PlanningxChange Episode 87, features Steve Oates, the Chief Executive of the Heritage Railway Association (HRA).
Formerly a property professional who then spent 20 years in commercial radio, Steve has had an active lifelong interest in heritage and steam railways.
From his teenage years, and for more than 40 years, Steve has worked with the award-winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway in a non-executive and voluntary capacity, including ten years chairing its board of directors and trustees.
He was appointed as the HRA’s first chief executive 4 years ago, moving it from an entirely volunteer-run organisation to its’ position as the UK-wide trade association and professional support body for the Heritage Rail sector.
From the World’s first preserved heritage railway – the Talyllyn in North Wales – to railways operating iconic mainline locomotives such as Flying Scotsman, between them the UK’s heritage railways operate steam, diesel and electric traction and range from large standard gauge railways to smaller 12-inch and 15-inch gauge lines. As the sector’s trade association, the HRA actively represents, and works to protect and promote, the interests of this wide range of heritage and tourist railways, tramways, cliff railways, related museums, railway preservation groups and associated organisations.
The HRA has some 300 member railways, tramways and other organisations located throughout England and the UK. Coming in all shapes and sizes, more than 180 HRA member organisations regularly open to the public, 160 of them operating with passengers. The HRA's website is https://www.hra.uk.com
Professionally Steve is a chartered surveyor, but has wide commercial experience, having founded and managed three successful commercial radio stations, and headed-up an economic development service for a local authority.
Heritage railways attract some 13 million visitors each year; they retain and nurture important skills, and employ some 4,000 people; they are important to local communities, providing interest and participation for 22,000 volunteers; and they are important to the wider economy, together annually contributing approaching £500million of economic impact.
The HRA 2021 annual awards can be viewed either on the HRA website or at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkwvuCI6wnI
Audio production by Jack Bavage. The episode was released on 27 December 2021.
PlanningxChange Episode 86, features Deb Ganderton CEO of The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) and James Reid, the Chief Future Built Environment Officer of GMCT.
GMCT is a self-funding, not for profit organisation that runs 19 cemeteries and memorial parks and three crematoria across Melbourne, Australia. It is also responsible for two greenfield sites to be developed on Melbourne’s urban fringe.
GMCT manages 600 hectares; the various cemeteries are visited by almost two million people annually.
In this interview Deb and James talk of the evolution of cemeteries, management issues, the need to respond to diversifying community preferences and the requirements of long term planning. The interview covers a wide range of topics including discussion on the modern experience of the traditional cemetery format often with significant heritage values and considerations that drive new cemetery design. The interview touches on the sensitivities of design for grieving and the value of nature to assist this process. As well, the desire to integrate cemeteries into communities and become places of celebration and passive recreation rather than places of limited utility.
Audio production by Jack Bavage. The episode was released on 6 December 2021.
In PlanningxChange Episode 85, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Stone Librande, the lead designer for SimCity 2013.
Stone is currently a Lead Designer in the R&D group at Riot Games, and has worked in the video game industry for 20 years on games such as SimCity 2013, Spore, and Diablo 3. In addition to his full-time job designing video games, he also teaches a game design course at Carnegie Mellon University’s ETC program and runs design seminars around the world. An avid board game inventor, Stone has published two games: "Mechs vs. Minions" and "Alakazam! The Game of Dueling Wizards".
SimCity 2013 is a city building and urban planning simulation multiplayer online game developed by Maxis Emeryville and published by Electronic Arts. Released for Microsoft Windows in early March 2013, it was the first major instalment in the SimCity series since the release of SimCity 4 a decade before. A macOS version was released in August 2013.
The game is considered a reboot of the SimCity series. Players can create a settlement that can grow into a city by zoning land for residential, commercial or industrial development as well as building and maintaining public services, transport and utilities. SimCity used a new engine called GlassBox that allows more detailed simulation than previous games. Stone was part of a very large team that brought the game to market.
In this interview Stone talks of his research into city systems, the concessions that were required to model the real world of cities (for example car parking takes up less area in the virtual cities), the interplay and consequences of city decision making and that players have a finite set of resources available. He also talks of the role that gaming can have in influencing our approach to real world issues. A terrific interview subject with a great perspective on the virtual and real worlds.
Audio production by Jack Bavage. The episode was released on 17 November 2021.
In PlanningxChange Episode 84, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Gerard McHugh; this interview is all about mountain bike trail development and what it can achieve for participants, towns and regions.
Gerard is the General Manager of World Trails. The company provides trail designs for all types of recreational trails, from the earliest conceptual stage to the final design stage including detailed trail designs, trail master plans, concept plans, CAD designs, engineering plans, detailed construction budgets and schedules, trail mapping and competitive overlays for mountain bike racing. Details of the company are at https://world-trail.com.
Gerard joined World Trail in 2007, starting on the trail construction crew before moving in to a full-time role delivering the company’s consulting reports and designs. In his time with World Trail, Gerard has been responsible for, or had some involvement with every project World Trail has undertaken, including the design and construction of the trail networks at Falls Creek, Atherton, Hidden Vale, Smithfield, Derby, St Helens and Wangetti, all of which are amongst the most successful mountain bike trail projects in Australia. The interview covers a wide range of topics including what makes a good mountain bike trail, design and environmental considerations, whether you need mountains, misconceptions, how towns and land managers can develop mountain bike trails, the fun and inclusive nature of urban ‘pump parks’ and how the sport is enticing more people to experience nature. Audio production by Jack Bavage. The episode was released on 18 October 2021.
In PlanningxChange Episode 83, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Adam Cohen.
Adam is a transportation mobility futures researcher at the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Since joining the group in 2004, his research has focused on innovative mobility strategies, including urban/advanced air mobility, automated vehicles, shared mobility, smart cities, smartphone apps, and other emerging technologies. He has co-authored numerous articles and reports in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Adam also served three combat tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a rated aviator for the Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component (CJSOAC). Adam’s unique multidisciplinary background gives him unique insight into automation, electrification, and the potential impacts of innovative and disruptive technologies. Previously, Adam worked for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Information Technology and Telecommunications Laboratory (ITTL) at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). His academic background is in city and regional planning and international affairs.
In this interview we discuss Adam’s recent project ‘Shared Micromoblity Policy Toolkit: Docked and Dockless Bike and Scooter Sharing’ which he co-authored with Susan Shaheen.
This can be found at https://tsrc.berkeley.edu/publications/shared-micromoblity-policy-toolkit-docked-and-dockless-bike-and-scooter-sharing
Audio production by Jack Bavage. The episode was released on 24 September 2021.
In PlanningxChange Episode 82, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Russell (‘Russ’) Dickson a licenced land surveyor. Russ gives listeners an excellent introduction to the world of land surveying, through its culture, vocabulary, exacting requirements and the feared ‘land surveying cops’. He talks of the incredible technological changes he has experienced and offers a glimpse into the future. A profession that dates at least as far back as the ancient Egyptians, Russ talks of the highly precise measurements made by the early coastal navigators as well as the pioneering land surveyors sent into the vast unknown. He also talks of the importance of reference points, for example sea level; these critical measurements will have much importance in measuring the impact of climate change and the public policy decisions (and expenditure) that follows. Land surveying is the ‘quiet’ profession in city and regional development but whose output we all rely upon for confidence. Russell Dickson is a wondering interview subject who speaks with authority, knowledge and a quiet dignity. A fascinating insight into the world of land surveying.
Audio production by Jack Bavage. The episode was released on 24 August 2021.
In PlanningxChange Episode 81, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Marshall Sullivan a private planning consultant based in regional Victoria. Marshall came up ‘through the ranks’ of local government starting as an enforcer officer and ending as a senior manager. Now he runs his own very prosperous planning consultancy based in Geelong and the Surf Coast. Marshall discusses his journey through local government and the support he received through mentoring. He talks of the skills he learnt in dealing with the public and developers alike whilst also fitting in with what at times can be very political local Councils. He talks of the Importance of new ideas in planning policy and the need to encourage new ways. One of his motto’s ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’ - best to keep an open mind. Marshall talks of the transition and associated surprises going from government to private practice. His answer to the question: ‘what has been your most eventful site inspection?’ Is sure to raise a laugh. A thoughtful and clear speaking view of a planner’s life.
Audio production by Jack Bavage. The episode was recorded in mid February 2021 and released on 25 July 2021. Due to an error in editing, a second version was released 15 August 2021.
In PlanningxChange Episode 80, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Nicole Gelinas an author, columnist and podcast regular based in New York. Nicole is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a contributing editor of City Journal, and a columnist at the New York Post. She writes on urban economics and finance. Gelinas is a CFA charterholder and the author of After the Fall: Saving Capitalism from Wall Street—and Washington (2011).
Gelinas has published analysis and opinion pieces in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and other publications. Before coming to City Journal (https://www.city-journal.org/), she was a business journalist for Thomson Financial, where she covered the international syndicated-loan and private-debt markets. Gelinas holds a B.A. in English literature from Tulane University. Nicole makes regular appearances on City Journal’s podcast series, 10 Blocks (https://www.city-journal.org/10-blocks).
In the PX interview Nicole discusses various cities (and different parts of cities) she has lived in and how local governance can make enormous differences in liveability and prosperity. She talks particularly on issues of crime and transportation. Referencing Jane Jacobs she makes various observations about how governance during Covid affected life in New York as well as the impacts of urban riots on business confidence, employment and citizen feelings of well being. She addresses the question, Manhattan needs people but do people need Manhattan? A thoughtful and clear speaking view of city life.
Audio production by Jack Bavage. The episode was released on 5 July 2021.
In PlanningxChange Episode 79 Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Sebastian Gurciullo. Sebastian is a professional archivist, editor, curator and writer. He has worked at the National Archives of Australia, Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) and University of Melbourne Archives. He has been the editor of the Australian Society of Archivists journal Archives and Manuscripts and PROV's journal Provenance, and remains on the editorial board of both journals. Although currently working in collection management at PROV, he continues to contribute to exhibitions and other forms of outreach including tours, talks and seminars. Proximity to the state archives has allowed him to explore his research interests, particularly the administration of Aboriginal Affairs, and Melbourne’s urban history and built form. He is particularly fond of the collections many visual collections: photographs, maps, plans and architectural drawings spanning the history and breath of the State of Victoria. His current research interests are focused on unbuilt projects from Melbourne's urban and planning history.
In this episode, Sebastian discusses his research paper ‘Deleting Freeways’ which appeared in the 2020 edition of Provenance a publication released by PROV. Details at https://prov.vic.gov.au/explore-collection/provenance.
Provenance which means ‘place of origin’ is the free annual journal published online by Public Record Office Victoria. The journal features peer-reviewed articles, as well as general research papers, drawing on original records in the Victorian state archives' collection. Sebastians article “.. explores community resistance to the F2 freeway proposal that emerged in the wake of the 1969 Melbourne Transportation plan. Drawing on published work in urban social history and urban policy analysis, as well as a wide range of archival sources, it provides an account of the defeat of this freeway proposal through community protest and the exertion of political pressure on government. It argues that the defeated proposal had been generated as part of a broader road-building consensus in Melbourne that gave little consideration to community impacts and the possibility of alternative transport solutions—a consensus that largely survives to the present day despite occasional backdowns such as the one explored in this article.”
The views expressed in this episode are the individuals' own and do not represent the views of PROV or any other body.
Audio production by Jack Bavage. The episode was released on 4 June 2021.
In PlanningxChange Episode 78 Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview John Myers (UK) and Michael Hendrix (USA) about the hyper local zoning initiative. John has developed a ‘bottom up’ approach to fixing chronically underperforming housing markets that occur throughout the western world. This consists of citizens within a block or similar smaller area petitioning to up zone their properties to enable greater development opportunities.
'Hyperlocal' can be part of the efforts to fix unresponsive and ‘gummed up’ zoning systems. The negative impacts of this planning failure are profound including the disenfranchisement of vast segments of citizens from the housing market and thereby creating significant layers of inequity and intergenerational conflict. For healthy cities to benefit their citizens, this problem needs to be tackled. Traditional methods of solving housing equity such as inclusive zoning, rent control and the mandatory allocation of social housing in large projects are discussed in the interview and these are found wanting. The critical issue is supply and to allow markets to do what they do best. John and Michael have teamed up to offer a new tool, hyperlocal zoning, for city managers, developers and city planners to increase housing choice and diversity by empowering local residents. Hyperlocal zoning is one of the most innovative theoretical approaches in recent decades to help cities achieve a better and more equitable supply of new housing. The initiative has been embraced across the political spectrum.
John Myers founded London YIMBY and the YIMBY Alliance, which campaign for an end to the housing crisis in the UK. He originally worked as a New York and English litigation and competition lawyer and then as an investment manager. His work has been covered in media including the Australian Financial Review, Bloomberg, CityLab and the Guardian.
Michael Hendrix is director of state and local policy at the Manhattan Institute. Previously, he served as senior director for research and emerging issues at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Hendrix is a frequent public speaker, and his writings have appeared in, among others, National Review, City Journal, and National Affairs.
This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. This episode released 20 May 2021.
In PlanningxChange Episode 77, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Loudon Luka, a planner with experience in both Australia and Malawi. Loudon went to Australia from his homeland Malawi in the mid 1990's to undertake post graduate study. He gained a Post Graduate in Urban Planning and a Masters in Planning both from Melbourne University. He then commenced work as a local government planner. His final position was as planning advocate for the City of Greater Dandenong before Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Here he would present the Council position before the independent VCAT which reviewed Council decisions on appeal. He returned to Malawi in 2014. In the following years he has worked as a lecturer in Urban and Regional Planning at Mzuzu University. He was also the President of the Malawi Institute of Physical Planners for a number of years. More recently he has been appointed to the Physical Planning Council of Malawi (a higher order Tribunal much the same as VCAT). In this wide ranging interview, Loudon discusses his transition to Australia, cultural differences and experienced gained in local government. The second part of the interview discusses the history of planning in Malawi from colonial times to the contemporary; and the magnitude of the planning and development issues confronting his country. Loudon is also in a rare position to contrast the planning issues in first and third world nations. He also discusses what Africa can teach the west in terms of getting the best out of limited resources. Loudon opens the window to what many of us can never see or could hope to experience. He brings an optimistic and pragmatic viewpoint to the opportunities before us.
At the start of the interview Jess refers to PX76. Due to a re-ordering in episode numbering this is actually PX77. Apologies for any confusion.
This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. This episode released 12 April 2021.
In PlanningxChange Episode 76, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Brian (‘Harry’) Haratsis and Max Shifman about the many consequences of Covid on how we work, where we live and on our economic and social circumstances.
Brian Haratsis is highly regarded as one of Australia’s foremost strategic advisors – with a particular focus on private sector property involvement, understanding communities, tourism and social trends – Brian has more than 30 plus years experience as an economist, futurist, and strategic planner. He is a best-selling author, futurist, thought leader and is regarded by corporate Australia as the leading economic and strategic advisor operating in the property sector locally and internationally. Brian established MacroPlan Australia in 1985 and has been devoted to his loyal client base through the delivery of effective business and property strategy, precise forecasting of niche trends, successful facilitation of strategic outcomes and successful delivery of major projects / policies.
Max is Chief Operating Officer of Intrapac Property, one of Australia’s largest private developers. Max’s focus is on the continued, successful delivery of Intrapac’s project portfolio, and the pursuit of new opportunities and growth. Max’s experience covers broad aspects of residential development from large-scale subdivisions, integrated townhouse developments and apartments. He is currently a Director of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Victoria Board and a national Vice-President of the UDIA.
The UDIA is a federated national organisation made up of six associations that each represent one of Australia’s states and territories, while UDIA National is engaged on federal issues. UDIA Victoria is tasked with representing the urban development industry at a state-wide level on matters that lie within the jurisdiction of Victoria’s policy-makers and regulators, UDIA National takes the lead on matters driven by decision-makers at a federal level.
The podcast considers recent work undertaken by Harry, commissioned by the UDIA on Covid implications for employment, land-use and the development sector. The discussion describes population shifts, immigration levels, remote working and the implications for city development.
This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 4 March 2021. An earlier version of the audio had an error at the 28.50 minute mark, apologies to our listeners.
In PlanningxChange Episode 75, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Dr John Stone.
John is a Lecturer in Transport Planning and Urban Planning at the Faculty of Architecture, Building at Planning; Melbourne University.
His research seeks to improve public transport performance in Australian cities through a greater understanding of the professional practice and the political and institutional context for public transport planning in similar cities in Canada and in German-speaking Europe. He is currently pursuing opportunities for greater exchange between Australian practitioners and their international counterparts.His research explores the politics, institutions and professional practice that lie behind success or failure in sustainable urban transport. Drawing on practice in many cities around the world, especially Canada and German-speaking Europe, his research has identified many opportunities for more effective and efficient public transport in Australian cities through better service coordination and network design. His current research raises questions about the new technologies and markets for shared and autonomous vehicles. Will these disruptions help us to make the transition to low-carbon urban transport? Since completing his PhD in 2008, his work has been funded through many grants and consultancies including an ARC Discovery Project and a Commonwealth Endeavour Research Fellowship. This follows over 20 years’ experience in transport in Melbourne, including work in local government and the community advocacy.
The interview covers his work and raises other issues rarely debated such as are electric vehicles a wise and sensible direction to head? The impacts and influence of covid restrictions on transport choices is another of the many topics discussed.
This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 24 February 2021.
In PlanningxChange Episode 74, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Elle Davidson, a Director of Zion Engagement and Planning.
Elle is a qualified Aboriginal town planner who not only runs Zion but also lectures at university. The Zion website sets out that the company “aims to work alongside communities to empower their voice and vision for the future of their places and spaces. Many cultural practices have continued in constrained contemporary settings, marking their resilience and importance.
We apply our principles below to hear the needs and desires of the community, co-design culturally appropriate outcomes and ultimately revive culture. We believe it is time to cultivate and nurture culture, the original plan for First People – both in Australia and globally.
The revival of culture will not only benefit First People, but all people. We have so much to learn from traditional cultural practices including how to tread more lightly on the land and the importance of family and community.”
This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. Episode released 24 January 2021.