Urban Broadcast Collective

In PlanningxChange Episode 75, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Dr John Stone. John is a Lecturer in Transport Planning in Urban Planning Program in the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at Melbourne University. His research seeks to improve public transport performance in Australian cities through a greater understanding of the professional practice and the political and institutional context for public transport planning in similar cities in Canada and in German-speaking Europe. He is currently pursuing opportunities for greater exchange between Australian practitioners and their international counterparts.His research explores the politics, institutions and professional practice that lie behind success or failure in sustainable urban transport. Drawing on practice in many cities around the world, especially Canada and German-speaking Europe, his research has identified many opportunities for more effective and efficient public transport in Australian cities through better service coordination and network design. His current research raises questions about the new technologies and markets for shared and autonomous vehicles. Will these disruptions help us to make the transition to low-carbon urban transport? Since completing his PhD in 2008, his work has been funded through many grants and consultancies including an ARC Discovery Project and a Commonwealth Endeavour Research Fellowship. This follows over 20 years’ experience in transport in Melbourne, including work in local government and the community advocacy. The interview covers his work and raises other issues rarely debated such as are electric vehicles a wise and sensible direction to head? The impacts and influence of covid restrictions on transport choices is another of the many topics discussed. This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 24 February 2021. PlanningxChange is proud to be part of the Urban Broadcast Collective.

In PlanningxChange Episode 74, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Elle Davidson, a Director of Zion Engagement and Planning. Elle is a qualified Aboriginal town planner who not only runs Zion but also lectures at university. The Zion website sets out that the company “aims to work alongside communities to empower their voice and vision for the future of their places and spaces. Many cultural practices have continued in constrained contemporary settings, marking their resilience and importance. We apply our principles below to hear the needs and desires of the community, co-design culturally appropriate outcomes and ultimately revive culture. We believe it is time to cultivate and nurture culture, the original plan for First People – both in Australia and globally. The revival of culture will not only benefit First People, but all people. We have so much to learn from traditional cultural practices including how to tread more lightly on the land and the importance of family and community.” This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 24 January 2021. PlanningxChange is a proud contributor to the Urban Broadcast Collective.

In PlanningxChange Episode 73, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Elizabeth (Liz) Hui, an acoustic engineer with over 25 years experience. Liz started working in the acoustic engineering field in the pre internet age, spending over 20 years as a consultant at Marshall Day Acoustics before retiring early in 2013. During that time, Liz regularly presented expert evidence at both VCAT at Panels. In 2016 Liz joined Planning Panels Victoria as a sessional member and discovered what it was like to sit on the other side of the table. She now spends her time between the occasional Panel hearing, a few special projects at Marshall Day Acoustics and tending a vineyard in the Mornington Peninsula. The interview covers a broad range of 'noise in the city' issues. From interface and conflict issues between different land use categories, to the design of apartment standards. Amongst many other matters, Liz explains basic noise measurement testing and how noise tolerance to some extent is relative. The interview provides great information into what is an often misunderstood science from one of the best in the field. This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 22 December 2020.

In PlanningxChange Episode 72, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Peta Charles the principal of Brisbane Town Planning (BTP). Peta has introduced many innovative features into her practice. She has produced and appeared in 100's of YouTube videos explaining different planning and design issues. It has become a significant information resource for the general public and clients. BTP applies a fresh and exciting approach as evident on their website (www.brisbanetp.com.au) which includes: "We may have a big name and crazy big ideas, however, our passion lies in working with the "little guys" like us. As it is where we feel we can make the biggest difference and hence, where we get the greatest satisfaction." The website includes 'Charlie' which is described as: “BTP’s own virtual town planner, “Charlie” is the face of all all our automation magic! She handles all of the boring back-office administration "stuff". Things like gathering property information for an enquiry, setting up jobs in our project management system/drafting invoices when an agreement is accepted ... you get the idea.” Peta is described on the website as: "Professional on the outside and slightly loco on the inside … which means she is serious when she needs to be and lighthearted when she doesn’t. Peta is obsessed with innovation/automation and has a strong distaste for bureaucratic red tape (the time/energy waste drives her bonkers). She also LOVES to challenge expectations. Most importantly though, she is driven by the saying "knowledge is power". This means that she is passionate about being transparent/honest and educating people about the inner workings of the town planning process … so they don't end up going down a path that isn't right for them. " The podcast interview covers a broad range of issues including the use of technology, client relations, learning and communication. Peta brings a down to earth yet enlivening approach to the issues. Surely one of the most interesting and innovative town planners in Australia. PlanningxChange is a proud contributor to the Urban Broadcast Collective. This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 26 November 2020.

In PlanningxChange Episode 71, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Tamara Brezzi, the President of VPELA. Tamara is also a Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright. Tamara started professional life as a Council town planner with the former City of Malvern. She then undertook a law degree and transferred to legal practice. Tamara talks of the importance of mentors in her professional development, essentially giving her confidence to take bold steps. Tamara discusses the role of the Victorian Planning and Environmental Planning Association (VPELA). She has been President of the Association for ten years. She also talks of important planning concepts such as 'common cause' and the need for ongoing reform. The discussion also talks to the issue of 'noble cause corruption' and the need for due process. The podcast provides an insightful guide to client / lawyer relations. A wonderfully fresh and frank discussion on fundamental principles that are often taken for granted and sometimes dismissed in troubled times. Tamara suggests that sometimes its best to wait, and wait, and wait a little more, and allow dust to settle and thoughts to mature and truths to emerge. Hasty certainty tends to be a fool and allows bad decisions to settle and establish and become 'precedent'. This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 13 November 2020.

In PlanningxChange Episode 70, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Nick MacHale, the CEO of BRITE. Nick is an experienced executive having spent time in both commercial and not for profit sectors. His passion lies in bringing together people from all walks of life, to achieve a common purpose. Hailing from Ireland, Nick states he has been lucky enough to call Melbourne home for the last 13 years.  BRITE provides sustainable services that create opportunity and support for people living with a disability or who are vocationally disadvantaged. It is a social enterprise and a non-profit charity that has been changing people's futures for more than 40 years by providing jobs and opportunities. We urge you to visit their website www.brite.org.au to learn more about the organisation and the great work that they do. We can vouch for the high quality of their museli!  This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 22 October 2020. PlanningxChange is a proud member of the Urban Broadcast Collective.

In PlanningxChange Episode 69, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview two local government planners, Meghan Ablett and Emily Cooke. Meg and Em work for the Cardinia Shire Council which is one of the major residential growth areas within the Melbourne metropolitan area. Meg and Em work in 'growth areas' planning that is at the urban edge overseeing the formation of new suburbs and providing the support for 'instant communities'. One of the toughest jobs in planning. The duo talk about their day to day work; their inspirations and the constant learning experience of visiting recently created suburbs in their municipality and others, and taking in lessons. The issues they deal with stem the full gamut of planning considerations; heritage, archaeology, drainage systems, geology, built form, transport linkages, economic and social planning. In the process they have gained considerable insight into all the 'working parts' that make for great suburbian outcomes. A delightful interview that gives confidence in the next gen of local government planners. This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 8 October 2020. PlanningxChange is a proud member of the UBC.

In PlanningxChange Episode 68, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Clark Davies; an urban planner/project manager based in the Middle East. Originally from Melbourne Victoria (a graduate of the Class of 83' at RMIT), Clark worked locally, then moved interstate and eventually overseas. Clark is a senior executive with a breadth of property development, construction and business management experience. He has delivered profit on large and complex projects through being able to successfully manage people and processes to orchestrate outcomes aligned with development and corporate goals. He is currently the Chief Development Officer at Edamah (Bahrain Real Estate Investment). In the podcast he talks of his experiences living and working in different continents and amongst different cultures. He brings a unique perspective to global development trends and the importance of local place. He talks of past lessons and sets out what he believes are new trends. He also has advice to young planners just starting out. A sparkling and delightful interview. This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 4 September 2020.

In PlanningxChange Episode 67, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Nick Vlahandreas of Mountain Planning. Nick is based in Bright, a mountain town in North East Victoria. He has 16 years experience combining local government and private practice. Nick talks candidly about mistakes he made when first in local government and the lessons he put into practice and by so doing making him a more complete and responsive planner. As well, he joined the local footy club and this opened his eyes to the importance of community in small towns. He talks of the vast difference between practising planning in major cities to the more local circumstances in country areas. He also makes suggestions on how planning controls can be reformed to better reflect the changing dynamics and needs of regional and country Australia. A frank and revealing interview that gives a terrific insight into working in small town and country areas. This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 10 August 2020. PlanningxChange is a proud member of the Urban Broadcast Collective.

In PlanningxChange Episode 66, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Paul Shipp one of Australia's rising urban planning economist stars. It's said economics is essentially half psychology and half elementary school arithmetic with a flavouring of statistics. Paul in the interview gives a sense of the potential of urban economics to harness data to better understand and improve contemporary cities and regions. This at times challenges conventional wisdom and long established planning policy.  Paul has 15 years experience consulting to government and private clients, primarily in Melbourne and regional Victoria. As a Director of consultancy Urban Enterprise, Paul leads a wide range of strategic planning and urban economic projects. Paul specialises in fields at the interface of strategic planning and economics: land use planning, land demand and supply studies, demographic and property analysis, economic impact assessments and infrastructure funding, across the residential, retail, commercial, industrial and tourism sectors. He regularly appears as an Expert Witness at planning hearings on these issues. A proud urban planner, Paul has held roles on the Planning Institute of Australia's Victorian Committee and was a Co-editor of the monthly Planning News publication. PlanningxChange is proud to be part of the Urban Broadcast Collective. This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 17 July 2020.