Planning Awards for Excellence Winners

2026 National Awards for Planning Excellence

The Planning Institute of Australia’s National Awards for Planning Excellence 2026 winners were announced on Wednesday 20 May 2026, at PIA’s National Planning Congress 2026 in Canberra.

The Award winners span across all sectors, and each have demonstrated their ability to reimagine how we can make our cities, towns and rural communities more vibrant, sustainable and equitable.

Download the Awards E-Book 

Climate Change & Resilience

A Climate Vulnerability Assessment for NSW Primary Industries - Building climate resilience through evidence-based planning 

Climate Vulnerability Assessment and the Agricultural Landuse Planning Teams, Climate and Natural Resources Division, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

This project stands as a nationally significant benchmark in climate adaptation planning. At a time when Australia’s primary industries face intensifying pressures from climate variability and extreme events, this assessment provides a comprehensive, practical and scientifically robust framework for understanding and managing risk across crops, livestock, fisheries and biosecurity. The judges commended the project for its depth, clarity and direct applicability to real-world decision-making.

Through detailed climate modelling, expert engagement and systematic vulnerability scoring, the assessment translates complex scientific data into accessible, decision-ready tools. It enables both policymakers and producers to identify exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity with precision, supporting targeted interventions at statewide and farm scales.

Importantly, the framework framework establishes a consistent methodology for evaluating climate risk across diverse sectors, setting a new national standard for evidence-based resilience planning. Its transparency in approach and sector-specific insights ensure that adaptation strategies are grounded in credible science while remaining responsive to operational realities on the ground.

The judges recognise this work as a critical contribution to safeguarding Australia’s food security, regional economies and environmental assets. It exemplifies how rigorous analysis, cross-sector collaboration and clear communication can strengthen resilience across complex systems.

Community Wellbeing & Diversity

Ed.Square Residents Group 
Frasers Property Australia and Fourfold Studio

This initiative stands as a nationally significant model for how community development can be authentically embedded within large-scale urban renewal. Delivered at Ed.Square in Sydney’s South-West, the project demonstrates how masterplanned communities across Australia can move beyond transactional engagement toward meaningful, resident-led participation. 

At the heart of the initiative is a dedicated Community Development Team, supported by specialist consultants, who established and continue to nurture a Residents Group designed to place leadership directly in the hands of the community. Through funded and facilitated resident-led events, activations and social initiatives, the program fosters inclusion, celebrates cultural diversity, and strengthens wellbeing within a high-density environment. 

Led by Claire Palmer, Karley Grill and Harriet McKindlay, the project goes far beyond traditional developer engagement. It establishes a replicable framework in which residents actively shape the identity, culture and rhythms of their neighbourhood. In doing so, it demonstrates that social sustainability is not an abstract aspiration, but a measurable, human and enduring outcome of thoughtful planning practice.

Great Place

Archerfield Wetlands Parkland

Brisbane Sustainability Agency

The Archerfield Wetlands Parkland project stands out as an exemplar regional shaping and multifaceted Great Place for Brisbane and the broader region. It represents a transition and renewal from industrial, contaminated and underutilised land to a resilient, biodiverse and community-focused landscape that delivers enduring public value.

A defining strength of the project is its strong collaboration and broad stakeholder support including the Traditional Owners, local environmental groups, active transport users, Brisbane City Council as asset owner and manager, and local residents. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to place and community. 

The project successfully advances multiple strategic objectives, including climate change adaptation and resilience, active and healthy communities, genuine reflection of Traditional Owner interests, stronger community bonds and he protection of environmental assets.

The judges commend the Brisbane Sustainability Agency and its partners for delivering an outstanding Great Place that demonstrates viability, secures meaningful stakeholder buy-in and provides a clear, transferable model for other local governments seeking to transform degraded land into resilient, community-centred environments.

Improving Planning Processes

Code Amendment Tracking System (CATS)

Department for Housing and Urban Development

The judges were impressed by the originality of the South Australian Code Amendment Tracking System (CATS) as a first-of-its-kind digital platform that brings innovation and transparency to planning processes. By enabling real-time submission and tracking of Code Amendments, the CATS System provides a clear, accessible interface for both proponents and the community, ensuring up-to-date information, promoting informed engagement and improved planning outcomes. Strategically aligned with delivering the State Government’s Housing Roadmap, the CATS System supports policy implementation through improved streamlined processes and enhanced oversight. 

The judges recognise that the System’s thoughtful design and quality implementation demonstrates its potential for replication in other jurisdictions. The project was underpinned by extensive collaboration with consultants, industry bodies, and Councils, making it a model of effective stakeholder engagement and sector-wide impact.

Congratulations to the South Australian Department of Housing and Urban Development!

Planning with Country

Connecting with Country Framework

Government Architect NSW at Department of Planning and Infrastructure

The Connecting with Country Framework is a NSW based initiative that integrates Aboriginal culture, knowledge, and values into the planning and design of the built environment.

Developed by the Government Architect NSW and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, this framework has local and international ramifications including the potential to influence global design practices, promote sustainable development, and encourage the recognition of Indigenous rights and heritage on a wider scale. This is the first holistic framework of its kind in Australia. It fosters collaboration and seeks to embed a deeper understanding of the importance of Country at the centre. It responds to the urgent need for built environment decisions to address climate change effects such as drought, fire and floods, and protect Country, communities, and sacred sites from the impacts of rapidly increasing development. 

Grounded in Aboriginal worldviews, led by Aboriginal people and shaped through close collaboration with Aboriginal communities and knowledge holders, the Framework shifts the paradigm from a human-centred approach to one that is Country-centred. 

Planning Research

Planning and Economic Feasibility Analysis - Integrating the “Missing Middle"

Purdon

The Planning and Economic Feasibility Analysis – Integrating the ‘Missing Middle’ is recognised for its exemplary, impartial and evidence‑based contribution to a significant national planning challenge.

Purdon’s work, delivered in partnership with the ACT Government, establishes a rigorous analytical framework that examines planning, regulatory and economic levers across the development process.

The framework is strengthened by a targeted spatial developability index, enabling transparent, objective assessment of development likelihood.

Supported by detailed case studies and expert engagement, the project provides robust and defensible remmendations to improve the feasibility of missing‑middle housing.

Stakeholder Engagement

Calming the Storm

Merri-bek City Council & Engeny (part of Egis Group)

Calming the Storm sets a new national benchmark for stakeholder engagement on complex and sensitive planning issues. 

Merri-bek City Council and Engeny delivered an innovative, emotionally intelligent approach to urban stormwater flood mapping transforming a historically adversarial process into one characterised by trust, curiosity, and genuine collaboration. Drawing on the Kübler Ross change curve, the team built internal engagement capability, empowering planners to lead high quality conversations grounded in empathy and respect. 

Their tailored tools, multilingual resources, and staged feedback loops ensured inclusive participation across more than 10,000 affected landowners, resulting in overwhelmingly positive responses and virtually no objections. 

This approach not only strengthened local resilience and advanced state and national policy imperatives but has already influenced Melbourne Water and other councils seeking to replicate its success. Calming the Storm exemplifies how thoughtful, values driven engagement can reshape planning practice nationwide.

Strategic Planning Project

The Greater Adelaide Regional Plan

Department for Housing and Urban Development

This Australian-first, web-based regional plan delivers a fully digital, interactive platform that transforms how planning is accessed and applied. 

It identifies land for 316,000 new homes and 254,000 new jobs, aligning with the National Housing Accord and guiding infrastructure planning across South Australia. With 56 implementation actions - many already underway - the Plan is transparent, dynamic, and responsive, providing for real-time updates. 

Developed through an 18-month robust and diverse consultation process with over 70 engagement events, it reflects strong collaboration across government, industry, and community. 

Innovative, high-quality, and strategically aligned, it sets a new benchmark in digital planning with clear potential for national transferability. This is an important tool that provides guidance beyond minimum design and consultation standards.

The judges were particularly impressed with the strong leadership and courage displayed by the Department for Housing and Urban Development for this evidence based, real-time approach that can be measured and tracked.

Technology & Digital Innovation

Advancing AI Innovation in Local Government

Municipal Association of Victoria (MAVlab), City of Greater Dandenong and Portable

This project represents a nationally significant step forward in how local governments can responsibly harness artificial intelligence (AI) in statutory planning. Led by MAVlab and the City of Greater Dandenong, the initiative is grounded in a clear intent to relieve administrative burden and enhance efficiency in a safe and ethical manner. 

It delivers highly practical recommendations, ncluding a library of appropriate and inappropriate AI use cases, a dynamic AI procurement register and targeted implementation guidance. A defining strength of the project is its extensive and collaborative engagement, involving approximately 70 percent of Victorian councils alongside planning and technology professionals, industry experts and AI vendors.

While the judges recognise this work marks the beginning of a longer implementation journey, it establishes a robust foundation for a future-ready system. It equips councils with the confidence, shared knowledge and collaborative platform to act now in advancing efficiency, capacity and innovation. The judges commend this project as a leading, transferable project guiding the ethical and effective adoption of AI in the public interest.

Tertiary Student Project

The Ovava Playground for Resilience - Placemaking in Ohonua, Eua, Tonga

This extraordinary project powerfully demonstrates how placemaking can deliver significant contributions to planning and development outcomes. It transforms a ‘scarred land’ once avoided due to fear, memory and loss into a vibrant sanctuary of respite, renewal and rebuilding. At its heart is a tactical, co-created playground centred on the revered Ovava tree — the community’s most sacred cultural and ecological anchor — honouring its timeless role in Tongan heritage. 

Through profound sensitivity to local voices, traditions and connections to land and culture, the student team delivered an exemplary, high-impact intervention. Their collaborative approach not only strengthened community ties to heritage and environment but ignited hope, resilience and a renewed sense of belonging. 

The national jury celebrates this inspiring work as a beacon of compassionate, innovative student planning. Anh Nguyen, Ka Sin Adelaide Lee and Shiyi Zhang have set a remarkable standard for tertiary excellence, showing how thoughtful design can mend wounds, empower communities and build a more resilient future. Their creativity and empathy are a profound inspiration to the profession.

Emerging Planner of the Year

Russell Coldicutt PIA (Assoc.)

Russell Coldicutt is an outstanding emerging young planner who represents the balanced qualities of advocating  for emerging planning professionals while delivering high-quality planning outcomes in the workplace.

In his role as Development Manager at the Suburban Land Agency, Russell applies cross-disciplinary expertise to the integration of climate change, sustainability and urban planning in the design and delivery of new suburbs in the ACT.

His academic background, combined with his current studies, reflects a strong commitment to continuing professional development.

As Convenor of the ACT Emerging Planners Network and participant in PIA’s mentor program (as both mentor and mentee), Russell serves as an advocate and role model, contributing to professional growth and teamwork.

The national jury acknowledges Russell’s demonstrated planning skills, emerging leadership, passion and integrity. 

His contributions advance planning practice and promise continued benefit to the profession.

Commendations

Climate Change & Resilience

LGA South Australia, Department for Environment and Water, SA Coast Protection Board, SA Coastal Councils Alliance, Adelaide Coastal Councils Network, BRM Advisory, HATCH

SA Climate Ready Coasts: Accelerating Coastal Hazard Adaption Planning

Community Wellbeing & Diversity

City of Logan

UN-Habitat Quality of Life Pioneer City Initiative - City of Logan 

Great Place

North Western Program Alliance 

Pakenham Level Crossing Removal 

Improving Planning Processes

Gold Coast Waterways Authority and Meridian Urban

A new statutory planning framework for sustainable access and management of Gold Coast waterways 

+

City of Subiaco

Park Street Heritage Area: Achieving Heritage Outcomes Through Community Engagement and Empowerment

Planning with Country

Ngunnawal Custodians Wally Bell and Karen Denny, Ngunnawal Watermarks Working Group In partnership with ACT Government - Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate, PLACE Laboratory, Climate Factory, Catchment Studio, Create and Sow Consulting 

Connecting Nature | Connecting People, the Sullivans Creek Re-naturalisation project

+

Planning Portfolio, Department of Transport and Planning

Progressive Planning for Waterways - a decade of Planning with Country

Planning Research

Transport for NSW, La Trobe University, supported by Inclusive Design, University of Sydney

Care in Transit: Designing for Passengers, Transport Operations, and Homelessness Support

+

City of Adelaide

Adaptive Reuse City Housing initiative (ARCHI)

Stakeholder Engagement

Western Australian Planning Commission and Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage

Future of Fremantle Place and Economic Vision

Strategic Planning Project

Ku-ring-gai Council

Ku-ring-gai Council TOD Alternative Preferred Scenario

+

Western Australian Planning Commission and Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage

Future of Fremantle Place and Economic Vision

Technology & Innovation

Department for Housing and Urban Development

Regional Planning Portal

Tertiary Student Project

Joanna Kontogiorgis

More than dead space: Exploring the recreational use of cemeteries in Sydney

Past Winners

2024 2023 2022 2021