In PlanningxChange Episode 72, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Peta Charles the principal of Brisbane Town Planning (BTP). Peta has introduced many innovative features into her practice. She has produced and appeared in 100's of YouTube videos explaining different planning and design issues. A major information resource for the general public and clients. BTP applies a fresh and exciting approach as evident on their website (www.brisbanetp.com.au) which includes:
We may have a big name and crazy big ideas, however, our passion lies in working with the "little guys" like us. As it is where we feel we can make the biggest difference and hence, where we get the greatest satisfaction.
The website includes 'Charlie' which is described as:
“BTP’s own virtual town planner, “Charlie” is the face of all all our automation magic! She handles all of the boring back-office administration "stuff". Things like gathering property information for an enquiry, setting up jobs in our project management system/drafting invoices when an agreement is accepted ... you get the idea.”
Peta is described on the website as:
Professional on the outside and slightly loco on the inside … which means she is serious when she needs to be and lighthearted when she doesn’t. Peta is obsessed with innovation/automation and has a strong distaste for bureaucratic red tape (the time/energy waste drives her bonkers). She also LOVES to challenge expectations.
Most importantly though, she is driven by the saying "knowledge is power". This means that she is passionate about being transparent/honest and educating people about the inner workings of the town planning process … so they don't end up going down a path that isn't right for them.
The podcast interview covers a broad range of issues including the use of technology, client relations, learning and communication. Peta brings a down to earth yet enlivening approach to the issues. Surely one of the most interesting and innovative town planners in Australia.
This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 26 November 2020.
In PlanningxChange Episode 71, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Tamara Brezzi, the President of VPELA. Tamara is also a Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright.
Tamara started professional life as a Council town planner with the former City of Malvern. She then undertook a law degree and transferred to legal practice. Tamara talks of the importance of mentors in her professional development, essentially giving her confidence to take bold steps.
Tamara discusses the role of the Victorian Planning and Environmental Planning Association (VPELA). She has been President of the Association for ten years. She also talks of important planning concepts such as 'common cause' and the need for ongoing reform. The discussion also talks to the issue of 'noble cause corruption' and the need for due process. The podcast provides an insightful guide to client / lawyer relations. A wonderfully fresh and frank discussion on fundamental principles that are often taken for granted and sometimes dismissed in troubled times. Tamara suggests that sometimes its best to wait, and wait, and wait a little more, and allow dust to settle and thoughts to mature and truths to emerge. Hasty certainty tends to be a fool and allows bad decisions to settle and establish and become 'precedent'.
This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 13 November 2020.