investLogan recently hosted planning influencers from Logan and South East Queensland for an intimate lunch to discuss the future of critical planning matters that will impact our cities and regions.
Guests of the Planning Influencers Lunch, sponsored by Steffan Town Planning, heard from Director of Wolter Consulting Group and CEO of Yes In My Backyard Qld (YIMBY Qld) Natalie Rayment, Development Assessment Manager of Logan City Council Stephen Ball, and Director of Steffan Town Planning Alex Steffan.
investLogan CEO Todd Rohl said town planners, developers and local councils should be working together to deliver outcomes that provide housing choice and affordability.
“Planning schemes are becoming increasingly complex, and the gap between the way we plan and the way we live, work and play is widening,” Mr Rohl said.
“The Lunch was an opportunity to bring together some of South East Queensland’s most influential town planners to discuss how the public and private sector, and specifically how town planners can reposition the town planning process into a comprehensive and community beneficial model.
“investLogan and guests recognised the dedicated work of Logan City Council officers in their collaborative approach to town planning.
“By working alongside planners and the public, Logan City is delivering outcomes that are forward thinking, innovative and beneficial to the surrounding community.”
Mr Ball identified that Logan City Council continues to look for new ways that it can respond to the complexity of the town planning process in support of investment in the city and to ensure the community can continue to effectively participate in how the city grows and changes.
“Logan City Council is working hard on its continuous improvement processes noting the complex environments town planners work in these days,” Mr Ball said.
Mr Steffan said planning schemes are becoming ever more complex.
“Some planning schemes have grown by up to 3,440 pages in the last 10 years, and on average we are seeing a significant decrease in the explanation and definition of terms within these schemes,” Mr Steffan said.
“In the next 10 years, we are undoubtedly going to see town planning become more complex, and harder to understand.
“Although, as technology advances and local town planners continue to innovate, I believe we can work alongside councils to simplify the process and systems for the general public.”
Ms Rayment said we are experiencing a shift, and as population grows and affordability diminishes, the pressure is building.
“As town planners, it is crucial that we change the narrative,” Ms Rayment said.
“We must inform, advocate and inspire, by establishing positive dialogue around what makes good development.
“We need to balance the conversation by showcasing good examples of design and development, and inspire development outcomes that feature design excellence, sustainability, innovation and community dividends.”
For more information on hiring investLogan’s Boardroom, or sponsoring a Boardroom Lunch event, please contact Beau-Jane on 0432 120 647 or request a booking here.
