Elisa Sperling, Senior Policy Planner at NSW Department of Planning
Contact Elisa at lisesperling@hotmail.com
What is your role at the Department of Planning?
I am a Senior Planner within the Policy, Planning Systems and Reform Branch of the Corporate Governance and Policy Division. To translate, I am involved in the development, implementation and monitoring of various policies and strategies consistent with industry best practice and State Government objectives.
My role involves state-wide strategic planning advice and policy formulation, particularly concerning affordable housing. This is within the context of ‘planning reform’, contributing to the evolution of the Standard Instrument Local Environmental Plan, Exempt and Complying Development Codes and the Sydney Metropolitan Strategy.
What was your most challenging project?
A most painfully diplomatic and generic response that answers this question, in line with what so many planners have heard oh too many times, ‘all projects are ‘most challenging’ in their own ways …’ Alternatively, I could name-drop the bigger projects I have worked on such as the regeneration of Wembley, London. However, to best answer this question and delve beyond this scapegoat, I will say this …
Whether it was the very first development application I had to assess, albeit a wooden pergola, or more recently the preparation of the recently gazetted Waverley Local Environmental Plan (Bondi Junction Centre) 2010, there are some common and fundamental points to be made.
Planning is always complex and challenging. Decisions planners make today – however minor or significant – shape and influence the physical, cultural and natural fabric. ‘Development’ will always face varying levels of support and opposition, and vary in terms of environmental considerations, issues and impacts, decrypted through planning controls and merit judgements.
Amidst the noise of flying ammunition, planners have an immense responsibility, as development may exist well beyond any conceivable or containable period. Irrespective of the scale of a proposed scheme or plan, the challenge – learn, adapt and grow for the betterment of the built form, accept nothing less.
You have had experience in both the private and public sector. Why have you chosen to continue your employment in a government department?
It is my enjoyment of task-diversity and working in the public interest that draws me back to Government orientated roles. At this stage, I intend to remain within the Government sector, I encourage planners at all levels to take, or make the opportunity to experience both sectors. This is highly beneficial in developing technical skills, communication networks and gaining exposure to the holistic nature of planning.
Do you believe there is a sense of respect for women practicing as urban planners in the industry? Why/Why not?
The active participation and retention of women in the planning discipline, more broadly the built environment, has greatly fascinated me – so much so, it formed the topic of my undergraduate thesis, albeit slightly unconventional!
Based on my experience, there is evidence that the development and construction industry continues to lag in attracting women to various occupations. There is more work to be done here!
I most certainly believe gender equality exists within the planning discipline. I am privileged that throughout my experience I have, and continue to work with some incredibly talented, progressive and capable planners, many of whom have been women.
Is there someone who inspired you to become an urban planner?
Albeit cliché and at the risk of ‘I-told-you-so’, my Mum! Were it not for her pearls of wisdom and arguably ‘gentle’ encouragement, I would most likely have followed my adolescent dream of becoming an interior architect – not the greatest of career-paths for someone that can’t draw! Respect must be paid where it is due, thanks mum!
Do you have any advice for young urban planners?
Is it wrong to encourage the very few planners we have in NSW to pick-up, travel and experience the world!? Arguable, and for those that don’t share my romantic attachment to living of out of a backpack, here are my tips …
Know your art! Really invest the time into your education and working experience to understand planning from all angles. Certainly no one can know everything about planning however, I would always encourage young planners to really come to grips with the statutory planning framework, its function, mechanisms and procedures.
Diversity! As a young planner experience all that the discipline has to offer. I have worked within the public and private sectors, within Australia and abroad, strategic and assessment. I believe it is the variety that keeps you eager and engaged.
Get talking to the industry! Don’t be afraid to ask a question or introduce yourself to other professionals in the industry. Everyone has to start somewhere, networking is never-ending and leads to insightful knowledge and experience.
If all else fails, pack your backpack and head abroad! My experience in the UK was invaluable to my personal and professional development and I would highly recommend this experience to all planners.
List two things people might not know about you.
Well, I am in my final weeks of the Master of Environmental Law at the University of Sydney. After a gruelling 18 months of juggling full-time work, full-time uni and full-time lack of sleep, albeit intercepted where possible with travel, I am at the end of a very comprehensive course. Looking forward to some spare time!
I will take any opportunity to publicly display my affection for my animals – three cats (Bella, Tai and Ziggy) and two dogs (Oscar and Phoebe!). I am a very big animal-person and take any opportunity to encourage planning to be more proactive in regulating the sale of livestock through land-use planning mechanisms for the protection of animals!
