UNSW Built Environment: The Challenges of NSW’s Planning System

Authored by: Eli Geschiet

The Faculty of the Built Environment in conjunction with the City Futures Research Centre recently hosted a planning forum with guest speaker David Broyd, Group Manager, Sustainable Planning, Port Stephens Council.

David has recently prepared a paper titled “Where to Planning?” which was formulated to generate discussion on pressing urban planning issues in New South Wales.

Download David’s paper here.

With the advent of the 26 March State Government elections, the organisers took the opportunity to shed light on the real issues to inform the audience and the wider community.

The forum took place at the Hugh Dixson Theatre at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) campus on Wednesday 16 March. The audience was comprised of primarily planners from all age groups and across a range of fields including government, consultants, and there was also a young planners contingent. The audience had the privilege to hear the views of planning experts in response to the issues presented from David Boyle’s paper.

The line up of panelists included;

Malcolm Ryan, Director of Planning and Development Services at Warringah Council

Tony MacNamara – Director of Planning at Canada Bay Council and NSW President of the Planning Institute of Australia

Ken Morrison- CEO at the Property Council of Australia

John McInerney– Architect, town planner and City of Sydney Councillor

Why is planning so hard?

As an introduction to the forum, David Boyle outlined the main issues he believed to be influencing the current planning system. These included;

• No national planning policy
• Need to prepare a National Settlement and Infrastructure
• There is too much focus on development assessment, rather than on strategic planning
• There is too much fragmentation of the state agencies which inhibits forging strong relationships to achieve sound planning outcomes

The focus of the discussion evolved primarily around the inabilities of the planning system to deliver a pragmatic approach to Sydney’s geographic and social constraints.

Ken Morrison from the Property Council of Australia emphasised there is an evident lack of funding available to implement effective changes for the planning system. Representing the peak body of the development industry, he also referred to the housing supply issue, where only half of the required homes are being build to meet the demand for a growing population.

More transparency in the planning system is a pressing issue according to PIA President Tony MacNamara. One of the fundamental flaws in the current legislation is that there are two systems operating concurrently. According to MacNamara, The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act is being underminded by other planning loopholes including Part 3A, which provides incentives for developers to use a ‘back door’ approach in obtaining approval for major projects.

John McInerney from City of Sydney also emphasised David Boyle’s view that the Commonwealth Government should have a more intimate role and influence in the planning processes on the state and local government levels. John suggested there be an overhaul in the Department of Planning, which should be implemented as soon as the new Minister for Planning coomences his term.

During the course of the forum, the audience had opportunities to express their viewpoints.

Chris Johnson, from the Department of Planning concurred with Broyd’s position that the Federal government needs to play a more central role in the development of our cities.

Also, Gary Shields, Director of GSA planning, highlighted a fundamental flaw in the assessment process when an application is determined by Councillors. The Councillors are politicians and not “overnight decision makers”.

Planning Insights

The forum was primarily focused on the negative aspects of the current planning system. However towards the conclusion of the evening, a member from the audience raised the question to the panelists; “Are there any positive aspects that the planning system has contributed?”

Other audience members chuckled, but the panelists found it hard to provide sound responses. Panelist members suggested that Part 3A assessment for major projects and the introduction of the Joint Regional Planning Panels were effective functions of the planning system.

The night ended with a message to young planners on how they can get involved in improving the planning process. “Don’t give up” were words expressed by a panel member. Indeed all planners need to be vigilant, while also attempting to fix the mistakes of the past.

About the Author

Eli Gescheit is a Bachelor of Planning (UNSW) Alumni from 2008. Eli currently works at Waverley Council and is the Director of The Planning Boardroom website, an online portal and resource for urban planners, architects and developers. For more info visit; http://www.theplanningboardroom.net

UNSW Built Environment: Win an Apple IPAD!

We are giving all BE students the chance to win an Apple IPad simply by taking part in an online CATEI survey! All you have to do is log into CATEI via your myUNSW portal and tell us your opinion about things. All those who complete the survey will go into a draw to win an Apple IPad.

We want to hear what you think! If positive, please take the time to say so,  affirm what is happening and provide this feedback to the  lecturers. If you would like to see change let us know so things can change.

It is understandable that this is a hectic time of the year and your time to provide this very important feedback  is really appreciated. It will only take about 15 – 20 minutes! 

Did you know because you complete CATEI;

• Lecturers have changed course content and teaching  as a result  of your feedback.
• If you complete the survey you can view lecturer feedback on comments and course data after the results are finalised.
• If you complete the survey you are then given access to see the completed results for  Form A evaluation and so find out what your peers thought.
• By completing the survey you boost the overall response rate for FBE compared to other Faculties at UNSW which is very important. You also boost your own  program’s response rate compared to other programs within FBE too! Yes, they are all measured which indicates the importance of this survey.

So log in to myUNSW portal today today for your chance to win!

UNSW Built Environment Planning: Christina Livers

The fourth year planners are almost there…work experience is coming to a close, only a few more weeks to go!

The year has encompassed many different elements (learning to manage the workload, liaising with clients, going on site visits, attending meetings and preparing reports to name but a few) of which when pieced together create a truly valuable experience. To have been given the opportunity to be part of the planning profession before having graduated is an opportunity that we are all very fortunate to have had. I have gained a greater understanding of how all of the theory which I have learned at uni over the past few years is applied in practice. I have had the opportunity to develop my skills and learn from many experienced professionals- some of whom are past graduates of the BPlan. As well as this, those who have mentored me while on work experience have been instrumental in my progress throughout the year. I have experienced first hand the importance of professional development from those who have mentored me, as it is under their guidance that I have been able to reflect and enhance my skills.

Even though work experience is coming to a close, the journey continues as planning is forever changing and the management of this change is fundamental to reaching good planning outcomes for the community at large. I will absolutely take all of the skills which I have learned over the course of work experience with me as I go back to university to complete the BPlan. It is with positivity and enthusiasm that I will approach the final semesters of uni, as work experience has given me a taste of the profession- I am now even more so keen to graduate. I look forward to contributing everything which I have learned as a graduate and perhaps join those who have mentored me as a professional.

UNSW Built Environment Bachelor of Planning: Christina Livers

Hi everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful summer break! Welcome to all the new students at UNSW, especially those commencing the BPlan- good choice!

It is that time of year again… uni is just beginning for the year and everyone is catching up after the summer break. However, the work experience program continues for the fourth year students. We are now 9 months in and the time has absolutely flown by. It has been a great experience to be immersed in the planning profession everyday for the past 9 months, as it has afforded me a greater perspective of the industry as a whole and allowed me to gain direction as to the area of planning I aspire to be involved in.

I have had the opportunity to witness different aspects of planning including policy and development assessment. This has allowed me to see how planning policy is formulated and how this transfers to the development assessment process, where it is used to determine whether a development application is permissible. This is one of the great aspects of the BPlan as it gives you the opportunity to see planning in practice!

I have also gained great insight into the profession as I have had the chance to see planning issues arise and become resolved so that a good outcome is achieved. This has been a very rewarding experience and a privilege to be part of. In addition to this, having the opportunity to be involved in discussions at meetings has been a beneficial part of work experience. I have also been given the responsibility of managing my own projects. There have also been some great site visits along the way- always a great adventure!

The work experience component of the degree sets it apart from other undergraduate planning degrees as it gives students practical experience in the industry before graduating- and it looks great on your CV! It also gives you a greater perspective on planning issues which you can take into the final year of the degree, and is a wonderful way to make contacts within the industry!

That’s all from me for the moment- I will definitely keep you posted and let you know what transpires over the next few months in the forever changing world of planning.

UNSW Built Environment Planning: Spray Away – Jessica Irons (Planning 09)

Spray Away: Making the case for legal graffiti as a legitimate form of public art in Sydney

Jessica Irons, Bachelor of Planning

Graffiti is increasingly being recognised by both professionals and the general public as having the potential to be used as a legitimate form of public art.  Graffiti’s history is firmly ingrained in the streets, providing the art form with a unique suitability for use in public domain projects.  One of the challenges faced by planners, artists and local authorities is that of differentiating between the legal and illegal forms of the practice, as well as educating the public on how the graffiti sub-culture can positively impact upon the community through youth engagement, development of young artists’ skills, and increased community pride and ownership.  This thesis will strengthen the case for the use of graffiti in public art projects in Sydney through a survey of existing policies, initiatives and projects relating to graffiti management in metropolitan Sydney. It involves an examination of tools and resources available to local councils that provide a context for the principles and actions necessary for implementing successful graffiti projects.  National and international case studies offer examples of how graffiti can be used successfully within the public art context with important implications for Sydney.

UNSW Built Environment Event: Urban Futures – Planning Graduation Exhibition

Well! It’s all over!

The collective sigh of the 5th Years was audible last Tuesday as posters went up and hair was let down. As part of the thesis project, each 5th Year had to produce an iconic image that best represented their thesis. These images were then blown up and presented next to each thesis abstract, over which the students, their parents and the academic staff pored and pondered. Although we had grumbled about preparing the iconic images during the intense study environment that was the thesis project, the fruits of our labours were realised in the exhibits and the associated end-of-year booklet. If you haven’t yet grabbed a copy of the ‘Urban Futures’ booklet (how aptly titled), make sure you get your hands on one. It certainly inspired some envious comments at work.

Of course, it wasn’t all about the 5th years. The exhibit included  amazing work from the students in the Urban and Regional Design, Images of Sydney and History, Heritage and the Built Environment electives. Urban Futures was thus a showcase of the talent within the Planning branch of the Built Environment, and I know that all of the students that I spoke were impressed with what they saw. My parents also enjoyed it (and how rare is it to find something that parents and students enjoy?).

Many thanks to the academic staff and administrative support staff for organising and encouraging this event and others like it at UNSW – it feels nice to know we leave with more than just a degree. To all planning students, best of luck in the future! And to the 5th years – we made it!

Alec Tzannes (Dean of Built Environment) and Peter Williams (Head of Planning program)

UNSW Built Environment Bachelor of Planning: Christina Livers

Six months ago I was submitting an assignment about the Metropolitan Strategy, fast forward six months and I find myself in a boardroom where the Metropolitan Strategy is being discussed by a group of Planning professionals- welcome to the work experience program!

The last time I wrote my blog, I was about to embark on my work experience program at the Department of Planning. I can now confidently say that I am four months in. If I had to sum it up in a few words overall, I would say that it has been a massive learning experience. My prior two years of study at Uni have given me a really good grounding in Planning. The work experience program has given me the opportunity to apply this knowledge in the work place, whilst acquiring new skills as well. In addition, one of the aspects from the past two years of Uni which has been beneficial in the work place is the array of skills which I have acquired while undertaking group work.

It is that time of year again, for most Uni is ending for the year and summer is just around the corner. However, for those of us in third year who are on work experience life has been very different for the past four months. We have had many opportunities to witness different aspects of planning in practice, inclusive of meetings with different stakeholders, site visits, report writing, research, attending seminars and training days.

I have had many great opportunities while on work experience, ranging from the great projects that I have had the chance to work on, the Young Planners group which I have been involved in and participating in organised sport teams. I have also had the fortune of meeting many fantastic people within the industry, including some past graduates of the BPlan!

Lastly, I have enjoyed every minute of working as a Student Ambassador. Throughout the year I have had the opportunity of meeting many prospective BPlan students at the UNSW Open Days, I hope to see you around next year!

UNSW Built Envrironment Planning: Laura Goh

Hi Everyone,

HURRAH! WE DID IT!  I am pleased to report that uni is over for the Fifth Year Planners, who handed in their final theses on October 23. That same night we had our annual Planning Ball, which this year was held at the Mint. It was a fantastic night and I loved catching up with the Planners from all five years. Everyone looked very glamorous but most of the Fifth Years were looking a bit worse for wear due to a few days of severe sleep deprivation! The last few weeks of this semester were pretty hectic getting everything finished but everyone survived and we partied hard that night!

So what is everyone up to post thesis? Well, apart from catching up on sleep and welcoming the return of our social lives, most of us are just pondering what we are going to do next!!! Some people have jobs lined up, some of us are applying for new jobs, some are contemplating living overseas, a few very dedicated planners are going to begin Masters Courses next semester and we even have a few planners who are planning their upcoming weddings! I have been working as a Student Planner for the last two years but have stated applying for graduate positions now that uni is over! Fingers crossed for an awesome job!

Thank you to everyone who has been following our blogs throughout the year! I would like to invite all of you to Planning’s end of year exhibition ‘Urban Futures’, which will be on 17 November in the Red Centre Gallery at UNSW. Please come along and check out some of the amazing work that UNSW Planning students have been producing this year and most excitingly there will be a display of all the Fifth Year’s thesis abstracts and iconic images! Hurrah!

UNSW Built Environment Planning: Laura Goh

Hi Everyone!  My name is Laura, and I am a 22-year-old student in the Bachelor of Planning program at UNSW in my fifth and final year.

Why did I choose Planning?  In high school, I really enjoyed geography, especially learning about the city and the way that urban dwellers interact with each other. When I read about the BPlan degree it seemed like the perfect fit to continue my interest. I looked into other planning degrees in NSW but decided on the UNSW because the program was well established (the Planning degree at UNSW celebrated its 40th Birthday in 2006!) and is accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), which was important to me as I want to work overseas in the future.

The BPlan degree contains subjects that look at traditional environmental and transport planning, as well as subjects with a more modern focus, such as urban design, and social and heritage planning.  Apart from the ‘core subjects’ I have taken electives from many other faculties at UNSW.  I have taken geography, law and arts electives and I even learnt Japanese for a year!

What’s happening this year?  At the moment everyone in my year is deciding on the topic for their thesis – yes it is all a little bit scary but I had a chat to one of my lecturers earlier this week and I am happy to say that I HAVE A THESIS TOPIC!  Hurrah!

Apart from uni this year, I am working part time for the same government agency that I did my work experience year with (they must have liked me!).  In the BPlan degree, each student is required to do one year of practical work experience (so really in a five year degree, you are only studying for four years…phew!) The mandatory work experience year sets the degree apart from other undergraduate planning degrees and having a year of work experience on your CV will give you an edge over the graduates of other planning degrees who have not yet worked in the industry.  By the time most of the BPlan students graduate from UNSW, they have almost 2.5 years of practical planning experience already!  Don’t worry – the degree is flexible enough for you to balance both study and work.

If you are interested in the environment in which you live, then planning is for you!  Even if you don’t really know what you want to be when you ‘grow up’, the BPlan degree will give you a range of skills that could be transferred into a wide range of jobs – both in Australia and overseas!

UNSW Built Environment Planning: Queenie Tran

“Planning…What’s that?”

When answering the inevitable “So, what do you do at uni?” this is the response I most commonly receive.

Hey, my name is Christina and I am 3rd year Bachelor of Planning student.

My interest in the planning profession originally stemmed from my keen interest in geography at school. As well as this I have always had a curiosity about different communities and what shapes them, to become the unique places which they are. I have also been concerned with the planner’s role of looking after the community and being able to see the greater picture, in making sure that everyone in the community has the right to the access of education, transport, green space, health care and facilities and services. Therefore, it was my interest in both the natural environment and the built environment that drew me to planning.

I didn’t immediately know planning was what I wanted to do. I was not like other people at my school that had decided really early on the degree they would apply for. I thought about what I was really passionate about and what I really enjoy- and it became clear that planning was an area which I would like to both study and work in. Since having studied planning for two years my interest in it has broadened. I have been exposed to many different areas of planning such as: Environmental, Heritage, Urban design, Social Planning, Transport Planning and Strategic Planning. Since I have been exposed to these different areas of planning I have been attracted to the planning profession even more so, and I am keen to explore it further. The great thing about the degree is that it allows you to do just that- I am about to embark on my twelve month placement with the NSW Department of Planning.

I chose to study at UNSW  Built Environment as I saw it to be an innovative and progressive faculty which offered interesting courses to study. The faculty gives students a wide range of opportunity to study both within and outside of the faculty, which gives students the opportunity to gain a broad education. I first found out about the faculty from my careers advisor at school and then from there I attended an information day at UNSW, where I spoke to students and lecturers who discussed the Bachelor of Planning degree with me. This sparked my interest in planning as I received very helpful advice from the UNSW representatives- so don’t be afraid to come and talk to the representatives, they really can help you!

If you think you have an interest in the bigger picture, shaping communities, being involved in small intimate classes and working on innovative and engaging tasks, then experience the journey that is the BPlan!