How did your interest in urban planning and environmental approvals evolve and have you developed any areas of specalisation?

I have over 18 years experience in the development industry in the private and public sector as a town planner. My career started in economic development and then most recently leading the integrated planning team at the City of Greater Geelong. Environmental impact assessment and planning allows me apply my strengths in working with stakeholders to translate policy outcomes into practical solutions for urban development projects.

An urban planner is a ‘jacks of all trades’ and will work across a range of disciplines to solve problems. Biosis have identified the unique role that planners can have on a project to work through complex problems and deliver on a client’s exact needs.

I was drawn to the opportunity to take the knowledge and experience I have as a planner and combine this with the industry leading ecology and heritage experts at Biosis to work with clients to balance the environmental, social and economic objectives into practical and implementable outcomes that will have a positive impact.

What are the key services that Biosis deliver in urban planning and environmental approvals and how does your role as a Technical Director fit within this?

The environmental approvals team assists clients to navigate the requirements of environmental and cultural heritage legislation for their urban development and infrastructure projects.

our team, who are urban planners familiar with working in the development industry are focused on facilitating client projects and deliver:

• Due diligence assessment for site assessment and project development for environmental and heritage legislation
• Environmental impact assessment and approvals under Australian Government, New South Wales and Victorian Government legislation
• Preparation of the environmental approval strategies and problem solving project challenges such as offset availability and targeted survey timing
• Planning advice and development approvals in Victoria and New South Wales, particularly in complex environmental conditions
• Project management of multi-disciplinary technical project teams to ensure the right study is completed at the right time
• Contribute to multi-disciplinary design teams to address environmental risks in project planning and development
• Strategic environment and biodiversity planning and statutory implementation tools
• Preparation of bushfire management plans
• Coordination and preparation of post-approval requirements such as securing offsets and construction environment management plans
• Monitoring and compliance with approval conditions

As the technical director, I deliver projects and support the team with project management and strategy, engagement with regulators and quality assurance.

Are there any current policies or local, state government changes relevant for clients to be aware of affecting future projects? And what opportunities for growth in Geelong and Southwest Victoria do you see becoming available in the future?

Geelong and southwest Victoria are continuing to grow at the highest rates in Victoria.  The release of the first precinct structure plan in the Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas and Bannockburn Growth Area are due this year. This will add long term housing supply.

A challenge facing projects in the Geelong and Melbourne region is rediscovery of the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon. I’m proud to have led engagement with regulators, development industry partners and species experts to roll out an extensive survey program in the Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas in 2024.   If you have a project in the Geelong, Bacchus Marsh or northern and western Melbourne regions investigations into the site’s suitability for VGED habitat is recommended, even if that project has been in the planning and delivery stages for many years.

Biosis is providing expert advice on the VGED across many projects and is continuing to navigate the scientific and regulatory uncertainty involved and can assist to understand implications for projects.

Biosis has recently opened an office in Geelong to support staff living in Geelong, Surf Coast and Bellarine and this includes me. The Geelong team are enjoying the vibrancy and amenity of working in Central Geelong and catching up with colleagues and clients.

What advice would you give someone starting out in Urban Planning or Environmental approvals regarding skill development and career possibilities?

When starting out in Urban Planning or Environmental approvals, one of the most valuable skills you can develop is critical thinking combined with a systematic approach to problem-solving. In this field, you’re often faced with complex challenges that require a careful and analytical approach.

Embracing analytical thinking is crucial. You should focus on developing your ability to interpret and analyse various data sources such as demographic statistics, environmental impact reports, and land use data.