Seminar

The challenge of planning in a democratic society

Wednesday, 14th August 2019 5.00-7.00pm, followed by refreshments
Rydges World Square, 389 Pitt St, Sydney

The boulevards of Haussmann’s Paris and the works of Pope Sixtus V (1585-90) surviving in present-day Rome are commonly applauded as bold and visionary planning. The task of achieving the same ends today under any system of participatory planning would be daunting if not impossible. However, is it a measure of good planning that it should survive the ages?

As the handmaiden of the political system from which our procedures derive, what should be our planning expectations? How should we define successful planning today? Is it down to a choice between despotism and democracy to gain the most effective planning results? If so, then for whom?

Does this suggest that under any democratic political process there is an inherent limit to the level of planning achievement?

Our chosen speakers will assure a lively exploration of questions such as these, which should prompt an equally vibrant discussion.

Speakers

John Mant

John Mant has been a leading initiator and commentator in the planning field for almost 50 years, who describes himself as “an older lawyer/planner”. He has worked for Federal and State governments, as a public servant, working for Ministers, implementing organisational change and assisting in writing legislation. In recent years he has championed Place Management and place formatted development controls. What he will talk about is anyone’s guess, but it will be unusually informed and interesting.

Les Stein
Adjunct Professor of Urban Planning, Sydney University

Les Stein is an Adjunct Professor of Urban Planning at Sydney University and the author of three books on planning. He has been an advisor to the GSC on its Region Plan and (inter alia) consultant to the Planning Reform White paper in Western Australia. His Comparative Urban Land Use Planning examines planning systems in 80 countries and it became clear that the most effective systems are not measured by the quality of their policies, schemes or plans, but by the relationship of the planning authority to the community. Only when the community understands how the planning choices will affect them, will the outcomes be satisfactory.

Marcus Ray
Group Deputy Secretary, Planning and Assessment, Department of Planning & Environment

Marcus is responsible for improving our planning and assessment functions and leading the digitalisation of the planning system. Marcus drives a strong customer- and community-focused culture to build confidence in the assessment of the State’s most significant projects and infrastructure proposals. Continuing compliance also plays a critical role in ensuring that industry complies with conditions of approval.

Key to his role will be supporting the Office of Local Government and overseeing local environmental plan-making in country NSW. He’ll be focused on making the planning system more competitive to maintain sustainable economic country areas. Marcus has 25 years’ experience in planning and in natural resources in the NSW Government. Following a successful career in law and 17 years in senior executive roles in government, focused on service delivery, law, planning policy and reform, Marcus makes decisions based on principle, not process.

Chairman
Dr Bob Solomon, Chairman AIUS NSW

This event is eligible for points/hours towards your required CPD