Planner Jobs

A "Planner" in Australia, typically referred to as an "Urban and Regional Planner," is a professional responsible for analysing and advising on land use development within urban and regional areas, considering economic, environmental, and social factors, by creating plans, policies, and assessments to guide future development while collaborating with communities, government authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth and community needs are met; often working within local government or consultancy firms. 

Key responsibilities of a Planner in Australia:

• Data analysis:
• Compile and analyse demographic, economic, environmental, and legal data to understand the current state of a region and identify development opportunities. 
• Planning strategies:
• Develop comprehensive plans for land use, transportation, infrastructure, and community development, considering sustainability and resilience factors. 
• Development applications:
• Review and assess planning applications for new developments, including residential, commercial, and industrial projects, ensuring compliance with zoning regulations and planning policies. 
• Community engagement:
• Facilitate public consultation processes by conducting meetings, workshops, and surveys to gather community input on planning proposals. 
• Environmental impact assessment:
• Evaluate the environmental impacts of proposed developments and recommend mitigation strategies. 
• Policy development:
• Contribute to the development and implementation of planning policies at local and regional levels. 
• Stakeholder management:
• Collaborate with developers, architects, engineers, government agencies, and community groups to achieve consensus on planning decisions. 
• Report writing:
• Prepare comprehensive reports outlining planning proposals, justifications, and recommendations for decision-making. 
• GIS mapping:
• Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to visualise data and create spatial planning maps. 

Required skills and qualifications:

• Education:
• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Environmental Science, or a related field 
• Professional registration:
• Membership with the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) is often required for professional practice 
• Technical skills:
• Proficiency in GIS software, data analysis tools, and planning software 
• Communication skills:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively present complex planning concepts to diverse audiences 
• Analytical skills:
• Ability to analyse data, identify trends, and make informed planning decisions 
• Problem-solving skills:
• Capacity to navigate complex planning issues and find creative solutions to challenges 
• Leadership skills:
• Ability to facilitate collaborative processes and build consensus among stakeholders