Successful planning goes beyond technical expertise, projects can succeed or fail based on how effectively people are engaged. In today’s complex planning environment, approvals, politics, stakeholder expectations and community sentiment can rapidly shape project outcomes. Effective engagement is no longer a courtesy; it is a strategic asset that builds trust, reduces risk and strengthens outcomes.
This interactive course brings together three highly experienced leaders from planning, government, engagement and communications to provide urban planning professionals with practical, real-world insights into delivering engagement that builds support, reduces conflict and creates long-term value.
Led by renowned engagement and communications strategist Andrew Watt, highly respected planning expert Ben Doyle, and experienced local government CEO and government senior executive Peta Mabbs, the session combines practical tips, strategic insight and frontline experience to help guide your future work.
Participants will be involved in a highly engaging session and gain insight into:
• How engagement influences approvals, project outcomes and reputation
• What communities, stakeholders and decision-makers expect from modern engagement
• How to navigate challenging projects, competing interests and political environments
• Real-world lessons from major planning, redevelopment and infrastructure projects
• Practical strategies that improve trust, transparency and project support
Whether you work in government, private practice, or development, this course will provide practical tools and contemporary thinking to strengthen your approach to planning and engagement.
Why Attend?
• Learn from three of WA’s leading experts in planning, governance and engagement
• Gain practical insights drawn from real urban planning and infrastructure projects
• Protect your project from delays, objections and reputational damage
• Master the foundations of best practice engagement
• Turn theory into practical action
• Plan and implement engagement with confidence
• Strengthen stakeholder relationships and build long-term support
• Learn how to avoid costly engagement mistakes
Who Should Attend?
• Urban planners
• Architects
• Local Government and Government officers
• Project managers
• Developers and infrastructure professionals
• Anyone involved in urban planning projects
Meet the Speakers
Andrew Watt
Andrew Watt is an expert engagement and communications leader with extensive experience delivering complex stakeholder and community engagement initiatives across government and industry. He is the Director of the Centre for Performance and Insight, and has led a wide range of high-profile urban planning and infrastructure projects and is widely recognised for designing impactful engagement strategies that align diverse interests and build strong support for development outcomes. A dynamic presenter, Andrew combines deep practical experience with a passion for challenging conventional thinking and inspiring participants, alongside a strong focus on how meaningful, well-executed engagement drives better planning outcomes.
Ben Doyle MPIA
Ben Doyle is a highly experienced urban planning professional with more than two decades in the industry and a Director at Planning Solutions. He has led the planning and delivery of some of Western Australia’s most complex and high-profile developments, including high-density and mixed-use projects, transit-oriented precincts, social housing and major institutional facilities. Ben is widely recognised for his expertise in navigating complex approvals through clear strategy and effective stakeholder engagement and is a strong advocate for meaningful engagement in achieving high-quality urban outcomes.
Peta Mabbs
Peta Mabbs is a highly experienced executive with more than 40 years across state and local government, including roles as CEO of the Town of Bassendean and senior executive positions at the City of Perth, Corruption and Crime Commission, Department of Communities and Landgate. She has led complex organisational reform and cross-government initiatives, and brings deep expertise in governance, strategy and stakeholder engagement. Peta is a strong advocate for effective community engagement as a critical foundation for successful urban planning outcomes.
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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