Planning Institute of Australia

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Planning Institute of Australia

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PIA (Planning Institute of Australia) is the national body representing the planning profession. PIA is leading effective planning for people & places.

Authorised by M Collins, 11 National Circuit, Barton ACT.

03/11/2026

World Town Planning Day is this Sunday 8 November!

The 2026 theme is: Great Communities Are Built on Planning, and we’re kicking off the celebrations with a special moment from Canberra!

Last week, PIA National President Emma Riley RPIA (Fellow) and National Head of Policy and Advocacy Nicole Bennetts RPIA presented the Federal Housing and Cities Minister Clare O'Neil with Ava Tanner the City Planner, a children’s book celebrating the value of planning and inspiring the next generation of planners. 📚

This World Town Planning Day we’ll be celebrating the value of planning through three simple themes:
🏙️ Planning is everywhere.
🏡 Planning made it possible.
💚 Planners make it happen.

And we will be asking you to help shine a spotlight on the places we love, the communities we shape, and the planners behind them.

Stay tuned for resources to help you champion the value of planning!

01/11/2026

Great news to start the week....registrations are open for the 2027 Rural, Regional and Remote (RRR) Conference!

Join us online on 17 - 18 March 2027 as we bring together planners, practitioners, government, industry and community leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping rural, regional and remote Australia.

Across two days of practical insights, real-world case studies and conversations, we’ll explore what it takes to Deliver, Partner and Prosper in our regions. Whether you’re working in regional planning, supporting local communities or shaping the future of regional Australia, there’s a place for you in the conversation.

Swipe across to learn more, or head to the RRR website at planning.org.au/RRRConference (link in bio! 🔗)

26/10/2026

🌳 Trees, Planning & the Law: Navigating Tree Protection and Liability

How can planning professionals balance tree protection, urban canopy objectives and public safety with development and infrastructure needs?

Join PIA SA for a practical session with Felicity Niemann and Nadia Blake, exploring the legal frameworks and risk management considerations surrounding regulated and significant trees.

The session will cover:
▪️ Planning approvals, exemptions and tree-damaging activities
▪️ Tree failure, public safety and liability risks
▪️ Neighbour disputes, property damage and nuisance claims
▪️ Council responsibilities, statutory protections and key court decisions
▪️ Practical strategies for documenting decisions and managing risk

Designed for planners, council officers, assessment professionals, lawyers, consultants and others working at the intersection of tree protection, development and risk management.

26/10/2026

✨ONLY 14 DAYS LEFT TO SECURE YOUR TICKETS! ✨

This is not just another awards night — it’s a celebration of 75 years of PIA!

Join us for the PIA SA Awards for Planning Excellence – Diamond Milestone Gala Dinner, as we come together to celebrate the incredible planners, projects and achievements shaping South Australia. 💎

Enjoy a delicious gala dinner, celebrate excellence across the planning profession, and be part of a night to remember.

INTRODUCING THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD!

For the first time, you can vote for the project that stands out most to you. Have your say and help recognise an outstanding project!

Vote for your favourite project here: [https://www.planning.org.au/pia/pia/awards/Awards-for-Planning-Excellence---Nominees/SA_2026.aspx]

Only 14 days left to secure your tickets! Don’t miss this special milestone celebration.

A big thank you to our valued sponsors for their support in making this special celebration possible. We couldn’t do it without you!
Kelledy Jones Lawyers
LGA SA
Wallmans Lawyers
URPS

15/10/2026

A Plan to Build From: Designing Structure Plans to Guide Growth Area Implementation

How do we turn high-level planning visions into deliverable growth areas?

Join PIA SA for an insightful session exploring how integrated structure planning brings together land use, infrastructure and urban design to support the effective delivery of South Australia’s growth areas.

The session will explore:
▪️ Establishing the evidence base for growth area planning
▪️ Applying integrated structure planning and urban design principles
▪️ Aligning infrastructure planning, funding and delivery

Hear from experienced industry professionals Elinor and Karina as they share practical insights into planning for growth and creating a foundation for successful implementation.

12/10/2026

That's a wrap on our SA Emerging Planners Quiz Night!

What a fantastic evening bringing together planners from across South Australia for a night of friendly competition, team spirit and plenty of laughs!

Congratulations to our table winners and a big thank you to everyone who joined us, supported the raffle and helped make the night such a success. A special thank you to our generous prize sponsors for their support!

We loved seeing everyone come together, connect and celebrate our planning community.

Until next time!

30/09/2026

Learning from Yitpi Yartapuultiku | South Australia 🌿

Join PIA SA for a site visit and conversation at Yitpi Yartapuultiku, exploring the stories, design and cultural knowledge behind this landmark Kaurna-led project.

Hear from Elders and project contributors, experience the place firsthand, and reflect on what we can learn from its collaborative design journey.

📅 Saturday 17 October 2026
⏰ 9:30am–1pm
📍 Yitpi Yartapuultiku, Port Adelaide

Want to learn more before you visit?
Join Co-Designing Yitpi Yartapuultiku at Adelaide University on Wednesday 14 October, 4–5:30pm, for a conversation exploring the collaborative design journey behind the project.

28/09/2026

Reminder! Voting closes Friday 2 October 2026.

Voting is open in PIA division elections for NSW, QLD, WA and VIC! Voting includes Director roles in NSW and QLD. Division Committee only in WA and VIC.

Voting is easy with OpaVote. If you’re a voting member (MPIA, RPIA, Fellow or Life Fellow) of those divisions and haven’t received your OpaVote ballot, contact [email protected] or 08 7122 9361.

16/09/2026

Voting is open in PIA division elections for NSW, QLD, WA and VIC! Voting includes Director roles in NSW and QLD. Division Committee only in WA and VIC.

Voting is easy with OpaVote. If you’re a voting member (MPIA, RPIA, Fellow or Life Fellow) of those divisions and haven’t received your OpaVote ballot, contact [email protected] or 08 7122 9361.

Voting closes Friday 2 October 2026.

24/08/2026

Nominations for PIA's Director, Division Committee, and Emerging Planners Committee positions close this Friday 28 August. Don't forget to get your nomination (or renomination) in by then!

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Have you considered joining your PIA Division Committee or Emerging Planners Committee? Or serving as a PIA National Board Director?

There are different positions available on every committee around Australia. Nomination close on Friday 28 August, so there’s still time to nominate.

If you are a PIA member and would like to get involved and help advance the profession, click the link below and access your division’s information sheet to find out more.

https://www.planning.org.au/divnoms

Address

Canberra, ACT
2600

Telephone

+61262625933

Website

http://www.planning.org.au/

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