Queensland planner Journal of the Queensland planning profession Winter 2012 Vol 52 No 2 - Planning Institute of Australia
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Queensland
planner
Journal of the Queensland planning profession Winter 2012 Vol 52 No 2
Cairns
In September 1998, a team led by Tract Cairns Regional Council has collected user Consultants and Cox Rayner won a National surveys at the Esplanade Parklands since 2004 Design Competition for the $25 million with the results assisting in measuring redevelopment of the Cairns Esplanade. performance against Operational Plan The project was as much about reinvigorating objectives. the Cairns central business district (CBD) as it Community and visitor satisfaction with the was about designing a piece of public open Esplanade Parklands has continually space. The concept was simple – link the CBD exceeded expectations. to the water (Trinity Inlet) via major, legible pedestrian boulevards and promenades. The first and second stages of the project, being the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Promenade, were opened in March and September 2003 respectively and won the Australian Award for Urban Design Excellence in that year. Tract Consultants Pty Ltd Our Other Offices: Level 7, 140 Ann Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000 Melbourne Canberra t. 07 3002 6400 Sydney Darwin f. 07 3002 6499 Adelaide Geelong www.tract.com.au
This issue
From the editor 2 Regional planning in the tropics:
4XHHQVODQG From the president 3
a retrospective 18
SODQQHU
Taking a Long View: Public transport
News infrastructure as a strategy for regional city
-RXUQDORIWKH4XHHQVODQGSODQQLQJSURIHVVLRQ:LQWHU9RO1R
How to…prepare an Infrastructure building – Cairns case study 21
Agreement 4 Rainforests and reef in TNQ: where
How to…draft lawful conditions 4 conservation planning meets the profession 24
Changes in retail design and planning 5 Trinity Inlet Management Program:
planning for sustainability 27
Town planning implications of the
Queensland Floods Commission Growing pains in Cairns 29
of Inquiry 5 Planning
Letters 6 Regional Australia 32
An introduction to planning reform 7 From our sponsors 34
YPConnect 2012 and PIA National Postcard 35
Planning Congress 8
&DLUQV Planners on Bikes 37
Planners
PIA Qld Events 17
Cover design by Tract Q&A: Owen Dalton 10
People’s Planner 40
Q&A: John Harrison 11
Focus
Come to Cairns and be reinvigorated! 13
Cairns City Centre Master Plan 14
Brannock & Associates is EXPERTISE
a boutique town planning > Strategic & Statutory Planning
consultancy comprising a
highly skilled team of multi- > Expert Evidence
disciplined planners, several > Heritage Planning
of whom hold additional > Master Planning
X\HSPÄJH[PVUZPULU]PYVUTLU[HS
> Project Management
science, heritage and
engineering. > Impact Assessment
> Social Planning
Our Team provides a full range
of planning, environmental and
development services.
;OLÄYTWYV]PKLZWLYZVUHSPZLK
Level 16, Matisse Tower,
and quality service to private 110 Mary Street, Brisbane Q 4000
and public sector clients.
GPO Box 552, Brisbane Q 4001
The majority of our work Phone 07 3229 5322 | Fax 07 3229 5488
is undertaken throughout
Email brannock@brannock.com.au
Queensland and in northern
New South Wales. Web www.brannock.com.au
Queensland Planner – Winter 2012 – Vol 52 No 2 – 1
From the editor
The attractions of Cairns the place your money to. I haven’t heard many many issues and decisions that relate to
and Cairns the 2012 PIA Queensland good things about some of the for-profit our work. Even online the number of
conference program are well described in ‘pop up’ conferences of recent years. correspondents seems to be a tiny fraction
this issue. And attractions they certainly Amusingly I noticed that one operator of readers.
are. I want to make a slightly different had recently bagged the twitter ID,
observation, after disappointment at not @conconferences. Say no more! The pages of Queensland Planner are
attending the recent Urban Design Forum always open to responses, long or short
in Victoria, which was cancelled (or at For non-profit organisations like PIA and stories by readers. We also plan to
least dramatically scaled and hauled back Queensland, successful conferences and conduct a reader survey to guide the
from Bendigo to Melbourne). Perhaps seminars are an important means of future of QP and keep in touch with
the program didn’t really sing out, but the funding services. This includes advocacy member needs.
feedback the organisers got was that these and programs on behalf of all planners,
not just PIA members. Planners out there Mike McKeown MPIA
are tight times to be travelling.
(their managers, mayors and ministers), Editor
It was also pointed out that in the twenty if you are thinking about where to
plus years UDF has been around, the spend your hard earned or hard fought
opportunities to read about and debate conference budget this year, this is one
urban design issues (in this case) have more consideration to make. Along with
multiplied. No bad thing, but one the stellar line up, insightful guided tours
associated pattern is a blossoming in and tropical style, of course.
conferences, fora and symposia. And not
all conferences are created equal. Also in this issue we include a supportive
letter on page 6 from well known urban
I think this year’s PIA state conference quality campaigner Juris Greste. A
in Cairns will be hot property. An event friend of mine, in no way did I put
for planners, by planners. But it’s a Juris up to it. Juris has been known
competitive world, conferences, so it’s to comment that relatively few in our
worth remembering who you are giving profession comment publicly about the
Kate Burke
Statutory Planning
Specialists David Ireland Wayne Dawson
ͻ PlanningSchemes
ͻ StrategicFrameworks
ͻ PriorityInfrastructurePlans
ͻ PlanningSchemePolicies&Strategies
Level11ICONPlace
ͻ DevelopmentAssessment 270AdelaideStreet
ͻ PeerReview BrisbaneQLD4000
T: 0732200288
ͻ GISMapping F: 0732200388
www.psaconsult.com.au
2 – Queensland Planner – Winter 2012 – Vol 52 No 2
From the president
new mayors and we have also seen 40% One way is to start showcasing the work
change over for councillors. Many of of planners, the great places we create
these new elected representatives have not and the outreach work we deliver. This
had any previous elected representative is about taking our plans into practice.
experience and therefore specific As they say actions speak louder than
training is being rolled out by the Local words and for the vast majority of the
Government Association of Queensland community they don’t necessarily see
to support local governments. With what planning is on the ground. Over
this will come the need to support local the coming months this is an area that
governments particularly around the PIA as a whole will be concentrating on.
importance of the planning process We would welcome your contribution
and the planning system. Many local to this important project. Do you have
governments are in the process of specific examples/ suggestions on how we
preparing their new planning schemes can showcase planning? Send through
and therefore the education and training your comments as I would love to hear
of our elected members is crucial to from you.
Kate Isles MPIA,
President PIA Queensland Division
ensuring quality plans are being delivered.
In supporting the “What is Planning?”
We recently called upon the state
It is hard to believe that we are already agenda I am pleased to acknowledge the
government to finalise the latest version
half-way through 2012. It really does hard work of a conference committee
of the Queensland Planning Provisions
feel like time is flying by or perhaps our who have put together a solid program
to provide certainty to local governments
lives just continue to get busier and busier for this year’s state conference. We
and the industy around the template.
– maybe a combination of both. challenged the committee to come
We also sought that upon release that no
up with a different forum that invites
The first half of this year has seen further amendments are proposed for at
discussion and interaction. The theme
significant change here in Queensland least a twelve month period.
of course is Reinvigorate and what better
and for the first time at state government With all of this change comes a very place to reinvigorate our planning focus
level a portfolio dedicated to Planning specific and identified opportunity for then in tropical Cairns. The conference
has been established. The Institute has the PIA Queensland to step up and play is an important event on our yearly
been very fortunate to have been invited a critical advocacy role at all levels of activities and I certainly encourage you all
on a number of occasions to speak government. Now is the time for us to to attend and ensure that you are learning
with Ian Walker MP in his capacity as lead and showcase the value the planning and enhancing your own professional
Assistant- Minister for Planning Reform. across all aspects of society. We need development. In the lead up to the
I am pleased that the Assistant –Minister to go back to planning 101. What is state conference, the beautiful north is
has provided us with his insights both as planning? Unfortunately unlike doctors, the focus on this edition. They are many
a well-respected planning lawyer and now architects and police the specific output different and unique challenges that face
as a State Member. His article is on page of a planner can’t be summarised in a planning in the north and therefore you
7. The Institute certainly looks forward uniform or by a building. Our role is so should grab a cuppa, settle in and
to the ongoing dialogue and being the much greater than this and that’s why it is enjoy this edition of Queensland
lead agency to support and inform the difficult to explain our role to the broader Planner!
reform agenda. community. Wikipedia defines urban
Substantial changes are also afoot within planning as
state government departments. Planning a technical and political process
now rests with the Department of concerned with the control of the
State Development, Infrastructure and use of land and design of the urban
Planning under the Deputy Premier Jeff environment, including transportation AWARDS DATES
Seeney MP. The former state agencies networks, to guide and ensure the 2012 PIA Queensland Awards
responsible for referrals now fall across orderly development of settlements and Awards nominations now open
many departments however I am pleased communities. It concerns itself with
to advise that the state is coordinating Submissions close - Wednesday 8th
research and analysis, strategic thinking, August
the administration of powers to ensure urban design, public consultation, policy
that the streamlining of the development recommendations, implementation and Judging Monday 20th – Thursday
assessment process continues to operate as 23rd August at Herbert Geer
management.
smoothly as possible. Awards Dinner – Friday 9th
For the majority of us reading this as November, at The Hilton Hotel,
On April 28 we witnessed yet again planners we get this. However to many Brisbane
unprecedented change at the local out there we would have lost them at
government level. Of the 73 Local For more information go to
technical and political process. So how
governments here in Queensland 32 have www.planning.org.au/qld
can we start to break down this barrier?
Queensland Planner – Winter 2012 – Vol 52 No 2 – 3
News
How to…prepare an Infrastructure Agreement
Brisbane, 4 April 2012
John Brannock FPIA
The April session of the How to… seminars that an infrastructure agreement is not Chris Netherway added to these points
gave an insightful look at how to prepare an registered on the title of the land by explaining that an infrastructure
infrastructure agreement. Susan Cleary and • An agreement prevails when there is agreement is required when infrastructure
Matthew Soden-Taylor, lawyers from Herbert an inconsistency with a development is not contemplated by a PIP or is out of
Geer discussed the legal obligations, while approval sequence with a PIP. A straightforward list of
Chris Netherway from Parsons Brinckerhoff components in an infrastructure agreement was
• Offsets and refunds are one of the key also laid out as stated below:
discussed detailed components of infrastructure
reasons for entering into an agreement.
agreements. • explanation of the population demand
Offsets are only for trunk infrastructure.
The speakers covered the basic definitions, and requiring the infrastructure
The agreement must clearly set out the
the main types of agreements, namely, one type calculation, timing and adjustment for • analysis of the existing base case model for
as an alternative to the infrastructure funding infrastructure
offsets and consequential refunds.
mechanisms of an infrastructure charge of • designs for future infrastructure, timing,
An interesting point brought up by the Herbert and cost, including supporting designs,
condition of a development approval, and
Geer lawyers was the narrower conditioning tables, and charts
another type regarding supplying or funding
powers of local governments under • method of crediting and tracking of
infrastructure, or refunding payments towards
amendments to SPA in July 2011 where local credits against the cost and provision of
cost of infrastructure. The speakers continued
governments cannot now impose a condition infrastructure
with the key elements of infrastructure
requiring financial contribution or give an • legal clauses that support and bind the
agreement summarised below:
Infrastructure Charges Notice under a Priority parties to the agreement
• The infrastructure agreement must state Infrastructure Plan (PIP). Local governments Together, the speakers at this seminar brought
how obligations must be fulfilled if there are also limited to imposing conditions together a highly informative presentation
is a change of ownership. Obligations are requiring infrastructure, therefore an increase in on how to prepare an infrastructure
attached to the land binding successors the need to enter an infrastructure agreement agreement and provided very useful
in title, it is interesting to note however will likely flow from these amendments. points to back up their approach.
How to…draft lawful conditions
Brisbane, 13 March 2012
John Brannock FPIA
The March How to… seminar was highly planning purpose and not for an ulterior emphasised the need to focus on the clear and
informative on how to draft lawful conditions motive, such as placing a condition to coherent communication of a condition, and
for approving development applications. provide public space so council could obtain the basic elements that should be evident to
Michael Leong, a partner at Norton Rose, land for public purposes. ensure that there is a clear understanding of
spoke from a legal perspective (but also relying • A condition must not require onerous what the condition is.
on previous experience as a town planner), supervision by the relevant authorities.
while Kevin Cronin, a senior planning He put forward some basic elements to
• A condition cannot modify a development
specialist from Brisbane City Council, took enhance communication that should be
such that it results in a different
a development assessment approach. The evident in a condition in the form of questions:
development than was applied for in the
speakers complemented each other and gave first place. • What actions must be carried out?
excellent examples to underpin their respective • An unlawful condition cannot be made • Who is responsible for carrying out the
approaches. lawful because it is accepted by the actions?
Michael readily brought to attention Section applicant. • When are the actions to occur by?
345 of SPA; that Conditions must be relevant • A condition cannot require an indemnity. • How are the actions to be done? (e.g. to
or reasonable. He provided examples that • A condition can only require the what standard?)
illustrated what was reasonable, and what was preservation of land for future major road A simple template for structuring conditions
relevant, pointing out the fact that a lawful infrastructure if it is explicitly recognised in with minimum requirements presented by
condition can be relevant but unreasonable. the planning scheme. Kevin included a condition number, the
For an approving authority to act lawfully, Kevin, on the other hand, stressed that one actual condition, and the timing for when the
Michael explained ‘rules of thumb’ when should look beyond the statutory tests of condition must be satisfied.
drafting lawful conditions which are being relevant or reasonable when drafting
Both Michael and Kevin’s presentations were
summarised in the points below: conditions. He noted they did need to be
highly useful and insightful for all
met in a practical context as they are key
• A condition must be for a legitimate relevant disciplines regarding the
determinants in a lawful condition but he also
preparation of lawful conditions.
4 – Queensland Planner – Winter 2012 – Vol 52 No 2
News
Changes in retail design and planning
Brisbane, 15 May 2012
Steve Craven MPIA
We were informed and entertained by three In a shameless play for a high speaker and international examples. He is seeing
excellent speakers with expertise covering rating, Gavin showed us many examples evidence suggesting a possible decline in our
economics, urban design and planning of the main street centre form favoured by preference for traditional malls, which is
scheme responses. most planners. part of a larger evolution of centres as they
respond to trends. For instance, a trend
Gavin Duane (Economist & Director/ Kerry Doss (Planner & Manager, BCC City
for online and other electronic retailing to
Founder of Location IQ) provided an Planning) reminded us that the Brisbane
replace some traditional utilitarian shopping
excellent insight into the motivation of City Plan contemplates a network rather
trips is creating a shift in physical centres
centre owners in locating and designing than hierarchy of centres and that on the
toward more recreational shopping, in part
centres. These days, centre planning tends whole, it has been successful. The draft
displayed by a timely re-acquaintance with
to be a balance between the proponent’s new City Plan will largely follow that
the famous Blues Brothers’ car chase video.
desire for enclosed, inward-looking model, following the City Shape Strategy’s
The challenge for centres is to accommodate
centres based on the ‘internal racetrack’ node and corridor lead. Intriguingly, Kerry
the needs of the retail giants for a
model with plentiful parking (formed by considers Brisbane may need to prepare
conventional enclosed mall while providing
decades of successful experience) and the for having the highest GDP of any western
the character shops and streetscapes we
planners’ desire for ‘main street’ interaction, city, with consequent pressures on and
opportunities for growth and centres.
crave. Agreeing with Gavin and Kerry
interesting niches and hidden parking. on the increasing acceptability and more
Successful centres rely on population Andrew Hammonds (Planner/Urban integrated approach to design taken by big
and density, so Gavin has confidence in Designer & Director/Founder of Place box retailers, Andrew equates big
the long-term future of well-planned, Focus) dazzled us with statistics about box retailing to sugar – it’s probably
appropriately sited suburban town centres. centres and how we use them, using local bad for us, but we like it.
Town planning implications of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry
Brisbane, 26 April 2012
Mike McKeown MPIA
The Queensland Floods Commission comment was made that the witness list
of Inquiry published its final report on shows that planners were one of the groups
16 March 2012. There had been more placed under scrutiny.
than a year of hearings, and frequent
controversy, but the state election only eight It was pointed out that roughly half of the
days later ensured that the Commission’s recommendations in the final report (the
recommendations quickly disappeared interim report dealt with some topics such
from the headlines. The three speakers at as emergency management) are relevant to
this seminar – Greg Vann, John Adams land use planning. The speakers more or
and Brendan Nelson – outlined why the less followed a similar approach, skimming
planning community will be poring over through these findings chapter by chapter
the Commission’s findings for much longer and pointing out some implications,
than the newspapers did. Under the actions and occasionally weaknesses of the
‘Chatham House Rule’, comments made recommendations. While comprehensive,
one criticised the report in general terms.
at the seminar cannot be attributed to any this made it hard to capture what the most
In fact ‘good, balanced and fair’ seemed to
individual, but the jist of the talks and important conclusions are. Perhaps it is
be the consensus. With respect to action,
questions are summarised here. more of a general statement synthesising
it is reported that much work is underway
several of the Commission’s points:
All our speakers were qualified enough to and indeed has already been done since the
that flood planning techniques are well
be called as witnesses to the Commission. 2010/11 summer floods.
developed but that their application and use
In fact Greg, John and Brendan tally up must be extensively expanded. The final report from the Queensland
more than 100 references in the final Floods Commission of Inquiry including
report between them. Appearing in the Nevertheless some of the pointy
its complete list of recommendations can be
Commission’s packed courtroom was no conclusions debated on the night were
viewed at www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au
doubt a memorable, even intimidating, about the hard asks: past decisions, areas
experience. The proceedings were also known to be flood prone, use of terms like
broadcast online, meaning that many of ‘100 year flood’, and buy backs. Despite
their peers were watching from afar. The questioning the odd recommendation, no
Queensland Planner – Winter 2012 – Vol 52 No 2 – 5
Letters
Dear Editor, role of politicians is not just to respond to Finally, it is gratifying to see the urban
local or sectoral interests but what is best design content of the issue. Whatever
What a meaty and broad ranging previous
for the state or nation1. Dare I say planners planners think, you cannot deliver a
issue!!! Commendations to you and the
are more likely to have a balanced view on good place without a strong and highly
team. I expect the following issue will
the broader interests than elected officials competent urban design content. It is also
struggle to accommodate the letters
who have to be mindful of not losing encouraging to read Ned Wales advocacy
responding to the provocations of Vol. 52,
their local or sectoral support or campaign for the form based codes approach to
No1.
funders. Jim Soorley of course would achieving higher urban quality – an
As a non-planner but nevertheless one of want to hand planning to the ‘market’ or approach that regrettably is still heresy to
the fillings in the sandwich, I find some of the development industry. As one who most in all sectors of the local government
the views expressed and issues raised worthy participated in the original SEQ 2001 approvals system, elected representatives as
of continuing discourse. project, we now know the value of what the well as the professional community.
late Tom Burns started – professionally lead
It is hard to take particular issue with PIA’s I cannot wait for the next issue!
regional planning.
five objectives for a planning future. And on
Juris Greste OAM
the basis of the four party announcements It is glaringly obvious that, as in other
or positions, dare I say the ALP deserved aspects of life, it is all about people, attitudes P.S. What an unfortunate graphic on
what they got. and mindsets. Mayor Pisasale fosters the back cover with the IPA LAW ad. It
cooperation; Mayor Brent sees councillors might illustrate the past but surely are we
What is concerning is the diversity of views and planners as ‘oil and water stuff’. not aiming for a different future for the
and positions of politicians on the place Something is not right or there is just not residential areas of our cities and towns?
and role of planners and planning. In the enough understanding. You cannot force
planning context, elected representatives Reference
attitude change but perhaps re-examining
(not all regard themselves as ‘politicians’) 1 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/sun-
governance has some potential in creating a dayextra/newmaker-watson/3911110
regrettably don’t just see their role as more productive setting and process.
formulating policy but having a hand at
implementing it as well. It seems that at Former Mayor Soorley blames planners
state and federal level, public servants for all of this nation’s housing problems.
are responsible for that. Why not in Yet, the story on the ULDA’s housing
local government? With all respect to the achievements at Fitzgibbon Chase seems
dedicated councillors, they do not suddenly to tell the very opposite. It also clearly
become wise on built environment, urban points to the need for changes to the
quality and planning matters the day they approvals and processing system to deliver
are elected to office or even after many a better outcome for all. Significant is also
years on the job. I dare say there are some the acknowledgement that although the
exceptions such as David Hinchliffe. ULDA is a statutory authority with legal
I do think David is right that we need obligations and defined objectives, good
to re-examine local governance systems results still rely on leading staff having ‘a
and structures. However, it seems that strong commitment to community and
while innovation is the new catchphrase where all involved have a social conscience.’
for everything else, it is taboo for local Regrettably, we cannot legislate for the
government. I am reminded of the words latter but we can aim for higher standards.
of a discerning political observer Don It is also worth noting that Steve Conner,
Watson (for the younger readers – staffer the Director of Planning at ULDA has an
of former Prime Minister Keating) that the urban design degree.
Correction
In the previous issue of
Queensland Planner, the dates in
the article, Larry Karl Kumskov,
In memory, should have read 11
July 1955 – 5 January 2012. We
apologise for this error.
6 – Queensland Planner – Winter 2012 – Vol 52 No 2
News
An introduction to planning reform
Ian Walker MP
I remember that my ‘clever’ take on In the first week of my being announced
the subject was to actually weigh the as Assistant Minister, I met with a number
legislation from the period of my studying of interest groups, including PIA, to start
it at university through to the present. getting some input into this ambitious
Needless to say, the scales had been tipped reform agenda. I was pleased at that input
significantly with a much larger weight of and have discussed the outcomes with the
paper over the years. Deputy Premier and changes are already in
train as a result.
That is clearly the starting point for the
Newman LNP Government. We went The Premier and Lord Mayor of
to the election with a very clear policy in Brisbane have announced that the Urban
relation to planning matters; Development Areas within Brisbane City
will have planning powers transferred
• We promised to address planning system
back to council (which will be given
inconsistencies and inefficiencies to
ULDA powers) and Southbank will be
provide more certainty for the property
similarly dealt with. The Howard Smith
and construction industry, and to put
Wharves plan will be re-activated to allow
downwards pressure on housing prices
construction of a wonderful parkland
for Queensland families.
and boutique hotel. The South Brisbane
• This meant fixing the Sustainable Riverside Neighbourhood Plan will be re-
Planning Act 2009 to ensure the best submitted to allow 12 storey buildings to be
planning system for industry, local built between Montague Rd and the river.
governments and communities.
There will no doubt be much change ahead.
Ian Walker MP
• In particular we promised to reduce
complexity and increase certainty by I found it interesting that when I spoke to a
minimising the introduction of any new retired developer about our ideas for change
I appreciate this opportunity to write a state planning policies and state planning - and rattled off a few of the measures we
short article for your journal to introduce regulatory provisions (except where had in mind – that he smiled and said ‘All
myself and to set out the Newman state planning regulatory provisions are of those things are important but if there
Government’s plans for planning reform in needed to implement regional plans), is one thing you need to do it is to change
Queensland. and in addition ensure appropriate the culture from a “how can I stop this
industry and local government happening” attitude to one of “how can
As many of you will know, I had a legal I make this happen for the community’s
career prior to entering politics – for most consultation and a cost benefit analysis
before the introduction of changes to the benefit”’. I know that so many members of
of that time I was a town planning lawyer PIA exemplify this latter approach and can
with Norton Rose and its predecessor firms. planning system.
be key catalysts for this change.
I very much enjoyed my time as a planning • We promised to restore certainty and
efficiency to planning and development I look forward to working with PIA
lawyer, and during that period met and members as changes occur, confident in the
worked with many PIA members in the assessment processes.
hope that planners will continue to bring
course of advising clients and representing • We promised to make the provision of a positive and problem solving attitude
them in the planning and environment affordable housing a goal of all planning both to the broader problems confronting
court. schemes. Queensland’s planning system, as well as to
I also had many enjoyable times with • We promised a more effective and the specific development proposals in which
PIA members at annual conferences and efficient planning and development they are involved.
other get togethers – I was one of only a system, a focus on adequate land supply Ian Walker MP was elected the Member for
small group of people who attended the for affordable housing and fair taxes and Mansfield in the recent state election, and is
2009 Longreach state conference as well charges for the property and construction Assistant Minister for Planning Reform.
as the 1991 state conference also held in industry.
Longreach. I think there is a photo from
• We promised to wind back the Urban
2009 of those who had that honour!
Land Development Authority (ULDA),
It is of some historical interest that the and identify appropriate powers and
paper which I presented at the 2009 efficiencies with a view to mainstreaming
conference dealt with the ‘weight’ of them to local government.
planning legislation in Queensland.
Queensland Planner – Winter 2012 – Vol 52 No 2 – 7
News
YPConnect 2012 and PIA National Planning Congress
Adelaide 28 April-2 May 2012
Brittany Lauga MPIA
I had never been to Adelaide before, so I
was delighted to receive an email on 27
March 2012 from the Director of the PIA
Young Planners Network, Chris O’Connor,
telling me that I was the lucky winner of
the 2012 PIA Edge Land Planning Rural
and Regional Young Planner Scholarship
to attend YPConnect 2012 and the PIA
National Congress in Adelaide in April.
I am a Senior Town Planner at CQG
Consulting in Rockhampton, Central
Queensland, an award winning dynamic
consultancy offering regionally-based
professional planning, environmental and The foodcourt at the Central Markets: a bustling hive of activity at lunch time on a Friday with strangers sharing
tables, a variety of Asian food stalls, an eclectic mix of professionals, retirees, young people and not a single
engineering consultancy services to local, franchise food outlet to be found.
national and international clients. I grew
up in Rockhampton, moved to Brisbane city to the Museum, the Central Markets, Early on Day 2 I took the tram out to
to study and have since returned home Adelaide Oval, the Convention Centre, Glenelg for the conference. It was a
to work and further my career here. I Victoria Square and the oldest pub in beautiful fresh Sunday morning and the
thoroughly enjoy working in this region, Adelaide, the Queens Head Hotel to name large ballroom at the Stamford Hotel
particularly because of the people in the a few. The YPConnect official welcome facing the water was the perfect setting
development industry, the clients I work function was that night at the Griffins Head for YPConnect 2012. I was inspired by
with, the community I engage with for Hotel where I met a whole host of young Adelaide’s fresh, innovative and exciting
consultation projects and the range of planners from around the country. Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood. Adam
exciting projects in this region that I have Smith’s presentation on innovation in
It was on Day 1 that I found my idea of
the privilege of working on. public participation filled the room with
the perfect place: the busy Central Markets
conversation about technology and social
Attending the congress provided me with in Adelaide’s CBD, bustling with people,
media; Andrew Butt’s presentation on
an opportunity to expand my knowledge in sprukers selling punnets of strawberries,
the realities of working overseas got me
the planning profession. I made connections fresh produce from around the state, baked
wondering and Claire Piper’s presentation
and networks with planners and other goods, delicatessens full of cheese, cured
on the Christchurch disaster recovery
professionals from across the country and meats and crackers; shops with fresh pastas
after the earthquakes showed how resilient
around the world, and I learnt about some and sauces, teas, fresh coffee beans, the smell
communities really can be.
great new ideas and initiatives that I can of bacon sizzling on a grill at a breakfast bar
implement in my own work and region. and huge varieties of seafood straight off the At the end of the day we travelled back
boat. It was here that I enjoyed a choc-lime into the city for the joint YPConnect
Day 1 of YPConnect involved the Amazing macaroon I will never forget and when I closing function and the PIA National
Race around Adelaide, organised by the returned days later, a delicious hot chocolate Congress Welcome Function at the South
Young Planners Network Committee. with marshmallows and big breakfast that I Australian Museum. The room was filled
Within a few hours we raced around the will remember forever. with hundreds of delegates from around
the country and the world, the champagne
was flowing, a lot of familiar catch up
conversation amongst friends and new
connections being made, all set amongst
the museum’s historic Indigenous artefacts
display and an African wildlife exhibition.
Day 1 of PIA National Congress was
inspiring to say the least, with sessions on
disaster resilience from Brendan Nelson of
the Queensland Reconstruction Authority
and Professor Peter Newman from Curtin
University as well as an inspiring food
sustainability seminar presented by the
The view from the restaurant at Chapel Hill winery at McLaren Vale godmother of Australian home cooking,
8 – Queensland Planner – Winter 2012 – Vol 52 No 2News
presentation that morning about creating a
carbon neutral city was also truly amazing.
Next I attended the Sharp concurrent
session with ground breaking research on
density from Chris Isles, awesome ideas
about multi-generational and flexible
housing from Matthew Paetz in relation to
his Japanese mother-in-law’s cool granny
flat, and a revolutionary showcase of
housing innovation from Kim Stone of
the Urban Land Development Authority.
That afternoon I went along to the short
concurrent session again with lessons on
pets and urban planning, a session on
the PIA Post Disaster Planning in Flood
Affected Communities Project by Megan
Dugdale and other interesting presentations
on healthy spaces, disaster resilience and
affordable housing.
I fell in love with this brilliant café at the Central Markets where diners sit on stools at a breakfast bar. The 2012 Planning Excellence Awards
Maggie Beer. I attended the short concurrent That night I ended up at a restaurant Gala Dinner was held that evening at the
session, which involved nine, seven-minute in China Town with a bunch of young Adelaide Convention Centre with hundreds
presentations on a range of topics including planners from around the country, eating of delegates attending from around the
disaster recovery, the Gold Coast light rail crocodile and steamed dumplings from a country. Queensland won eight of the
project and a local government’s response to lazy Susan and sharing ideas and thoughts twelve categories at the National Awards for
a community tragedy. I attended the short about the conference so far. As much as Planning Excellence with a Queenslander
concurrent sessions again that afternoon. the day’s conference proceedings were Brendan Nelson from the Queensland
Eugene Ferraro’s presentation on car interesting and inspiring, chance meetings Reconstruction Authority named the
parking, I felt, hit the nail on the head. Kate with new friends like these are what I love inaugural Australian Planner of the Year.
Isles’ presentation on Rebuilding Grantham about conferences.
The next day I attended the Willunga study
unbelievably inspiring and Matthew White’s Chris O’Connor, the Director of the tour which included a tour of the Willunga
presentation on the 21st Century Terrace National Young Planners Network was first Basin inclusive of the McLaren Vale winery
took my ideas of medium density to a up on Day 2 with a recap of YPConnect region, on the urban/rural fringe of Adelaide.
new level. 2012 for the Congress. Allan Jones’ The tour involved taking in the landscape,
heritage, coastal and agricultural values of
the area and being introduced to coastal /
IN PRAISE OF D/A PLANNERS urban fringe planning issues, water wise
If you’ve ever worked the counter, then you’ll know the feeling well development, medium density and industrial
activities in the outer parts of metro
how easy it can be to get the applicants from Hell Adelaide, as well as the planning of the rural
the ones who fight and argue just to maximise their yield part of the Onkaparinga council including
and promise you the world, provided their proposal’s sealed. attractions, issues and actions. We were also
treated to a delicious lunch at the Chapel
If you’ve ever been to Council with a challenging report Hill winery and a sample of some of the
delicious wines that truly capture the spirit,
or had to justify your view through evidence in court
charm and personality of McLaren Vale.
or faced an angry meeting on a controversial use
I had a wonderful time in Adelaide; a
then you’ll have understood the art of coping with abuse.
beautiful city full of happy people, delicious
If you’ve ever had to work your way through altered rules and laws food and even more delicious wine. I learnt
a lot about planning, about our cities and
while facing tighter deadlines, yet still fighting for the cause our communities and have brought those
and dealing with a workload that just never seems to stop new ideas a new and enthusiasm back to
then you know a D/A planner’s life is not an easy lot. central Queensland ready to tackle the
issues we are facing here. Thank you so
But if you’ve never had these challenges, don’t say that it’s a doddle much to Edge Land Planning and to PIA
for providing me with the opportunity to
don’t say ‘it’s just a tick and flick, just following the model’ attend the conference. Sponsoring a young
but rather lift your glasses high and dedicate a toast planner from a regional area to attend such a
to our Council D/A planners, who have a harder job than most. significant national planning event provided
me with a wonderful opportunity to
© Robin King-Cullen 2012 learn, connect and be inspired.
Queensland Planner – Winter 2012 – Vol 52 No 2 – 9Planners
Q&A: Owen Dalton
Geoff Mullins
The RPS Group’s Owen Dalton sites local we need to do to achieve that outcome, The solution I see to the problem? – a
knowledge as a key to a successful planning working within various limitations that return of economic confidence to the
consultancy. He’s worked the far north may be imposed by various factors, such as region, which will then see an improvement
Queensland area for a long time and has seen the client, budget, the legislators and the in uptake rates and investor confidence,
his organisation evolve through a number of assessors. Another is our ability to capitalise increased demand for the release of new
different guises. upon our local knowledge and presence, but residential land stock, and ultimately
with the ability to call upon a broad range pressure on local and state agencies to
Can you briefly outline your of specialised skills and experience available resolve those issues that have stalled the
substantial planning career? within other centres within the Group. But process to date.
I graduating from University of Queensland perhaps the greatest key to our success has
been our people – RPS (and for many years What is the stand out planning
in 1981 and was lucky to get a job with Ian
it’s various preceding entities) have adopted challenge for north Queensland at
Rigby who had a one-man consultancy in
Spring Hill. Ian merged with two Sydney-
pro-active staff recruitment and retention the moment?
initiatives targeted at attracting, rewarding
based groups and I stayed for another 12 All three regional council areas (Cairns,
(and not just in monetary terms) and
months before the ’84 downturn saw me Cassowary Coast and Tablelands) are
retaining key staff who embrace similar ideals.
out on the streets. suffering from the residual effects of the
How would you like to see planning GFC, with only limited local benefit being
After painting fences for a few weeks I
in north Queensland change for the derived from the resources boom that
convinced Victor Feros to take pity and give
better? is supporting other regions. As a result,
me a job in his Brisbane office. I stayed for
In more recent years, planning in FNQ, development activity is at I would suspect
about six months before being approached to
and no doubt other areas within the State, to be an all-time low, in terms of volume
take up a position with Cameron McNamara
appears to have become a process-focused and scale of development proposals. At the
(CM) in their Bundaberg office. Then I
exercise, with little attention given to same time, all three councils continue to
moved to CM’s new Cairns office after a
actual outcomes. Perhaps one of the most operate under a range of different planning
couple of years and ‘rode the wave’ of the
invigorating periods in my professional schemes, all of which came into force prior
’87-’88 ‘boom’ before the downturn in ‘89.
career was the period when a new Senior to the amalgamation of the former council
Faced with a transfer away from ‘paradise on Planner came into one of the local Councils areas that resulted in the creation of the
earth’ I opted instead to join a small local and produced a poster which was placed on regional councils. Whilst all councils are
survey practice, Chapman & Balderson and every assessment officers desk – it simply currently working on the preparation of
stayed with them for 23 years, albeit with said ‘Is it a good project? – if so, what do new planning schemes, I see that there is an
the structure and name of the company we have to do to make it happen?’ This opportunity, with newly-elected councils
having evolved, going from Chapman & then became the mantra for assessors and now in place, to move quickly towards the
Balderson to C&B Group to Conics and, became the catalyst for some of the more preparation of new planning schemes that
more recently (and hopefully lastly!) RPS. notable projects in Far North Queensland will provide a range of benefits.
that proceeded at that time.
What’s been the career highlight? How do you spend your spare time?
Unfortunately, since then, we seem to have
The privileges I have had through my receded back into the abyss of statutory With two teenagers heavily involved in
career to date has been the benefits and processes and checklists. a whole range of curricular and extra-
experiences gained along the way by curricular activities, spare time has until
having had the opportunity to work, Mt Peter has been a long running recently been a rare commodity. However,
and form lifelong friendships with, issue in Cairns. What is the solution? we’ve recently been able to offload the oldest
some of the most senior and respected An interesting question! It should be to uni (but NOT doing planning!), with
planners in Queensland – people such as remembered that Mt Peter had it’s genesis a corresponding increase in personal time.
Jeff Humphries, Peter Zahnleiter, Chris at a time, pre GFC, where the Cairns I use this time to focus on my passions of
Buckley, Graham Ballard and Chris economy was buoyant, demand for new Boating, Camping and Fishing (sounds like
Schomburgk, to name just a few. housing stock was high, and both Council a good catch-phrase for an outdoors store
– wonder if I can trademark the concept!).
What has been the key to the RPS and the development industry identified a
pending shortage of residential land stock Even as I write this, I am three days away
growth story?
in coming years. This provided the catalyst from departing to Bamaga for 10 days of
I believe there is no single key to our success, for the establishment of the Mt Peter B,C&F – all I need to do now is get RPS to
but rather a number of contributing factors. Taskforce and agreement for a number of accept that this is a legitimate networking,
One has been our ability to approach a landowning developer stakeholders to fund business development and/or
project from a client’s perspective – what the masterplanning process. And then along environmental survey exercise and
outcome are they seeking, and what do came the GFC. life would be perfect!
10 – Queensland Planner – Winter 2012 – Vol 52 No 2Planners
Q&A: John Harrison
Geoff Mullins
John Harrison is the Cook Shire’s Planner. Council’s planning scheme contains a As a matter of interest when I came to
He’s been in Cooktown 35 years and is Cultural Features Code, Hillslopes Overlay Cooktown in 1977 the population was
Queensland’s northernmost permanent Code, and a Townscape Character Overlay approximately five hundred (500) people,
planner. Here he gives us an insight into Code, all designed to protect and enhance today it is closer to two thousand (2,000)
planning in the far north and the challenges the above heritage and historic values. people. It has been an interesting experience
he seems to be managing extremely well. Council has found that the vast majority to watch Cooktown and Cook Shire grow,
of developers are prepared to work within and prosper.
How did you start working as a planner?
these codes to preserve what makes Cook
How did you get the nickname of ‘Tex’?
Back in 1982 I was working as the pay Shire unique.
officer for Cook Shire Council when a I got that nick name when I worked for the
position became available in the planning Lose our heritage and historic values and Bank of New South Wales in Mount Isa.
section. I expressed an interest and have Cook Shire becomes like anywhere else. My family owned a sheep and cattle station
been involved with planning in Cook Shire Does policy get in the way of common outside Richmond, and on occasions myself
ever since. and some of my friends would go to the
sense planning in the far north?
property for the weekend. In Mount Isa
Are there any permanent planners
In the case of Cook Shire it is probably everyone had a nickname and because I
further north than you? rode horses and had the western hat I got
state policy in particular the Vegetation
None that I know of. Management Act that has the most impact the nickname Tex.
on common sense planning. Because
Do you ever feel isolated from the
Cook Shire has retained and protected its
planning fraternity? areas of remnant native vegetation, a large
Generally not. We have a great planning percentage of development applications
support base in Far North Queensland outside the urban areas trigger referral. This
with our FNQROC Planners Forum which together with the broad brush nature of
meets every second month. These meetings the available mapping and the requirement
provide an excellent opportunity for the to ground truth if this mapping is being
area planners to discuss issues of common disputed leads to added expense and the
interest and receive briefings from various potential for refusal for even small scale
government departments. Council has applications such as code assessable MCUs
an excellent working relationship with and RALs, uses which in most cases would
the Department of State Development, be encouraged under the planning scheme.
Infrastructure and Planning, as well as other
government agencies, and assistance is only It sometimes seems like death by a
a phone call or email away. thousand cuts. A good exercise if one had
the available time would be to overlay all
What are the greatest planning challenges applicable state government legislative and
you are currently dealing with? policy mapping (if available), over Cook
As Cook Shire is an emerging shire,
Shire, and I think we would find that there
development wise, our greatest planning would be very few areas, that would not be
challenge is walking that fine line where affected to some extent.
planning outcomes are encouraged that What has been the greatest planning
promote practicability, useability, liveability achievement you have been involved
and affordability while protecting the
with?
historical values for which Cook Shire is
famous. I think that the greatest planning
achievement that I have been involved with
Has heritage and history in the area ever
has been being a part of the partnership
stifled good planning ideas?
that has grown between the community and
Heritage and history goes hand in glove council, that has helped make Cook Shire
with Cook Shire. Community meetings and in particular Cooktown a great place to
over the years have reiterated that the live, while at the same time protecting and
retention of historic streetscapes, historic promoting the historical and environmental
buildings and view sheds is the number one values of the shire. Cook Shire has a great
priority. sense of community.
Queensland Planner – Winter 2012 – Vol 52 No 2 – 11Queensland Planner – Winter 2012 – Vol 52 No 2 – 12
Focus
Come to Cairns and be reinvigorated!
Alison Stevens MPIA
It is with great pleasure that I invite you to my home • A strong line-up of speakers including: Gordon
to experience the state’s premier planning event for Price, Kirsty Kelly, Mark Baker, Ian Wright,
the calendar year. The 2012 Planning Institute of Peter Richards, Mike Berwick, Aunty Marilyn
Australia (QLD Division) State Conference will be Wallace, Malcolm Middleton and Tim Williams
held at the Sebel Cairns on the 3-5 October 2012. who will do their best to reinvigorate the way we
think about planning. Go to www.planning.
The conference theme is ‘Reinvigorate: My Self.
org.au/documents/item/3702 for a copy of the
My Place. Our Future.’ The conference will draw
registration brochure.
on the perspectives of our personal experiences and
aspirations, through the issues affecting the planet • Dynamic concurrent sessions with some of our
and our place on it, to the future that we have joint brightest discussing the role of planners in creating
responsibility for creating. a better future in mining, regional communities,
technology and delivery. Are planners the new
Here is a little taste of what you can expect to fresh food people? Does size really matter?
experience up in the far north:
• Three unique workshops opportunities. Ever
• Take two weeks off and have a fun-filled family wanted to participate in the SBS Insight program?
holiday and a planning conference in tropical The conference includes a forum based on
paradise. The region is bursting at the seams with this model. Ever wanted to be a film critic like
attractions and tours and things to do. Explore Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton in ABC’s
the Cape, hinterland, rainforest, beaches and At the Movies? The conference includes new short
reef. Relax in a range of accommodation choices. films and on the couch discussion. Can planners
Indulge in the vibrant foods, tastes and smells. really be urban designers too? The conference
• Take a week and a half off and participate in a includes an interactive DesignThinkingDrawing
Cairns to Cooktown Cardiac Challenge Bike workshop.
Ride (www.cardiacchallenge.com.au) in the ride • Be inspired by Dr Karl Kruszeinicki (Triple J) –
or on the sidelines as support crew. Along the way, learn what a man who can has degrees in physics
gain an insight into the historic and cultural values and maths, biomedical engineering, medicine and
of the far north. surgery and has worked as a physicist, tutor, film-
• Take a week off and spend Lizzie’s birthday (the maker, car mechanic, labourer and as a medical
new Queen’s Birthday holiday) on the esplanade doctor and what he can teach us about planning…
or visit Kuranda via Skyrail. Then on Tuesday go We guarantee that you will leave feeling
snorkelling on the reef or visit an island resort reinvigorated!
before the conference kicks-off. Contact the local
PIA members if you would like advice on things Don’t miss out! – Early-bird registrations close
to do. 30 June 2012. Follow us on Twitter #qldconf or
visit www.planning.org.au/qldcontent/2012-state-
• By boat or by bus, spend the first day of the
conference to find out more about the conference
conference being guided through the urban,
young planner scholarship and sponsorship
agricultural and coastal landscape of the region.
opportunities and the Cardiac Challenge Bike Ride.
Each of the six site tours will explore a range of
planning challenges, opportunities and learnings Hope to see you there.
including: managing population growth, food
Alison Stevens is Conference Convenor for PIA
security, sustainable energy generation, disaster
Queensland’s 2012 state planning conference.
recovery, coastal planning, urban design, cultural
heritage and developing in protected areas.
• A fresh new format and schedule is guaranteed
to make the conference experience fun, interactive
and informative. With an enthusiastic Greg Vann
as the Master of Ceremony, there will be plenty
of movement, music, visuals, smells and tastes to
stimulate your senses like never before. As well
as lots of time to let your hair down and enjoy a
scintillating social program with breathtaking
venues, good food and company.
Queensland Planner – Winter 2012 – Vol 52 No 2 – 13Focus
Cairns City Centre Master Plan
Peter Boyd MPIA CPP
To deliver on the objectives of the Master Plan,
council engaged Architectus and a team of consultants
to prepare the City Centre Master Plan in late 2010,
with the final Master Plan endorsed by council in
October 2011 following extensive community review
and engagement. The development of the Master
Plan would not have been possible without the
active involvement and support of the mayor and
councillors, council’s Urban Design Advisory Board,
City Centre Steering Committee, Cairns Chamber of
Commerce Inner City Taskforce, Ports North and the
Cairns community.
Key elements and challenges
Urban structure
The Master Plan outlines a structure for the city
centre, the ‘City Triangle’ that connects the three
key anchors via green gathering spaces across the
city. The key anchors of the structure are the Cairns
Esplanade, Cairns Central shopping centre and the
proposed Cairns entertainment precinct. Through
this structure, the tropical gathering spaces are further
embedded as a core element of the city centre which
provides guidance to land use, development and
community activity.
The combination of consolidating and providing
a clear public space structure also recognises the
increased focus of activity towards the Cairns
waterfront that will be vital in delivering on the vision
The Cairns City Centre Master Plan (the Master Plan) for the city. The construction of the widely acclaimed
provides an urban design and planning framework Cairns esplanade lagoon and parklands nearly ten
Proposed city centre structure
showing key anchors, green that connects a number of planning studies that have years ago is considered the catalyst for greater daytime
corridors and land use been undertaken for the city centre. The Master Plan recreational activities and bustling nighttime economy
precincts contains strategies to deliver on the vision for the city of the city. Combined with the redevelopment of the
centre, which is ‘to be the best regional City Centre in nearby CityPort precinct, the area will continue to be
Australia’. an area of activity.
There has been a significant body of work undertaken Priority actions
over the last 20 years by council and state government Given the integrated nature of the Master Plan
departments to ensure the vitality and role of the involving many council and state government
city centre is maintained and enhanced, whilst departments and stakeholders strong partnerships are
accommodating changing community expectations required to ensure each project meets the strategic
and requirements. objectives of the Master Plan.
Under the Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2009 The most significant of the aspects to ensure
-2031, the Cairns city centre is identified as the implementation are the economic development
Principal Regional Activity Centre for the region. initiatives for investment attraction, medical tourism
The regional plan states that significant economic and creative industries expansion.
activity and employment will continue to be focused
in and around the city centre which will evolve into Given the lead times in delivering the significant civil
a tropical transit oriented community with tropical works projects, the focus since adoption has been on
‘Cairns style’ character reflected in the overall design increased activation to encourage more people to the
and function. city centre for recreational and arts inspired events,
markets and performances. This is demonstrated
14 – Queensland Planner – Winter 2012 – Vol 52 No 2You can also read
