Planner Spotlight

Amanda Sheers MPIA

Director Planning & Development, City of Stirling
Past PIA WA President

What first drew you to planning?

I’ve been a town planner since graduating in 1999, though I’ll admit I didn’t really know what planning was until a friend suggested it to me. Looking back, it makes perfect sense. A love of geography and maps, an obsession with LEGO (surely I’m not the only one?), and a deep curiosity about how cities function all played a part. What has kept me in the profession ever since is the everyday problem‑solving, variety and the genuine, positive impact planners can have on places and communities.

Is there a project or moment you’re particularly proud of?

This really is like being asked to choose a favourite child…. I’ve been fortunate to work on a wide range of rewarding projects throughout my career, across different jurisdictions and roles. Rather than one single project, I’m most proud of the moments where planning outcomes genuinely made places more liveable - whether that was helping shape long-term strategic outcomes, navigating a complex development application or leading my team to achieve great things.

 

Looking back over PIA’s 75 years, what do you think has been the institute’s biggest impact?

Over its 75 years, PIA’s biggest impact has been its role as a consistent advocate for the planning profession and the public interest. It has helped strengthen professional standards, elevate the credibility of planners, and ensure planning has a seat at the table in shaping policy and decision‑making across Australia.

 

What advice would you give someone considering a career in planning?

Do it all — at least early in your career. Work in local government, experience both strategic and statutory planning, spend time in state government and the private sector if you can. This breadth of experience not only makes you a more well‑rounded planner, but it also helps you understand where your strengths and passions truly lie.

PIA’s biggest impact has been ensuring planning has a seat at the table in shaping policy and decision-making across Australia.

A love of geography and maps, an obsession with LEGO, and a deep curiosity about how cities function all played a part.

What did it mean to you to take on your role within PIA (as WA President)?

Having recently moved to WA at the time, I was incredibly humbled and honoured to take on the role of PIA WA President. I saw it as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the profession and help lift the profile and awareness of planning in Western Australia. The role allowed me to build strong connections across the profession and gain deeper insight into the unique challenges faced by regional and remote communities — particularly through PIA WA’s Regional Conference, making WA the only state to host two PIA conferences each year. 

 

What advice would you give someone considering a career in planning?

While some may feel uncertain about what emerging technologies, particularly AI, might mean for our profession, I’m genuinely optimistic. Used well, AI has the potential to enhance how we engage with communities, improve visualisation and scenario‑testing, and support better, more informed decision‑making. Ultimately, I see it as a tool that can help planners spend more time on what matters most: people, places and outcomes.

What has kept me in the profession is the everyday problem-solving, the variety, and the genuine impact planners can have on places and communities.

In three words, what do you think makes a great planner?