Producing clear, defensible, and decision-ready reports is a core requirement of contemporary planning practice. This course focuses on how planners can use generative AI to produce smarter reports that are faster to develop, more consistent in quality, and better aligned with professional, organisational, and regulatory expectations.
Rather than treating AI as a shortcut, the course positions it as a support tool within a structured reporting workflow. Participants will learn how to use generative AI to assist with drafting, structuring, editing, and refining key planning documents such as background reports, strategic plans, policy options papers, submissions, and internal briefing notes, while maintaining professional judgement and accountability.
Through practical, planner-focused exercises and real-world examples, participants will work through end-to-end workflows that demonstrate how AI can help transform technical inputs and complex evidence into clear, well-structured narratives suitable for decision-makers, stakeholders, and statutory contexts. Emphasis is placed on improving clarity, consistency, tone, and persuasiveness, particularly when communicating with non-technical audiences.
The course also addresses the responsible and defensible use of generative AI in planning organisations. Participants will learn how to critically review AI-generated content, manage accuracy and bias, and understand ethical, legal, privacy, and intellectual property considerations relevant to both public and private planning environments. These considerations are embedded within practical reporting scenarios to ensure participants can confidently apply AI in real planning contexts.
The course is platform-agnostic and focuses on transferable principles and workflows that apply across current generative AI tools, ensuring skills remain relevant as technologies evolve.
Designed For
This course is designed for land use, strategic, environmental, and social planners who want to improve the quality, clarity, and efficiency of their written outputs. It is suitable for planners working in local government, state agencies, consultancies, and related organisations who are responsible for preparing reports, policies, submissions, and briefing material.
Learning Outcomes
By completing this course, participants will:
• Apply structured workflows to draft, edit, and refine planning reports and policies using generative AI
• Produce clearer and more consistent planning documents that meet professional and organisational standards
• Critically assess AI-generated content for accuracy, relevance, and suitability in planning contexts
• Adapt tone, structure, and language to suit different audiences, including decision-makers and non-technical stakeholders
• Integrate generative AI into planning workflows in a responsible, ethical, and defensible manner
Presenters
Dr. Daniel Paez is a transport planner and policy specialist with over 15 years of experience in transport, land use, and strategic planning. He holds a PhD in Geomatics from the University of Melbourne and a Graduate Diploma in Law from the University of Canberra, and is currently finishing a Juris Doctor. Daniel has advised on complex policy reforms for Australian state and federal governments, as well as international organisations, including the World Bank and USAID. His work includes working with local governments producing high-level reports, strategic planning documents, and policy submissions that meet regulatory and governance requirements.
Megan Edwards is a professional writer, educator, and communications expert with over 25 years’ experience helping professionals develop clear, confident, and effective written communication. She holds qualifications in marketing, psychology, and law, along with certifications in coaching, mindfulness, and public speaking. Megan has worked with a wide range of industry associations and major organisations, including the AICD, CAFBA, CBRE, and Pearson Education, supporting professionals to develop their own writing voice and communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact.
Terms & Conditions
Registrations cancelled more than 14 days prior to the event date will not incur any fees and a full refund will be granted.
If you cannot attend and you are within 14 days of the event date, you can transfer your ticket to another person.
In all other situations we cannot issue a refund or credit.
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