PIA State Conference ‘Game Changers’

EPS staff members Simon Duffy, Tegann Kelly and Alina Tipper recently attended the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) state conference held in Newcastle. The theme of the conference was ‘Game Changers’ and presentations focussed on strategic planning and technological innovations.

The conference explored the role that planners play in our cities, communities and environment. It highlighted the need to embrace change and guide societies response to challenges such as increasing populations, environmental degradation and technological change.

Held over two days at the Crowne Plaza in Honeysuckle, highlights of the conference included the following presentations:

• Hon. Rob Stokes, Minister for Planning: announced and discussed the new Hunter Regional Plan 2036, and the need for a ‘quality not quantity’ focussed planning system.
• Gary White, Chief Planner, NSW DP&E: highlighted the need to understand societies drivers and changing trends and the need to plan for connectivity, functionality and place-making.
• Sarah Hill, CEO Greater Sydney Commission: provided a unique case study of how managing the future growth of Greater Sydney has identified key planning challenges such as population growth, and the need for site specific adaptive management.
• Martin Rush, Mayor of Muswellbrook Shire Council: discussed the advantages and pitfalls of strategic planning, and the regional centre perspective including the return of the High Street.

Presentations by Josh Brydges of GoGet Car Share, Arjan Rensen of the Australian Driverless Vehicle Initiative and Harry Quartermain of JBA were also sensational. A common thread was technology including virtual reality, ‘smart cities’ and the share economy.

The conference also held study tours during which Tegann Kelly toured Newcastle Port, Alina Tipper travelled to Lake Macquarie to learn about planning for sea level rise in consultation with the local community, and Simon Duffy enjoyed learning about the Newcastle City Council revitalisation works along Bathers Way coastal walk.

EPS thoroughly enjoyed the conference and would like to thank PIA for holding the event.