Event
In-Person Seminar
Planning without handcuffs - Rethinking planning controls in NSW
Thursday 31 July 2025
5PM
Bartier Perry, Level 25, 161 Castlereagh Street Sydney
Join us for a Panel discussion about planning controls in NSW and the need to provide more flexibility to encourage better design outcomes. This thought-provoking panel discussion will explore the evolving landscape of planning controls in New South Wales, with a focus on how increased flexibility can lead to improved design and environmental outcomes. Featuring an esteemed panel including Abbie Galvin (NSW Government Architect), Michael Staunton (Barrister), Peter Smith (Founding Principal, Smith and Tzannes Architects), and Sue Weatherley (President of the NSW Division of Planning Institute of Australia and senior local government executive), the event will bring together key voices from architecture, law, and local government to challenge conventional approaches and spark new ideas for the future of urban planning in NSW.
Registration for this event is essential.
Members $25 and Non-Members $50
Membership $100 per annum
2026 membership and event entry - $125 (Sign up here then purchase entry)
Membership for FYE 2026 - $100. Member entry to all events will be discounted.
Speakers
Abbie Galvin
NSW Government Architect
Abbie Galvin is the NSW Government Architect, renowned for shaping the built environment with a vision that balances innovation, sustainability, and social impact. With an extensive portfolio spanning both public and private sectors, Abbie brings a human-centric approach to design, advocating for spaces that foster community well-being and cultural expression. She places particular emphasis on the interplay between urban planning, design excellence, and environmental stewardship, constantly pushing for planning frameworks that empower creative, context-sensitive outcomes.
Peter Smtih
founding principal of Smith & Tzannes
Peter Smith is a leading architect and co-founder of Smith and Tzannes Architects, known for his innovative approach to urban design and commitment to creating high-quality built environments. With extensive experience across residential, commercial, and public projects, Peter brings a deep understanding of how planning controls impact architectural outcomes. As a passionate advocate for more flexible and design-focused planning frameworks, he regularly contributes to industry discussions and policy debates.
Michael Staunton
Barrister, Martin Place Chambers
Michael was called to the Bar in 2007. In Court most days since then practising almost exclusively in class 1 merit appeals in the Land & Environment Court of NSW representing both applicants and consent authorities
Sue Weatherley
President of the NSW Division of Planning Institute of Australia
Sue Weatherley is a passionate and successful urban planner and senior local government executive with over 30 years of experience in senior local government executive planning roles in NSW and QLD, including Townsville, Ryde, Parramatta and Georges River.
Sue was on the NSW Architect Registration Board from 2014 to 2020, was the Chair of the Planning Task Force for Committee for Sydney and is now on the Local Government Committee for IPART and the Central Sydney Planning Committee.
Her contribution to Local Government has been twice recognised, in 2012 and 2016, as the recipient of the Minister’s Award for women in local government. In November 2018, Planning Institute of Australia NSW (PIA) named Sue the Planner of the Year at its annual excellence awards. Sue is also a fellow of PIA.
In November 2023 Sue was elected President of the NSW Division of Planning Institute of Australia.
Moderators
Lynne Sheridan and David Wolski, AIUS NSW
This event is eligible for points/hours towards your required CPD.
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