Planningxchange

In PX61, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Mark Marsden. Mark has had a long and successful career across many sectors of the planning world a particularly unique part is his long association (now publisher)of the Victorian Planning Reports (VPRS). The VPR's and its predecessing versions (AATR's and PABR's) highlighted and summarised decisions of Victorian Planning Tribunal's (and now expanded to Planning Panels Victoria). In this way the VPR's spread best thinking on planning and design issues and provided for greater productivity and better informed decisions and outcomes. We talk to Mark about how the VPR's can cover such a vast number of decisions (there is an editorial committee)and how some decisions are choosen over others to highlight. Also, the role of publishing editorial comments about Tribunal decisions. A very necessary public benefit as Tribunals or like bodies can at times make unreasonable decisions, it takes courage to point this out. A spin off of the VPR service is an A - Z guide to la

In PX60, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell engage in a free flowing discussion with Peter Seamer and Cameron Alderson. Peter Seamer is in a unique position to write about the future of our cities and has achieved one of Australia's most critical analysis of city form in ‘Breaking Point: The Future of Australian Cities’. He was the CEO of the Victorian Planning Authority for ten years, the CEO of Federation Square during its building phase and first few years, and has been the CEO of several cities, including Sydney. He has just started a new project promoting new thoughts about city development (www.howtobuildacity.com). Cameron Alderson is an insightful, forward thinking property developer (Director at Canopi Homes). He has a long history of promoting innovative housing projects and involvement with VPELA. He has previously featured in PX6. Podcast produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 12 March 2020.

Rob Adams, Director City Design and Projects, City of Melbourne Professor Rob Adams AM is the Director City Design and Projects at the City of Melbourne and a member of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council on Cities and Urbanization. With over 46 years' experience as an architect and urban designer and 35 years at City of Melbourne, Rob has made a significant contribution to the rejuvenation of central Melbourne. He and his team have been the recipients of over 150 local, national and international awards including receipt of the Australian Award for Urban Design and the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Award 2014 for its adaptation and resilience projects, on four occasions. Adams has also been awarded the Prime Minister's Environmentalist of the Year Award in 2008 and the Order of Australia in 2007 for his contribution to architecture and urban design. In 2016, Adams was conferred with a Doctor of Architecture from the University of Melbourne. Some key projects he has worked on include: Postcode 3000

In PX58, the interview subjects are Heather Sherlock and Diego Espinosa. Heather and Diego produce the 'Planners Under the Influence' (PUIT) podcast. Their podcast is about the experiences of planning students at university and interviews with various professionals in the city development space. They have both very recently graduated.  The interview is a lively discussion between planning podcasting 'cousins' similar to PX38 with the producers of 'This Must be the Place'. This interview probes the aspirations of planners just about to enter the workplace. Different generations in age and experience get together to discuss common issues but with widely differently held opinions. Tender youth meets seasoned planners.  Heather from Canada and Diego from Ecuador give their insights into Australian cities. There is also shared stories about the podcasting process and lessons learnt. The interview was released on the 29 December 2019. Podcast produced by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcasting Services. For more deta

In PX57, the interview subject is Val Gnanakone, a Director at Old Mile Grid traffic engineers. Val talks about the changing role and focus of the traffic engineering profession in city development. Traditionally viewed as car and truck focused, Val talks of the widening scope of activities. These including making better city spaces by improving mobility options. In the interview we pose the question, should traffic engineers have a different job decription? The interview discusses a wide range of mobilitiy questions relating to residential, commercial and freight uses. There are no simple answers to the issues raised. Val also considers technological changes and what these will do to city spaces. A thoroughly optimistic interview subject. The interview was released on the 22 November 2019. Podcast produced by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcasting Services. For more details go to www.planningxchange.org.

In PX56, the interview subject is Tim Eaton, Executive Director of Regulatory Standards, Assessments & Permissioning at the EPA, the State of Victoria's environmental protection authority. In recent times, environmental problems have been constantly in the headlines, with a recycling crisis, chemical warehouse fires and general concern about the impacts of a rapidly growing population's waste. The interview was recorded before a live audience (a first for PX) at the VPELA State Conference in Lorne.  Tim speaks of the need to be seen as a regulator and provide guidance and in some cases education to local authorities, industries, planning review boards and the general community. The EPA has been in existence nearly 50 years (commenced operations 1 July 1971) and in this time massive improvements have been made to air, water and general amenity levels (noise etc). Tim speaks to the new environmental regulations proposed and the different emphasis these controls have on user responsibilities. In a world wher

Sophie Jordan has been practicing as a qualified urban planner for 20 years, working in both the local government sector and private practice before establishing Sophie Jordan Consulting Pty Ltd in 2012. This breath of experience has allowed her to develop a range of skills including development facilitation, project management, community consultation and preparation of strategic plans. Importantly, she understands the commercial realities of development and how to guide a project from inception to completion. Sophie has particular expertise in special use residential projects, mixed use developments and has worked extensively in the aged care and retirement sector, as well as several social housing and student accommodation developments across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. She is dedicated to finding solutions to how we can meet the housing demands of our diverse population and manage the changes that new built form has on our environment. Interview released 16 September 2019. Podcast produce

Orlando Harrison is a well experienced (but youthful) urban designer practising in a very contested space. Urban design is the half brother of both architecture and town planning. It straddles both fields but at times lacks certainty as to its legitmacy; neither fish nor fowl. Orlando takes an optimistic approach to the uplift that urban design can provide to citzens not just in the elitist wealthy inner city but also in the much distant struggling outer suburbs where the majority of residents live. An inspiration lesson in the simple fact that professionals are honourable when they realise their obligations and dedicate themselves to the productive and enjoyable use of scarce urban resources. With a backdrop of flatlining productivity, stagnant wages growth and an end to a resources driven economic boom; Orlando points to the need to make cities key economic drivers. This can be achieved in part by making them pleasant and enjoyable spaces. An interview with a delightful 'twist of lime'. Podcast produced by

McIntyre was founded in 2016 by husband and wife team Ned Scholfield & Raquel Boedo. The pair first started to think about creating their own label after spending a year working together on Ned's family sheep farm 'Glenoe' in Western Victoria.   The design philosophy behind the label is to create timeless, sustainable, & quality Merino goods. Based in Melbourne Australia the pair are passionate about manufacturing in Australia, and about educating customers on the benefits of wearing Merino wool.  The efforts of Ned and Raquel show that 'traditional' industries can be resurrected and that economic development need not just be about the sexy 21st century industries that every nation seems to promote. A compelling story of farming, passion and fashion. The pair discuss what they have learnt in their business development and as an aside provide insightful comments on good practice urban development. There are unusual links between fashion and city development; this podcast interview provides clues on how

In PX52, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview founding partner, Koos de Keijzer of DKO Architecture. The firm has projects throughout Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. He is a respected architect and urban designer, with a particular strategic understanding of residential design in all its forms. He is driven by a passion to explore new housing types, forms and configurations. This has given rise to a number of innovative apartment and housing design responses, embracing and enriching contemporary residential lifestyle. Podcast produced by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcasting Services. Podcast released 1 July 2019. For more details go to www.planningxchange.org

In PX51, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview John Henshall a Melbourne based economist who has recently authored 'Downtown Revitalisation and Delta Blues in Clarksdale Mississippi - Lessons for Small Cities and Towns'. John has previously appeared in PX21 which was released in October 2016. His book is about Clarksdale, a small town in Mississippi, USA and how the local community has revitalised the long-dilapidated downtown, with the renewal based on the town's intimate association with Blues music and the culture that flows through the Mississippi delta. He highlights underlying trends in downtown decline and revitalisation in cities in towns and cities in America, together with commentary of his own experience at home in Australia. This book delves into the positive role played by creative and risk taking individuals in the economic revitalisation of small places and provides a template for others to follow. The book provides useful insights to all planning professionals and those associated with place

In PX50, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview the dynamic Olivia Christie about her role as a project manager on various large scale commercial projects and specialist developments within the hospitality sector. Olivia talks of the importance of team spirit, co-operative engagement with regulators and the benefits of flexibility. She also talks about what she has learn't as a developer of a high quality mid sized residential development in Melbourne's inner south.  Olivia talks about her career development in a traditionally male-dominated industry sector. A very special interview subject in this milestone episode. The interview also coincides with the introduction of a new major sponsor for PX, the Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association (VPELA).  Interview produced by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcasting Services. Interview released on 2 May 2019. For further information visit www.planningxchange.org

In PX49, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Kate Roffey who has extensive experience as a CEO and Senior Executive within the commercial, government and not-for-profit sectors. In her current role as Director Deals, Investment & Major Projects at Wyndham City, Kate is focused on the growth of key international and national industry sectors and facilitating investment from both public and private entities via the creation of innovative deals that leverage value capture concepts to fast track delivery. Kate is also responsible for overseeing major projects in the areas of transport, construction and mixed used developments. Prior to this role, Kate was the CEO of the Committee for Melbourne. Before joining the Committee, Kate held an executive position at Tennis Australia as Manager of the Melbourne Park Redevelopment and was responsible for overseeing the master planning for this major redevelopment and for negotiating the $978 million funding deal with the State Government. Interview produced by Zak W

In PX48, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Cazz Redding, Director of Red Ink Planning. Cazz is based in Bright, North East Victoria. She discusses her career progression, starting a business and working 'in the bush'. Podcast released 23 March 2019. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX47, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Aaron Organ, Director and Principal Ecologist at Ecology and Heritage Partners. Aaron outlines current ecological issues, technological advancements and how we are better understanding the world around us. He talks to the link between town planning regulations and better ecological outcomes. In the podcast interview, new ideas are discussed on how to better help the natural world. A wide-ranging discussion on a subject not widely understood. Aaron also makes a plea for us to get out into the natural world and experience its delights. Podcast released 26 February 2019. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX46, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Doctor Elizabeth Taylor (Liz) about her book, 'Dry Zones: Planning and the Hangovers of Liquor Licensing History' published by Palgrave MacMillan. Liz has used analytical research methods to chart the rise of 'local control' over alcohol outlets and how this in turn led to early forms of what we now known as planning controls. Many of the examples of the past now repeat themselves with modern day contested planning issues. Liz is a Research Fellow at RMIT. Along with David Nichols (Melbourne University) she produces 'This Must be the Place', a podcast series that considers contemporary and historical planning issues. Liz and David were interviewed in PX38 which was released in June 2018. Podcast released 4 February 2019. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX45, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview author David Sornig about his new book 'Blue Lake'. David has researched the history and stories of the former 'Blue Lake', so named for its beauty by early colonists, through the area's spoilation and re-use. Known as 'Dudley Flats' the area adjacent the Melbourne CBD was for many years an 'outside' area with various squatter camps and lower end activities such as rubbish dumps, freight yards and docks. Very different to 'respectable Melbourne' the area gained a certain reputation as an area outside control and representing 'the other'. David weaves amongst the historical narrative the stories of three very different 'fringe dwellers'. This book is likely to win many awards for its moving description of the place and its people. A 'psycho-geographic' journey through a strange land. Podcast released 24 January 2019. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org

In PX44 Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview long term journalist and author Peter Mares on his new book 'No Place Like Home: Repairing Australia's Housing Crisis'. Peter discusses many aspects of housing and points to historical expectations and the new reality. The discussion identifies those disadvantaged by the new housing paradigm and offers a variety of solutions. Much debate followed Bernard Slat's 'smashed avo' article. 'No Place Like Home' provides a follow up and is a refreshing discussion on contemporary housing issues. Podcast released 10 January 2019. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX43, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Damian IIes. Damian is a Director at Hansen Partnership, a Melbourne based multidisciplinary urban consulting firm. Damian is in the middle of his career having worked for over 18 years in government and the private sector. Damian was recently involved in the 'Launch' social housing project that utilized vacant government land to house the homeless in portable high-quality accommodation. He talks of this process and the lessons it has for approaches to affordable and 'step up' housing. Other topics include bringing more diverse outcomes into development outcomes. Podcast released December 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org.

In PX42, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Pru Goward. Pru is the New South Wales Minister for Family and Community Services, Minister for Social Housing and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. An earlier portfolio including Minister for Planning. Prior to entering Parliament Pru served as Australia's Sex Discrimination Commissioner. An economist by training and a broadcaster by practice, Pru spent 19 years with the ABC where she received many awards including a special Walkey Award, journalism's highest honour. This interview includes discussion on the need for bravery in public policy and the need for fresh ideas that are ideology free. Also that we should have high expectations on what Government can achieve. Podcast released 28 October 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org