In this episode, Nicole sits down with Amy Marsden, Director of Planning at Therefor Group. Amy brings over 20 years of national and international experience in planning and development, with a strong focus on affordable housing, inclusive communities, and meaningful planning outcomes. Together, they explore: The real-world projects Amy is working on and her role in shaping them The challenge of balancing community concerns with the urgent need for more housing Misconceptions about those who rely on social and affordable housing What Amy would change about housing policy if she had a magic wand Advice for young and emerging planners who want to make a difference 🗞️ Planning News Update Before the interview, Nicole shares the latest planning news in Queensland: The Planning and Other Legislation Amendment Bill has passed Parliament Key changes include: a new community benefit framework, special planning powers for 2032 Games infrastructure, shorter consultation periods for regional plans, changes to infrastructure charging, and refinements which affect development control plans (DCPs) 📌 A Policy Briefing will be hosted soon by PIA—stay tuned 🗓️ Also, don’t miss the PIA Queensland Leaders Lunch on 25 July in Brisbane: the End-of-Financial-Year celebration of Queensland planning profession.  🔗 Links & Resources Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025  Bills this Parliament | Queensland Parliament PIA Qld Leaders Lunch 2025 - Leaders Lunch 2025 🎧 Thanks for listening to Hustle and Bustle! If you enjoyed the episode, please take a moment to rate, review, or share it with a fellow urban thinker. 📲 Follow Nicole on LinkedIn and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, I chat with planner, urban thinker and community engagement guru, John O’Callaghan, Director of JOC Consulting. John isn’t your average planner – and that’s exactly why I wanted him on the show. He’s a creative, a connector, and someone who’s built a career around authentic community engagement and transformational city ideas. Today, we’re talking about one of his passions: the night-time economy – and how cities can become more vibrant, inclusive, and alive after 6pm. 🎧 In our conversation, we explore: John's journey into planning and how he blends creativity into his work Why the nighttime economy is about so much more than just bars and restaurants The role planning plays in enabling great after-hours places Trends and ideas shaping the next wave of nighttime city-making Whether you're a planner, a place maker, or just passionate about better cities – this episode is for you. 🗞 Before the conversation with John, we cover Planning Headlines On 13 May, a State Facilitated Development (SFD) for a proposed 73-unit, 8-storey development in Redland Bay was revoked by Queensland’s Deputy Premier and Planning Minister. This proposal exceeded the local 4-storey height limit and faced strong community opposition.👉 SFD Revocation Notice.PDF Brisbane’s Lord Mayor has announced a review of the Low-Medium Density Residential Zone. This is a significant and timely move to support more gentle density in well-located areas. PIA has publicly welcomed this review.👉 Read PIA’s full response: Planning Ahead: A Better Mix of Homes for Brisbane’s Future 📝 Submissions Update We’ve lodged our submission to the Planning and Other Legislation Amendment Bill, focused on the social impact and community benefit framework. QLD | Response to Inquiry into Planning and Other Leg Amendment Bill 2025 We’re also working on a submission to the Productivity Commissioner on construction productivity – due 2 June. 📅 Upcoming Events I’m heading to PIA National Congress this week in Garramilla/Darwin – and I can’t wait! It’s always such a great opportunity to connect with peers, hear big ideas, and visit one of my favourite cities.

In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Howard, respected urban planner, social researcher, facilitator, and Managing Director of Collaborations. Michelle is known for her inclusive and thoughtful approach to public policy and urban development, and she joins us to discuss what First Nations allyship looks like in planning—and how we can all embrace it. Michelle shares her insights on: Her career journey and what led her to focus on intercultural relationships The meaning of allyship—personally and professionally How planners can start their allyship journey with humility and respect Examples of strong, respectful allyship in action The shifts within the planning profession around First Nations engagement Why it’s vital for allies to make space for First Nations voices, and how to do it well This conversation is a must-listen for planners, policymakers and anyone seeking to build more inclusive, respectful and culturally informed planning processes. 🗞 Planning News Round-Up – QueenslandBefore we jump into the interview, here are a few key updates from the world of planning: 📜 New Planning Bill IntroducedThe Queensland Government has introduced the Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, featuring: A social impact and community benefit framework for renewable energy projects Amendments to the Economic Development Act Amendments to the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Act 2021🔗 Read the Bill and Explanatory Statement 📣 Proposed Ministerial Call-InA proposed call-in notice has been issued for a development at Coochin Creek, involving 150 tourist accommodation sites. The proposal raises key issues related to environmental protection and state interests. Ministerial call-ins | Planning 🏗️ Qld Productivity Commission EnquiryThe newly formed Queensland Productivity Commission has launched its first inquiry into the construction sector. Stay tuned for developments and opportunities to contribute. terms-of-reference.pdf 📅 Upcoming Events 🔹 Two Way Planning, Design and Place MasterclassA full-day, in-person course with Carol Vale and Michelle Howard to support more effective collaboration with Indigenous communities.📍 PLANET QLD | PLANET QLD | Two Way Planning, Design and Place Masterclass 🔹 Ipswich & Lockyer Valley Planning Schemes InsightsGet the first look at the new Ipswich Planning Scheme at this upcoming event.📅 29 May 2025 Planning for the Future: Ipswich & Lockyer Valley New Planning Schemes Insights

This is my first solo episode for Season 3! With the federal election only a matter of days away, I step through the Planning Institute of Australia's Federal Election Platform. In this solo chat, I explain: What are the key asks of the planning profession for the next Australian Government?  How can the next Australian Government help facilitate more well-located housing, plan for climate action and resilience, create a stronger National Urban Policy, and tackle the national shortage of planners?  You can find PIA's Election Priorities document here National | Planning for a Better Future - Federal Election Priorities 2025 In planning news, I mention a few upcoming events: Janes Walk (in honor of great urbanist Jane Jacobs) Gold Coast - Event Display Sunshine Coast - Event Display Suncorp Stadium at night - Rescheduled event: International Women’s Day Safe Cities | Safe Streets Night Walk - Queensland Walks Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) fundamentals - PLANET QLD | Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) Fundamentals  

In this episode, I’m joined by Bradley Rasmussen  – CEO and founder of Sizztech, the creators of Forecaz, a cutting-edge platform that predicts urban growth and change. Bradley shares how data-driven modelling is transforming the way planners and decision-makers understand land use, infrastructure needs, and future development scenarios. We unpack the role of urban growth models, how they work, and why they matter. Plus, we explore the challenges of aligning modelling with real-world policy and funding decisions – and how planners can make the most of these powerful tools. If you’re curious about PlanTech, the future of cities, or just love planning conversations, this one’s for you. 🎧 Tune in to learn: How urban growth modelling works What data drives these predictions How modelling can support better planning decisions Advice for planners wanting to upskill in this space Some of the resources Bradley mentions: Home | Australian Housing Data Analytics Platform PlanTech Best Practice Guidelines PlanTechBestPracticeGuidelines.pdf Planning Congress 2025 📰 Planning News covered in this episode It’s been a big fortnight in planning! Elimbah reclassified under ShapingSEQ – enabling a development application Bundaberg MID approved for social and community housing. North-west QLD wind farm proposal back in motion. Birtinya MID for housing repealed. Tewantin SFD housing proposal revoked. Julian Simmonds announced as Acting CEO of EDQ. 📝 PIA Submission: Our latest State Budget submission calls for investment in strategic planning and a new scholarship program to grow Queensland’s planning workforce. 2025 State Budget asks.pdf 📅 Upcoming Event: In early May, join Assistant Minister Rebecca Young MP and Paul Needham, Chief Planner at Townsville City Council, for a breakfast event in Townsville. Breakfast with the Assistant Minister for Planning, Housing and Better Regulation

In this episode of the Hustle and Bustle podcast, host Nicole Bennetts sits down with architect and urbanist Peter Richards to explore the art of urban sketching. With over 40 years of experience in architecture and urban design, Peter shares his passion for the role of drawing in the design process and its significance in shaping our cities. Peter RichardsPeter is an architect with extensive experience in projects ranging from small-scale buildings to large city designs. As Principal of Architecture and Urban Design at Archipelago, he is renowned for his collaborative approach and has contributed to over 150 design workshops in Australia and internationally. Passionate about urban quality and the connection between people and place, Peter is a strong advocate for the role of drawing in the design process. Episode Highlights: The importance of good design and why well-designed cities matter. What urban sketching is and why it’s an essential skill for designers and planners. Peter’s career highlights and challenges over the years. What motivates Peter as a design leader today. The biggest challenges facing our cities and communities in the next decade. Planning News Update: State Government Delivery Plan for the 2032 Games released: PIA continues to advocate for integrating venues and infrastructure into the city through the Green Pathways, Gold Places initiative. QLD | Green Pathways, Gold Places Advocacy Document Upcoming Event: Planning for Disaster Resilient Communities PLANET course with Stephen Dredge – a half-day online session covering planning for natural hazards and their impact. PLANET | Planning for Disaster Resilient Communities

Housing affordability and availability are at crisis levels, but why? And what can we do about it? In this episode, we sit down with Riley Flanigan, an urban designer, strategic planner, and city strategist at Urbis, to unpack the forces behind Australia’s housing crisis. Riley has been at the forefront of housing research, policy, and advocacy, including his writing and his contributions to PIA Qld's Housing Working Group. With deep insights into master planning and housing policy, he’s been contributing his voice on housing challenges and solutions. From policy roadblocks to promising reforms, we cut through the noise to explore what’s really happening in the housing system and what needs to change. In this episode, we discuss:✅ The key factors that have led to the housing crisis✅ Whether current policies are addressing the root causes✅ The need for both short-term fixes and long-term solutions✅ One (or two) major policy shifts that could make a real difference✅ What gives Riley hope for a better housing future In this week's planning news: ⭐ Residential Activation Fund: The Deputy Premier announced the guidelines and eligibility criteria for Round 1 of the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund. Residential Activation Fund | State Development, Infrastructure and Planning ⭐ Applicable event extended: On 19 March, the Planning Minister declared the Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred Recovery event. to be an applicable event. The applicable event declaration allows extended hours of operation for certain uses, and the ability to apply for a temporary use license.  Applicable events | Planning⭐ Call in Notices: the Deputy Premier issued two proposed call-in notices for the Marmadua Energy Park and Middle Creek Energy Hub.  The notices seek submissions from the proponent, community and other parties about whether the proposed developments qualify as a state interest and should be assessed by the Deputy Premier.  Ministerial call-ins | Planning⭐ Sunshine Coast TLPI Approved: the Deputy Premier approved a Temporary Local Planning Instrument proposed by Sunshine Coast Council to facilitate more local hotel proposals in Maroochydore and Caloundra, with an aim to support the tourism development of the Sunshine Coast. MEDIA STATEMENT: Maroochydore and Caloundra revitalised with new hotels on the way  - Ministerial Media Statements ⭐ DA Planners Forum: first one for 2025 is happening next week. Its online and free for PIA members, $20 for non-members. All are welcome - DA Planners Forum ⭐ Policy in Action Workshop - making good development stack up. Join us next week in 7 locations across Queensland! Free for PIA members Policy In Action 2025 - Making Good Development Stack-up Tune in for an insightful conversation that goes beyond the headlines and into the real challenges—and solutions—shaping the future of housing.

In this episode, I'm joined by Laura Harvey, Planning Manager at Queensland Airports, and Haleen Singh, Planning Advisor with Port of Brisbane. We explore the unique world of planning for airports and ports—two critical transport hubs that serve as economic drivers, destinations, and catalysts for urban and regional development. Episode Highlights: Laura and Haleen share what drew them to this work. A look into a typical day in their roles and the complexities involved. Discussion on how airports and ports shape the cities and regions around them. Key planning challenges they face and strategies to address them. Insights into how technology is shaping the future of these sectors. Latest Planning News in Queensland: Before diving into our conversation, latest planning updates in Queensland: The Planning Minister has declared the Tropical Cyclone Alfred event in South-East Queensland as an applicable event, allowing extended operating hours for essential services like shops, warehouses, transport depots, health care services, and hardware stores to support recovery efforts. Applicable events | Planning Extensions to assessment periods under the Planning Act have been implemented for certain development application timeframes. extension-notice-11-march-2024.pdf Brisbane City Council’s planning scheme amendment has gone live, introducing reduced and maximum car parking rates for inner-city areas—a move aimed at improving housing affordability. Citywide amendment - Inner-City Affordability Initiative | Brisbane City Council Upcoming Events: The 3rd Annual Policy in Action Workshop is on April 2nd at Arup Brisbane and live-streamed to six locations across Queensland. This free event for members will explore Making Good Development Stack Up from various perspectives. Policy In Action 2025 - Making Good Development Stack-up Tune in to this episode for an engaging discussion on the fascinating world of airport and port planning.

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Isles, General Manager of Advocacy, Major Projects, and Economic Development at Redland City Council. With over 20 years of experience in planning, economic development, and major projects, Chris is a well-respected leader in the industry. As a member of PIA Qld’s Plan Tech working group, Chris has a strong interest in how technology and data can shape better cities. From digital twins to AI and big data, we explore how these tools are transforming planning and decision-making. In this conversation, we discuss: 🚀 What sparked Chris’ passion for technology in planning🏙️ How digital tools are reshaping the way we design cities🌏 The role of tech in tackling major urban challenges—housing, transport, climate resilience📊 Are we using the vast amounts of data cities generate effectively?And in 🏗️ Latest Planning News: 🌪️ Cyclone Alfred – Expected to cross the SEQ coast in the coming days, marking the first cyclone to hit the region in around 50 years. Stay safe, and heed the warnings. 📜 Planning Scheme Updates – Ipswich City Council and Sunshine Coast Council are making progress on their new planning schemes. Ipswich is set to adopt its scheme in the coming months, while Sunshine Coast will refine its draft before public consultation. 📢 Upcoming Events – The Central Queensland Symposium is back on March 28, this time in Airlie Beach for a full-day, in-person conference. A must-attend for planners and allied professionals— CQ Planning Symposium 2025 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers.

My guest today is Adam Beck, General Manager of Business & Market Development at Hub Group and Co-Founder of TEMPO Institute. About two weeks ago, the American Planning Association released its fourth Trend Report for Planners, featuring over 100 trends shaping urban planning. You can access the report here 2025-Trend-Report-for-Planners-Screen-Reader-Version-r1.pdf As a trend-scout for this report, Adam shares key insights, surprising trends, and what they mean for the future of cities. We discuss how planners and city leaders can respond to emerging trends, differentiate between fads and fundamental shifts, and predict the one trend that could transform city planning in the next five years. Adam is a leader in urban transformation, focusing on innovation in the built environment. He shares practical steps planners can take now to adapt to change.   Plus, we cover the latest planning news, including: First round of announcements for the Scheme Supply Fund - see PIA's media release here Planners welcome Queensland Government’s funding for well-planned homes and the Call for Abstracts now open for the PIA Queensland State Conference 2025 in Toowoomba. PIA QLD State Conference 2025

In this episode, I sit down with Leisa Prowse, a highly regarded engagement specialist. Leisa is qualified in both planning and communications, and has extensive experience helping planners and developers to secure 'social license to operate' for planning and development projects. More about Leisa here About Us - Leisa Prowse Consulting We chat about: - what is social license? - why is it important and how to go about it? - we chat about this recent article Urban planners say community consultation system blocks affordable housing - ABC News - as well as, navigating engagement fatigue, where communities feel over-consulted but under-heard In planning news,  - Ethos Urban merges with Colliers - PIA contributes to Qld Govt budget process QLD | PIA State Budget Submission 2025-26 - new PIA website https://www.planning.org.au/  - Transitioning to Planning Practice course Back to Basics – Transitioning to Planning Practice - last chance to register for our annual Women in Planning breakfast 2025 Women in Planning Breakfast (BRISBANE)   I hope you enjoy this chat!

In this episode, I chat with Julia Miller-Randle, Director of Social Strategy and Engagement at Cred Consulting.  We chat about the importance of social and community infrastructure. What is it? Why its important? How its changing? The biggest challenges in funding and delivery of social infrastructure? And some tips and tricks for others interested in championing social infrastructure.    In the planning news segment, I cover: 1. The applicable event declaration for rain and flooding in North Queensland Applicable events | Planning 2. The red tape reduction taskforce announcement Red tape reduction taskforce | Local government 3. PIA Federal Election Platform was launched this week PIA Election Priorities.pdf 4. Tickets are available for Qld Women in Planning breakfast Planning Institute of Australia

Paul Burton is an Emeritus Professor at Griffith University. Paul was the inaugural Director of the Cities Research Institute at Griffith University, a multi-disciplinary research centre focused on advancing studies and knowledge of cities. Paul is also a member of PIA Qld’s Division Committee and chairs the Education Sub-Committee. Paul and I chat about: the current landscape of planning education in Australia key challenges facing Australian universities Why educating the next generation of planners is so important Future proofing planning education  Link to the Become a Planner campaign - www.becomeaplanner.com.au 

A conversation with Ross Elliott and Guy Gibson from Suburban Futures who co-edited the book "The Next Australian City". This book recently was awarded Overall Winner of the PIA Awards for Planning Excellence in Queensland.    This interview covers details about the book, what inspired it, who authored the chapters, and how it doesn't shy away from the debates in suburban development.    THE NEXT AUSTRALIAN CITY : THE SUBURBAN EVOLUTION -- EDITED

The Hustle and Bustle podcast returns after a 2 year break!!  Nicole is excited to kick-start season 3 in this episode. She fills you in on the latest happenings. 

This is the final ep for 2022. Thank you for tuning into this podcast - whether you listen to each episode or whether you have only listened to 1 episode - it really is appreciated!  In this episode, I recap my top 5 topics for planning in Queensland: 1. Climate Change 2. Designing with Country 3. Housing crisis 4. Census 2021 5. Olympics 2032 I mention in the episode that I will link the Olympics 2032 Hopes and Dreams Survey - here it is for anyone who would like to share their thoughts about Olympic legacy  Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Legacy Plan | DSDILGP - Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Have a great break over Christmas and see you in 2023! 

Kerry Doss has established a strong reputation as an experienced urban planner and leader during his career. Kerry has in excess of 33 years’ experience in planning & urban development in QLD & NSW. Prior to establishing his own consultancy firm, he was the Qld State Planner for 5 years, heading up the Planning group within the Queensland Government.  Prior to this role, Kerry headed up Brisbane City Council’s City Planning & Economic Development area for 10 years. As Brisbane’s most senior planner he was responsible for overseeing the planning of Brisbane. I ask Kerry about: What makes public service a rewarding career? What is your advice to others who are navigating the political and community pressures, with the desire to deliver best practice outcomes? What is the role of planners as change managers? And are we equipped to do that work? What are the key issues and opportunities from your perspective in solving the housing crisis? What are some of the key trends you have observed, particularly through the COVID crisis and what you think will continue into the future? I hope you enjoy this chat :)

Adam is a smart city guru and urbanist who has worked for private sector consultancies and leading global non-government organisations to advance sustainable community outcomes for over 25 years. Adam is the Head of Digital Urbanism at Ene.Hub. He leads the company's efforts to continually consider what's next for connecting, activating and measuring urban life.   Adam was previously the Executive Director with the Smart Cities Council.In this episode, I ask Adam to: reflect on his career and journey into smart cities, why smart cities and what has kept him engaged in this mission driven sector? his achievements at the Smart Cities Council his current work at Ene.Hub - turning basic urban furniture into connected and enabled infrastructure.  what is holding us back from truly unleashing the potential of digital on our cities?  I hope you enjoy this chat!

Rachel is a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland. Her research interests include how cities adapt their urban form to changing conditions such as rapid population growth or decline, natural disasters, de-industrialisation and climate change; using GIS to track changes to urban layouts over time, including city blocks, streets and property parcels and how urban policy influences (or fails to influence) desired settlement patterns. Her research on urban infill in Brisbane won the 2021 Queensland PIA Award for Planning Excellence in Planning Research. Rachel has previously worked as a planner and policy advisor, and as a solicitor specialising in planning and environment law. I chat with Rachel about her latest research - Urban Blandscapes, link here Urban “Blandscapes”: How the Practical Implementation of Planning Policy Reduces Land Use Diversity: Urban Policy and Research: Vol 0, No 0 (tandfonline.com) Here is a summary of some of the research findings.  How we accidentally planned the desertion of our cities (theconversation.com) You can follow Rachel on LinkedIn here Rachel Gallagher | LinkedIn   (huge thank you to Rachel for joining me whilst on maternity leave with her 3 month old baby boy, Frank. You will hear Frank make a cameo appearance, snoring and making some baby noises, throughout this episode, which I absolutely love and hope you do too.)  

Luke Brannelly is the founder and Managing Director of the V2i Group, which combines his 35 years of experience in the planning industry as an Urban Designer and Master planning Consultant, 20 years within the digital story and visualisation industry, and the past decade of diversifying these skills into a variety of other industries, including: health, education, online learning, and underground mining induction. Over the past 6 years, Luke and his team have successfully incorporated many of the new technologies they had developed in other sectors back into the planning industry. With the launch of the interactive 3D software platform V2i Realtime (www.v2irealtime.com), the creation of project-specific ‘digital twins’ enabled a more effective and efficient journey, from “Vision to Implementation”, for all stakeholders. More info on Luke's company here: V2i Realtime | Join the Revolution A favourite quote of mine from Luke during the podcast is "Solving problems in the virtual world is so much easier, faster and cheaper than in real life." A surprising quote from Luke "I've been told by a top tier firm that they believe the majority of built environment professionals can't understand 2D plans. Is it any wonder that the general public struggle to understand what their communities will look like in the future." I ask Luke these questions: Where did the concept of v2i come from? What inspired you to pursue something so innovative? How do you see the digital tools you’ve built changing the future of planning? What are some of the key challenges and barriers to rolling out v2i more broadly? A great recent article featuring V2i Realtime as one of 3 global companies which is transforming the global urban design and master planning process! https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/spotlights/unreal-engine-is-helping-real-estate-developers-to-accelerate-urban-master-planning  Hope you enjoy this discussion!