Celebrating the best in Australian planning in 2019

The Planning Institute of Australia held its 2019 National Awards for Planning Excellence Ceremony on the Gold Coast on 15 May 2019, awarding people and projects from around Australia for outstanding achievements in planning.

Queensland and Western Australia received the highest number of awards, with three awards each.

The Planner of the Year Award went to Queensland-based Sharon Harwood. Dr Harwood was recognized for her “outstanding leadership and contribution in the area of Indigenous peoples’ rights and interest in planning systems.”

The Young Planner of the Year Award went to Rukshan Henry de Silva from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, who was commended for his strong contribution to “improving processes and striving for innovation within the NSW Department of Planning and Environment” and for his committment to capacity building and advocacy.

Deputy Commissioner for Greater Sydney, Geoff Roberts, was announced as the 2019 Planning Champion, in recognition of his long-term contribution to planning and his contribution, through his role as Deputy Commissioner, to the visioning of Western Sydney.

Perth’s Yagan Square by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority took out the Great Places Award, with Barangaroo South by Aspect Oculus, Lendlease, Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners receiving a commendation.

The annual PIA National Awards for Planning Excellence start at State/Territory level with winners from each going on to be judged at the national level.

Read more about the category winners below:

National planning awards celebrate exemplary places
National planning awards celebrate professional achievement
National planning awards celebrate great ideas
National planning awards celebrate best practice in planning processes
National planning awards celebrate research and education

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