We've received 30 expressions of interest for the Mentoring Program and the next stage is now underway, but it's not too late to take advantage of this unique professional development opportunity. This free program allows mentees to learn valuable skills and gain experienced contacts in the industry, while mentors are able to share their knowledge and enrich their careers in a personal and highly rewarding way.

If you are interested in taking part or would like more information, please e-mail mateusz.buczko@planning.org.au.

This seminar features a high-calibre expert panel with extensive legal, local government planning and enforcement experience. They will use case studies to discuss various planning and enforcement issues, including:

- Avoiding unenforceable conditions
- Native vegetation enforcement
- Seeking costs at VCAT
- Enforcement of 173 Agreements and VCAT orders

For more information please visit the event page. Registrations will open early next year once all the details are finalized.

Every year, PIA invites a senior member of the legal fraternity to discuss changes to planning controls, as well as significant decisions of VCAT and the Supreme Court over the previous 12 months and their implications on planning practice. The seminar is an extremely popular and a feature of the Institute’s professional development program. The 2011: Year in Review will be co-presented by Stuart Morris QC, a leader in planning and environment law with over 35 years experience, and Emma Peppler.

For more information please download the registration form or visit the event page.

Back by popular demand, this seminar will explore the best practices that can be utilised to simplify and streamline the environmental assessment processes established by the Environment Effects Act 1978. It will also address the Government’s response to the ENRC’s report which arose out of the recent Parliamentary Inquiry into Environment Effects Statements, timed for release in early March 2012. Registrations will open shortly. In the meantime, please e-mail Simone Stevenson at stevenson@planning.org.au to express your interest in attending or visit the event page for more details.