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

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.

• 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 – Queensland Before we jump into the interview, here are a few key updates from the world of planning:

📜 New Planning Bill Introduced The 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-In A 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 Enquiry The 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 Masterclass A 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 Insights Get 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 Richards Peter 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.