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Learn the basics of AI and how it can revolutionise urban planning and development.

Urban planning and development is complex, time-pressured and highly accountable. Councils, referral authorities, applicants, consultants and developers all have a lot to gain if AI is applied in the right places — with the right safeguards.

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.

Designed For

Designed for people working in, or adjacent to, the planning and development system:
• Local government (planners, coordinators, managers, executives)
• Referral authorities and infrastructure agencies
• Consultants (planning, urban design, transport, engineering)
• Developers, applicants, project managers
• Innovation/transformation leads supporting planning functions

Learning Outcomes 

• A clear understanding of core AI concepts, the main risks (accuracy + data), and how to think about AI responsibly in planning practice.
• What to automate vs what must stay with planners (human-in-the-lead). Responsible use in practice: accuracy checks, prompts, and documentation Preparing your organisation: people, process and systems (what to do next) Measuring ROI: what to track (time saved, rework reduced, risk reduced, consistency.) 

Presenter 

James Mant MPIA
Founder, StreetCo – Urban Planning | Walkable Urbanism | Committee Member PIA (Vic) | Editor PIA Planning News | Podcast Host – City People

Former Director of Places & Precincts (Vic), James is a town planner that led the award-winning 20-Minute Neighbourhoods policy and Future Homes program. He is a national leader in planning innovation and advocates a new renaissance in planning using AI and automation.

Jennifer George
MBA, GAICD (Finalist – Women in Digital: Leader in AI) | CEO of Strategic Commercialisation Australia | Member MAV, AI Taskforce

Jennifer is a recognised leader in AI, innovation, and digital transformation. Passionate about building organisations that respond to climate change and societal challenges, she has successfully guided the commercialisation of deep-tech and AI innovations across more than 50 industries. Her work focuses on helping government and industry adopt technology safely, ethically, and with purpose, ensuring that digital innovation strengthens trust, transparency, and outcomes for communities.  

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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