Robin King-Cullen, Principal at The Planning Academy
Contact: admin@theplanningacademy.com.au
Website: www.theplanningacademy.com.au
What are the objectives of The Planning Academy?
The Planning Academy aims to increase understanding and knowledge about statutory planning in Australia through delivery of the highest quality, most relevant and up-to-date planning courses, continuing education programs and ebooks.
The Planning Academy is also founded on a belief that a well-informed community can contribute positively to planning decisions that affect them.
What project are you currently working on?
My current project is a citizen’s guide to planning – free web-based resources for the community to explain town planning and the land development process. Information will be available through The Planning Academy website (www.theplanningacademy.com.au) to help people:
• Understand and use the planning system
• Play an active part in planning in their own areas
• Make or comment on planning applications
Why did you decide to shift from working in a government role to educating on the planning system?
By 2003 I had seen first hand the impact a shortage of qualified planners had on the over-worked planning staff in development assessment sections of local government. Believing that a new pool of skilled para-planners could assist in relieving this workload, I began developing a statutory planning course to provide the basic skills required to prepare and assess development applications. This could not be realised while still working full-time, so in 2004 I resigned my position as Director Governance and Strategy with Caloundra City Council.
The first Diploma of Local government (Planning) course was delivered in early 2005 and since then the range of courses delivered by The Planning Academy has expanded to include short courses and DVDs to meet growing demand.
What is being done on the planning front in response to the devastating floods in Queensland?
Local and State governments, in consultation with peak bodies such as the Planning Institute of Australia, are starting the review of risks and development standards for new development in areas affected by flooding.
At a more informal level, debates are emerging about issues ranging from the consequences of urban sprawl and a car-dependent society in times of natural disaster, to the important role of social media as a means of conveying information quickly and effectively to the community.
Is the current education system on planning at universities and other institutions adequate or can it be improved?
I have been privileged to be part of the re-accreditation panels for planning degrees at two Queensland universities recently and am confident these degrees are well-designed to produce graduates with attributes to meet current planning challenges. As a passionate believer in the importance of statutory planning and effective implementation in achieving good planning outcomes, I am encouraged when this is covered in university planning degrees.
How do you believe the public perception of the planning system can be improved?
Unfortunately the planning system is often blamed for urban development that is perceived as inappropriate or unsustainable. The way Brisbane’s development growth has contributed to the devastation due to recent flooding is a current example.
Typically there are two community attitudes to planning – apathy or outrage. As a profession we need to engage the community before the “outrage” stage by providing information and resources that are clear, easily understood and relevant as well as involving the community in planning decisions that effect them.
Name three things about you that people would not know.
1. I am an avid croquet player –a great game requiring strategic thinking and planning
2. I live the dream – my home and office at Noosa Heads reflect the principles of excellence in urban planning and design
3. I am a museum and art gallery junkie who this year will fulfil a long held dream to visit the Smithsonian Institute in Washington
