This is a unique course led by both a social planner and a statutory planner,both of whom have experienced and have seen the challenges faced by practitioners (across various fields) in understanding the role of social planning.
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.
This course is for those working in social planning (including in policy development and application assessment), those that work with social planners, and others interested in the diversity of planning.

This course is an in person offering however if you need to attend online, please email [email protected] 

Designed For

Town planners, social planners, strategic planners, community development officers

Learning Outcomes 

• Understand of what social planning is
• Learn where social planning is currently integrated within the planning scheme (and where the role of social planning may be challenged)
• Understand examples of how this can be strengthened and what research/evidence is required
• Understand the challenges that social planners and strategic/town planners may face
• Learn how to ensure a holistic approach is considered in the consideration of policy and or applications. 

Presenters 

Jo Noesgaard, Principal and National Lead Local Government SGS Economics and Planning.
Jo is a social and land use planner with a drive to shape communities that are accessible and equitable for all. With over 10 years of experience working in local government, Jo believes it is essential that the social, economic, natural and built environment of cities and regions considers everyone’s needs in a sustainable way. She has experience across a range of social issues and understands the importance as well as the mechanisms available to integrate social planning across the various planning domains to improve community outcomes.

Stephen Rowley MPIA (Fellow), Senior Associate SGS Economics and Planning.
Stephen is a statutory planner with 25 years of experience in state and local government and in private practice. This includes work in statutory planning, planning research, education, and planning systems design. His work has a particular focus on the translation of strategy and policy into effective regulatory tools. He is a recognised authority on the Victorian planning system and regulatory design for effective policy implementation. He is the author of two books, including The Victorian Planning System: Practice, Problems and Prospects (Federation Press, 2017 and 2023), the standard introductory text to the Victorian land use planning system.

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.

PIA collects and maintains personal and sensitive information in line with our privacy policy. To view the PIA privacy policy please visit the PIA website.