PIA PLANET Professional Development Courses 2026 

VIC & TAS

Half and full day in-depth courses focused on developing practical planning skills and knowledge.

Advance your planning skills with PLANET

Tailoring your professional development

The PIA PLANET program is curated by the Planning Institute Australia (PIA). PIA PLANET provides important core learning courses and keeps you up to date with legislative, regulatory and policy changes in planning. For each course, participants are capped at 25 participants to maximise interaction and engagement.

Programs are added through the year and updates will be available online at planning.org.au/events and on this page. 

Explore 2026 courses    Download the 2026 Course Guide 

Tailoring your learning needs

Planners play an integral role in shaping the future of our cities, towns and regions. PLANET provides a comprehensive range of courses which cover six key skill areas that all great planners need to be competent in (and match with our Registered Planner pathway).

PLANET presenters are subject matter experts who are skilled in facilitating training and providing a positive learning experience to improve your knowledge. One of the best ways to improve your skills is to become informed of best practice models used by others. Our programs are developed to ensure improved practitioner skills through tailored practical workshop sessions. The learning model also provides training opportunities to address a range of personal skills for career development.

PLANET teaches "best practice" in urban and regional planning

One of the best ways to improve your skills is to become informed of best practice models used by others. Our programs are developed to ensure improved practitioner skills through tailored practical workshop sessions. The learning model also provides training opportunities to address a range of personal skills gaps for career development.

PIA is committed to a number of strategic initiatives for 2026, including Housing, Climate, PlanTech and Indigenous Planning. As projects associated with these initiatives develop, we expect these themes will be reflected in PIA’s policy and advocacy, events and education outputs. As part of this, we are looking forward to developing and rolling out PLANET courses and other educational content reflecting these strategic initiatives in consultation with experts in our industry.

Important information (Bookings, students, cancellations)

PLANET bookings and payment should be made online via the PIA website. Course numbers are strictly limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. Full-time student members (with evidence) who wish to attend a program will be charged 50% of the scheduled fee. Please contact PIA to arrange. Note: The listed price for all programs includes GST. If you cannot attend a registered session you must withdraw online no later than 14 days prior to the course. If you cannot attend and you are within 14 days of the course date, you can transfer your registration to another course or another person, provided we have at least 48 hours notice of your decision to transfer. We cannot issue refunds or credits. If you do not attend on the day a full fee will be charged. PIA requires payment of any outstanding invoices before you attend PLANET courses.

Competency Practice Areas

Urban and Regional Planners apply a set of planning skills, draw upon a knowledge base, and use a variety of tools to facilitate and influence the way that the built environment is arranged spatially, connected and used.

Lifelong dedication to skill development in these practice areas helps create great planning outcomes. PIA focusses its educational content delivery to ensure development across these areas.

  Professionalism and integrity  

Demonstrate responsibility and resourcefulness, initiative, judgment, substantial involvement and personal accountability consistent with the expectations of the planning profession and the community when engaged in planning roles and activities.

  Spatial thinking 

Apply planning theory and skills in support of strategic objectives to achieve social, economic and environmental outcomes that serve the public agenda.

 

  Creative and multidisciplinary approach

Develop innovative, multidisciplinary, evidence based and integrative outcomes to facilitate and influence social and economic development, community wellbeing and environmental responsibility.

 Communication and engagement

Communicate effectively with stakeholders to inform, consult and engage them in planning processes.

 Planning frameworks

Understand and work within legislative and other relevant frameworks appropriate to their context and professional application.

 Technical knowledge

Integrate and apply knowledge from a range of planning related skills and disciplines to develop well-informed approaches to planning roles, opportunities and issues.

Explore the 2026 courses below.

Additional courses will be added throughout the year, so keep an eye out. For any questions or booking enquiries, please get in touch with us on [email protected].

KEY:

White: For professionals across Australia
Parchment: For professionals in Victoria

March 2026

Planning Scheme Reviews

The course will teach a six step process to undertake a meaningful and thorough planning scheme review in a cost and time effective way, drawing on published advice from DTP and experience from many Council reviews across the state.

Presenter: Cazz Redding MPIA (Fellow)

Date: 19 March 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

  Spatial Thinking 

The A-Z of Planning

This course is for new people entering the planning system in Victoria. It covers the difference between the statutory and strategic context of the Victorian planning system, the layers of policy and the day-to-day process requirements of the  planning office including statutory processes, decision making, enforcement and VCAT procedures. Practical workshops will cover scenarios for the application of zones and overlays and permit requirements, with a focus on most frequently asked questions.

Presenter: Cazz Redding MPIA (Fellow)

Date: 24 March 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Planning Frameworks

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage- An overview of requirements and responsibilities for planners working in LGAs’

The course will provide planners with a comprehensive overview of legislative responsibilities and requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act and Regulations – the primary pieces of legislation providing protection for Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria; and equip planners with an increased understanding of when and how Aboriginal cultural heritage is linked to the planning system and when and how Aboriginal cultural heritage needs to be considered in relation to development and high impact activities.

Presenter: The course will be delivered by Aboriginal Victoria’s Heritage Services Unit staff

Date: 26 March 2026, 10am to 1pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Technical Knowledge

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

This course provides an overview of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in Victoria and explains how the assessment interacts with other statutory decisions.

Presenter: Gabby McMillan MPIA

Date: 31 March 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Technical Knowledge

April 2026

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design for Planners - Using the new ISO 22341 standard 

This CPTED training for Planners and related professions provides a detailed overview of the use of the new international CPTED standard ISO22341. This is the first internationally agreed standard of CPTED best practice and replaces earlier approaches based on 'CPTED guidelines. The new ISO standard for CPTED is grounded in evidence of what works and what doesn't

Presenter: Dr. Terence Love

Date: 1 April 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in all locations.

 Technical Knowledge

Planning for settlement and housing growth

Planning for settlement and housing growth while managing risk is one of the fundamentals of planning for a growing population in Victoria. This course will provide an overview of the considerations that need to be made to plan for settlement (regional and rural focus) and housing (metropolitan focus), and the baseline data and research that should be done to underpin a robust settlement and / or housing strategy.

Presenter: Cazz Redding MPIA (Fellow)

Date: 7 April 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professional in Victoria.

 Spatial Thinking

Smarter Reports with Generative AI

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.

Presenter: Dr. Daniel Paez & Megan Edwards

Date: 8 April 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professional in all locations.

 Spatial Thinking

Understanding Development Contributions

This half-day session will unpack the operation of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 in relation to development contributions, examining how public infrastructure, works, services and facilities can be provided and funded.  It will explain how development contributions plans are prepared and implemented, and how works, services, and facilities may also be secured through planning permit conditions, section 173 agreements, or works-in-kind.

Presenter: To be presented by Planology

Date: 13 April 2026, 9:30am to 1:30pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professional in Victoria.

 Technical Knowledge

Planning Permit Assessment: An Introduction

This is an introduction to processing and assessing planning permits for those new to statutory planning roles in the Victorian planning system. It is targeted at those new to undertaking planning permit assessment including those completing studies, fresh out of university, or coming from another jurisdiction. It is also suitable for those who will work closely with council planners who wish to understand the process from their perspective, such as those new to consultant planner roles.

Presenter: Stephen Rowley MPIA (Fellow) 

Date: 14 April 2026, 9:30am to 5:00pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professional in Victoria.

 Planning Frameworks

A-Z of the Development Process

The development process begins well before any planning permit application, and goes on long beyond approval of a planning permit. This course examines the whole process, from finding a suitable project, funding considerations, feasibility for various design scenarios, opportunities and constraints across all aspects of planning controls, through the planning permit process, and on to meeting each and every permit condition.

Presenter: Andrea Tomkinson 

Date: 15 April 2026, 9:30am to 5:00pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professional in Victoria.

 Planning Frameworks

AI in Town Planning and Development for Beginners

This course explains AI in plain language and focuses on what matters most for planning and development: trust, accuracy, evidence, security, and practical ROI. We’ll cut through hype, show where AI genuinely helps (and where it doesn’t), and outline what “good implementation” looks like in a real-world planning environment. No technical background in AI or technology required.

Presenter: James Mant MPIA & Jennifer George

Date: 16 April 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in all locations.

 Creative and Multidisciplinary Approach

Parking Requirements, Overlays & Waivers

Recent changes to the VPP parking provisions are one of the most significant changes affecting every Planning Permit Application and Scheme Amendment in recent times. Ensuring you and your team understand how they should be applied in concert with best practice parking management techniques is key to creating the most efficient, productive, resilient and sustainable communities.

Presenter: Knowles Tivendale MPIA 

Date: 22 April 2026, 9:30am to 5:00pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professional in Victoria.

 Planning Frameworks

Facilitation Skills for Planners

As planners and policy makers, working in inter-disciplinary teams, engaging with multiple stakeholders and consulting with community members have all become part of our role. The skills to work effectively with a group, support collaboration and bring different parties to a decision are not something we learn through our technical training. Very often planners are thrown in the 'deep end' to sink or swim!

Presenter: Michelle Howard MPIA (Fellow)

Date: 23 April 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in all locations.

 Communication and Engagement

Understanding Growth Area Planning

Growth area planning shapes how Victoria’s newest communities are designed, serviced, and delivered. This course introduces the core concepts, processes, and stakeholders involved in planning for growth areas, with a focus on making the system understandable for practitioners at all levels.
Participants will explore why growth areas exist, how they relate to Plan for Victoria and state housing targets, and who these areas are being planned for. Using real case studies, the course explains how planners assess land capability, opportunities, and constraints, and how landowners and developers contribute essential on the ground knowledge.

Presenter: Jason Black MPIA (Fellow) & Monica Ceckiewicz MPIA 

Date: 30 April 2026, 9:30am to 1:30pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Planning Frameworks

Presenting to a Planning Panel

This course introduces Planning Panels Victoria and explains how a planning panels and advisory committees work. Participants will be prepared for presenting at panel hearings including understanding the role of other parties and making more effective submissions.   The course is designed for participants with some knowledge but limited experience with planning panels.

Presenter: Lisa Kendal MPIA (Fellow) & Tim Hellsten RPIA (Fellow)

Date: 28 April 2026, 9:30am to 5:00pm (AEST)

Venue: In Person, Melbourne CBD 

More information

This course is designed for professional in Victoria.

 Technical Knowledge

Social Planning: Its Role in the Planning System

The purpose of this course is to provide a base level understanding of what social planning is, its value, and how it is already integrated within planning systems and processes. The course will examine some common social planning themes such as Electronic Gaming Machines, Liquor Licencing, Health Services, and others (suggested by the participants). It will explore challenges to the involvement of social planners in these areas and consider how the existing mechanisms can be used and strengthened to achieve a holistic and evidence-based approach to policy and planning applications.

Presenter: Jo Noesgaard & Stephen Rowley MPIA (Fellow)

Date: 29 April 2026, 9:30am to 1:30pm (AEST)

Venue: In Person, Melbourne CBD 

More information

This course is designed for professional in Victoria.

 Spatial Thinking

May 2026

Using the Residential Development Provisions

This course provides an introduction to the residential development provisions in the Victorian planning systems.

The Victoria planning framework is the result of layering of reforms, including the “ResCode” provisions of the early 2000s, residential zone reforms form the 2010s, and a wave of facilitative reforms following the Victorian housing statement in 2023. The different approaches reflected evolving expectations regarding housing outcomes, and starkly contrasting approaches to issues such as neighbourhood character and public participation. These waves of change have resulted in a complex layering of controls.

This course seeks to demystify and explain the residential provisions.

Presenter: Stephen Rowley MPIA (Fellow)

Date: 5 May 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Planning Frameworks

The A-Z of Planning

This course is for new people entering the planning system in Victoria. It covers the difference between the statutory and strategic context of the Victorian planning system, the layers of policy and the day-to-day process requirements of the  planning office including statutory processes, decision making, enforcement and VCAT procedures. Practical workshops will cover scenarios for the application of zones and overlays and permit requirements, with a focus on most frequently asked questions.

Presenter: Cazz Redding MPIA (Fellow)

Date: 6 May 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Planning Frameworks

Introduction to development feasibility

This course is designed to provide planners a basic understanding of the key concepts that underpin development feasibility such as: development yield, gross realisation, construction costs, financing, profit, risk and residual land value.  The course will also examine the impacts of planning on development feasibility including density controls, development contributions and affordable housing levies. It is intended for planners and other built environment professionals wanting to development their understanding on what makes development ‘stack-up’ and how the planning policies ca impact the economics of development.

Presenter: Andrew Spencer

Date: 11 May 2026, 9:30am to 1:30pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in all locations.

 Technical Knowledge

Local policy and schedules in planning schemes

This course provides an overview of elements of the Victoria Planning Provisions and how to use them to construct a planning scheme. It explores the different elements of the Victoria Planning Provisions in some detail, and how they should be used, providing participants with strategies and techniques to help select the best tools to use in their local planning scheme. It includes advice and strategies about how to use parent provisions to determine what can be included in local policy including schedules to zones, overlays and provisions, and drafting local PPF policy and the MPS.

It is set in the context of the Planning and Environment Act, published advice from DTP, VCAT decisions and Planning Panel recommendations.

Presenter: Cazz Redding MPIA (Fellow)

Date: 14 May 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Spatial Thinking

Community Infrastructure Planning 101

This course will explore the who, what, when, where, and how of community infrastructure planning with a focus on undertaking community infrastructure needs assessments, relying on population-based provision standards and other inputs.

Presenter: Liz Webster

Date: 19 May 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: In Person, SGS Economics Melbourne CBD 

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Creative and Multidisciplinary Approach

Subdivision for Planners

A planning permit is required for all subdivision, and there are varying pathways to get there through the planning scheme. All planners, private and government, need an understanding of subdivision and the consequential complexities that may arise through the permit application process. 

New provisions around subdivision have recently entered the Victorian Planning Scheme and the course will take participants through practical examples to demonstrate application of planning policy, with additional reference to the Subdivision Act and related potential permit conditions.

Presenter: Andrea Tomkinson

Date: 20 May 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Planning Frameworks

Managing Development Near Landfills and Other Buffers

The planning system has an important role in managing the interface between industries and sensitive uses. With urban expansion into new growth areas and infill development in established urban areas, there is increasing pressure on Councils and proponents to consider and address the risks and adverse amenity impacts of development within buffer distances and residential encroachment on industry. 

This course covers the essentials needed to understand the buffer distances for landfills, the role of landfill gas risk assessments, an understanding of the different planning scheme and EPA buffer distances that apply to industry and the consideration of reverse amenity buffers.

Presenter: Jean Meaklim & Denise Turner MPIA (Fellow) 

Date: 21 May 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Technical Knowledge

Flooding – considering planning applications

This half-day workshop will unpack the technical, policy and legal elements of flood related planning decisions. Using practical examples, it will provide a clear and usable framework for assessing permit applications in flood prone areas.  affected land has become increasingly challenging for statutory planners. This workshop unpacks the technical, policy and legal elements of flood related planning decisions. Using practical examples, it provides a clear and usable framework for assessing permit applications in flood prone areas.

Presenter: This course will be presented by Planology

Date: 29 May 2026, 9:30am to 1:30pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Technical Knowledge

June 2026

The taxing question of land and property – what planners need to know about land & property taxation

All forms of taxation entail trade-offs of equity and efficiency. This course provides built environment professionals with an overview of land and property taxation. We introduce key concepts in taxation before comparing different approaches to taxing land and property. How do developer charges affect development feasibility? Do increased taxes on property raise costs for homebuyers and businesses?

Planners will gain understanding of how their work impacts land values, and how revenue policy can support the aims and objectives of planning.

Presenters: Dr. Tim Helm 

Date: 1 & 2 June 2026, 9am to 1:30pm (AEST) - full day course split into two half day sessions. 

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in all locations.

Technical Knowledge

Enforcement Law for Planners

The planning permit is an enforceable document and a detailed legal process can follow if the permit and conditions have not been complied with or the works occur without approval. This course prepares the planner to understand and apply the enforcement process. It covers different enforcement techniques for different situations and the role of the statutory planner in assisting the enforcement officer to perform this function.

Presenter: This course is presented by a legal representative from Maddocks

Date: 3 June 2026, 9:30am to 1:30pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Planning Frameworks

Investing in Transport

This course explores the critical role that transport investments in shaping regions, cities, precincts, and streets, thereby providing the strategic insight needed to determine how transport investments can better and more purposefully deliver on broader urban and regional planning strategies. Participants will be better able to conceive transport projects that not only deliver direct transport benefits, but also create thriving economies, vibrant places and stronger communities. Participants will be introduced to business case methods and tools that will enable robust and efficient decisions on transport projects.  The course will include practical exercises and case studies.

Presenter: Chris Tehan

Date: 3 June 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Planning Frameworks

Preparing & Assessing a Bushfire Management Statement

The planning system has an important role in creating communities that are resilient to bushfire. Learn about the key bushfire policies and statutory controls in Victoria. Learn when and how State bushfire policy at clause 13.02-1S influences statutory planning decisions. Learn about the Bushfire Management Overlay and how to prepare and assess a bushfire management statement that addresses Clause 44.06 and 53.02. Learn about the vegetation removal exemptions that apply in the Bushfire Management Overlay and designated Bushfire Prone Areas.

The course is interactive and you will learn the basics of fire behaviour, to enable you to make more informed planning decisions. You will work through case studies to learn how to apply the bushfire policy and controls when making statutory planning decisions.

Presenter: Andrew Ganey MPIA

Date: 4 June 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Technical Knowledge

Planning for settlement and housing growth

Planning for settlement and housing growth while managing risk is one of the fundamentals of planning for a growing population in Victoria. This course will provide an overview of the considerations that need to be made to plan for settlement (regional and rural focus) and housing (metropolitan focus), and the baseline data and research that should be done to underpin a robust settlement and / or housing strategy.

Presenter: Cazz Redding MPIA (Fellow)

Date: 15 June 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professional in Victoria.

 Spatial Thinking

Working with conflict

Conflict doesn't need to be a destructive force on our projects or in our communities. With skills and practice, we can work with conflict to support innovation and creative thinking.

In this course we will explore strategies to better engage with and understand the perspectives of different stakeholders, manage expectations, build understanding and identify opportunities for alignment.  the workshop will be highly interactive and experiential, with the opportunity to apply key tools and strategies to issues that participants are working with in their own practice.

Presenter: Michelle Howard MPIA (Fellow)

Date: 11 June 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in all locations.

 Communication and Engagement 

Dashboard Design and Development for Planners

The course begins with foundational principles of dashboard design, focusing on clarity, hierarchy, usability, and storytelling through data visualisation. Participants will explore best practices for selecting visualisations, prioritising information, and aligning design choices with their respective goals. A hands-on session will guide attendees through building dashboards using PowerBI, integrating a selection of sample datasets, and ensuring adaptability for various stakeholders.

Presenter: Jan Christopher Quing PIA (Assoc.) & Aline Raad 

Date: 16 June 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in all locations.

 Creative and Multidisciplinary Approach 

Smarter Reports with Generative AI

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.

Presenter: Dr. Daniel Paez & Megan Edwards

Date: 17 June 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professional in all locations.

 Spatial Thinking

Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment

This course will provide an overview of the contemporary approach to landscape and visual impact assessment and an understanding of why this is important. In order to achieve this, the course will review the philosophy, history and context of landscape and aesthetic appraisal. Additionally, we will explore the differences between Australian (state) and international guidance. Different types of landscape and visual reports will be compared to enable practitioners to scope and review the assessments.

Presenter: Laura Farrell 

Date: 18 June 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Technical Knowledge

The A-Z of Planning

This course is for new people entering the planning system in Victoria. It covers the difference between the statutory and strategic context of the Victorian planning system, the layers of policy and the day-to-day process requirements of the  planning office including statutory processes, decision making, enforcement and VCAT procedures. Practical workshops will cover scenarios for the application of zones and overlays and permit requirements, with a focus on most frequently asked questions.

Presenter: Cazz Redding MPIA (Fellow)

Date: 22 June 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Planning Frameworks

Practical GIS for Planning: Map Creation

This introductory course provides planners with a practical foundation in creating basic GIS maps for everyday planning work. It is designed for participants with little or no prior GIS experience who want to confidently produce clear, professional maps that can be used in reports, planning applications, and decision-making processes.

The course focuses on creating core planning maps, including locality and context maps, land use and zoning maps, constraint and overlay maps, and simple demographic and catchment maps. Emphasis is placed on producing maps that meet industry expectations for clarity, scale, symbology, labelling, and attribution, and that are suitable for inclusion in strategic plans, reports, submissions, and presentations.

Presenter: Dr. Daniel Paez 

Date: 23 June 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in all locations.

 Spatial Thinking  

An introduction to Planning with Country for Allies

Everything we do as planners, designers and policy makers we do on Country. Building our allyship and understanding of the opportunities offered when we adopt a Country-centered approach to our work, enables us to step-in as non-Indigenous Australians and play a more active role in healing the past. Planning with Country provides a new lens through which to see our work in land-use planning, economic development, heritage and environmental protection, stakeholder engagement and design. As allies we can listen better, improve our governance and decision-making, seek out different knowledge sets and engage proactively with First Nations colleagues and communities.

Presenter: Michelle Howard MPIA (Fellow)

Date: 24 June 2026, 9:30am to 1:30pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in all locations.

 Creative and Multidisciplinary Approach  

VCAT - A skills-based approach to advocating at the Tribunal

The written submission is an important component of a party's case in VCAT proceedings.  It is the permanent record of the party's contentions and argument.  The written submission ought to be concise, accurate and, importantly, persuasive. 

In this workshop, the presenter will outline the principles of good drafting and the 'golden rules' of writing for VCAT.

It will not only cover the written submission but other important documents which precede and follow a Tribunal hearing including the officer's report to Council, correspondence with applicants, permit conditions and letters to the Tribunal.  If poorly drafted, these documents can negatively impact on a party's case.

Presenter: This course is presented by a legal representative from Maddocks

Date: 25 June 2026, 9:30am to 1:30pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Planning Frameworks

AI in Town Planning and Development for Beginners

This course explains AI in plain language and focuses on what matters most for planning and development: trust, accuracy, evidence, security, and practical ROI. We’ll cut through hype, show where AI genuinely helps (and where it doesn’t), and outline what “good implementation” looks like in a real-world planning environment. No technical background in AI or technology required.

Presenter: James Mant MPIA & Jennifer George

Date: 30 June l 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in all locations.

 Creative and Multidisciplinary Approach

July 2026

Applied GIS Analysis & Cartography for Planning

This course supports planners to apply spatial analysis and produce clear, communicative maps that strengthen planning assessment and decision-making. It is designed as a stand-alone course for planners with varying levels of GIS experience who want to improve how spatial evidence is analysed, interpreted, and presented in professional planning contexts.

The course focuses on practical planning applications, including evaluating site feasibility using planning and environmental constraints, identifying spatial patterns and relationships across a study area, and assessing proximity, accessibility, and cumulative impacts. Participants will learn how to apply spatial analysis in ways that directly inform planning judgments, options analysis, and recommendations.

Presenter: Dr. Daniel Paez 

Date: 7 July 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in all locations.

 Spatial Thinking  

Working with the Heritage Overlay and your heritage advisor

This course aims to equip town planners with a clear understanding of the statutory and strategic frameworks that guide heritage planning in Victoria. It introduces key concepts of cultural significance and explains the process for identifying heritage places. The course introduces the purpose and operation of the Heritage Overlay in the context of the Victoria Planning Provisions and other State and Commonwealth heritage designations.

Presenters: Jim Gard’ner & Renae Jarman

Date: 16 July 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Planning Frameworks

Public Transport Planning

This course provides an introduction to public transport planning for practitioners, focusing on the theoretical and practical foundations that shape network performance and user experience. It introduces key concepts including generalised travel time, network connectivity and coverage, service frequency, and the relationship between land use and transport. The course also examines the economics of public transport, including funding, fare structures, and operating models, and considers how operational decisions influence planning outcomes.

The course is intended to equip planners with a practical framework for understanding public transport systems and for engaging more confidently with transport policy, service planning, and project development in professional practice.

Presenter: Dr Eric Keys MPIA

Date: 22 July 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information


This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Technical Knowledge

Tips and tricks for drafting overlay schedules

It’s time to get down to the nitty gritty of drafting a schedule to an overlay.  The focus of the day will be on drafting built form control such as the Built Form Overlay, the Design and Development Overlay and the Development Plan Overlay, and a control with a Statement of Significance included (e.g. the Environment Significance Overlay and the Erosion Management Overlay).

Presenter: Cazz Redding MPIA (Fellow) 

Date: 23 July 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Spatial Thinking

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage- An overview of requirements and responsibilities for planners working in LGAs’

The course will provide planners with a comprehensive overview of legislative responsibilities and requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act and Regulations – the primary pieces of legislation providing protection for Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria; and equip planners with an increased understanding of when and how Aboriginal cultural heritage is linked to the planning system and when and how Aboriginal cultural heritage needs to be considered in relation to development and high impact activities.

Presenter: The course will be delivered by Aboriginal Victoria’s Heritage Services Unit staff

Date: 28 July 2026, 10am to 1pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

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This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Technical Knowledge

Evidence-Based Planning with GIS Data

This course focuses on the practical use of GIS to support planning decisions in environmentally constrained contexts. It is designed for planners who work with natural systems and environmental risk and need to interpret and apply spatial evidence related to water flows, climate change, vegetation, bushfire, and landscape constraints.

The course places a strong emphasis on raster datasets commonly used in planning practice, including elevation models, multi-spectral satellite imagery, vegetation and land-cover data, and climate- and hazard-related spatial datasets. Participants will learn how these datasets can be used to understand environmental processes and constraints that influence development feasibility and planning outcomes.

Presenter: Dr. Daniel Paez 

Date: 29 July 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

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This course is designed for professionals in all locations.

 Spatial Thinking  

August 2026

Planning and Design Using the Movement and Place Approach

This course is designed for planners, engineers and landscape architects to develop a better understanding of how the Movement & Place framework and tools can be used to solve a range of issues in main streets and activity centres across Victoria, including place making, land use planning, and movement & access.

Presenter: Ben Krastins & Harry Jorgensen 

Date: 5 August 2026, 9:30am to 2:45pm (AEST)

Venue: In Person, 65 Dover St, Cremorne

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Creative and Multidisciplinary Approach 

Existing Use Rights

Existing use rights are an integral component of planning law. Once someone has them, they are protected by the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and planning schemes. This session examines the nature of these rights - how they are established, what rights are protected, how they are regulated, and how they are lost.

Presenter: This course is presented by a legal representative from Maddocks.

Date: 11 August 2026, 9:30am to 1:30pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Planning Frameworks

Section 173 Agreements Unpacked

This half-day session provides an in-depth, practical understanding of agreements under section 173 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.  Participants will gain a clear understanding of the legislative framework governing these agreements, when and how they should be used, and how they differ from other planning instruments.

Presenter: This course is presented by Planology

Date: 18 August 2026, 9:30am to 1:30pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Planning Frameworks

Statewide Stormwater Provisions in the Planning Scheme

The Victorian Government expanded State-wide stormwater planning controls in October 2018 to help protect our waterways, prevent flooding and divert more rainfall to our gardens and trees rather than letting it disappear down the drain. This is known as ‘integrated water catchment management planning’, and for some it is known as Amendment VC154. Almost every new planning application will now need to treat stormwater on site. This course is designed to help planners understand the integrated links between water and cities, understand the role and scope of the new State controls, and to help planners understand how to receive and assess applications in a way that best achieves our new stormwater objectives.

Presenter: Sara Lloyd, Kate Matthews MPIA & Mandy Bolton 

Date: 27 August 2026, 9:30am to 5:00pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Technical Knowledge

September 2026

Urban ecology and biodiversity for planners

This course explores how we can plan for improved biodiversity and ecosystems in cities in Victoria. The Course will identify why urban biodiversity is important, threats to local biodiversity and planning mechanisms that can be used to reduce these threats. It will also explore how cities provide opportunities for improved biodiversity outcomes, and how biodiversity can contribute to more liveable and healthy cities.

Presenter: Dave Kendal 

Date: 2 September 2026, 9:30am to 1:30pm (AEST)

Venue: In Person, Venue TBC

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria. 

 Spatial Thinking

Planning for flood in a time of change

How do we plan for flood when the science behind its impacts is constantly changing? These and other questions will be explored in this overview of flood planning which is firmly rooted in the Victorian context. With the State government formally announcing a shift to a new ‘hazard based’ planning approach and new VPP on the horizon, this course offers a chance to check in on the current state of play in planning for flood. Drawing on recent Parliamentary Inquiries and global concepts of best practice, this course will also explore the opportunities we have in front of us to ‘do things better’ and the questions we should be asking as practitioners.

Presenter: Jane Keddie MPIA 

Date: 8 September 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online 

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria. 

 Planning Frameworks

Navigating Major Infrastructure Approvals: EES, Secondary Approvals and Compliance in Practice

This course provides planners with a practical, end-to-end understanding of relevant legislative frameworks and the approvals for major infrastructure projects in Victoria. It will provide practical understanding of the EES process required for major infrastructure projects, related secondary approvals, with consideration of stakeholder engagement, compliance management, and auditing. Drawing on real-world examples, this course equips planners with practical tools to navigate complexity, manage risk, and support the delivery of major infrastructure projects.

Presenter: Kate Matthews MPIA, Lulu Zhang & Olivia Coghill 

Date: 9 September 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

Spatial Thinking

October 2026

Emotional Fitness

Planning can be a high-pressure career. From dealing with stressed clients, difficult decisions, personal challenges and daily uncertainties.

This course will equip you with hands on, grounded and practical skills to add or improve your emotional fitness. These skills will enable you to become a strong leader, capable of inspiring others and more capable of dealing with difficult decisions and setbacks.

Presenter: Joe Pane 

Date: 1 October 2026, 9am to 5pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in all locations.

 Professionalism and Integrity 

Managing Potentially Contaminated Land

This course is designed to update participants’ knowledge of current contaminated land issues and the tools used in planning to identify and assess potentially contaminated land, including the PSI, PRSA and Environmental Audits. These tools provide a consistent and proportionate screening assessment approach to assist planners.  The course explains how statutory and strategic planners can identify potentially contaminated land; navigate the process using our PCL Assessment Framework; and ensure the outcomes of environmental audits are implemented effectively into planning decisions including planning permits and importantly, planning scheme amendments.

Presenter: Denise Turner MPIA (Fellow) & Jean Meaklim

Date: 8 October 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEDT)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Technical Knowledge

Planning Law for Planners

This course explores the basic legal framework of planning in Victoria. It will identify and analyse the legal knowledge required for planning in Victoria, including:

  • the Victorian Planning Provisions and the planning scheme amendment process;
  • applying for a permit;
  • considering a permit application;
  • reviewing or appealing a decision or seeking a declaration; and
  • Ministerial call in powers.

Presenter: This course is presented by a legal representative from Maddocks.

Date: 13 October 2026, 9:30am to 1:30pm (AEDT)

Venue: Online

More information

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

Planning Frameworks

Project management for planners

This course is designed for planners and practitioners who are responsible for delivering strategic plans such as Housing Strategies, Urban Design Frameworks, Economic Development Strategies, Structure Plans and Heritage Studies. The course will look at all aspects of project management including development of the brief, project governance, community consultation, stakeholder engagement, budget management and managing the client / provider relationship. There will be a particular focus on ensuring that plans can be implemented (though the planning scheme, capital works budget and other channels).

Presenters: Cazz Redding MPIA (Fellow)

Date: 27 October 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEDT)

Venue: Online

More information 

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Spatial Thinking 

November 2026

Understanding the value of and presenting expert evidence

This course will explain the role and duties of an expert witness and the purpose of expert evidence. It provides guidance on giving and receiving instructions, matters to consider and include when preparing an expert evidence statement, cross examination and tips for dealing with difficult questions under examination.

Presenters: David Vorchheimer MPIA (Fellow) 

Date: 9 November 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEDT)

Venue: Online

More information 

This course is designed for professionals in Victoria.

 Planning Frameworks

Census & Demographics for Strategic Planning

This course focuses on the practical use of Census and demographic data to support strategic planning and evidence-based decision-making. It is designed for planners and related professionals who need to understand population characteristics, trends, and change over time, and apply this evidence to policy development, planning strategies, and investment decisions.

Presenters: Dr. Daniel Paez 

Date: 18 November 2026, 9:30am to 5pm (AEDT)

Venue: Online

More information 

This course is designed for professionals in all locations.

 Spatial Thinking 

Tailored Bespoke PLANET session for your team!

Looking for a tailored PIA PLANET session for a group of 15 or more? We can come to you or deliver it online. Get in touch and we’ll work with you to create something that fits your team perfectly.

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Learn smarter with PIA membership.

Members enjoy close to 40% off PLANET courses plus exclusive discounts on events throughout the year. With savings like these, your membership can pay for itself while supporting your professional growth.

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Generous bulk booking discounts available! 

Generous discounts are available for bulk bookings. Just email us! 

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