service to the Institute – thank you for Taskforces and working groups, provided your contributions and we know you won’t be interviews to the media on behalf of the strangers. Our Young Planner Convenor Harry profession and made constructive comments Quartermain will continue to represent NSW on draft policy and legislation so as to best

newplanner | DECEMBER 2013 | 5 Executive Officer’s report Robyn Vincin, PIA NSW Executive Officer

undertook in the Ambassadors for Change Moving forward –we’re not there yet but program will continue as the new Planning we have come a long way, supported by the Act rolls out. We have also sought to fact that we’re not alone on the journey. recognise some of those Champions PIA nationally has adopted the Planning through our Awards program and the PIA Matters: Shaping the World Today for professional recognition processes. Tomorrow strategy. This strategy will inform Idea 5: Developing smart planners – a series of key actions to Focus, Invigorate working with the Department of Planning and Position members and the profession In an article in the December 2011 & Infrastructure and with universities, through a series of key actions including: edition of New Planner, Sarah Hill, we are developing an education program 1. Focusing our members to be bold PIA NSW President spoke of the which will support planning and related planning professionals committed to importance of a cultural shift, in professionals. The PIA professional delivering good planning. order for the NSW planning system development program, in the context of our 2. Invigorate the profession by inspiring planners to embrace change and review to be truly effective. Lifelong Learning Framework, will support and complement this broader program. understand the value we bring. That article identified nine ways to And to positively change the culture of planning. Idea 6: Supporting community 3. Position the profession by championing Two years on, with the Planning Bills before engagement – this one has been a good planning. Parliament as we go to print, and under the rollercoaster. The Planning Bill includes Equally significant in this move forward is theme of the year in review, it is timely to a Community Participation Charter and the work being done to establish a culture review those nine tenets by reference back processes for engagement. We have a change action group, as outlined in the to some of actions and the statements PIA once in a generation opportunity to create White Paper. PIA is an active participant in has made over those two years. a new planning system that will serve our community and our environment into the this process. Idea 1: Positive attitude to change – foreseeable future. Let’s not get diverted Last but not least –we need you! We can we have been overwhelmed by the support by issues that can be resolved along the only truly represent our Members and for a change in the culture of planning. way. As part of this brave new world we reflect the broader planning community, Throughout 2012 and into 2013 the feedback need to rebuild trust that has been lost if we understand your needs. Don’t let the from planning professionals and stakeholders, between the community, government and critics of change have the last word. through working groups, seminars and planning consultants to show that we responses to our submissions, was that are all in this together and that includes 2013 wrap up change was both needed and supported. de-bunking growing myths about the A year in review would not be complete new system related to matters such as Idea 2: Strategic and evidence without an acknowledgement of the community consultation. based planning by planners – PIA contributions of a large number of submissions on the Green and the White Idea 7: Planners as professionals and Members. Thank you to everyone who has Paper supported the need for a refocus decision makers - PIA supports the work contributed to organising seminars, to our back to strategic planning. The documents being done in the ePlanning space, and will policy submissions, to informal and formal and the subsequent draft Planning Bill continue to engage with universities and mentoring programs and to our various reflected this approach. PIA continues other training organisations to ensure that committees and networks. Thank you to the to support moves to ensure we have the planners have both the technical and the Divisional Committee members who finished right tools and information to do our jobs; soft skills to contribute professionally. their terms this year – Chris Pratt, Tony McNamara and Harry Quartermain and NSW in practice this relates to ePlanning, a Idea 8: Aligning the culture of new research section at the Department, Board Member Anthony Newland. Welcome planning and the Act - it is important a stronger and more connected research new Committee Members Diana Griffiths, that we do not replicate the poor practices role for centres of learning and tools for Jenny Rudolph, Mike Svikis and Christina of the past by passing on incorrect real community engagement. Livers. Congratulations to David Ryan who information or misunderstandings. In a takes up the NSW President’s Chair. Idea 3: Recognition of the bigger system that advocates the use of evidence picture – this idea stated that the focus and recognition of the big picture, we need To Sarah Hill, who has led the NSW Division of planners should be towards outcomes to ensure any comments we make bear for the past two years, and who has put us rather than process; vision rather than these cultural components in mind. on the map in the “culture change” space – thank you on behalf of our Members. I want assessment – we need to keep reminding Idea 9: Positive media - this is another to personally acknowledge Sarah’s drive ourselves that this is our goal. rollercoaster and we can but avow to and energy and her commitment to PIA, Idea 4: Courageous leaders and continue to identify good news stories, and all of which ensure that the NSW Division champions - we have seen many actively engage where possible. PIA has is well placed to respond to changes and champions emerge in the culture change been called upon to provide background to challenges in 2014. space, and unfortunately a number of news stories; regional media has reported detractors. The early work which PIA on PIA activities in regional areas. Best wishes for a safe holiday n

6 | DECEMBER 2013 | newplanner review | DECEMBER 2013 | 7 n planner new infrastructure to support new housing support new to infrastructure the embraced have Many councils areas. for the Minister to According program. rounds two the first Government, Local interest provided of the scheme have 138 individual for 87 councils subsidies to $680 around This will unlock projects. in local of investment million worth A number of these loans infrastructure. being funded by the special rate are by IPART. approved variations will fund the The LIGS program contributions in development shortfall infrastructure until the new at least is in place. system contributions the Regional Council shared Mid Western 2013 AR Bluett memorial award prestigious infrastructure growth-related tackling for during the year Achievements challenges. the included 3 swimming pool upgrades, complex, regional sports finalisation of a extensions, library hall refurbishment, town and a $23 million upgrades main street The area, program. augmentation sewer 30% on Mudgee, is expecting centred 7 years. the next over growth on its laurels is not resting The council on enabling focused and is positively In infrastructure. through development in securing a it was successful August lead-in of $8.2 million for subsidised loan to infrastructure roads and sewer water, on the edge development a 1400-lot serve will address of Mudgee. The infrastructure housing of residential shortage the critical of the coal expansion the rapid due to mining industry. we find at the end of 2013 And finally, Planning with a new almost ourselves the infrastructure changes to Act. While of those the details afoot, are contributions Developers emerge. to yet changes are of the caps, the removal that with fear will rates contribution infrastructure prior that existed the high levels to return a more Act promises 2010. The new to potentially that would system equitable a broader across burden the cost spread in significant population resulting benefits. The truth of that affordability in time. known become will only promise Act that of the new It will be the details in the planning everyone occupy will likely in 2014 profession Extra rate funding approval is no funding approval rate Extra for the whim of the Minister at longer under but is now Government, Local of an independent umpire, the control all 23 approved The Tribunal IPART. this applications special variation show that if councils suggesting year, will be and planning they leadership for funding rate extra significant allowed infrastructure. of subsidised The LIRS program impact is making a positive borrowing and backlog on both the infrastructure lead role will transfer to the private sector. sector. the private to will transfer role lead has also promised The Commonwealth If all goes to the project. $1.5 billion for - port will get its inner area plan, Sydney by 2023. connections - airport transport and Melbourne got Brisbane after Years than never! late but better theirs, with the pace keeping a challenge It’s programs The State’s acronyms. program or regional sectoral particular address to including the challenges infrastructure (HAF), the Fund Housing Acceleration Fund and Investment Infrastructure Hunter Renewal Infrastructure (HIIF), the Local Infrastructure Scheme (LIRS), the Local Scheme (LIGS) and the punchier Growth NSW’. ‘Restart is usingWith the HAF the Government in fund infrastructure to of assets the sale $302 areas. both infill and housing growth in the program to million has been allocated 2013-14, of which $99 million will go towards infrastructure local of essential the cost funded be in section 94 plans that cannot (i.e. the cap of the contributions because HAF money year’s and last LIGS). This year’s and water waste water, road, is going toward housing supporting new projects electricity (infill and greenfield) areas and employment and Hunter the Lower in Sydney, mainly Wollongong. Audit Infrastructure Government The Local infrastructure us the total in June told report at $7.4 billion stood all councils for backlog the since in 2011/12 – an improvement facing audit in 2004. Councils that are last head-on are challenges the infrastructure concurrent The following making head way. do have me that councils to suggest events if the challenge address the opportunity to bold enough: are they Director, GLN Planning GLN Director,

volumes are established, after which the after established, are volumes finance risk for the early stages until traffic until traffic stages for the early risk finance for WestConnex that will see it take the that will see it take WestConnex for developed an innovative financing strategy strategy financing an innovative developed along the link. The Government has The Government the link. along NSW will lead the land use redevelopment the land use redevelopment NSW will lead Sydney’s airport and port. UrbanGrowth airport and port. UrbanGrowth Sydney’s western and south western Sydney with Sydney and south western western and urban renewal area that will link that area and urban renewal WestConnex – a new inner urban motorway motorway urban inner new a – WestConnex Chief among the major projects is Chief among the major projects 2013. A significant shift to be sure. shift 2013. A significant billion per year for the four years following following years the four for billion per year four years before 2013 to an average of $9 an average 2013 to before years four an average of $6.5 billion per year for the for of $6.5 billion per year an average infrastructure program will ‘step up’ from up’ from will ‘step program infrastructure papers state that the State funded that the State state papers delivering infrastructure. The Budget infrastructure. delivering an agenda that placed a high priority on an agenda that placed The State Government in 2013 continued in 2013 continued Government The State that all about to change? Time will tell. that all about to harm to business confidence in NSW. Is in NSW. confidence business harm to from both sides of politics, has done much from been ongoing for at least a generation, and a generation, at least been ongoing for the second airport commitment that has airport commitment the second The Commonwealth’s procrastination over over procrastination The Commonwealth’s airport is the best way of achieving it. way of achieving airport is the best increase in local jobs it needs, then a new jobs it needs, then a new in local increase that if Sydney’s west is to get the massive get the massive is to west that if Sydney’s Creek. There appears to be a groundswell be a groundswell to appears There Creek. actively promoting an airport at Badgerys promoting actively having changed their view and are now now and are having changed their view to have turned. Western Sydney councils councils Sydney turned. Western have to Sydney. The tide on this issue appears appears The tide on this issue Sydney. there were other airports apart from other airports apart from were there said that he was from Queensland and said that he was from Sydney’s second airport. Mr Rudd famously Rudd famously airport. Mr second Sydney’s asked his views on making a start on on a start on making his views asked in the headlights in the first debate when debate in the headlights in the first then Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, got caught Mr Rudd, got caught then Prime Minister, It was also during the campaign that the that It was also during the campaign program of infrastructure. program all look forward to a full-steam-ahead a full-steam-ahead to forward all look Mr Abbott, you got the gong and now we we got the gong and now Mr Abbott, you as the ‘infrastructure prime minister’. prime minister’. as the ‘infrastructure election that he wanted to be remembered be remembered to that he wanted election Prime Minister, Tony Abbott said before the Abbott said before Tony Prime Minister, this year’s federal campaign. The new The new campaign. federal this year’s The stakes however went higher during went however The stakes politicians in hard hats and fluoro vests. vests. hats and fluoro politicians in hard Every election campaign is awash with is awash campaign election Every planning in NSW. planning in NSW. It’s been a big year for infrastructure infrastructure for been a big year It’s Greg New, New, Greg Infrastructure Year in Review Year Infrastructure Infrastructure Matters Infrastructure Planning Perspectives Warkworth Judgment Steve O’Connor, KDC and ERM Australia

and eventually was overturned in the Land and Environment Court. The appeal was heard by the Chief Judge who concluded at paragraph 23 of his judgment that; “Balancing the significant adverse environmental and social impacts against the material economic and social benefits of the Project, it has not been established that the Project is justified on environmental, social and economic grounds.” This matter is still before the courts as a Given the theme of this edition of New further appeal has been heard challenging Polycentric Decisions are like a web Planner is “the year in review”, I have the decision of the Chief Judge. The decided to focus on the Warkworth outcome of this appeal is yet to be known. An analogy of a web is provided in the The Decision Making Process judgment where it is explained that a pull decision which was released earlier on one strand will distribute tensions this year. This is arguably the most The judgment tells us that there are four and after a complicated pattern of important judgment handed down key steps in the decision making process adjustment throughout the whole web a for a major project like the expansion of a by the Land and Environment Court new equilibrium will be established. The coal mine. These steps are summarized in web, as illustrated in the Photograph 1, is in over a decade. In the June 2013 paragraph 36 of the judgment as follows; a complex structure with some remarkable edition of New Planner, Peter “first: identification of the relevant matters characteristics which humans have Williams referred to this decision needing to be considered; secondly: fact sought to replicate. Polycentric problems and presented a summary of the finding for each relevant matter; thirdly: cannot be resolved by simply dealing with matters surrounding this court case. determining how much weight each individual key issues. relevant matter is to receive; and fourthly: Peter concluded that it was notable For example, if the noise impacts of balancing the weighted matters to arrive at a mining proposal are considered for three main reasons, namely that a managerial decision.” unacceptable on some of the adjacent it provided an explanation of the These four steps must be followed properties then some of the impacted merit review process, it provided an sequentially and only after proceeding properties may be required to be acquired exhaustive assessment of the merit down this path can a final decision be by the proponent of the mine. However, issues and it contained references made. if these properties are no longer used Polycentric Decision Making for their current purpose, then this to the principles of ecologically could impact on the economic and social sustainable development. We are also told by the Chief Judge that, assessments which had been prepared for when grappling with the task of assessing the mining proposal. Hence an iterative While I agree that these issues are a major project, we are dealing with a process must be followed across a whole noteworthy, there are other compelling polycentric problem. range of key issues during the assessment reasons to take a close look at this Here is an extract from paragraph 31 of the and decision making stages which may judgment as explained in this article. judgment to explain what this means; well require additional information. Background Information “The range of interests affected, The Chief Judge therefore concluded at A Project Application under Part 3A of the the complexity of the issues and the paragraph 483; Environmental Planning and Assessment interdependence of the issues, means that “a polycentric problem such as determining Act 1979 (EP&A Act) was lodged in 2010 decision making involves a polycentric whether to approve or disapprove a mining by Warkworth Mining Limited to expand problem. A polycentric problem involves project, cannot be resolved by identifying an open cut coal mine near the village a complex network of relationships, with each issue and sequentially resolving it; the of Broke. The application was approved interacting points of influence. Each resolution of one issue has repercussions after being reviewed by the Planning and decision made communicates itself to on other issues.” Assessment Commission (PAC) in 2012. other centres of decision, changing the However, this decision was challenged by conditions, so that a new basis must be Implications for Planners the Broke Milbrodale Progress Association found for the next decision.” Having been guilty of preparing reports on

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planner Consultant, Sydney 8502 9330 2 +61 Tel peter.rigg@ nortonrosefulbright.com Peter Rigg Rigg Peter new Conclusions of the appeal against Although the outcome by decision handed down the Warkworth at the time ofthe Chief Judge is unknown principles that the various writing, it is likely the judgment will throughout documented that the appeal given unchallenged remain law. points of to strictly is related when be followed to process step The four that is, the major projects, assessing polycentricity the recognizing of importance be explicit of decision making, the need to indicate to assigned about the weightings of the various importance the relative of the and the nature assessed, issues to in order place balancing which takes or approve a decision whether to to come all part of the legacy are a proposal, refuse of this decision. will be that planning students It is likely many years this judgment for studying about and will be learning come to those Hopefully solastalgia. like concepts the Planning Bill drafting for responsible had a good Parliament before currently this from be learnt to of the lessons grasp the Bill was finalized judgment before

Partner, Sydney Partner, 8665 9330 2 +61 Tel felicity.rourke@ nortonrosefulbright.com Felicity Rourke Felicity Rural Communities enjoy a special amenity Photograph 2 illustrates the ambiance ambiance the 2 illustrates Photograph in the Gloucester communities of rural has Valley Hunter the which like Valley The amenity of resources. coal significant by be threatened this can like communities mine. a coal like a major project judgment, the of this As a consequence adopted and methodologies techniques dust, the impacts of noise, assess to social and economic diversity, biological projects major to in relation assessment revised. be significantly to may have Given that the judgment runs to over 100 over that the judgment runs to Given attention little is surprisingly pages, there and issues balancing the various paid to than a less In fact, a conclusion. drawing this task. discussing to page is devoted 499; This is what is said at paragraph “In my view, balancing all the of this the importance to Having regard relevant I find it surprising balancing process, and justification discussion that so little under this heading in the is provided judgment. Balancing of Relevant Matters and Matters Balancing of Relevant Determination matters, the preferable decision is to disapprove of the carrying out of the Project.”

Partner, Sydney Partner, 85009330 2 +61 Tel jacinta.studdert@ nortonrosefulbright.com Jacinta StuddertJacinta

Law around the world around Law nortonrosefulbright.com team and planning Environment NSW Australia Fulbright Rose Norton

people experience in these situations. in these situations. experience people coined to refer to the loss of place which of place the loss to refer to coined might have. The term “solastalgia” was “solastalgia” The term might have. Bulga community and the impacts that this Bulga community adverse change in the composition of the in the composition change adverse There was also a concern about the was also a concern There the issues of equity and distributive justice. equity and distributive of the issues modeling is criticized as it did not address modeling is criticized as it did not address of the Project. In particular the economic In particular the economic of the Project. not taking into account the polycentricity the polycentricity account into not taking assessment report are roundly criticized for for criticized roundly are report assessment methodologies used in the environmental used in the environmental methodologies judgment where the analytical tools and tools the analytical judgment where are canvassed in 22 pages of the canvassed are Social and Economic Considerations Social and Economic impacts social and economic Likely concluded at paragraph 255 that; at paragraph concluded surprising therefore that the Chief Judge surprising therefore different ecological communities. It is not communities. ecological different “..Warkworth’s offset package of direct is not appropriate to trade offsets across offsets across trade to is not appropriate One of the critical conclusions is that it conclusions One of the critical discussing the likely biodiversity impacts. biodiversity the likely discussing Similarly, 28 pages are allocated to to allocated 28 pages are Similarly, given increasing focus in future. focus increasing given Considerations Diversity Biological interdependence of issues is likely to be to likely is of issues interdependence development proposals. Recognition of the Recognition proposals. development approach to the assessment of complex of complex assessment the to approach outstanding issues is a simplistic is a simplistic issues outstanding detailed a The Chief Judge provides “The combining of noise criteria for off one by one until there are no more no more are one until there off one by Considerations Noise and Dust Addressing each issue and ticking it and ticking each issue Addressing projects as required in this judgment. required as projects regard to the polycentric nature of major nature the polycentric to regard each of them, I may well have not given due not given have may well of them, I each the key issues and, one by one dealing with one dealing one by and, issues the key relatively standard practice of simply listing listing simply of practice standard relatively complex proposals and having followed the followed having and proposals complex offsets and other compensatory measures Warkworth and Mount Thorley mines in the would not adequately compensate for the proposed approved conditions is of doubtful significant impacts that the Project would legal validity but in any event is likely to be have on extant EECs in the disturbance difficult to monitor or enforce compliance. area. This is a fundamental matter to be Hence no confident conclusion can be considered in the decision-making process, drawn that the noise impacts of the Project to which significant weight should be will be acceptable.” assigned. ”

Norton Rose Fulbright Review Looking forward by looking back

Jacinta Studdert Partner, Felicity Rourke Partner, Richard Howarth Associate, Environment and Planning Group, review Norton Rose Australia

Jacinta Studdert Peter Rigg Felicity Rourke

This year we have seen proposals to and those contained in the Planning Bill, 3) The Federal proposal: bilateral make significant changes to planning it will be interesting to see how profoundly approvals under the Environment in NSW in 2014 and beyond. different the final legislation will be from Protection and Biodiversity that currently in place. Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) From the large amount of case law and legislative amendments (both proposed 2) The case: Fullerton Cove Residents Looking forward to 2014, there are and made), this article has selected 3 of Action Group Incorporated v Dart some important changes proposed at a the more important planning developments Energy Ltd (No 2) [2013] NSWLEC 38 Federal level which have the potential to impact how planning and environmental of 2013. These developments include a (Dart Energy) State amendment (the proposed NSW decisions are made within NSW. Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt recently planning reforms), a case (Fullerton Cove The Dart Energy case concerned the announced the Government’s intention to Residents Action Group Incorporated v challenge by Fullerton Cove Action Group create a “one stop shop” for environmental Dart Energy Ltd) and a Federal proposal (Fullerton) to a proponent’s approval to approvals through the accreditation of the (bilateral approvals under the Environment carry out coal seam gas (CSG) exploration State planning systems under the EPBC Protection and Biodiversity Conservation activities near Newcastle. Fullerton Act. Minister Hunt confirmed that those Act 1999). contended that the exploration activities were invalid as the Department of Trade “willing jurisdictions” wanting to participate 1) The State amendment: NSW and Investment, Regional Infrastructure in the proposal will undergo a three stage planning reforms and Services had failed to: process that includes: The release of “A New Planning System 1. examine and take into account 1. signing a Memorandum of for NSW – White Paper” (White Paper) to the fullest extent possible all Understanding; on 16 April this year provided details on matters affecting or likely to affect 2. agreement on bilateral assessments how the NSW Government proposed to the environment arising from the review the planning system, promote and updating any existing agreement exploration activities, breaching section with the state; and economic growth and productivity, 111 of the Environmental Planning and increase community input into the Assessment Act 1979 (Act); and 3. negotiation of approval bilateral planning process, improve decision agreements within 12 months. making and transition to a system with 2. require that Dart Energy provide an less delay and red tape. This was followed Environmental Impact Statement This proposal will undoubtedly garner on 22 October 2013 by the introduction despite the fact that the exploration a broad spectrum of responses, with into the NSW Parliament of the Planning activities are “likely to significantly some entities seeing this proposal to Bill 2013 (Planning Bill) and Planning affect the environment (including “cut red tape” as an avenue to a more Administration Bill 2013. critical habitat) or threatened species, streamlined and simplified process populations or ecological communities, for project approvals, and others as a The recently introduced Planning Bill or their habitats”, breaching section significant erosion of the Commonwealth’s has been amended in response to the 112 of the Act. responsibility to protect matters of national consultation process that took place environmental significance and ensure following the release of the White Paper. The challenge was unsuccessful. Justice compliance with Australia’s international The Planning Bill now includes changes Pepper found that as section 112 of the Act environmental obligations. such as an expansion of the community gives rise to a jurisdictional fact (conditions participation requirements, a retention of which must exist before a statutory power Queensland was the first (and at the all zones in the Standard Instrument Local is enlivened) the merits of determining time of writing only) state to enter into a Environmental Plan, and the strengthening authorities’ decisions can be called into Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with of concurrence requirements regarding question by third party objectors. the Commonwealth. Whilst the MOU is not threatened species. a legal agreement, it provides that both the This finding may result in not only less Commonwealth and Queensland are to use On 30 October 2013 the Planning Bill certainty for proponents seeking to rely “their best endeavours” to deliver the “one and other associated bills passed the on determinations made under Part 5 of stop shop” for environmental approvals and State’s lower house, however there is no the Act, but also increase the opportunity remove “duplication in assessment and date for the legislation to be finalised. for third party objectors to challenge the approvals processes, while maintaining The Government promoted the review of validity of such assessments. With ongoing environmental outcomes.” A “watch this the planning amendments as a “once- community concerns regarding CSG space” status applies to this proposal, with in-a-generation” reform, however with activities in NSW, there may be a greater many of the other States expected to follow number of similar challenges taking place significant amendments to some of the Queensland’s lead n proposals contained in the White Paper in the coming year.

newplanner | DECEMBER 2013 | 11 Revisioning planning to achieve long-term social and economic benefits Sarah Reilly, Cred Community Planning

Planning for children in density Planning for older people Australia is only now learning to plan for By 2050, the number of people aged 65 plus more people living within increased density will more than double from just over one and the subsequent increase of children and million (one in eight people) to 2.3million young people in inner city areas. (In the City (one in four people). This significant growth of Sydney there are higher proportions of means that we need to start planning for children aged 0 to 4 years living in many new more appropriate and universally designed high-density dwellings than in other parts of housing, public spaces and town centres the City). But what are we doing to provide or we will face significant health and social quality spaces to support the integration of service costs in the future. Few of our public kids into public space? In Copenhagen, a areas are universally accessible, isolating high density city, children are designed into many older people in their homes, and low The NSW Department of Planning the streetscape through play streets and play proportions of new dwellings are universally White Paper1 states: yards resulting in healthier, more socialised designed to support ageing in place. But adults causing less negative impacts on there is significant research to show that “The main purpose of the planning society. Copenhagen has one of the lowest the costs of incorporating universal design system is to promote economic growth crime rates in the world, significantly upfront are much lower than retrofitting and development in NSW for the benefit reducing costs to the government in areas later, and significantly less than the costs of the entire community, while protecting such as law and order, and health. of moving an older person out of the the environment and enhancing people’s neighbourhood they are connected to and into a nursing home. A US study showed that way of life” for a house of between 150m2 and 200m2, It’s great to see outcomes for the entire the cost of incorporating essential universal community in the literature around planning design features costs about $700 for a new reform. However, it seems that in reality house compared to $14,000 if that same the current debate about the future of house was to be retrofitted. planning in NSW has paid little attention Housing affordability to the potential of spatial planning to provide solutions to many aspects of our Sydney has escalating housing prices. What’s most difficult social issues. There is a Hans Tavsens Ost puddle play2 going to happen to Sydney without enough lot of rhetoric about improving quality of affordable housing to support key workers life for people, however, social planning Community services to work in higher income areas where they requirements are not enshrined anywhere couldn’t possibly afford to live? Where are in the proposed legislation. Internationally, Studies from economist James Heckman our nurses, cleaners, police, bus drivers and there’s an increasing interest in planning show that for every $1 spent on child care, teachers going to come from, and where for, and measuring of, the value of social $17 is returned to the community through might they move? And what are the costs outcomes. The “social” is considered an better educational outcomes, higher school when housing becomes so unaffordable and integral part of the big picture planning completion rates, less expenditure on health, unavailable that homelessness continues to process. In my experience as a social welfare and crime services. However, in increase? With about 55,000 people currently planner, there is a constant battle to Australia, child care is one service area on the NSW Social Housing waitlist, this is convince decision makers to invest money from which increasing numbers of councils likely to happen. in good social planning processes or on are opting out, while there is increasing hard and soft social infrastructure (such as demand for places in many LGAs.3 Recently, The Common Ground model of mixed open space, affordable housing, universal Blacktown Council passed a motion not to housing is well known and in Chippendale design or community facilities). With sell of some its child care centres, but only this development provides social housing, competing demands for limited funds, the in response to significant protest from the affordable housing for key workers and 52 short-term economic costs, or ability to local community who value Council-run child houses for long-term homeless people. A make a profit, seem to be the major focus care which generally has lower fees and recent study showed that it costs more to for many decision makers. high quality services, and creates a stronger leave a person homeless ($34,000 in service community. Blacktown Council is one of fees per annum4) than to provide supported Where’s the evidence? Sydney’s largest local government child housing. And yet supported housing can care providers in a socially, culturally and reduce ongoing costs by 50% and has So how do we put a value on social economically diverse community. However, additional savings to health care (69% outcomes? There is increasing and rapid development saw poor planning result reduction); ambulance transportation costs significant evidence nationally and in an oversupply of private child care centres (66% reduction), police contact costs (66% internationally that there are direct short impacting on the viability of Council centres reduction), incarceration (62% reduction), and and long-term economic benefits to people- and thus a push to sell off the assets. While shelter visits (98% reduction)5. Furthermore, focused planning, and conversely economic many Councils are getting out of direct service the Big Issue, a well know homelessness risks and costs to planning without social provision, others such as the City of Sydney service, has identified through a La Trobe outcomes in mind. These benefits and and Leichhardt Council have recognised the University study that for every $1 invested in risks reach a broad range of stakeholders value of community and Council-run services the Street Soccer Program, a saving of $4.30 including the community, local business, and are investing significant additional money was generated to the Australian community, developers and government. into new child care centres in their areas. saving society $7million a year.

12 | DECEMBER 2013 | newplanner feature | DECEMBER 2013 | 13 Key Contacts Key planner new Mondello et al, 2007 et al, Mondello NSW Department of Planning and of Planning and NSW Department for system planning A new Infrastructure, NSW, 2013 the address play yards Copenhagen’s how and higher densities that limit fears parental in play of children the outdoor, independent Sept. 2012, p.21 Cities, Australian Cooperative Care NSW Community Child currently Planning are Community and Cred council NSW local into a study completing in child care involvement Council and St Vincents City of Sydney 2006 Hospital and Gillian McDougall, Andrew, Sense and Public Dollars, Savage. The Landmark Study of the Libraries: Public of Victorian Value Socio-economic Melbourne: State Publication. Libraries. 2011. of Victoria, Library of Department Government Australian Riding Walking and Transport, Infrastructure Ministerial Public Transport, to and Access 2013 Statement of Play Evaluation Play England: An Economic Sept. 2010. Rep. Matrix Evidence, Provision. http://www.playengland.org.uk/resources/ play-england-an-economic-evaluation-of- play-provision.aspx of The Reinvention Planning out poverty: and Country Planning, Town Social Town 2013. October Planning Association, investigate to Study report Tanya, Vincent 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Sarah Reilly is the NSW PIA Social Planning Convenor and will be speaking at the 2014 PIA National Planning Conference on why planning for people makes good economic sense. 8 and 7 9 Active transport transport Active 6 n (walking, cycling and catching the bus, and catching cycling (walking, our for good is not just or ferry) train but activation street and for health An economy. our for good actually it’s shows report Government Australian 20 who cycles each person that for economy and back, our work to minutes transport by $21.20. Active benefits eases the our health costs, reduces of cuts the costs of congestion, burden on the and saves maintenance vehicle roads; build more need to A UK study identified that every pound pound every identified that A UK study playground in an adventure invested £1.32 in social benefits. generates on average, $3.56); $3.56); on average, “Planning is the messy business of a re- of planning requires The reinvention visioning within wider social policy, rather cul de within a legislative than being left focus. “cost” short term sac and purely statutory of narrow within terms Even if better work land use, planning could be understood to were social outcomes decision-making in into and factored ways. This means sophisticated more that all assuming simply beyond moving about thinking is ‘good’, to development for the can be maximised its benefits how community entire anticipating the future and attempting to shape it for the good of society…. While planning cannot and should not force people to live differently, it can create the conditions where more sustainable and cooperative living is possible.

Penrith Mainstreet, Sydney ©Arup We shape a better world | www.arup.com We Natasha Connolly t. +61 2 9320 9338 e. [email protected] From providing environmental planning and approvals consultancy Rail Link to advice on the urban renewal business West for North case for Westconnex. Our multidisciplinary team of planners, designers and specialists look forward to working with our clients to continue to shape a better world in 2014. Arup has enjoyed being part of planning for NSW. A three year study in Victoria that shows that shows in Victoria study year A three the in libraries, dollar invested every for (For value. the triple receives community dollar spent on public libraries every annually $185 million - approximately is, the community back to - the value

active urban environments: urban active of providing quality community facilities and facilities quality community of providing studies demonstrate the economic benefits the economic demonstrate studies planned better for this upfront. A number of this upfront. for planned better lot more to our governments than if we had than if we governments our to more lot issues that threaten Australians and cost a and cost Australians that threaten issues child protection orders. These are all health These are orders. child protection rates of reported domestic violence and violence domestic of reported rates in growth areas are contributing to higher to contributing are areas in growth and engaging parks, and community facilities) and community and engaging parks, services (including public transport, quality public transport, (including services isolation, and lack of appropriate community appropriate isolation, and lack of and explains how housing stress, social housing stress, how and explains obesity. There is now research that supports research now is There obesity. eating packaged food and becoming at risk of and becoming eating packaged food after school longer, playing on screens, playing on screens, school longer, after Meanwhile there are kids left at home alone kids left are there Meanwhile cars, spending increasing money on petrol. on petrol. money spending increasing cars, people are spending long stressful hours in hours stressful long spending are people 70% live in Sydney’s west meaning that west in Sydney’s 70% live 70% of employment is in Sydney’s east but east is in Sydney’s 70% of employment services and community spaces. Around Around spaces. and community services petrol prices, and their limited access to local local to access limited and their prices, petrol the ones most heavily affected by increasing by increasing affected heavily the ones most that is considered “affordable” are going to be going to are “affordable” that is considered those families and people living in housing and people those families space, facilities and services, means that and services, facilities space, access to employment, public transport, open transport, public employment, to access Continued urban sprawl in areas with poor in areas sprawl urban Continued Liveability and community wellbeing community and Liveability What Planning Achieved for Development in 2013 … so much promise … Stephen McMahon, Inspire Urban Design + Planning

The highway was jammed with An Optimistic Start Other professional groups were less broken heroes on a last chance 2013 did not start this way. First home eloquent. The Association of Accredited power drive. buyers were being priced out of the long Certifiers called it a “U Turn”; while the held dream of families owning their own Urban Development Institute of Australia So what did planning achieve for the (UDIA) described it as a “backflip.” development industry in 2013? With 1500 home and there was an acute housing Time will tell whether the changes (if words to consume, my immediate thoughts shortage. Our State Government had been elected with a mandate for change. ever implemented) achieve the stated turned to the injustice of not being given Promises of change had been made. goals of the Planning Reform to inter more space in this end of year edition of Planners working in the development alia “reinvigorate the planning system New Planner. industry entered 2013 with great optimism to act as a positive contributor to Yet, I struggled to fill Robyn’s generous that our profession was going to achieve sustainable development and growth in allotment of journal space. Luckily, as many good things to reduce the barriers the State’s Economy.” Without doubt they the submission deadline approached I that had held back investment in jobs and make a mockery of the comprehensive was saved by the editorial of The Daily housing over the last decade. At worst, it consultation (900 submissions, 2000 Telegraph on October 28th. could not do anything as ruinous as when people and 70 organisations/ interest The heading cried out “Barry – a lone voice it suffered under the ineptitude, indecision, groups) and the investigations undertaken against Badgerys” corruption and narcissistic behaviour of by the Minister’s co-chairs of the review, the previous Government. Former Labor Messrs Moore and Dwyer, to arrive at their It noted that, in a rare showing of Premier Bob Carr’s obstructive statement well-considered recommendations. bipartisan support, the communities, “Sydney is Full” was history. As NSW President Sarah Hill has said; “If unions, big business, airlines and Federal We had the Green Paper, the Urban the Planning Bills do not progress through Government all supported a new airport Activation Precincts (UAPs), the draft Parliament, where does this leave NSW?” at Badgery’s Creek; but ‘Barry’ didn’t. I Metro Strategy and the Transport was also saved by the Labor Party’s Yet, am I being too negative? What about Master Plan among others. It is a credit opposition to the much watered down the UAPs? In my view the UAP process to Government and to the planners in is perhaps one of the best inner city Planning Bill in its second reading in Government, that such a large amount of renewal initiatives ever to come out of Parliament the next day. work was undertaken and completed in the Department and Government. Yet More about these later. such a short time. The foundations had of the 8 precincts announced at the been laid for a great contribution by our beginning of the year only one, North Ryde, profession to delivering confidence and has progressed to rezoning and some, certainty for planning, investment and such as the Epping Town Centre have development by both the private and public become entombed by the vociferous (so sectors in NSW. called) “community” objections narrowly The Clouds Roll In represented by grey haired, Anglo, Lower Yet as the year progressed it became North Shore Nimbyists and held hostage apparent that, despite the good work by local government politics. Epping to date, change was going to be slow in is a fine example of the dysfunction of coming. local government. One side of the town centre is home to a Council that supports Any thoughts among planners in the the initiative, while the other side of the development industry of Kennett (Vic) centre is home to a Council that objects and Newman (Qld) type reforms of Local to it. Where in 2013 was local government The residents of Badgery’s Creek: More Influential in and State Government (no matter how reform when we needed it? Setting Planning Policy than the Planning Profession … disagreeable) and legislation, or even apparently some simple evidence of energy and enthusiasm so lacking in politics in NSW As a town planner working for, and in, during the last 16 years, progressively the development industry in NSW I was evaporated. reminded many times during 2013, as I In September, the changes introduced to journeyed down the State’s clogged roads the Planning Bill (and the Labor Party’s and airports travelling from interminable opposition to what was left of the Bill) in Council meeting to bombastic community the face of concerted attacks by some “progress” meeting to ostentatious organised community groups would politician’s presentation, of the famous perhaps count as the most significant Bruce Springsteen line “ The highway disappointment of 2013. was jammed with broken heroes on a last PIA President Kirsty Kelly summarised the chance power drive.” situation well by saying “there are risks I witnessed much rhetoric, but few results; inherent in groups … swaying government so much management, but so little policy, sometimes in the absence of Epping:- a Town Divided. Residents Against, One leadership. reasoned, researched, rational argument. Council Supports and the other Council Objects

14 | DECEMBER 2013 | newplanner feature n n | DECEMBER 2013 | 15 planner new The End? did not planning in 2013 conclude, To in the working planners much for deliver end the year, As we industry. development in housing affordability the dual crises jobs to Access continue. and land supply and the efficiencies inequitable remains reforms legislative sought in the eagerly and the remnants down been watered have Labor opposition. further opposed by the The in October At a UDIA conference Minister Hazzard, Brad Right Honourable with much Planning, proclaimed for to wanted Government enthusiasm that his He wants our State see NSW No.1 again. and of course stuff boom. It was stirring to of by the audience received it was well expected. have as one would developers actions to the planning are where Yet this? facilitate and Planners to with a call So I conclude together be working our politicians. We’ll line as the conga come time to a long for Be courageous. continues. ICAC through 2014 the make Let’s mandate. Use your planning helps NSW regain where year families young where that No.1 crown, in, where live buy homes to to afford can in work can families Sydney Western planning and where Sydney Western not based upon the narrow decisions are and white, of dairy cows minded views ‘nimbyists’ superannuated class, middle Of particular interest are the main are Of particular interest and supporting working planning reports covering Bathurst-Orange for papers social and infrastructure, policy, transport among other issues and environmental rare is a very addition, there In matters. set of the Northumberland and intact the Planning Scheme maps covering 1955. circa Hunter, Lower been catalogued has now The collection of the Newcastle with the assistance on the and is available team Library page under the Newcastle web Council’s http://www. catalogue Region Library newcastle.nsw.gov.au/services/newcastle_ library/local_studies/special_collections/ greg_heys_regional_planning_collection those items lists document The first also which are catalogued already online on the library’s searchable Heys Greg for by searching catalogue Regional Planning Collection. is: http:// catalogue the library The link to nrpl.sirsidynix.net.au/client/newcastle planners to the collection commend We in with an interest and researchers planning and development regional “it’s a matter for the improving Brisbane’s infrastructure.” announcement is a major step towards new permanent jobs by 2035 … This 2,700 jobs, not to mention 7,800 brand the runway is expected to generate almost peak construction phase of the project, tourism, … More immediately, during the construction, agriculture and especially and support our four pillars of resources, of dollars of economic benefits, create jobs Alas, the dairy cows and scattering of and scattering Alas, the dairy cows households on the and acreage farms appear more Sydney fringe of western influential in NSW planning than these Sydney goals. We community important the fence gaze over to continue planners at the planning and awe with jealousy in our neighbouring place taking initiatives states. Compare this to Qld’s Premier Campbell Premier Qld’s this to Compare spruiking of the benefits of a Newman, airport: at Brisbane’s runway second “The Parallel Runway will provide billions Federal Government”. absence of any consideration of the of the of any consideration absence its within airport site of an presence the planning notwithstanding boundary, Extraordinarily, achieve. it would objectives term adopt the innocuous to it prefers describe the site land” to “Commonwealth It is farcical. word. “A” in lieu of the the to been subject have day we Day to ‘Barry’ from message The collection relates to Newcastle, the Newcastle, to relates The collection and other regional Bathurst-Orange Hunter, other from NSW (and a few in centres growth the 1970s from mainly parts of Australia), of over The collection day. the present to studies part of the local forms 400 items and Region Library at Newcastle collection of planning reports, includes a wide range agency reports, maps, and other government policy and publicity materials.

however, by the complete and utter and utter by the complete however, in the future. The Plan is also noteworthy, The Plan is also noteworthy, in the future. employment precinct in Western Sydney Sydney in Western precinct employment and transport framework for a large a large for framework and transport establish the land use, infrastructure the land use, infrastructure establish to this. Its objectives certainly do. They do. They certainly Its objectives this. to investigation that could have responded responded have that could investigation in June is a good example of planning in June is a good example Employment Area Structure Plan released Plan released Structure Area Employment In that regard the Draft Western Sydney Sydney Western the Draft In that regard the geographical heart of the City. heart of the City. the geographical some of Sydney’s air movements closer to to closer air movements some of Sydney’s environmental benefits of decentralising benefits of decentralising environmental planner the economic, social, amenity and social, amenity planner the economic, I don’t need to point out to any NSW any NSW point out to I don’t need to Sydney’s airport at Badgerys Creek. at Badgerys Creek. airport Sydney’s At this point I must return to Western Western to return At this point I must next? next? June. At last! But which planned link is But which planned June. At last! the awarding of the tunnelling contract in contract of the tunnelling the awarding Rail Link deserves a special mention with a special Rail Link deserves bargain at $1.2 million). The North West The North West at $1.2 million). bargain looks very fine (and a graphic design fine (and a graphic very looks ball” logo with that peculiar orange colour colour orange with that peculiar logo ball” Gladys should be proud. The new “hopping The new Gladys should be proud. very smart in their new uniforms and and uniforms new smart in their very The staff at Transport for NSW now look look now NSW for at Transport The staff recalcitrant Clover Moore on this initiative. on this initiative. Moore Clover recalcitrant is even receiving the applause of the the applause of receiving is even promising and the State Government Government and the State promising Light rail through Central Sydney is looking looking is Sydney Central through rail Light One bright spot has been public transport. transport. spot has been public One bright Playing with Trains and Planes Trains with Playing progressively make these available online. these available make progressively preserve these items and, where possible, possible, and, where these items preserve digitally scan rare documents and maps to rare scan digitally to the collection to assist the Library to the Library assist to the collection to The Hunter Planners recently donated $500 donated recently Planners The Hunter establishing a collection with a regional focus. with a regional a collection establishing World Town Planning Day in 2010. Town World of and with the objective viewpoints, officially launched and dedicated on launched and dedicated officially and academic practitioner from value” practitioners. The collection was The collection practitioners. “of are which items assessing collection, materials donated by Hunter planning by Hunter donated materials the examine to City Library Newcastle documents, historic maps and documents, historic with the has been working volunteers supplemented with rare planning with rare supplemented of a small group the dedication, Since planners. The collection has been The collection planners. benefit of researchers and practising researchers benefit of the Newcastle City Library for the for City Library the Newcastle collection of planning documents to collection Development Corporation, left his left Corporation, Development social planner at the Bathurst Orange social planner at the Bathurst Mayor of the City of Newcastle and a of the City of Newcastle Mayor The late Mr Greg Heys, a former a former Heys, Mr Greg The late Alison Cook, John Hyslop and Scott Anson and Scott Alison Cook, John Hyslop Update on the Greg Heys Regional Planning Collection Regional Planning Collection Heys on the Greg Update PIA Hunter Branch PIA Hunter Local perspectives: the LGPN voice Stephen Gow

The 2013 PIA NSW Local Government circumstances. consultant Stuart Waters who argued Planners’ Network Forum, held in The challenge of keeping pace with that “consultation is dead” and a new Mudgee in August, offered delegates change was reinforced by demographer paradigm of ‘collaborative engagement’ stimulating presentations and Mark McCrindle. Mark entertained his was upon us. He spoke in particular about the ‘Cynefin’ model for engagement, networking opportunities in a wonderful audience with a brisk and illuminating analysis of Australian society and its based on levels of complexity, and a new regional setting. This event is held place in the world in 2013. As well as ‘collaborative governance’ approach in on an occasional basis and, although the massive (490%) growth in Australian which stakeholders helped to design and primarily aimed at those working in and population over the past century, he therefore own planning processes, from for local councils, it is open to all. This outlined the evolving impacts of global inception to implementation. year over 160 planners from across economics, migration, changing social Anthony Whealy from Gadens Lawyers the State came together for a timely mores and new technologies. All these provided delegates with an insightful conference program entitled “New factors were affecting the composition, analysis of responses to the White Paper Directions: taking planning into the next relative affluence, behaviours and from major stakeholder groups, including aspirations of successive generations, PIA, whose position he considered to be a generation”. from the ‘builders’ of the early 20th responsible and balanced one. The importance of informed professional century, the baby boomers, through to Especially impressive at the Forum was input in the context of the NSW today’s youth - Generation Z and the the obvious enthusiasm of participants Government’s planning reform package emerging ‘Alphas’. In particular, Mark in questions and discussion, where was very much evident in discussions highlighted the increasing pace and global presenters and audience members had from the welcome reception onwards. context for change and a move away clearly started to consider the realities of a Moreover, the potential for members to from command and control structures in new planning system in practice. A ‘Q and make telling contributions in this change society to a more collaborative, relational A‘-style forum of senior local government process was highlighted in the striking basis for social engagement. planners led by Greg Woodhams on similarity between aspects of the current In this context, delegates were keen to this topic was especially provocative, reforms and proposals put forward by hear from Jill Reich, Deputy Director with ethical, collaborative and informed delegates at the previous Forum in Leura. General for People, Culture and Business behaviour seen as cornerstones of best With the prospect of new legislation in NSW at the NSW Department of Planning practice. In similar vein, a break out and calls for a related cultural shift in the and Infrastructure. Jill, who has been session in which David Broyd and Matthew profession uppermost in the thoughts of those charged with overseeing the delivery Brown discussed work undertaken attending this year’s event, delegates were of a new culture for planning as part of for Port Stephens Council on desired treated to an analysis of the contemporary the current reform process in the State, behaviours and culture ‘at the coalface’ context for planning in Australia, as well spoke about community engagement – including foundational values for staff as more specific commentary on issues processes locally and internationally, as and the need to address cultural fit in emerging from the Government’s “New well as organisational reforms within recruitment – was also memorable. Planning System” White Paper. the Department itself. Jill indicated a The forum concluded with an excellent The Forum opened with a timely reminder desire to build a collaborative, outcomes- presentation by Kelly van der Zanden on the value of good planning for the based culture, in which motivating and on the potential for envisioning future future of our communities. Brendan developing practitioners who could work environments through 3D computer O’Brien of development group Stockland with constant change and think outside modelling, which will clearly become a spoke of his company’s focus on the square would be critical. major component in planning engagement “liveability” in new housing projects. The The need for such attributes was processes. company had developed an index for the reinforced by several speakers on the Once again our thanks go to the team at the wellbeing of residents. This was based on second day of proceedings. Lucy Turnbull Divisional Office for putting together such affordability, including a mix of housing AO and experienced Queensland planner a topical and valuable program. Catherine designed to avoid mortgage stress; access Gary White both endorsed the necessity van Laaren and her colleagues at the Mid- and connectivity; a sense of belonging; for strategic planning to regain pre- Western Regional Council are also to be designing for health and fitness; as well eminence and respect. They saw this commended in hosting the event, providing a as resident engagement in community as the key tool for managing growth series of informative local tours highlighting management. Stockland is seeking to pressures, including better coordination of the planning challenges facing their LGA, realise the concept of “Shared Value”, infrastructure planning, with a clear line particularly as a result of recent growth in espoused by Harvard Professor Michael of sight between agreed strategy and local mining activity. Delegates were treated to Porter, which seeks to align corporate delivery. Lucy considered that building some of the best produce the mid-west has management with social sustainability greater respect for planning would involve to offer at a memorable ‘degustation’ dinner on the basis that “what’s good for society politicians stepping back in the process. at the recently renovated Mudgee Town Hall/ is good for business”. In the context She also felt that achieving sustainability Library building. of social heterogeneity, Brendan felt could not involve doing nothing, but Full details of presentations at the 2013 that a new planning system should required effective engagement processes, Government Planners’ Network Forum are embrace flexibility and, in particular, especially with those currently disengaged available at: http://www.planning.org.au/ maintain the potential for Voluntary in typical ‘town hall’ forums. nswcontent/2013-state-conference n Planning Agreements to respond to local This theme was later taken up by 16 | DECEMBER 2013 | newplanner review

n Benjamin Black MPIA BEnvPlan (02) 9531 2555 (02) 9531 2599 F | DECEMBER 2013 | 17 planner new

BTP (Hons) MProDev MPIA CPP (Hons) MProDev BTP Je Mead This potentially positive change in the positive This potentially welcomed be to Department appeared but during the Q & A by the audience out that this one planner pointed session by the was promised same type of reform was and that promise Department in 1998, therefore upon. His question not delivered Jill this time”? was “what is different accept to that the willingness reiterated change was of cultural the challenge within the by all levels being embraced occur. Department and that it would I do the planning profession to Being new dealing with much experience not have but the experience system, the current that the confirm to appears of Stockland not realised in 1998 were reform hopes for Hopefully planning regime. in the current this time things may be different. thank Ian to much like very I would the Sinclair of Edge Land Planning for the opportunity to me support that allowed the Mudgee forum attend Land Planning NSW Travellers cheque Anthony was the recipient of the 2013 Edge

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times more in Queensland than NSW with in Queensland times more in Queensland $1,000 million invested NSW. million for $100 to compared influencing the disparity A major factor approach streamlined more the be to seemed by the adopted approvals development to to compared system Queensland planning comparisons Investment the NSW system. and Australia Western for also given were $600 received these states where Victoria million and $400 million respectively. shortly was followed This presentation the Department of by Jill Reich from after Jill outlined Planning and Infrastructure. make to in place steps are there how change within the cultural significant change was Department. The need for conducted surveys based on extensive a by the Department that showed system. with the current dissatisfaction change It is hoped that this cultural and collaborative in a more will result enabling attitude with the Department than using rather acting as a “facilitator” approach. and compliance” the “regulate traffic traffic y development advice y

abn: 18 003 667 963 web: www.gsaplanning.com.au expert evidence email: [email protected] y t: (02) 9362t: (02) 3364 f: (02)9362 3073 urban design y

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Mission Statement: for strive continually to aims company Our professional excellence and client satisfactionthein provision of our planning services. George Karavanas MPIA,Sc, Eng M BTP, MAITPMCPP, KEY TEAM MEMBERS: Gary A Shiels UrbM M Design, Urb Sc, M Eng Stud, FAIM,FAPI, CPP, LFPIA, 95 paddingtonpaddington street, nsw 2021

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Queensland where Stockland invested 10 invested Stockland Queensland where comparison was between NSW and was between comparison between 2004 and 2011. One striking 2004 and 2011. One striking between by Stockland in residential developments developments in residential by Stockland investments made throughout Australia Australia made throughout investments demonstrating the large disparity of the large demonstrating from Stockland. Brendan showed a chart showed Brendan Stockland. from an interesting talk by Brendan O’Brien by Brendan talk an interesting Early on in the presentations there was there on in the presentations Early and some insights on the current system. system. and some insights on the current administration of the new planning system planning system of the new administration the lunch and coffee breaks. breaks. the lunch and coffee the to some thoughts related share to numerous opportunities offered during opportunities offered numerous I wanted generation” the next planning into dinner on the Thursday night and thedinner on the Thursday was “taking the theme of the forum Since on the Wednesday night, the formal night, the on the Wednesday such as at the welcome reception reception such as at the welcome there were opportunities to network opportunities to were there addition to the excellent presentations, presentations, the excellent addition to given by a variety of presenters. In of presenters. by a variety given consisted of an exciting mix of topics of an exciting consisted This forum was held over two days and two over was held This forum Anthony Potts impressions from a new planner a new from impressions New Directions - Mudgee Forum: - Mudgee Directions New

Planning for the 22nd Century Rodney Jensen

During this year the NSW State Government has been tasked with the major responsibility of revisiting the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act of 1979 (EPAA). And while we may have naïvely thought that we would see a radical transformation in our planning system, the indications of the draft legislation are that the new system will end up quite similar to the EPAA, despite all the fuss. While community attention has focused on the Act, the Department of Planning and Infrastructure has also been refining its Metro Strategy to a seemingly arbitrary point in the 2030s. Difficulties in economic forecasting and the limits of futurology growth and sprawl. In Australia, the low A more linear form of growth can be may justify this approach, but planners density of population means that cities seen in Adelaide’s Metro Region where surely must not disregard the longer term like Sydney would otherwise collapse the Mount Lofty Range has constrained future given the rapid pace of change under the high cost of extended lines of development into a form of extreme sprawl in technology, societal objectives and communication, utility services and roads. from beyond Gawler to the North and environmental conditions. Indeed, the dire Such concerns have supported consistent beyond Willunga to the South. Perth, for projections in climate change can only policies of intensification balanced against quite similar reasons, has a pattern of make matters more difficult for planning outer metropolitan growth. Interestingly, north-south containment along a coastal Australia, placing obvious limits on where current evidence would indicate increasing strip constrained by mountains to the and how future development must occur. market support for this by younger east. Adelaide and Perth, from a public By 2035, however, the forecasts suggest demographic sectors which are opting for transport point of view, are more efficiently that Sydney will have grown by an apartments closer to the city centre rather serviced (like beads on a string) than the additional population equivalent to a than single lot housing in remote locations, radial-centric type of growth which Sydney whole new city the size of Adelaide. The requiring long commuting journeys to work and Melbourne infrastructure has been decisions which are being made now will each day. unable to avoid. have huge and irreversible ramifications. Similarly, the pattern of Australian cities The most recently planned of our cities, I will first look briefly at an important which has evolved particularly since Canberra, demonstrates most clearly basis for future metro growth, the “Draft the Second World War strongly favours the successes and failures of the hybrid NSW Centres Policy”, before thinking metropolitan regions comprising centres centres and corridors approach. Canberra how growth has been managed in other and corridors. Sydney has obviously been is, at least by car, our most accessible city. Australian Capital Cities and major tourist planned this way with growth channelled However the public transport situation destinations in the Asia Pacific. In the along the main road and rail arteries out of is not quite so pretty. Canberra has a Centres Policy the emphasis is largely on the city centre, although the considerable clearly defined hierarchy of centres based establishing a hierarchy of centres within future growth in the Metro Region will on size and population catchment. The the metro region. This is intended to make probably lead to the spaces between the large strategic centres of Gungahlin, Civic, best use of available infrastructure and corridors being filled in. Belconnen, Woden and Tuggeranong are meets certain residential and commercial employment and space targets over time. The nominated centres have been chosen because of access to infrastructure, most notably public transport. However recent advice received from a spokesman for the Department of Planning and Infrastructure is that the draft has effectively been abandoned, although what will replace it is unclear, beyond broad objectives of “fostering economic growth, employment and community engagement”. To my mind, the Centres Policy is the key element of strategic thinking in the Metro Strategy since it underwrites greater efficiency in the use of infrastructure and rationality in the future disposition of commercial development and work opportunities rather than unregulated

18 | DECEMBER 2013 | newplanner serviced by correspondingly regional scale heritage sites. On the other hand, the facilities including regional shopping growth in physical connectivity with the centres, hospitals and high schools which mainland seems destined to intensify the operate with varying degrees of economic level of growth beyond sustainable and success. The main centre of Civic is a manageable limits. particular casualty of the approach and, to My last example is the island of Bali which, my mind, has always suffered an identity like Penang, has a remarkable Hindu- crisis lacking the scale, density, diversity based cultural heritage arguably by far and interest that we expect from one of our the most important attractor beyond the feature capital cities. brash hot spots like Kuta on the western Similarly, at the neighbourhood scale, side of the airport peninsula. The lessons small centres like Mawson do not from Bali are quite similar to those of appear to work effectively, being too Phuket and Penang: that growth has close to the competing regional centres to be managed, cultural values have to and restricted in activity and use to be reinforced and interpreted, and the underwhelming supermarkets and environment must be protected. Bali substandard restaurants. One exception is already awash with sewage effluent to this is the highly successful Manuka- from its five star hotels flowing into the Kingston subregion which has benefitted once beautiful seas which surrounded into unique economic/creative clusters. enormously from more intense housing it. Burgeoning low density development Given the right infrastructure, particularly opportunities and cultural attractions between Kuta and Ubud has gradually communications, there are literally within its catchment. erased the very values which attracted hundreds of centres in Australia which tourists in the first place, including its In order to go beyond the experience of could share a far greater population emerald green terraced paddy fields. our own Metropolitan physical/spatial growth than the present level, and retard Particular tourist sites are too loved and planning experiments, it is worth reading the spread of the Sydney region. However threatened by over-visitation. some of the significant exponents of this should be a matter of intelligent creative and knowledge cities. Leading economic facilitation rather than direct We can learn a lot from Phuket, Penang writers such as Richard Florida, Alan J intervention. and Bali which, to my mind, have been far Scott, John Montgomery, Tan Yigitcanlar, better at enhancing culture and creativity Turning to some our neighbours in the Asia John Montgomery and Charles Landry than we have in Metro Sydney (with the Pacific, the three island centres of Phuket, have posited radical imperatives for the exception of some of the more enlightened Penang and Bali have each been driven by future beyond simple quanta of population, inner city councils including the City of intense and rapid growth in global tourism. employment and commercial space. Sydney most notably). Their economies Phuket has grown from an almost sleepy Instead they promote better ways of leading flourish because of higher levels of tourist destination to one which now meaningful lives in places not simply ingenuity and entrepreneurialism which attracts international air carriers, five star designed to meet minimum standards occurs without welfare or social programs. hotels and tourists from all corners of the but dynamic, vital and interesting. Such Indeed, each of these islands deserves a earth. Despite the catastrophic tsunami imperatives are, in my view, a direct far greater share of the economic revenues which very nearly wiped out the whole of consequence of the changing nature of the that stream in each year from global its western coastline including Patong working economy from mass production tourists, money that is siphoned off into Beach, it continues to flourish although manufacturing to knowledge-related work, national accounts or the pockets of corrupt environmental issues will grow to haunt from changing societal values demanding officials and politicians. the island unless they are managed more creative enrichment and from new effectively in the future. Overall, however, the key conclusion capabilities via technology to network, while for Sydney is that future planning must The island of Penang in Malaysia has at the same time demanding ever greater go beyond the simple metrics of height also grown in spectacular fashion since access to physical movement. density and land use, with far greater the 1970s. From a period when it relied Centres will be distinguished not so much concern for intelligent urban design, entirely on a ferry connection across by their population catchment/size as by urban vitality and cultural enrichment. its the narrow strait to the mainland, it their distinctive characteristics. Examples The mechanisms to achieve this are not now boasts two bridge crossings and a of this are the small town of Bowral in limited to physical or spatial planning, but future underground road tunnel planned the Southern Highlands which has a must have equal regard to the creative and for completion within the next decade. growing reputation for book collectors social economies n Penang is particularly noteworthy because and the City of Liverpool which each year of its spectacular success in recognising holds the largest model railway hobbyists Dr Rodney Jensen is a Sydney based and conserving its essentially Chinese convention in Australia. Specialised consultant in urban design, heritage and heritage in the centre of Georgetown and interests such as these have the capacity regeneration. During 2013 he has re- boasts an amazing number of UNESCO to be built on, focussing future growth visited Penang and Bali.

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| DECEMBER 2013 | 21 planner new PIA NSW 2013 Forum LGPN NEW directions:NEW into planning taking generation the next Promoting Improved Efficiencies in Major Project Development Processes Darren Holloway, Certified Practising Planner, Monteath & Powys Pty Ltd.

This is a summary version of an generally identifies a positive relationship Other factors include the experience and issues paper which is available between planning process and house capacity of government officials to undertake through PIA website. prices (Gurran et al 2009). assessments on major projects, as well as the In Australia, the Residential Development quality of information that is submitted with 1. Introduction Council (RDC) has stated that about major project applications. Earlier this year the NSW Government a third of the cost of a new house and 6. Efforts to Improve Development released its White Paper for a new land package relates to taxes, levies Approval Processes planning act in NSW. The changes and ‘compliance costs’1. The Urban Some jurisdictions (e.g. Western Sydney promoted include an attempt to reduce Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Regional Organisation of Councils) have approval times especially for minor has previously identified that a typical attempted to implement benchmarks development, however, major and more rezoning process adds an additional $7,000 against which development assessment complex developments will generally be to the cost of a lot (UDIA 2007). the subject of a merit based assessment systems can be assessed against, providing The PC (2009) notes that delays for a baseline for future improvement. process. At the time of writing the bill for major upstream petroleum projects can Other options to reduce delays and costs the new legislation is before Parliament. increase net present value of returns within development assessment systems A number of state and national initiatives by 10-20%. Attempts to examine the includes the establishment of technical (including COAG) have attempted to reduce impact of planning regulations on tourism reference groups, through to identifying development approval times in recent development in Australia (LEK Consulting best practice models (e.g. Development years, however, doing so for more complex 2011), emphasise the lack of consideration Assessment Forum) and examining the role projects has been difficult to achieve. The given to tourism in planning regulations of environmental assessment systems. Productivity Commission (PC) is currently rather than costs. embarking on a project to benchmark 7. Major Project Assessment in NSW 5. Overview of Delays in the Process Australia’s major project development As part of this article, a random sample assessment (DAA) processes against The PC identified some of the reasons why of 120 major projects from the NSW International best practice, part of which major projects can be delayed or increase Department of Planning and Infrastructure’s will be to explore potential opportunities for the end cost of a project: major project register over the last seven further improvement. At the time of writing Compliance costs; years was analysed to inform the discussion. a draft report has been prepared by the PC. Unclear, overlapping and inconsistent Table 1 below presents the results of this 2. Purpose of this Paper regulatory objectives; analysis. The purpose of this article is to comment on Different objectives at and between The results reveal that from the issuing of potential efficiencies that can be adopted in different levels of government; the Director – General requirements (DGRs) major project development approvals. Unclear governance and institutional for the preparation of an environmental At the outset, it is important to note that major arrangements; assessment through to determination it projects are often complex projects and there Resourcing and regulator behaviour; takes, on average, 603 days for a major will always be a balancing act to ensure the Regulatory complexity; project to be approved. On face value the results of the analysis suggest that there is economic, social and environmental impacts Cost effectiveness of existing processes; significant capacity to reduce timeframes are appropriately assessed. Use, or lack therefore, of strategic for major project determinations in NSW. planning; 3. The Value of Major Projects The results also reveal that proposals in Major projects are important for growth in Effectiveness of current processes. certain land use sectors take significantly cities and regions especially in the face of global competition for business, tourism and TABLE 1: ANALYSIS OF A RANDOM SAMPLE OF MAJOR PROJECTS, NSW investment. As well as creating housing, recreation, education and transport related Average No. of Days from outcomes, major projects are also significant Average Value ($) DGRs to Determination job creators. The NSW Department of (n=120) (n=120) Planning and Infrastructure (2013) notes that in the two years since April 2011 the Agriculture, Timber, Food $72,464,998 504 Department approved major projects worth Chemical Manufacturing $41,500,000 651 $29.8 billion which is estimated to have created 43,715 operational jobs and 73,875 Health and Public Service $111,912,500 513 construction jobs. Manufacturing and Storage $82,161,111 274 4. Costs of Delays Mining, Petroleum, Extractive Industry $43,471,429 374 There has been limited research on the costs of time delays in issuing Residential, Commercial and Retail $232,166,667 522 approvals for major projects. Some research has been conducted in Resource and Waste $23,851,786 850 relation to development approvals and Tourism and Recreation $46,331,818 969 residential housing prices, most of it on the relationships between planning Transport, Energy, Water & regulations and housing outcomes in the Telecommunications $188,407,692 878 US and UK (Dawkins et al 2002), which Total $98,034,900 603

22 | DECEMBER 2013 | newplanner feature n | DECEMBER 2013 | 23 planner new undertaken on projects which can help reduce help reduce can which on projects undertaken proponents both In this regard, timeframes. consider to need agencies and government in the systems accreditation professional and impact studies of environment preparation impact a significant have which can statements, times. Government assessment in reducing in consulting be proactive need to agencies also more and in providing upfront with proponents environmental to in relation online information what know so that proponents issues address. need to they issues environmental to the significantly contribute Major projects that the It is considered economy. Australian with planning act in NSW along new proposed on major work Commission’s the Productivity positive are processes assessment project good PIA is also undertaking forward. steps to with stakeholders in collaborating work new of the proposed the effectiveness ensure any Nonetheless, in NSW. planning system without appropriate work does not system new and finance, staff, including implementation as occur to the implementation enable to tools as possible. seamlessly and with economy in a global NSW competes and investment. trade for other cities in Australia industrial to infrastructure from Major projects significant provide projects and tourism While and jobs in the economy. investment impactsbalancing the social and environmental assessment the major project is important, As the NSW. efficient in be more can process This of changes is required. a suite PC notes, already work complement set out to article has there but it is concerning being undertaken, approval of major project examination been little contribution the significant considering systems the economy to make major projects Bibliography and Further Reading and Further Bibliography Dawkins, C, and Nelson, A. (2002) Urban containment comparison An international policies and housing prices: Land Use Policy, research, future for with implications 19, pp. 1-12. (2013) Department of Planning and Infrastructure DP&I, Years, Two The First Planning and Infrastructure: Sydney. B. (2009) Counting N., Ruming, K. and Randolph, Gurran, Infrastructure Planning Requirements, the Costs: in Australia, Contributions and Residential Development Final Report No 140, AHURI, Melbourne. and Investment LEK Consulting (2011) Tourism the Australian for prepared Regulation Review, Strategy. Tourism National Long Term Government (2009)Council Ministers’ Planning and Government Local Queensland Principles, National Planning Systems Government. Green (NSW) (2012) From of Australia Planning Institute on Submission Supplementary Culture: a New to Paper by the prepared Paper, Green the NSW Planning Review Sydney. of Australia, NSW Division of the Planning Institute (PIA) (2013) PIA of Australia Planning Institute Assessment Development Major Project Submission: Process. of Regulatory (2009) Review Commission Productivity Sector, (Oil and Gas) Petroleum on the Upstream Burden Canberra. Government, Report, Australian Research (2011) Performance Commission Productivity Regulation: Business Benchmarking of Australian Assessments, Planning, Zoning and Development Canberra. Government, Australian (2012) Impacts of COAG Commission Productivity Regulation and Vocational – Business Reforms Government, (VET), Australian and Training Education Canberra. (2013) Major Project Commission Productivity Australian Processes, Assessment Development Canberra. Government, of Council (2007) Boulevard Residential Development in of Housing Affordability The Future Dreams: Broken Sydney. PCA, Australia, of Planning in the 21st M. (2013), The Value Silver, of at the Planning Institute presented Century, Paper Canberra. National Congress, Australia’s Home Affordable Report into UDIA (2007) An Industry UDIA, Canberra. in Australia, Ownership 9. Conclusion potential examine set out to This article development efficiencies in major project was This examination in NSW. approvals act proposed planning borne out of the new as the Productivity well NSW as for on major project research Commission’s has revealed The analysis processes. approval applications major project that in NSW new Director days from 600 over just taken have determination. to Requirements General that improvements significant are There timeframe. this reduce be made to can agencies consideration government For for information better to should be afforded between coordination better proponents, capacity timeframes, agencies, legislated change. building and cultural that it is important the proponent, to In regards is and assessment information appropriate 8. Supporting quality better change, providing cultural While government across and consistency information the Process an deliver in trying to agencies and legislation also relies the system is important, outcome support. This includes ensuring on resourcing to support the process sufficient are resources This does systems. of new and implementation but also resources, financial not mean only IT development, building, professional capacity source (e.g. GIS), and the ability to resources required. if on specific issues advice expert but it be put in place, can a system Overall, in an it is implemented does not function unless This also means that all manner. appropriate in major project agencies play a role government not just systems, assessment development planning authorities. 7. Acknowledgement one of the identifies The 2012 PC report of management to major impediments of professional government local for process the approval the poor quality authorities as being by applicants. provided of information government or state In NSW, local qualified suitably authorities do not require environmental prepare to professionals in obstacle which is seen as a key studies approval development the major project in NSW and may add significantly process projects. time of major assessment the to that government It is important and provide update to agencies continue preparing for on requirements guidance major projects, for studies environmental staff experienced and that appropriately It is also applications. assessing are that professional proponents for important rescind the right to bodies have industry not meeting are consultants if certifications In addition, state standards. professional planning authorities government and local in establishing involvement should consider systems. accreditation professional 6. Improved major project in efficiencies Improved capacity built being on capacity rely determination assessment for system the existing into within . A PC level uses at the State of all land the system 36% that identifies only in 2012 report planning in NSW government of staff qualifications relevant agencies had experience. of years five than and more an organisation for This is inadequate billions of worth projects that assesses development Professional in NSW. dollars of component an important are programs in the planning system ensuring capacity sector. including the public qualifications

While the new planning act proposed for for planning act proposed the new While in the some encouragement NSW provides change, efficiencies in a of cultural area all stakeholders unless occur do not system heading in the same direction. are However, other factors are important in important are other factors However, including an efficient planning system, creating accreditations, of professional recognition early engagement with stakeholders effective government as all as well in the process, agencies and planning authorities attempting than viewing rather an outcome achieve to bodies. as assessment themselves Without a doubt one of the major challenges development major project the facing in NSW is changing system assessment assessment of the development the culture charged as stakeholders, authorities, as well As the determinations. with major project (PIA) NSW notes, of Australia Planning Institute create to occur that can tasks several are there and consistent change including clear cultural planning and practical relevant planning advice, and skills and capacity policies, developing and relevant through performance improving indicators. performance key measurable 5. Cultural change If this information is available, proponents proponents is available, If this information constraints environmental incorporate can time save assessment, a due diligence into as speed up the process. as well and costs, Government agencies need to provide provide agencies need to Government to up front sufficient information address them to allow to proponents social and environmental the economic, adequately aspects of projects 4. Improved information on issues that may Inconsistencies between Commonwealth and Commonwealth between Inconsistencies if major be addressed need to legislation state be reduced. to times are approval project All government agencies should have a agencies should have All government on achieving and focus approach consistent on the ground. an outcome 3. Improved coordination between agencies Other NSW state government agencies government Other NSW state in major project role with a concurrence time agreed to commit need to approvals projects. assessing for frames 2. Legislative timeframes for all Development applications assessed by local by local assessed applications Development on an monitored in NSW are government to annual basis and this should be extended the quantification allowing level, the state times and approval of major project for improvement. of areas identification 1. Improved monitoring of major project From the analysis of major projects above, of major projects the analysis From of the proposed with consideration together and the PC’s NSW planning legislation toneed issues of number a recommendations, in major efficiencies improve to be considered The following processes. approval project in theexperiences identified from are issues in NSW. system approval major project The PC’s current draft report on major report draft current The PC’s identifies 28 systems assessment project efficiencies improve to recommendations approvals. in major project 8. Consideration of improved efficiencies of improved 8. Consideration assessments in major project longer to approve than others. Tourism Tourism others. than approve to longer on take, projects major and recreation whereas assess to the longest average, take projects storage and manufacturing assess. of time to amount the least affect major projects and legislation government agencies timeframes In the Courts: You can’t stop the MUSIC Peter Williams, Faculty of the Built Environment, UNSW

applicant’s calculations were accepted then the proposal would be capable of achieving NorBE (i.e. the Catchment Authority’s requirement of effectively NorBE plus 10%) and so was capable of being granted consent. On the basis of the evidence the Court held that the calculation of forest cover used by the Council was appropriate for consideration of the site, and so concluded that the proposal could not satisfy the NorBE requirements for the proposed development and, as a result, it was Yates and anor v Blue Mountains City Council [2013] necessary for the application to be refused. NSWLEC 1174 (29 August 2013) involved an appeal to Although dismissing the appeal on the grounds of failure to satisfy the Land and Environment Court against the refusal of NorBE, the Court decided to consider the two objections under SEPP development consent for the construction of two tennis 1 in relation to non-compliance with the site coverage and landscaped courts. Central to the appeal was that the proposal was in area requirements in the LEP. In undertaking this assessment of the Sydney’s drinking water catchment and so was required to proposal, the Court considered the underlying objectives of the zone comply with State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney and the two development standards. Regarding the site coverage Drinking Water Catchment) 2011 (‘the Sydney Catchment standard, the Court held that, as NorBE had not been able to be achieved by the proposal, the underlying objective of the site coverage SEPP’). Significantly, cl 10 of the SEPP required that a standard also could not be achieved. The Court was prepared to accept consent authority must not grant consent to development however, that if a NorBE compliant application were to be made, it in the drinking water catchment unless it was satisfied that would be reasonable to sustain an objection to compliance with this the carrying out of the proposed development would have a development standard. neutral or beneficial effect (‘NorBE’) on water quality. Non-compliance with minimum landscaped area was not supported The proposed tennis courts were to be positioned on top of an existing by the Court on several grounds. First was the inability of the proposal stormwater pond and associated stormwater control works on to achieve NorBE. Second was the failure of the subdivision to satisfy allotments created as part of a subdivision consent granted by Council its NorBE requirement by not maintaining the approved rain garden to in 2008. One element that was required, as part of the 2008 subdivision, the extent and condition indicated in the 2008 consent. Third, the tennis was the construction of a ‘rain garden’ across two of the lots in the courts would, if approved, cover much of the rain water garden that was subdivision. The use of the rain garden was an essential element of identified and required under the 2008 consent n achieving NorBE when the original subdivision was approved. The whole of the subdivision site was zoned Living Bushland Conservation under the Blue Mountains Local Environmental Plan 2005. Two aspects of the LEP were relevant to the proceedings. First was the zone objectives and the second was development standards contained in building envelop controls. In this case the proposal did not comply with either the site coverage or landscaped area development controls contained in the LEP, but could be set aside if objections to compliance were sustained pursuant to State Environmental Planning Policy No1. For the purposes of NorBE, the Sydney Catchment SEPP placed a prohibition on the approval of development in the catchment unless seasons greetings the consent authority was satisfied that NorBE was achieved as a consequence of that proposal. Assessment of whether a development To our clients, partners and many friends, proposal achieved NorBE was undertaken through utilisation of a NorBE thank you for your continued support in 2013, Guideline published by the Sydney Catchment Authority. Further, to assist which has seen GTA become a significant applicants in the preparation of applications within the catchment, the contributor in the industry. Authority also prepared a manual and software program known as MUSIC (‘Model for Urban Stormwater Improvement Conceptualisation’). The Authority encouraged the use of the MUSIC software for the preparation of We look forward to working with you on more material in support of development applications where appropriate. great projects in 2014. Considerable detail was devoted in the judgment to a discussion of the purpose and operation of the MUSIC software tool and manual in The team at GTA Sydney wishes you all relation to undertaking NorBE assessments. Specifically, the manual a safe and prosperous New Year. required that in utilising MUSIC a site analysis be undertaken first, which included an identification of the current land uses. In the case of the subject proceedings, this meant a description of the physical state of the site prior to the granting of the 2008 consent. Here there chris dick brett ken jason was a key point of difference in the application of the MUSIC software wilson van den dool maynard hollyoak rudd by the parties. While both parties agreed that the appropriate land director director director director director use type (referred to as ‘node’ in MUSIC) prior to the 2008 consent (national) was ‘forest’, Council’s calculation of forested area (80%) was quite different from that of the applicant (61%). This disparity was crucial. If the Council’s estimate was accepted, then the application was not www.gta.com.au capable of achieving NorBE and thus must be refused. However, if the 24 | DECEMBER 2013 | newplanner review e e vic v d A

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BTP (UNSW), – API, ch pr F MRICS, r onmental planning and de onmental planning y Sanders nning .designcollaborativ a e l Moving from contest to consultation v P TPI, TPI, vir (02) 9262 3200 Fax: ulti-faceted design n esea esponsib v enquiries@designcollaborati Level 3, Clar Ph: Dedicated to p Principals George Smith, MR Har r www MR James Lidis, r m en Urba conveyed in a manner that encourages an informed debate. an informed encourages in a manner that conveyed Although should also be considered. consulted are communities How engage an effectively engagement can public meetings or online broader has a that consultation it is important community, active is that The problem of views. a range obtain and seeks to focus motivated. are they or go online if an event attend only often people that isn’t really engage with a community to is how So the question them? affects directly until a particular development interested and gaining participate inclination to one has the time or Not every when looking complex more even becomes of views range a broad relevant This is particularly up of the community. at the make non-English speaking backgrounds, from people when considering with their have the affiliation someone may age groups, different which all impact on pressures, and family work and general area, get involved. to or availability willingness someone’s be activities must of consultation range is that a broad The answer work. Even doesn’t approach all” and a “one size fits considered some it provides, age with all of the convenience in the digital face-to-face. their views discuss being able appreciate still people particular for understanding also improve can discussion Direct not adept with technology. communities of an abundance convey and to engage communities The need to vocabulary the technical not used to people to information complex But it is one that exercise. is a difficult of the planning system section of the cross engage a broad to are if we addressed be must n debate. and transparent in an informed community David Robinson is an Associate of KJA and Principal of Precinct Marketing Communications. He is an Associate Member of PIA.

David Robinson Community Engagement in the new planning system system planning in the new Engagement Community Opinion Opinion Changing lifestyles, along with better access to public transport, public transport, to access with better along Changing lifestyles, in the way people role all play an important jobs and services, for changes and a preference Demographic their lives. live such with issues together work, people where to living closer need in city areas, particularly and sustainability as affordability concentrating The benefits of be part of the conversation. to corridors transport and along centres in town development of feel the retaining meet housing demand, while to in order be to suburb, also needs housing in a residential traditional If the aim of the reforms is for consultation to focus on the desired on the desired focus to consultation is for If the aim of the reforms measure to and not simply of the planning process outcomes is a then there an individual development, or against support for the narrative simplify the language. In other words, need to real by asking people planning terminology away from move needs to their area. for aspirations about their future The ability to communicate effectively is a key skill that is is a key effectively communicate The ability to section of the community cross engaging a broad to fundamental part is often consultation planning. Successful when discussing part conversation. education, It’s incumbent on the planning industry and on government to adopt to and on government industry incumbent on the planning It’s and planning matters communicating to a plain English approach planning Strategic discussion. for the parameters establishing and not just outcome of its intended in terms be explained needs to density and land use jargon. building envelopes, on focused One of the main barriers to encouraging broader interest is the interest broader encouraging to One of the main barriers the example, for Take, is presented. way the planning process planning at the strategic of engaging communities objective key other than those bet that not many people be a fair It would stage. group community an active or from the planning industry from planning’ means. This type of describe what ‘strategic even could and often sometimes bewildered inspires ‘planning speak’ hardly get involved. to time poor communities The real question for government and industry which is yet to be resolved, be resolved, to which is yet and industry government for question The real the views and ensure of the community section engage a broad to is how in the debate? voices not the only are group of a small and often-active Faced with an active and well organised community, elected elected community, organised and well with an active Faced basing their decisions on broad are they feel often can Councillors a small number of the only when, in fact, feedback community This doesn’t mean that been heard. may have community entire should area local affiliations with their strong who have residents their suburb. that affect say in developments a legitimate not have one that should be heard. isn’t the only view active But the most considered. are of voices that a range important It’s However, getting the wider community involved in a new planning in a new involved wider community getting the However, a shift in the way if there’s be successful will only framework groups diverse Engaging communicate. and governments industry the most Often priorities is a difficult assignment. with different when lose something to have they those that feel are voices active Council. before comes proposal a development Engaging communities upfront when establishing a planning establishing when upfront Engaging communities a away from the debate move is an opportunity to framework future about the consultation to individual projects over contest up of a suburb. The changes outlined in the Department of make will be an important Paper White Planning and Infrastructure’s this. achieving towards move certainty for the property industry. the property for certainty of need in is system current the that argument little appears There and the development is appropriate about what change. Disputes and community developers between contest sometimes inevitable the adds to areas, suburban in traditional particularly groups, and losers. winners creates system that the current perception community engagement at the fore, but also provide more more also provide but engagement at the fore, community being touted as a fundamental shift that will not only place place shift that will not only as a fundamental being touted The NSW Government’s reforms to the planning system are are the planning system to reforms The NSW Government’s 2013 – The year of new population data for NSW

Dr Kim Johnstone, Senior Demographer, Department of Planning & Infrastructure

During the last quarter of 2013, three new data sets population may grow from 7.2 million people in 2011 to 9.2 million were released that affect how we understand population people by 2031. Projected growth is faster in Sydney compared to demand on infrastructure and services. The first of the rest of the state, with the population growing from 4.3 million to 5.8 million between 2011 and 2031 respectively. Over half of New these is a preliminary release of population projections South Wales and Sydney’s projected growth is likely to be due to prepared by the Department of Planning & Infrastructure. natural increase (that is the difference between births and deaths) The other two reflect reviews by the Australian Bureau and the remainder net migration (the difference between the of Statistics of historical data sets (population estimates number of people arriving from overseas and interstate and those and births). This article highlights the key outputs of each leaving for elsewhere). Outside of Sydney, internal and overseas migration will be important drivers of population change. data set and identifies implications for planners. 1. Preliminary population projections 2011-2031 On 9 September 2013, the NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure released preliminary population projections for New South Wales and each local government area. A summary report New South Wales in the Future: Preliminary 2013 Population Projections, a brochure, an excel file of the projection data and interactive maps covering each council area are available on the department’s website at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/projections. These preliminary projections are the start of a review of the official projections for New South Wales. They reflect information from the 2011 Census, births data from NSW Health, international migration information from the Department of Immigration & Citizenship, deaths and internal migration data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and information from stakeholders across the state. They show key changes in birth rates and levels A dominant feature of New South Wales’ projected population is of overseas migration that had taken place since the previous the ageing that will be evident across the state. The fastest growth review of the New South Wales projections. over the next 20 years will take place among people aged 70 years and older. Areas outside of Sydney are most likely to see one-third The 2013 population projections indicate that the New South Wales’

town planning economic & retail urban design

P 02 99806933 F 02 99806217 www.donfoxplanning.com.au

26 | DECEMBER 2013 | newplanner feature

n T: 02 6253 6888 T: T: 02 6584 7155 T: T: 02 4964 2150 T: T: 02 8584 8888 T: | DECEMBER 2013 | 27 planner new BTP(Hons), MSc(Hons), BAppSc, GradDipUrbRegPlan, BSc(Hons), LGTCP BEnvP, MPlanning, MPIA BEnvP, BSc(Hons), MEnvPlanning LGTCP, FPIA, CPP LGTCP, Sydney Stephen O’Connor Chris Jack MPIA, CPP Rachael Jeffrey Canberra Christine Allen Hunter Valley North Coast Adam Coburn www.erm.com Environmental Resources Management environmental, social andservices. We have planning over 100 offices consulting and in 40 employ countries overplanning contacts are: 3,000 staff. In NSW, our key ERM is one of the world’s leading providers of www.erm.com capita water consumption, unemployment rates. rates. unemployment consumption, water capita a with come also 1991-2001 the years for estimates The new by age information use population who planners for warning back available are population estimates total new While group. been has only age and sex by of people 1991, the breakdown to added are age groups This means when all 2001. back to revised will be larger the populations the period 1991-2001, for together totals. than the new 3. New birth rates 2005-2010 rates birth 3. New of Bureau by the Australian error processing During 2005-2010 a the from excluded 33,000 births were over meant just Statistics the for Births numbers birth counts. annual South Wales New on 24 October released births were period of missing six-year for and search www.abs.gov.au 2012 (see 2013 in Births Australia No 3301.0). Catalogue thought and births than previously of more The combination means fertility the ERP revision smaller populations arising from than past South Wales New throughout higher now are rates all local for rates fertility 1). Total (see Figure shown have measures 2005-2010 than previously higher for now are areas government an have to likely births are uncounted thought. These previously New across services and children’s infant impact on demand for at primary being of these babies now with the first South Wales, age pre-school school and those born in 2010 reaching Rebased figures for the period 2007 -2011 Rebased figures to June 2006 June 1992 from figures Recast

measure that has a population base will now be different, e.g. per be different, that has a population base will now measure different growth rates than previously thought. Second, any thought. Second, than previously rates growth different evidence in two ways. First, they show smaller populations and smaller show they ways. First, in two evidence These changes to historical populations will affect planning populations will affect historical These changes to rate of decline. of decline. rate those areas experiencing population decline saw a slowing of the population decline saw a slowing experiencing those areas from 1996 to 2011 based on the new population estimates, and population estimates, 2011 based on the new 1996 to from population growth rates. Most regions saw higher growth rates rates saw higher growth regions Most rates. population growth South Wales were revised down. This has also led to revisions of revisions to This has also led down. revised were South Wales Infrastructure, GPO Box 39, Sydney NSW 2001. 39, Sydney GPO Box Infrastructure, populations in New area government local instances, In most for Demography, Policy & Research, Department of Planning & & Research, Policy Demography, for Australia). Growth No. 3218.0, Regional Population Catalogue for phoning 02 9228 6313 or writing to the Demography Unit, Centre Unit, Centre the Demography phoning 02 9228 6313 or writing to and search see www.abs.gov.au information more (For Australia. Feedback can be given using [email protected], using [email protected], be given can Feedback throughout been overestimated that populations had previously in relation to the movement of people in and out of an area. in and out of an area. of people the movement to in relation indicated undercount in measuring census methods new because patterns of demographic change are especially useful, particularly useful, particularly especially change are of demographic patterns This was done June 2002. back to revised populations were Total evidence that can provide more detail about the underpinning detail more provide that can evidence one-off event. was a population estimates of historical The recast feedback or comment about the projections. Any local level level Any local about the projections. or comment feedback 2011. The Department of Planning & Infrastructure welcomes any welcomes The Department of Planning & Infrastructure 2007 to that is the period In this instance, revised. Census are the assumptions that underpin them. the assumptions • previous the the period between for annual population estimates range of meetings and workshops to explain the projections and the projections explain to of meetings and workshops range including: population estimates sub-state revised released • Census, every the ABS. After for practice Rebasing is a standard Demographers from the Department have also taken in part in a also taken the Department have from Demographers (ABS) of Statistics Bureau 2013, the Australian On 30 August 2013 and have replied to letters sent to them requesting feedback. feedback. them requesting sent to letters to replied 2013 and have populations 1991-2011 resident estimated 2. New Wales. Many local councils participated in workshops during in workshops participated councils Many local Wales. will continue to liaise with key stakeholders across New South New across stakeholders liaise with key to will continue sections 2 and 3). During this final review, the Department review, sections 2 and 3). During this final and updated births information available from the ABS (see from available births information and updated finalised to include analysis of new historical population estimates estimates population historical of new to include analysis finalised The 2013 preliminary population projections are now being now are population projections The 2013 preliminary and in a volunteer capacity. capacity. and in a volunteer responsible for the provision of services through paid employment paid employment through of services the provision for responsible dependency with a proportionately smaller “sandwich” generation “sandwich” generation smaller dependency with a proportionately adults. This affected projected growth and leads to high levels of high levels to and leads growth projected adults. This affected populations which are also affected by out-migration of young of young by out-migration also affected populations which are A key issue for planners is that ageing is most prevalent in smaller in smaller prevalent ageing is most is that planners for issue A key on retirement from paid work. paid work. from on retirement by tree-change and sea-change migration of people just before or before just people of migration and sea-change by tree-change of people who are ageing in place, and in some areas compounded compounded areas in some and in place, ageing are who of people or more of their population in the retirement ages. This is a result This is a result ages. in the retirement population of their or more Healthy Built Environments 2013: A Watershed in Healthy Planning Susan Thompson1 and Paul Klarenaar2

everywhere, connecting neighbours, local in invest health promotion – simply because schools, aged persons housing developments it makes good economic sense. Our tiny and isolated members of the community. health promotion workforce exists on just 0.39% of health funding, yet saves Australia Education of urban planners and health thousands of lives and billions of dollars professionals in the same classroom will be every year. Health Promotion is our true commonplace– it’s happening now both at the ‘front-line’ in health services1. It prevents tertiary level and in professional development chronic disease so that people don’t get sick offerings across NSW. Today recruitment to and need costly medical care. Conservative 2013 may well go down in NSW history health promotion positions frequently requires as a watershed year for healthy calculations indicate that for every dollar expertise in healthy built environment issues. invested in primary prevention our health planning. Just a decade or so ago, only The Healthy Built Environments Program system saves over five dollars2. So even if a handful of health professionals, and (HBEP) at UNSW has just finished a series we ignore the thousands of lives saved and of workshops up-skilling the health and even less planners, recognised the wellbeing generated, investing in healthy related workforce in understanding the built environments is sound economic policy. crucial role that the built environment planning system. Research into healthy built plays in supporting people’s health and environments continues to grow. Academic As we head towards 2014, healthy built well-being as part of everyday living. conferences are replete with papers crossing environments will be very much part of the health-built environment disciplinary the remit of NSW planners, working in We have come a long way since those days. divide. The 6th State of Australian Cities close collaboration with health promotion The NSW Planning Bill 2013 currently Conference held in Sydney late in November professionals. The new health objective in the before the State Parliament has a specific will showcase some of this scholarship. State’s Planning Legislation sets the stage for health objective framed around the notion continued recognition of the role of the built of healthy built environments: So it seems that healthy built environments environment in supporting people’s health have a very bright future in NSW. While across our whole population. The synergies 1.3 ‘Objects of Act’ (1) (i): to promote this is most likely the case, and we must health, amenity and quality in the with action on climate change are a further make sure that this happens, there is no opportunity for health gains for both humans design and planning of the built room for complacency. Budget bottom lines environment. and the planet (see the June 2012 issue of are constantly in the headlines. We hear ‘New Planner’ for more). 2013 has been a political rhetoric about the need to redirect The result of ongoing and concerted lobbying watershed for healthy planning – join us in public health funds to ‘front line’ health from different stakeholders in healthy built 2014 for lots more action as we see healthy services. The implication is that anything environments, the ‘health and wellbeing’ built environments realised in different, other than direct patient care is somehow objective will make NSW the first Australian innovative and exciting ways across NSW n. less important for community health and state (and an international leader) to legally wellbeing. This implication is obviously over- 1 The National Centre for Social and Economic recognise the impact of urban planning and simplistic and incorrect. A functioning health Modelling, 2012, The Cost of Inaction on the Social development on the health and wellbeing of Determinants of Health, www.natsem.canberra.edu.au/ system that caters for the whole population our whole population. storage/CHA-NATSEM%20Cost%20of%20Inaction.pdf is necessarily complex, with many equally 2 Ibid Healthy planning will be part and parcel indispensable components (including many of what planners do, working in close non ‘front line’ departments performing collaboration with health professionals. research, administration, policy development 1Susan Thompson is Associate Professor in Within the Northern Sydney Local Health and even cleaning services). Planning and Director (Healthy Built Environments) District, the Health Promotion service has City Futures Research Centre, UNSW Population health services exist within this an ongoing ‘Urban Planning 4 Health’ 2Paul Klarenaar is the Director of Health Promotion uncertain economic and political climate, (UP4Health) team who contribute to national, for Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSW where we must demonstrate value for state and local government strategic planning Health) money. Why should the government invest and development processes maximising opportunities for communities to lead active, socially connected and well-nourished lives. Physical infrastructure must be provided within towns and suburban neighbourhoods, as well as across cities and regional centres, if the built environment is to support health and wellbeing as part of everyday living. Bike parking and car share spaces in development control plans for commercial centres, residential developments and industrial estates will be standard practice. So too the provision of walking and cycling paths that link houses and apartment blocks to local shops, public transport and recreational facilities. Green and expansive open space parkland will be a given in both newly developing suburbs and retrofitted neighbourhoods. Urban agriculture in various forms such as community gardens and nature strip verge planting will be Creating a healthy built environment is just what we do! School kitchen gardens and bike hire in city centres.

28 | DECEMBER 2013 | newplanner review n | DECEMBER 2013 | 29 planner new evidence that the regional labour force is unable to absorb to unable is labour force that the regional evidence avenues no reasonable are mining jobs and that there future workers local train to accommodation housing and short-term that the regional workers house the required to unable are markets 1. 2. Policy implications Policy guidelines for drafting is currently The NSW Government villages and this will hopefully accommodation temporary the NSW Government’s As context, guidance. clearer provide strengthen agenda outlined in NSW 2021 aims to decentralisation would workers resident Employing economies. and regional local in infrastructure investment align with the NSW Government’s including a economies regional support local to and programs policy state based on existing Therefore, labour force. skilled to policy makers for it is paramount evidence, and the preceding villages on local impacts of FIFO the social and economic consider – both the scale to that the impacts relate Given communities. number of mining jobs and the population size of the surrounding allowing before should be conducted tests two – at least area mining camps: the use of local and regional workers. By examining both direct both direct By examining workers. and regional the use of local to lose up to stood regional economy the effects, and flow-on full-time (GRP) and 3,138 Regional Product $311 million in Gross workers FIFO by contracting annually positions employment These losses workforce. of using a permanent resident instead annually. continued have would villages are FIFO where some instances are there Admittedly, (such as and labour shortages plug accommodation to desirable However, projects). phases of or construction locations in remote and a long- view a regional planning decisions should encompass function at a regional typically Labour markets perspective. term be accounted need to skills and availability and so workforce level a long-term planning should take Similarly, scale. at this for development. economic regional sustainable ensure to perspective to measure should be a stop-gap accommodation Short-term but operational phase workers, the construction for account so that the economic workforces should be resident workforces communities. local to benefits accrue Senior Consultant, SGS Economics and Planning and SGS Economics Senior Consultant,

A more productive resident workforce; resident productive A more activity and construction new spending due to regional Increased spending by additional workers; of services and capacity businesses Higher utilisation of existing in town; in the vicinity of settlements; values Higher property and friendships; networks social local Developed and and services; employed in the mining industry in this region. in this region. in the mining industry employed live within an hour’s drive from Singleton, with nearly 9,000 of these with nearly Singleton, from drive within an hour’s live to compared regional economy and local to the losses significant these accessibility contours. In total, nearly 170,000 employed residents residents 170,000 employed nearly In total, contours. these accessibility to lead can workers the use of FIFO modelling showed SGS’s minutes drive time), and the resident labour force catchment within catchment labour force time), and the resident drive minutes − − − − businesses in local employed members family have to − Potential organisations. sport and community in local − Involvement The image displays the accessibility to Singleton by car (within 60 by car Singleton to The image displays the accessibility − would be sufficient to cater to future mining jobs. to future cater to be sufficient would include: workers local Benefits of employing the region). there was no strong need for FIFO workers as the regional workforce workforce as the regional workers FIFO need for was no strong there (or in the town who reside with workers in comparison community workers from the Singleton region. The analysis demonstrated that demonstrated The analysis region. the Singleton from workers of the capital in the social to invest unlikely benefits and are hiring FIFO workers compared to the scenario of hiring local resident resident of hiring local the scenario to compared workers hiring FIFO economic fewer confer workers that temporary indicates Evidence SGS completed an assessment of the social and economic impact of of the social and economic an assessment SGS completed impacts Social and Economic and considering what the alternatives might be. what the alternatives and considering need to be made by balancing both the benefits and costs of proposals costs be made by balancing both the benefits and need to is critical (and should be self-evident) that important planning decisions that important (and should be self-evident) is critical the economic or social costs or the impacts of alternative scenarios. It scenarios. or the impacts of alternative or social costs the economic typically outline the economic impacts of a proposal, they do not indicate they of a proposal, impacts outline the economic typically regional workforce. A more general criticism of EIAs is that while they criticism of EIAs is that while general A more workforce. regional of using FIFO workers compared to the impacts from using a local or using a local the impacts from to compared workers of using FIFO was that it did not consider the socioeconomic impacts on the locality socioeconomic the was that it did not consider and economic impacts on the Singleton community. Singleton impacts on the and economic EIA of the proponent’s one of the shortcomings Crucially, workers. FIFO JRPP also found that the proposal did not adequately balance social balance did not adequately that the proposal JRPP also found been have would all employees and assumed on Singleton development be an inconsistent use within the current and proposed LEP. The LEP. proposed and use within the current be an inconsistent phase of the village and operational the impacts of the construction FIFO workers (in up to 1500 accommodation units). It was found to to units). It was found 1500 accommodation (in up to workers FIFO Assessment Impact Economic measured the proponent from Impact Assessment The Economic impacts associated with FIFO villages is understandable. villages is understandable. with FIFO impacts associated 3000 house up to to The mining village was proposed Singleton. economies, the concern surrounding the socioeconomic surrounding concern the economies, outside of 2.5 kilometres village accommodation temporary from the possibility of deepening and diversifying the regional the regional of deepening and diversifying the possibility from a proposed for application the development (JRPP) refused Panel Because FIFO workers and camps are seen as detracting seen are and camps workers FIFO Because Joint Regional Planning Coast and Central the Hunter Recently driven in large part by the lack of access to local jobs. local to part by the lack of access in large driven areas) is one that is characterised by declining populations is one that is characterised areas) recent history of many regional areas (particularly remote remote (particularly areas of many regional history recent fabric and economic prosperity of regional communities. The communities. of regional prosperity and economic fabric contention focuses on their contribution to the existing social the existing to on their contribution focuses contention subject of planning contention across NSW and Australia. The NSW and Australia. across contention subject of planning camps) housing Fly-In-Fly-Out mining workers have been the have mining workers housing Fly-In-Fly-Out camps) Temporary accommodation villages (aka FIFO or mining villages (aka FIFO accommodation Temporary

Economic and social impacts of mining camps impacts of mining and social Economic Tim Sneesby, Opinion Opinion NSW needs to get back to planning basics Sally Lewis, Town Planner, MPIA CPP

This year ‘planning’ received a lot of new assets that can be incorporated into creates awareness of the bigger picture. attention from the NSW community and plans, or new constraints which need to There’s no need to talk to the media, government, understandably given the be considered? elected representatives or anyone when new planning system’s introduction. Responding may require amending the you don’t agree with the outcome. objectives or redefining the problem, or 5. Communicating. Don’t just write letters, PIA responded to the sometimes negative changing the fundamentals of a plan meet, take and make phone calls, reply discussion by reminding us of the or a development assessment policy. to emails. Give your name and title. Be importance of planning, and outlining the This is not ‘corrupt’ or an admission of polite, no eye rolling or watch checking, fundamentals of ‘good planning’ (http:// failure. It’s just an appropriate response no threats of refusals, or jargon. Solving www.planning.org.au/policy/what-is-good- to the iterative nature of planning. problems early ultimately saves time. planning-0913). Consistent application of a methodical If you’re avoiding communication, then Planning is important, however, ‘good planning process to every planning you’re not confident, so get some advice. planning’ is more than the broad objectives exercise would address some of the Don’t worry about ICAC, you know the listed by PIA. The method of achieving vexing issues planners face in NSW. The difference between breaking the law, and those objectives is missing from the PIA list. community and applicants would better collecting or communicating information. Setting objectives is only Step One of the understand why that approval was/was 6. Taking responsibility. Make decisions, iterative and responsive planning processes not given, that land released, or that high or ensure the right people make them. which are needed to manage our complex rise zone imposed if the decision resulted Manage the project, keep records, and and constantly evolving urban environment. from a methodical planning process. meet deadlines, statutory or otherwise. It seems the crucial steps between Potential perceptions of corruption would Provide advice to applicants, the identifying an urban problem and imagining be reduced as all projects would be subject community or elected representatives. it solved are often overlooked in NSW. to the same process. 7. Understanding the profession’s role. A methodical planning process can be ‘Planning culture’ has also been a prominent There are many problems and objectives applied to any planning exercise, whether a issue in 2013, with millions of words and which are not ours to solve. metro strategy, or a house extension DA. thousands of dollars being spent on its Designers, developers and the market improvement. Apparently planners need 1. Define the problem or objectives. Is it determine architectural quality. to ‘embrace the value of planning’, think ‘fostering social and cultural wellbeing’? Families put children on bikes and strategically, and focus on ‘delivery’ and Providing infrastructure to support decide what they eat. ethical practice. But could this discussion thousands of new homes? Creating Landscape architects and engineers actually be a symptom of a culture with an safe and walkable neighbourhoods? design parks. unhealthy sense of self importance? Addressing the risks of rising sea levels? Developers understand the market and Preventing overshadowing? Perhaps NSW planners should instead work on project feasibility. being quietly confident professionals. This means: Citizens choose to consume travel, 2. Collect information. Get the facts and water, energy and goods. put the jigsaw puzzle together. Do land 1. Striving to be dispassionate. Take yourself Body corporates allow pets into buildings. use surveys, commission specialist out of the equation and focus on the planning The BCA regulates minimum building reports, do site inspections, walk the issues. Don’t like that architecture? So standards. streets. Understand the planning what if privacy, amenity and overshadowing Health, taxation and welfare are controls, infrastructure availability, are addressed? Think detached houses in considered by other agencies. hazards, assets, history and character. new suburbs are ‘sprawl’, well you’re not a large, extended family, and there are new Communities initiate community garden 3. Formulate the plan, or assess the bus services, local shops and plenty of sports projects. proposal. Prepare options and fields. Developers are greedy? But are their 8. Being quietly confident. Forget the apply strategic thought to their projects compliant? The community are branding and marketing. Too often evaluation. Which will meet objectives whingers? But are they making relevant planning is being ‘sold’, and the most effectively given competing planning points? community has bought, resulting in demands, resource and infrastructure unrealistic expectations of what can be requirements, impacts and mitigation, 2. Understanding the project. Read the achieved, and unnecessary criticism and benefits? documents, plans, and controls. Recognise gaps in your understanding, and fill them. when it fails to deliver. What’s the point of 4. Implement. Developers deliver our built Talk to managers and colleagues. explaining a plan with an animation, when environment, so it may be ‘watch and wait’. planners can’t control what is eventually 3. Understanding the consequences. 5. Monitor. Urban areas are constantly delivered? There will always be difficult Planners are powerful, they can impact evolving, and plans are rarely media, necessary compromises will people’s homes and businesses, implemented exactly as formulated. Is always leave someone aggrieved. But bad whether it’s a house extension, a major housing being built where planned, in media is irrelevant if the planning is done land release or a commercial rezoning. the anticipated time frames, and in the with quiet confidence. Will the changes you want make the volumes targeted? Did that battle over project unviable or impact on amenity? Planning is important. Planners use bulk and scale result in a better project? Understanding the consequences before information to create a coherent guide Publishing DA determination time a plan is finalised or a condition imposed for the strategic direction of our cities, frames is currently popular, but may will save everyone time and money neighbourhoods and project sites. But inadvertently lead to planners focusing trying to resolve the problems created. in NSW the profession seems to have on quick, not quality decisions. forgotten how to plan. Instead we seem 4. Working in a team. Planners work in 6. Respond. Are objectives and problems caught up in issues which we can’t organisations, with the community, still relevant in the light of new influence, and an ongoing public relations other agencies, and with applicants. information, or changing circumstances? exercise which is forever going wrong. Contributing and collaborating with Are housing targets of 30/70 splits or proponents isn’t corrupt, it’s creative. So let’s get back to being quietly confident ‘balanced growth’ relevant if not enough Managers may want to you to change professionals, consistently applying housing is being produced anywhere? Is your work, not because they’re unethical, methodical planning processes to every that growth area productive? Are there but probably because their experience planning exercise n 30 | DECEMBER 2013 | newplanner PlaceMakers Evelyn Ivinson, NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure news

In May 2013, an internal competition The Board of Studies has published was held by the Department inviting student enrolments in 2 Unit HSC ideas from staff on how to transform its Geography which show a significant decline work, technology, culture and future. A between 1991 and 2012. This is mapped in range of ideas were presented focusing Figure 1. on improving public involvement in The opportunity to encourage young planning decisions, education and students to consider a career in planning is perceptions of the planning industry. pivotal, particularly with the Department’s My winning entry sought to promote current review of planning legislation, its planning and its related disciplines as development of eplanning and its renewed a career to high school students, as focus on community engagement. The well as discussion and involvement at a benefits of such a program include students The Author on the Yangtze River local neighbourhood level on planning gaining an earlier insight into how their related issues. interests can be steered toward a career in toward a more proactive approach within a certain discipline; supporting an industry communities will develop, particularly as The Department wants to play an integral role in that is multi-disciplinary and interdependent students progress through their studies developing future professionals at a time when on expertise across a range of specialty and careers as young adults. Capturing engagement with the community is central fields; and educating and encouraging civic this pool of interest in Year 7 prior to the to its planning reform, and when the interest involvement at a local and regional level. selection of elective subjects in Year 8 and in geography among high school students in with opportunities to link back to later high NSW is declining. Geography as a discipline Promoting an interest in planning in school years, PlaceMakers can create an is recognised for its importance in planning, young people inter-generational awareness of local and landscape and urban design spheres, not to It is impossible to plan local neighbourhoods regional planning issues. mention the myriad of related disciplines that without considering how citizens interact have a role in urban planning, including but amongst green spaces, how they travel to work, Architectural Study Tour 2013 not limited to ecology, water management and school and retail and recreational activities, The Department offered the winning entry flooding, and Indigenous and European heritage. how water features and vegetation treat and a place on the 2013 architectural tour with A recent study into the subject choices by HSC convey water runoff, how a hierarchy of retail the Australian Institute of Architects, taking students indicated that geography has slipped in centres meet the essential and recreational in cities and rural areas in China. The 14 day popularity from eighth place to eleventh between needs of the consumer, and how heritage is tour commenced in the city of Chongqing 2003 and 2008 out of a total of 14 subjects, preserved and integral to the local character of and travelled a stretch of the Yangtze River, and has remained there since McNeilage,( A, an area. These are just some examples of the stopping at world heritage listed places, well- Geography loses as HSC students map their influence of the planning discipline in shaping preserved water towns and ancient cities. futures, Sydney Morning Herald, 5 October, communities and cities. It is expected that the The tour provided an opportunity to explore 2013). The report commissioned by the demands for specialists who can analyse, test, not only the architecture of China, but the Department of Education and Communities and recommend suitable responses to such extent of urbanisation that is occurring, and identified obstacles to the teaching of geography specific urban challenges will continue to grow. its impacts on China’s citizens, as well as its such as its integration into broader study areas, The new planning system proposed for NSW society and culture. a loss of priority, the lack of suitably qualified is being developed with community and Key themes from the tour will be integrated teachers and a failure to engage students stakeholder participation. By influencing into PlaceMakers which will be specifically (Erebus International, 2008, A Study into the young students who may not have previously explored at a local neighbourhood level. Teaching of Geography in Years 3-10 – Final contemplated a career in planning, a shift Report, pp 36-42). Implementation Options Specific examples that are being considered include the following: Lesson plans developed to meet syllabus objectives Access to existing resources and programs across Government via an online portal Use of technology including GIS systems and urban design tools Workshops, site visits and field work Competitions Government, industry and university representatives on judging panels. Development of the program is ongoing in consultation with key stakeholders, with implementation targeted during 2014. If you would like further information about PlaceMakers, please contact Evelyn Ivinson Figure 1. HSC enrolments in 2 Unit Geography, 1991-2012 (Source: http://www.boardofstudies.nsw. at [email protected] n edu.au/ebos/static/ebos_stats.html) newplanner | DECEMBER 2013 | 31 NSW Consulting Planners Chris Bain, Convenor, NSW Consultant Planners’ Network

Sydney Central Station City Park: Belmore Park Master Plan Belmore Park is one of Sydney’s oldest, yet undervalued and least recognised parks. Located in front of Central Station, the 2.1 hectare Belmore Park has been eroded by progressive railway infrastructure encroachments. McGregor Coxall in association with CHROFI Architects and a team of seven consultants are developing a strategic master plan with the City of Sydney to create Introduction one of Sydney’s new ‘Three City Squares’ outlined in the City’s Sustainable Sydney 2030 program. The plan resurrects the park as Welcome to the final Consulting Planners’ column for an active forecourt by concentrating the pedestrian network and 2013. The theme for this edition is ‘the year in review’. improves view corridors with phased tree replacements. The plan This year has seen many exciting projects across the establishes a central recreation spine to activate the park, and increases the area of flexible open space for event use. Passive consulting planners arena. In this edition we provide surveillance is improved by removing barriers, and activating a snapshot of some of these key projects from four the edges by incorporating the Western Ramp and light rail into consulting planning and design firms, highlighting the the park. The Strategic Master Plan establishes a vision and a value that consulting planners and designers can bring framework that can activate and reconnect people with the park. to projects. As we move into 2014 under the coverage of Hill PDA new planning legislation, we look forward as consulting planners to continue to be involved in helping deliver By Christina Livers, Consultant better outcomes for NSW. Review of Dubbo Residential Areas Development Strategy McGregor Coxall Dubbo is currently experiencing a housing crisis. It has some of the lowest vacancy rates in NSW and is becoming increasingly By Michael Cowdy, Associate unaffordable due to a lack of housing diversity. These challenges Maitland High Street Shared Zone: Renewing An Aging led Dubbo Council to engage Hill PDA to come up with solutions. Pedestrian Mall By undertaking comprehensive market research, stakeholder engagement, feasibility modelling and policy research Hill McGregor Coxall are leading a team that includes CHROFI PDA found a number of market, policy and cultural barriers Architects to prepare renewal plans for the High Street Precinct were contributing to Dubbo’s housing challenges. A range of and Riverfront of Historic Maitland, the Lower Hunter Region’s recommendations were made by Hill PDA to overcome these ‘Major Regional Centre’. The High Street Precinct contains a barriers including amending subdivision controls, reviewing 1980’s Heritage Mall at the heart of historic Maitland that has developer contributions (for infill development), designing and been in decline for the past decade due to increasing retailing embarking on an awareness campaign to educate landowners competition from expansion of the nearby regional shopping on the various uses permissible within the residential zones. Hill centre. The master plan converts the Heritage Mall into High PDA’s findings were highly commended by Council and heralded Street Central, a shared pedestrian and vehicle public domain by the local media; the Dubbo Mayor Mathew Dickerson was zone. The project aims to revive the local economy through quoted as saying “This comprehensive review has provided targeted urban design strategies repositioning central Maitland Council a menu of possible planning policy adjustments and as a day time centre for leisure based retail activity supported by development incentives to allow Council to select and implement a night time food and wine economy featuring local produce. The a set of measures to address housing supply issues”. The project utilises public investment to seed street activation via a recommendations have since been adopted by Council for new Council owned Riverlink building and plaza connected to a implementation and will act as a catalyst for improving housing new riverfront ‘levee precinct’. diversity and affordability in Dubbo. Leichhardt Employment and Economic Development Strategy Leichhardt Council wanted to improve the vitality and viability of their local economy. Leichhardt Council took a proactive approach and commissioned Hill PDA to develop the Leichhardt Employment and Economic Development Strategy. In order to formulate the Strategy, Hill PDA undertook extensive consultation with over 200 hundred people including: Leichhardt’s businesses, residents, land owners and key government bodies. The findings from the consultation along with research allowed Hill PDA to develop a framework and direction to guide, support and help promote sustainable economic development in Leichhardt. The Hill PDA Team found that in order to stimulate the local economy, a number of complementary strategies needed to be put in place including: improving place making, providing greater choice and diversity in the range of services provided by businesses, encouraging creative industries, protecting and leveraging economic assets, making businesses and employment Maitland High Street Riverlink

32 | DECEMBER 2013 | newplanner news | DECEMBER 2013 | 33 planner n new Wentworth Point aerial – image courtesy of CM+ Wyong Retail Centres Strategy Centres Retail Wyong JBA By Nick Smith and Darling Harbour Barangaroo the since project urban renewal biggest is Sydney’s Barangaroo is the project This year Bay. was built at Homebush site Olympic developments residential the first shape, with take beginning to and the project approved of the CBD now fringe on the western with the involved JBA has been closely of the ground. out coming JBA Barangaroo, 2006. Apart from since $6 billion development of Darling Harbour and shape the revitalisation to has continued Sydney in the new being involved edge of Sydney, the western Precinct, Exhibition and Entertainment Convention, International Darling of the IMAX site), redevelopment The Ribbon (the proposed Network. plus the Ultimo Pedestrian Quarter Centres Growth Sydney’s for Package Housing Diversity in the the Department of Planning and Infrastructure JBA assisted Growth Sydney’s for Package of a Housing Diversity preparation the SEPP, new to The package includes amendments Centres. of innovative Density Guide with examples DCP and a Dwelling the rules unlock is to housing types. The purpose of this package housing forms compact of more the delivery prevent that currently affordability improve and abutting housing to such as small lots Centres. Growth in the greenfield and diversity Precinct Urban Activation Point Wentworth in its involvement JBA continued planning front, On the strategic are UAPs (UAP) program. Precinct the landmark Urban Activation implementing to commitment part of the NSW Government’s a key 2031 and helping to to Sydney for Strategy Metropolitan the draft One of the current housing challenges. current Sydney’s tackle 12km which is approximately Point, at Wentworth is located UAPs part of the broader CBD and forms of the Sydney west the to The 18ha precinct Specialised Centre. Park Olympic Sydney scale, large for it suitable that make has a number of attributes with the CM+ as the project closely JBA worked urban renewal. to and the Department of Planning & Infrastructure designers a LEP controls, the planning documents including new prepare communications and of marketing specific DCP and a suite site around will facilitate the site for controls The future material. primary with a new along dwellings 2,300 high density residential / headland park and a public open space new school, substantial boating and maritime precinct DFP has prepared a Retail Centres Strategy for the Wyong Local Local the Wyong for Strategy Centres a Retail prepared DFP has hierarchy out the retail sets The Strategy (LGA). Area Government The function of each centre. and the role based on the LGA across objectives development planning and term the long details Strategy investment encourage to directions and sets out the centres for based on net community a ‘toolbox’, It also includes in centres. Planning assessing and in preparing assist to principles, test has Strategy The floorspace. retail seek additional that Proposals Council with major stakeholders, in consultation been prepared and will be of Planning and Infrastructure and NSW Department 2013. by Council at a meeting in November considered

The project recently won the 2013 UDIA NSW Concept Design Award. the 2013 UDIA NSW Concept won recently The project negotiations with the Department of Planning and Infrastructure. and Infrastructure. negotiations with the Department of Planning prepared the Project Application for the development and led and led development the for Application the Project prepared Crown Group and Prosha, and Rice Daubney Architects. DFP DFP Architects. Daubney and Rice and Prosha, Group Crown collaborative effort between DFP, the joint venture partners partners DFP, the joint venture between effort collaborative Centre redevelopment is the culmination of several years of of years is the culmination of several redevelopment Centre edge to Eastlakes Reserve. The approval of the Eastlakes Town Town of the Eastlakes The approval Reserve. Eastlakes edge to spaces, enhanced pedestrian linkages and an active urban urban linkages and an active pedestrian enhanced spaces, provide a significantly improved main street, new public public new street, main improved a significantly provide associated infrastructure works. The new town centre will will centre town The new works. infrastructure associated along with basement car parking spaces, landscaping and and landscaping parking spaces, with basement car along of retail and community floorspace will be established will be established floorspace and community of retail in heights from 2-6 storeys above a retail podium. 14,400m2 14,400m2 podium. a retail above 2-6 storeys in heights from built comprising 405 apartments in 9 buildings which range range 405 apartments in 9 buildings which built comprising Eastlakes Town Centre. A new mixed use town centre will be be will centre town use mixed A new Centre. Town Eastlakes approved a Project Application for the redevelopment of the of the the redevelopment for Application a Project approved sufficient local economy. economy. local sufficient Commission Planning Assessment 2013, the NSW In September strategies and key actions to ensure there is a vibrant and self- and self- is a vibrant there ensure actions to and key strategies By Kirk Osborne, Centre Town Eastlakes Principal Planner Council have allocated a budget and resourcing to deliver the the deliver to budget and resourcing a allocated Council have DFP the success of the Strategy is its implementation. Leichhardt Leichhardt is its implementation. of the Strategy the success adopted by Council on 25 June 2013. A key element to ensuring ensuring to element A key on 25 June 2013. by Council adopted to ensure the delivery of these strategies. The Strategy was was Strategy The strategies. of these delivery the ensure to improving marketing in the LGA. Over 100 actions were developed developed were actions 100 Over LGA. in the marketing improving easier, ensuring businesses in the LGA share information and and information share in the LGA businesses ensuring easier, Eastlakes Town Centre BasePlan

Jeffrey Bretag, BasePlan editor

In May, the Young Planners Forum saw nearly 100 young professionals descend on the North Sydney Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability. This event featured addresses from Minister for Planning and Infrastructure - Brad Hazzard, PIA NSW President - Sarah Hill and EIANZ President - Michael Chilcott. This took place amongst a packed day of triple bottom line discussion in the context of the White Paper. In September, the NSW Divisional Committee produced an in-depth submission on the White Paper. Each section of this submission had input from the NSW YP Committee, thus ensuring Welcome to the final edition of BasePlan for 2013. In the submission had influence from our demographic. this edition, I jump into the Editor’s hot seat replacing In November, we visited the Central Park Urban Redevelopment Site Christina Livers who was recently elected to NSW as part of our annual study tour. We were returning to the site after YP Committee Convenor. At the same time, Michael visiting for the first time during the 2011 Study Tour. It was great to be able to return two years on to see how much has changed. Dixon has handed on the NSW National Young Planner The NSW Divisional Christmas Party was also held at the Representative baton to Harry Quartermain. Thanks to Abercrombie on Broadway – once again the NSW Young Planners Christina, Harry and Michael for all their time and effort proved they can throw a party. in these previous positions. In 2014, the National Congress and YP Connect come to Sydney. I This edition reviews the year of 2013 and flags the keynote event for one, am looking forward to another rewarding year ahead. for 2014 – YP Connect. YP Connect 2014 is to be hosted by the Planning at the Tail End NSW Young Planners and is set to draw young planners from across the nation to Sydney. Register to be enthralled by industry By Rebecca Lockart– JBA Planning leaders sharing their visions on how to create a better tomorrow. Fresh from graduating, I applied for just about every job available. The aim was to gain an on the ground understanding of planning, ideally from a local government perspective. With this aim in mind, I applied for a compliance role at Marrickville Council. Given my lack of experience, I didn’t actually consider that I’d get the job – as it turned out, it was first interview, first job offer and my first graduate role. Compliance work is diverse. Challenges ranged from industrial properties abutting residential properties, pop-up rave parties, forklifts competing with traffic, massage parlours offering extra services, and boarding houses that may be more accurately defined as share houses? They did not teach this at University! Year in Review Nor is compliance for the faint hearted. It’s Council’s role to investigate the reported illegal use of a building. I believed it to be By Harry Quartermain – URS Corporation all about land use conflict and judging the impact of the wrong The Committee worked hard in 2013 to produce professional doing. If it’s to do with use of an approved building the complaint development and networking events that were complemented by goes to the planners or if it’s an unauthorised building, then the valuable input provided to the PIA submission on the White Paper. building compliance officers. This diversity gives reasoning to the The year began by building on the 2012 success of the Sydney multi-disciplinary roles within the compliance because often the Small Bars events. Bi-monthly bar tours took place in some problem isn’t clear-cut and a combined approach is needed. of Sydney’s more tucked-away venues. These events provided I’m often asked why planners are in compliance at all and I usually attendees with a chance to enjoy an over-priced beer while rattle off the list of land-use conflicts that a Council such as building on their professional networks in relaxed surroundings. Marrickville faces and they understand. Despite this, compliance

34 | DECEMBER 2013 | newplanner news

| DECEMBER 2013 | 35 planner new YP Connect to be held in Sydney YP The NSW Young Planners welcome welcome Planners The NSW Young PIA NSW Student new the following Members: and Graduate Isabel Dong – Graduate Catherine Gilbert – Graduate Mao – Graduate Yaqi – Graduate Hamish McTaggart Schmahmann – Graduate Laura Wu - Graduate Weiyuan Simon Wu - Graduate Wu – Graduate Charles Bajada – Student Victor Judith Elijah – Student Guo – Student Yu – Student Dean Rance Rotgans – Student Ainsley Golden - Student Andrew The NSW Young Planners Committee Committee Planners Young The NSW of: is comprised PDA – Hill Livers Christina – URS Harry Quartermain Maritime Services – Roads and Michael Dixon & – SGS Economics Timothy Sneesby Planning Consulting Towns – Four Quattroville Mathew – Urbis Mark Thompson Council Stephens – Port Bretag Jeffrey – DP&I Wheeler Andrew Davies – DPS Mitchell City Council – Kogarah Rachel Gardner Schmahman –Laura & Planning SGS Economics – DP&I Sophie Butcher Council Tina Kao – City of Sydney Council – Willoughby Pon Candice Wil Nino - NUPD Architecture – Cox Lachlan Abercrombie Consultants Court – GTA Sarah including to attend Congress 2014 call for Expressions of Interest This Award has been established in memory of David in memory been established has Award This The and is supported by Cardno (NSW/ACT). Kettle will be made to a current Student or Graduate Award (up to 5 years after graduation) who is a Member of PIA or who is willing to become a Member. a of form the in annually made be will Award The travel conference registration and contribution towards to attend the PIA National Congress 2014 or the NSW of $2,000 up to total value State Conference, will include a statement of 500 Award Criteria for the planning is important. regional or less on why words National to attend the 2014 If you would like Congress, please submit your expression from 15-19 March 2014, or words 500 of statement a including interest, of NSW to important, is planning regional why on less Executive Officer email [email protected] 2014. by Friday 31 January The David Kettle The David Kettle Award Trust Cardno s e h ion’ .com.au s i u Div What advice would you give to Young Planners would you advice giveWhat Young to SGS? work to a firm like for who would like in strategic work to need what you I think skills as well analytical strong planning is and an issues conceptualise as ability to dots. join the ability to of the a good grasp have to important It’s planning problems, behind issues complex and forces economic such as different important pretty it’s So ideologies. political ask ourselves and constantly widely read to why and how? of economic appreciation Having a general I think is essential. concepts and statistical function and shape of the the role, knowing on than focussing important is more forest tree. of every the details in the YP is the value being involved What of committee? is Planners with PIA Young Being involved all walks from meet people way to a great gained of value is a lot of planning. There experiences, work sharing knowledge, from about the many tips and learning career paths. I also think that career differing young mixing with other like-minded that identity a collegial reinforces planners sense of purpose and a greater provides as a planner n role of your awareness oring t a SW N pons 2014 for all aspects of .com. Dennis Loether Executive Lawyer 8281 7925 dloether@bartier eries stralia ier u lereagh Street Sydney SHOP A proudly s

e s t i OP bart Cast u . aylor t oolbox S 77 .com.au sti T erry n 8281 7935 Consultant 10, www ynne T ONE ST ier P art Level our Land & Environment Court proceedings B development, environmental issues and Y lanning I Mary-L legal services relating to land use, property P

mtaylor@bartier

Community Benefit Test. Test. Community Benefit Analysis framework to underscore a Net underscore to framework Analysis expansion, which used a Cost-Benefit which used a Cost-Benefit expansion, Assessment for a shopping centre a shopping centre for Assessment project managed a Retail Impact managed a Retail project from the tail end of the system. the tail from I recently interesting. is very The work all. It really is getting planning experience experience is getting planning all. It really planning issues. strategic solve to with strategic planning and assessment at planning and assessment with strategic and planning principles analysis economic a first-hand understanding of why we bother of why understanding a first-hand I do applies of the work Most sector. private I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to get had the opportunity to have to I’m grateful as the as well Government, and Local State approval, or unresolved assessment issues? assessment or unresolved approval, to advice planning and economic provide and deal with poorly contrived conditions of conditions contrived and deal with poorly and Planning. We at SGS Economics I work inspectors and rangers to pick up the pieces to and rangers inspectors in? you involved are projects should? Should we be leaving it to building it to be leaving should? Should we do you work interesting and what Where implementation of policy objectives, then who objectives, of policy implementation with Tim Sneesby Interview and Planning Senior SGS Economics at Consultant professionals to follow up and manage the follow to professionals implementation? If we don’t have planning don’t have If we implementation? no intent to follow up on the success of its up on the success follow to no intent bother with policy in the first place if there’s if there’s place the first bother with policy in premises if there’s no repercussions? Why repercussions? no there’s if premises would you bother getting consent to use a to consent bother getting you would no use in having planning at all. Why planning at all. no use in having now realise that without regulation there’s there’s without regulation that realise now After working in compliance for two years, I years, two for in compliance working After make representations to an order issued. an order to representations make they try and get consent for an illegal use or illegal an for get consent try and they forgotten by the planning industry, until industry, by the planning forgotten really is a section of planning sometimes of planning a section is really PlannerTech Planning to get on Social Media? Just do it! John O’Callaghan

Looking at the past year, for the first time, connected online, communicating with Twitter was alive and well during the PIA the world and sharing knowledge. If I can Congress. This meant those who couldn’t suggest one thing for the festive season, be attend, could follow the talks, presentations inspired by these pioneers and download a and discussions in real time, but also that new social media app. You might just like the conversation and, most importantly, it. And this is not because you can see Kim networking could continue long after the Kardashian’s newest shoes, but for us, day’s formalities had ended. Interested in being passionate about people and place, what was said? Search #piacongress in it provides some interesting insights into Google. The planning insights, fun facts planning trends and community connections. Twitter is the new Google. and banter, are still there! Instagram is a window into the city. So where do we start? With small steps. Social media also provides vital insights There’s nothing wrong with having an Facebook is digital vibrancy. into the soul of a city and helps breakdown account and ‘listening’ but not actively These three platforms are changing barriers within the industry. Many architects, ‘participating’. After all, you’re definitely the world. Facebook alone is one of the designers and creatives use Instagram not the minority, with 89% of Twitter users most powerful countries on earth. We’re to capture and promote their projects. just listening to the discussion. As your no longer connected to communities Following the experts is only limited by a confidence grows, you’ll naturally move from physically, but also at the touch of a friend request and, 99% of the time, it’s observing to participating and eventually button. As such, it’s an exciting time to be accepted. They’re as much interested in your leading. This is where I believe we should observing the waning dichotomy between digital portfolio as you are in them. sit. As facilitators of urban change we real and digital life. The generation being As for Facebook, love it or hate it, we all should also play a role in the digital sphere born now doesn’t even remember a time use it. By doing so, there is untapped by navigating discussion, fostering ideas and before the internet and are set to become potential here to incorporate Facebook in advocating critical debate n the most connected generation ever. As planning better communities. John is a freelance urban planner and will planners, we need to understand this While we might regard social media as a be presenting a paper on Planner Tech at the trend from within. We need to experience 2014 PIA Congress. By this time he expects firsthand what all the fuss is about. After very urban activity, some of the earliest pioneers can be found in rural areas. They every Planner to be on Twitter. More details all, how can we plan if we’re missing half about @John_OCal here > www.john-ocal.com the story? acknowledge the importance of being

most recently been working with the Bega of expertise. Much of his work is based on an Valley Shire Council. expert understanding of regional economic Inbox Cox Richardson Architects and Planners and social patterns and drivers, reviewing Nicole Philps are pleased to announce the appointment supply side conditions and forecasting demand of Lachlan Abercrombie as an Associate conditions for specific projects to complex of the practice. Lachlan is one of seven urban and regional development areas. new appointments to the Sydney studio. Over at the Department of Planning and Other appointments include architects and Infrastructure, Brendan O’Brien has interior designers. Lachlan, a graduate been appointed as the Executive Director, of the University of New South Wales Housing & Employment Delivery. Brendan planning program is a talented young has significant experience working in the planner working in Australia as well as private sector in both Australia and Ireland, internationally in Malaysia and Borneo. with roles in architecture, planning and Hill PDA would like to congratulate Tom urban design. His most recent role was Duncan, who after working in the Retail at Stockland for over eight years as State Economics Team for three years has Planning & Design Manager (NSW). been promoted from Senior Consultant to Juliet Grant has been appointed as the Associate. The Hill PDA Team looks forward Director, Metropolitan Subregional Delivery Chris Pratt steps down from the Chair to supporting Tom in furthering his career Plans. Juliet was previously Regional of the Northern NSW Branch of PIA after and building a great team around him. Director, Sydney East in the Department of 9 years in the job - big thanks to Chris. Planning and Infrastructure. Mike Svikis of Mike Svikis Planning will David Cunningham has recently joined the take up the reins. He can be contacted on Hill PDA Sydney office as an Associate in the After 7 1/2 years Heather Warton has left the [email protected]. Land Economics and Valuations Team. Prior Department of Planning and Infrastructure. to joining Hill PDA, David was Development Heather has worked on a range of interesting In other news from up north, Greg and Di Manager and Planning Manager at the and complex applications, including coastal Yeates leave the DP&I building in Grafton Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA) subdivisions (large and small), major for the very last time to take their motor in Queensland where he was responsible for residential master plans, commercial home on a major journey. the planning and delivery of the Woodlands buildings, schools, hospitals, and development Klaus Kerzinger has left Fairfield Council development in Mackay and the Northshore at Barangaroo. During this time, Part 3A has to take a Strategic Planner position with Hamilton mixed use development in Brisbane. come and gone, SSD and the new Act awaits. Ballina Shire Council (he is already enjoying The Hill PDA Melbourne office has recently In the short term, renovations at home await the sea change). welcomed Alex Hrelja as a Principal. Alex is Heather’s project management skills. GLN Planning is pleased to advise that a specialist in urban economics, strategic We’re always pleased to receive staff Elizabeth (Lil) Slapp has recently been planning and economic development and has updates, announcements and other news appointed as a Town Planner. Elizabeth over 18 years of experience in those fields. you would like to share. Email your updates graduated from UNE in April 2010 and has Alex has worked across Australia in his fields to [email protected] 36 | DECEMBER 2013 | newplanner news n | DECEMBER 2013 | 37 planner new Rob Freestone FPIA is Professor of Planning and Associate Dean Research in As the first Associate Dean for Education for Education Dean Associate As the first of the Built Environment, in the Faculty secure and lift standards to he moved in a and was involved scholarships on curriculum funded project nationally which teaching in studio development on conferences international triggered His in 2007 and 2010. design education plaudits. In won contributions personal the Vice-Chancellor’s 2002 he received and in 2008 Excellence Teaching for Award Learning and Teaching an Australian came the ability to ‘For It read: Council Citation. achieve to engage students and motivate academic encourage and to excellence, their teaching and enhance value to staff activities.’ and learning Sydney from Domicelj Serge The late of Bob as the essence captured University and gifted ‘capable, a planning academic: most working, hard ‘extremely likeable’; unselfish and ‘very colleagues’; obliging to sense of equity and an all- with a strong Bob Zehner nature’. self-effacing together and friend colleague, teacher, was a valued inside and outside people, many to mentor and fondly He will be missed the university. by all of them remembered the Faculty of the Built Environment at the University of New South Wales. A memorial service was held for Bob Zehner at UNSW on 27 September 2013 with contributions from former colleagues, students and family. A full obituary by David Zehner was published in the Sydney Morning Herald on 2 October 2013. (1986), a study (1986), a study Bob Zehner in 2008. Photo courtesy Ray Burby. Yellowcake and Crocodiles Bob maintained his interest in new in new his interest Bob maintained roots new laying down after communities suburbs. His major eastern in Sydney’s with John Lea, was produced work, of governance, community and planning in and planning community of governance, of Jabiru in the town uranium the remote Northern Territory. design and data of research His mastery of in a string saw him involved analysis public and private for projects consultancy aircraft from ranging organisations sector attitudes resident to noise amelioration the medium density housing. From to surveyor 1970s he was an assiduous late and planning in NSW built of planners of UNSW alumni. Spinning a core around at looking project off a long-running local priorities in Australian environmental a significant planning came government climate to responses into excursion early change. in 1996, cancer diagnosis of prostate After of stock took admission Bob by his own his and directed career his professional serving the and to teaching to energies on numerous the university and faculty panels, and working committees, boards, parties. innovative been a capable, He had always the first He was and popular teacher. to in the planning program member staff But he felt assessments. student introduce good take to universities it was time for to and transition seriously more teaching So his last approaches. student-centered by an at UNSW was distinguished decade of teaching. of the scholarship embrace

Planned Residential Environments

Access, Travel and Transportation in

Robert Freestone Freestone Robert Remembering Bob Zehner (1941-2013) Zehner Bob Remembering New Communities (1977). (1970), Across the City Line: A White Associate (Deputy) Dean in 2011. Associate retired after serving two years as Senior years serving two after retired served as Associate Dean (Education) and Dean (Education) as Associate served Professor in 1988. From 2004 to 2009 he 2004 to in 1988. From Professor Senior Lecturer in 1979 and Associate in 1979 and Associate Senior Lecturer family stayed put. He was promoted to to put. He was promoted stayed family received tenure in 1978 and with a young in 1978 and with a young tenure received Australian academic scene appealed. He appealed. scene academic Australian lifestyle and less frenetic pace of the pace frenetic and less lifestyle return to the USA. But the more relaxed relaxed the USA. But the more to return words): words): to was always time the intention second and how people respond to them’ (his them’ to respond people and how back a coming although even Australia to interest in ‘how communities are planned are communities in ‘how interest moving regretted He never as a Lecturer. titles capturing his expertise and life-long and life-long his expertise capturing titles year the following but returned Scholarship singly or jointly-authored books, their or jointly-authored singly on a Fulbright Visiting Fellow Honorary extremely productive, producing five five producing productive, extremely in 1975 as an to Sydney came Bob first Bob’s early American career had been career American early Bob’s and Associate in 1974. in 1974. Associate Carolina, becoming a Senior Research a Senior Research becoming Carolina, research position at the University of North position at the University research Social Research. He then secured another He then secured Social Research. Assistant Study Director in the Institute for for Institute in the Study Director Assistant education and from 1969-70 he was an 1969-70 he and from education City - cricket. City - cricket. with his was intertwined life working growing up on the fringes of New York York up on the fringes of New growing MA in 1965 and PhD in 1970. His early hiking and – unusual for someone hiking and – unusual for his taking sociology, study of Michigan to preoccupations were family, running, running, family, were preoccupations the University to and moved same year in planned communities. His private His private in planned communities. in 1964. He married that and graduated three threads with an enduring interest interest enduring an with threads three social science to Bob switched College, methods. His research integrated all integrated methods. His research engineering at Amherst studying Initially around sociology, statistics and survey survey and statistics sociology, around educator. His teaching revolved revolved His teaching educator. a dedicated, personable and ethical and ethical personable a dedicated, by hundreds of former students as students of former by hundreds 3½ decades, he will be remembered be remembered he will 3½ decades, 1991-1993. As a fixture at UNSW for at UNSW 1991-1993. As a fixture Town Planning in 1986 and Head from Planning in 1986 and Head from Town He was Acting Head of the School of He was Acting Head at the University of New South Wales. Wales. South of New at the University member of the town planning program planning program member of the town Bob Zehner was the longest serving serving longest Bob Zehner was the Community in Transition (1974), New Communities U.S.A (1976), Indicators of the Quality of Life in New Communities (1977), International Snippets

David Winterbottom

Dead Plan Walking Disasters in Christchurch and New Many have commented on the unconsolidated Orleans legislative mess that now frames the planning For planners, the physical, economic and system. The new system is non-strategic, social impacts of disasters such as these neither national, nor regional nor sub-regional. are critical to recovery. Foremost, we must It is focussed on local and neighbourhood ask how people responded. In brief, people planning but heavily deregulated in terms of simply left New Orleans and did not return. issues such as permitted development, so Christchurch city has also lost people but these plans have decreasing effectiveness. The relatively smaller numbers, and many of them objective is no longer ‘sustainable development’ have simply moved to the suburbs. What of because social justice no longer appears as an planning? In New Orleans, the hurricane’s objective of the policy. Instead, it’s all about aftermath saw a flood of NGO’s, planners, growth and numbers. It is possible for gazelles architects and well meaning outsiders. to be shot through the head and continue to Conflicting plans were made, planning run for a few seconds, as if the body hadn’t czars came and went, money was spent, registered it was dead. Well, that’s the closest but the Lower Ninth Ward remains desolate I can come to summing up the new planning and the city struggles. The value of strong system: morally and structurally decapitated government involvement is clearly visible in but the toes are still wriggling. Christchurch. A planning process is under Tom Pain, TCPA Journal, Sept 2013 way with ambitious proposals to enhance the city’s tradition of green space and beauty. I where change is of the essence rather than Beirut think it will happen. unwelcome. It is important to use temporality Beirut has always been a fascinating city, with Mike Teitz, TCPA Journal, Aug 2013 (daily, weekly, monthly and in the form of layer upon layer of complexity. Soldiere and evening economy, morning economy, festivals, the Southern Suburbs, both (with very different Transit-oriented developments events, markets, seasonal events, and varied motives) demonstrate the power of dedicated, Transit-oriented developments (TODs) opening hours) to get variety and diversity into non-governmental delivery vehicles to achieve often consist of new housing near rail the high street. Engaging with this sort of real change, fast. Elsewhere, however, the stations. Channeling urban growth into such dynamism is critical for the future planning of city screams out for some real planning at developments is intended in part to reduce high streets. both strategic and local scales and, without the climate change, pollution, and congestion Anne Findlay and Leigh Sparks, TCPA Journal, it, becomes an ever more unsustainable and caused by driving. But new housing might be Aug 2013 challenging place to live for those without expected to attract more affluent households significant wealth. While the city as a whole that drive more, and rail access might have Households shows great resilience and many of its citizens smaller effects on auto ownership and use There was an abrupt break with longer-term obviously continue to enjoy their daily lives than other factors. trends in household formation in England despite their sometimes precarious situations, A survey of households showed that auto between 2001 and 2011. Net additional the city as a whole could deliver so much more ownership, commuting, and grocery trip household formation was down by some 20%, if only someone would take charge. But that, frequency were substantially lower among with almost one million fewer one-person in essence, is the problem in Beirut – too many households living in new housing near rail households in 2011 than had been projected. factions, too much division, and no sense of a stations compared to those in new households There were also other large scale shifts in the common direction. It needs planning! farther away. But rail access does little to mix of household types, with far more couple- Matthew Carmona, TCPA Journal, Aug 2013 explain this fact. plus-other-adult households and multi-adult Housing type and tenure, local and households than expected. In part this is subregional density, bus service and, about younger people staying at home or particularly, off- and on-street parking sharing accommodation for longer. But that availability, play a much more important role. is not the whole story as changes are observed Transportation and land use planners should in all age groups. broaden their efforts to develop dense, mixed- Alan Holmans, TCPA Journal, Sept 2013 use, low-parking housing beyond rail station Local Economies areas. This could be both more influential Successful local economies are ones where and less expensive than a development policy key economic and political decision makers oriented around rail. live and work locally: they work together Daniel G. Chatman, JAPA, May 2013 effectively and are well networked with each Pop-up Shops other and the wider community. US evidence Pop-up shops are shops which intentionally shows that areas with higher levels of small trade for only short periods of time. and medium sized enterprises have higher Traditionally, they have been seasonal or event job growth, enjoy greater worker satisfaction focussed, with shops opening for the pre- levels, benefit more from civic engagement, Christmas period, for the sale of fireworks on and produce better health outcomes. EU Bonfire Night, for costumes for Halloween, or studies show that economically successful during sporting events such as the Olympics. parts of peripheral regions have local political Charity ventures have taken units to sell and economic power and use it effectively. goods for a short time, and indeed much of They also show that distant government the current ‘fair trade’ concept has its roots decision-makers and non-locally-owned firms in the sale of products through temporary are a recipe for long-term economic failure. shops. Increasingly we live in an environment Jan Morris and Karen Leach, TCPA Journal, Aug 2013 38 | DECEMBER 2013 | newplanner Snapped… 21st Century Public Transport

Stephen McMahon, Director Inspire Urban Design + Planning news

As we experiment with the return of double decker buses and bicker about whether the North West Rail Link should be double deck or single deck trains, Transport for London has been knuckling down producing new bus and train stock to keep the Capital’s public transport up to date.

On the bus network the famous rear stairs and platform are returning, complete with ‘clippies’ (conductors - remember Reg Varney and the ‘On the Buses’ show – for diehard fans it can be found on YouTube and occasionally pops up on channel 7TWO!). However unlike the old Routemaster buses, the rear platform will include doors and the clippies will not collect fares – only supervise passengers and the rear platform. On the underground, Engineering firm Siemens has proposed the latest generation of tube trains. Called “inspiro,” they are designed to be driverless, have air conditioning (nothing like a peak hour tube train on a hot London day!) and consume 30% less electricity (The Tube is London’s biggest single electricity consumer, accounting for 2.8 percent of total demand). Source: www.dailymail.co.uk and www. theengineer.co.uk

newplanner | DECEMBER 2013 | 39 CRICOS Provider No. 00098G

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