Issue No. 5
February 2017
Business NEWS
Celebrations Galore
Hello Queensland
MasterPlan is having the biggest anniversary yet and we would like to celebrate it with you. Find out our big plans for 2017!
Read how our NT manager Linda relocated to Brisbane to lead up our expansion to Australia’s east coast.
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RECENT PROJECTS SA
HEALTH & MEDICAL SCIENCES BUILDING A new complex for University of Adelaide‘s research and education Located in Adelaide’s West-End and at a total cost of $246 million, the Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building is the largest capital works project in the University of Adelaide’s history. It will signify a new era in Australian medical education, and will ensure the university‘s continued support and enhancement of the health of South Australians long into the future. The facility will support Medicine, Nursing and Dentistry students, and University of Adelaide Health Sciences researchers located in the South Australian Health and Biomedical Precinct.
The design of the building reflects a new direction for infrastructure development to complement the needs of tomorrow’s health sciences education. The design introduces a diversity of new generation spaces including learning, teaching, research, study and social spaces. MasterPlan has been instrumental in the delivery of this project from start to completion. Our role commenced with assisting the design team prepare a Common Development Framework for the site, through to the management and delivery of a complex approvals
process, including multiple design reviews by the government architect and negotiations with airspace authorities for an overheight building. The building has undergone multiple variations to accommodate design changes during the development phases of the project and is on track for completion in 2017.
Business NEWS
ALLITY AGED CARE Somerton Park in construction The 101 bed, three level nursing home comes equipped with a basement car park and landscaped courtyards which combine to offer the residents and their guests the highest amenity. The Development Plan Consent followed a thoughtful strategy and design to manage regulated trees, and a Land Management Agreement which needed to be waived by the State Government. MasterPlan is proud to have guided the project and to have assisted Allity to successfully navigate the assessment, public notification and third party appeal processes, all within eight weeks of lodgement.
ROBE GOLF CLUB Improved recreational facilities and expansion to a total of 18 holes MasterPlan has been providing strategic and master planning, concept development, assessment, as well as environmental advice to Robe Golf Club Incorporated for the past 5 years in relation to the redevelopment of the Robe Golf Course. The Robe golf course is currently a 12 hole course and will be expanded to an 18 hole course to provide improved recreational facilities to the local community and as a golf destination for tourists. The location of the existing and proposed golf course is challenging, as it contains areas of native vegetation
and coastal dunes and is adjoining existing residential, industrial and other recreational facilities. Working closely with the District Council of Robe and the Robe Golf Club, MasterPlan have been able to facilitate a residential development on surplus land; develop a concept plan for the golf course expansion and achieve approval for selective native vegetation clearance. In December 2016 the land proposed for the extension of the golf course was rezoned to facilitate the development of 6 new golf holes. A development application has now been lodged for the additional golf holes.
In granting consent for the clearance of vegetation for the golf course expansion, the Native Vegetation Assessment Panel (NVAP) noted that the work and commitment from Robe Golf Club is an excellent example of how the community, tourism and government can work together to manage sensitive environments for a good outcome. NVAP recognised that it is possible to have development and an environmental outcome that will provide regional economic growth for the area and the community for years to come.
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RECENT PROJECTS NT
ZUCCOLI ASPIRE BLOOMS Subdivision design for a choice of affordable housing options within a well-planned suburb Zuccoli Aspire is a master planned suburb development that will provide 750 residential allotments, a neighbourhood activity centre, community purpose land for education facilities, as well as open space corridors and landscaping elements sensitive to the conservation values of Mitchell Creek. Zuccoli Aspire provides for a choice of affordable housing options within a well-planned suburb that is accessible, liveable and connected. The approved Sub-Stage 1 provides for 181 residential allotments of which some are for multiple dwelling
development, and Sub-Stage 2 provides for 205 residential allotments of which four will be developed for multiple dwelling residential purposes. A further 4 Sub-Stages will complete this development with a neighbourhood centre in Sub-Stage 3 and an education establishment in Sub-Stage 6. MasterPlan provides design input, development and strategic advice to the project group, prepares and manages the statutory development application process, and assists with condition clearances in order for Titles to be issued.
The sensitive environment requires an understanding of the environmental values, and the social and economic imperatives that are required to fulfil the intent of both the client and the NT Government in the delivery of affordable housing, choice and amenity to the broader community.
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BERRY SPRINGS Rural subdivision design MasterPlan obtained development approval to initially rezone and then subsequently subdivide an approximately 260 hectare site for 53 rural living allotments. The site presented challenges for the provision of water due to the full allocation of an aquifer not being able to support additional groundwater extraction. An innovative response was also required due to the unique flora and fauna species on the site, discovered during the application process. MasterPlan collaborated with technical experts and government agencies to achieve balanced solutions to all challenges which arose through the process, and successfully obtained development approval.
COLLEGE ROAD REZONING AND SUBDIVISION
Breaking news
Subdivision design for the bigger, better living experience College Road is a 26 hectare parcel of undeveloped land in Hidden Valley for which NT Land Solutions engaged MasterPlan to prepare and manage subdivision and rezoning applications. The site is convenient and centrally located within 10 kilometres of key strategic facilities including East Arm Wharf, Darwin International Airport, Palmerston CBD, and Darwin CBD. The successful rezoning of part of the site from general industrial to service commercial was achieved to create a buffer between non-industrial uses neighbouring the site and to maximise the opportunities of the high exposure sites within the subdivision. A subdivision design and application was prepared and subsequently approved with 72 lots in 3 stages.
The topography of the site provided challenges to achieve an efficient stormwater drainage design and allotment layout to satisfy Council and government requirements, while maximising available land and lot yield. MasterPlan held discussions with Council, government departments and neighbouring landowners throughout both the rezoning and subdivision processes to achieve the best possible outcome for our client while considering the requirements and concerns of other stakeholders involved.
MasterPlan has recently been engaged to assist in the delivery of the $250 million Westin Luxury Hotel project at Darwin’s waterfront. This exciting project will deliver a new standard of accommodation in Darwin and enhance an already popular residential, recreational, tourist and entertainment precinct. The project was fostered on the strategic partnership between the Northern Territory Government and Landbridge Group, and is expected to provide a significant economic boost and act as an anchor tenant to drive growth in Asian and international tourism in the Northern Territory.
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CHANGES TO LEGISLATION 2017 is shaping up to be a big year for the implementation of the South Australian planning reforms Following the passage of the Planning Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, the stage is set for the reform process to build momentum with appointments to the South Australian Planning Commission expected to be made during the first quarter of 2017. The role of the Commission in the new system cannot be under-emphasised and once the appointments are bedded down, it would be reasonable to expect the Commission to begin taking an active role in guiding the implementation of the reforms, and planning processes more generally, in the latter half of the year.
Planning and Design Code South Australia Initial implementation of the Planning and Design Code is slated for later in 2017. This element of the reform process is likely to herald significant change in assessment processes as the primary assessment basis begins to transition away from the erstwhile Development Plan to what will hopefully be a simpler, cleaner and less ambiguous assessment tool. Some elements of the reform process remain uncertain, with more detail being keenly awaited by the industry.
SA PLANNING PORTAL
The South Australian Planning Portal went live in late 2016. Whilst in its initial incarnation, the portal largely provides static information, the potential for it to become the key reference point for practitioners, stakeholders and the community offers significant opportunities to achieve efficiencies. Like all electronic platforms, the proof will be in the pudding. Moving to integrate locational data together with data on existing uses and proposals will provide a rich data set which will enable the provision of detailed information on a particular
site or locality, and will provide a gateway for sophisticated data mining. This is touted to provide comprehensive information on the outcomes of planning decisions. Over time, quantitative comparisons of the quality of decision making is said to be possible, allowing for aberrations to be more readily identified and addressed. Looking further forward, it is conceivable that artificial intelligence and machine learning could largely remove the need for human involvement in simple planning assessments. Not that far in the future consent for code assessable type
development could be processed in seconds after the applicant submits it via the portal. Whilst such an outcome could point to impacts on labour force requirements, managed appropriately, it could ensure that those engaged in the process are directed towards those components of the planning system where human capacity to grapple with complex conceptual questions is most important. In this, the solution to the often debated problem of too much effort being directed at assessment and not enough at strategic issues could finally be at hand. www.saplanningportal.sa.gov.au
Business NEWS
DUAL OCCUPANCY IN THE NT Reducing urban sprawl and maximising efficiencies through existing infrastructure
New Planning Act QLD
The NT Planning Commission has undertaken extensive community consultation to develop a range of land use plans to foster higher density in Darwin’s inner and middle suburbs. The Northern Territory Planning Scheme was amended in July 2016 to include provision for dual occupancy development in Zone SD (Single Dwelling) on lots in excess of 1,000 square metres. It has since been put on hold again for further community consultation.
QLD Parliament has passed a new Planning Act, which will commence in mid-2017. The new legislation provides the basis for securing long term liveability, sustainability and prosperity. It is shorter, more succinct and strips away unnecessary processes to establish a system that is responsive and adaptive to the changes that impact the community.
LITCHFIELD SUBREGIONAL LAND USE PLAN The NT Planning Commission has recommended the Litchfield Subregional Land Use Plan to the Minister for Land and Planning for exhibition as a proposed amendment to the Northern Territory Planning Scheme. This is a long-term plan that identifies the land to support a growing population. This more detailed rural area plan, supported by infrastructure and traffic assessments, will outline what investment is needed to bring services to the area. Have a look at the Litchfield Subregional Land Use Plan.
The new Act allows the community to participate through a number of mechanisms. New transparency measures are introduced so that all have access to the reasons why decision have been made. Councils will have to demonstrate community engagement in plan making and open the door for more innovation. The State has the responsibility to support councils. The authors say the new legislation will put QLD on the forefront of contemporary planning practice and prepare the way for a renewed focus on quality planning and development outcomes. The new planning system comprises three core elements: plan making, development assessment and dispute resolution. The new Act benefits the community, provides more certainty in the development decision-making process to create investment and jobs and is better for the environment, heritage and sustainability. The implementation thereof is a three-way responsibility i.e. the State Government, the Local Government and the Community. Go to the Planning Reform > WEBSITE.
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SAY GOODBYE SAY HELLO Function at the Waterfront at Il Lido with great guests No better way to say thank you to our former NT manager Linda Henning than to have a delightful evening at the Waterfront with her. Delicious tapas combined with outstanding wines were a treat to the palate whilst contemplating over past success, upcoming projects, legislative changes to the Planning Scheme and opportunities for the Greater Darwin region.
Old friends like Jill Ritherdon from Venture Housing mixed with popular guests like June D‘Rozario whilst Jane Biddlecombe was enjoying her catch up with Jo O‘Brien from Tonkin Consulting. Graeme Suckling from the UDIA had a great time talking to our director Simon Tonkin and Gordon Boytell from ADG engineers eagerly conversed with Terence Jape from Jape Homemaker Village, just to name a few.
This wonderful evening at the Darwin Waterfront was a complete success and even though the NT team was sad to see Linda go east, we are very happy for her to be able to head up the new Brisbane office for MasterPlan. Breaking News Jack Priestley now joins the executive team as the Manager of the NT Office. More about Jack shortly.
Business NEWS
New manager Linda Henning is heading up the Brisbane office which is located in beguiling Teneriffe.
To spread the word, we produced a video clip showcasing our experience and portfolio. Click the image to watch.
WELCOME TO QUEENSLAND Finding the perfect place is not always easy. So ... we canned it! In The Cannery.
her virtually endless source of energy and her excellent management skills made her the perfect fit for this mission.
After we successfully established the NT branch in 2008, and with our planners working on jobs in other states frequently, setting up an office on the east coast was due. Linda’s wish to relocate, after being manager of the NT branch for the past two years, was the last missing piece that had to fall into place. Her years of experience as a self-employed planner in South Africa,
After a somewhat longer than expected search for the right office space, MasterPlan Queensland found its home in ‘The Cannery’ in the second half of 2016. Located in beautiful Teneriffe and close to the stunning Brisbane River, the old building formerly housed the State Canning Factory which was built between the years 1913 and 1920.
The factory got rejuvenated as the centrepiece of The Cannery, a village style complex of apartments and office spaces. The reuse of this building and others like it is essential to retaining the character of the precinct. We couldn‘t have found a better place to set up our new branch.
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PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
PLANNING URBAN PROPERTY INSTITUTE OF DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA The Planning Institute of Australia is the national body representing planning and the planning profession. Through education, communication and professional development, it is the pivotal organisation serving and guiding thousands of planning professionals in their role of creating better communities.
The Urban Development Institute of Australia is a not-for-profit industry body representing the property development industry throughout Australia. It is dedicated to the representation of Australia’s development industry and aims to create awareness about national prosperity being dependent on the success in housing communities and building cities for future generations.
The Property Council of Australia is the leading advocate for Australia’s biggest industry – property. It champions the interests of more than 2,200 member companies that represent the industry, including those who invest, own, manage and develop in all sectors of property, creating landmark projects and environments where people live, work, shop and play.
AILA Communities Award
UDIA Award for Excellence
MasterPlan, together with our project partners Outerspace Landscape Architects and Ian Robertson Design, have collected an award from the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects in the Communities Award Category for the River and Coastal Communities Urban Design Framework project, undertaken for the District Council of Grant. Congratulations to Michael, Wayne and Harry on the excellent outcomes of this project.
Southern Cross Care’s Oakfield Lodge Mount Barker won the UDIA Award for Excellence in the Seniors Living category. Congratulations to the project team led by Development Manager Daniel Rosato and his team, Project Architect Necia Mickel from Walter Brooke and builders Sarah Constructions.
Business NEWS
WORKFORCE TRAINING INITIATIVES Over the year our employees engaged in various training opportunities - masterclasses, online courses and conferences. Here are some selected events that we‘d like to share with you: 13 – 14 July 2016 | Urban Renewal Australia Conference | SA The conference examined the collaboration of all levels of government with the private sector to deliver large scale infill projects and the success of redevelopment authorities to coordinate the projects. Greg Vincent, a Director from our Adelaide office attended the conference and has brought back a number of lessons learnt to incorporate into our projects and support our clients.
20 – 22 July 2016 | Melbourne Residential Infill Study Tour | SA Greg Vincent from the Adelaide office acting in his capacity as the Chair of the Property Council of Australia’s (South Australian Division) Planning and Urban Design Committee attended as one of the invited delegates and has already utilised much of the learnings from this tour to assist our client’s projects in Adelaide.
16 September 2016 | Street Design Masterclass | NT Steven Burgess, one of Australasia’s most renowned transport engineers ran a street design masterclass in Darwin NT, which was attended by our Planner Jack Priestley. Topics like Land Use Planning, Road Safety and Parking helped to bring engineers and urban planners closer together on the issues surrounding street design.
26 – 28 October 2016 | PIA Conference in Stanthorpe | QLD The Planning Institute of Australia’s first inaugural Planning in Rural & Regional Australia Conference took place over two days in Stanthorpe, Queensland. Attended by our Brisbane office Manager Linda Henning and our Managing Director Simon Tonkin, it was filled with intensive discussions, information exchange, collaboration and engaging presentations.
CONGRATS YOUNG PLANNERS COMMITTEE Our Northern Territory planner Jack Priestley has been appointed Young Planners Network convenor for the Northern Territory chapter of the Planning Institute of Australia.
PROPERTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES 2017 SA planner Chelsea Salagaras has been successful in joining the Property Council’s Future Directions Committee while one of our directors, Greg Vincent, has successfully returned as a member of the Planning & Urban Design Committee. Our NT planner Jack will be joining the Sustainable Development Committee.
REGISTERED VS. CERTIFIED The PIA Registered Planner membership grade replaced the well-known Certified Practicing Planner (CPP) grade late last year and is designed to highlight the competency of PIA members. Our planner Wayne Gladigau was the first to transition into the new format. Click here for more information about PIA‘s Registered Planner.
JULIE BECOMES A PIA FELLOW In sponsoring the 2016 PIA SA Awards and PIA NT Awards presentations we are proud to also acknowledge and support other‘s ongoing efforts in the planning sector.
Congratulations to Julie Jansen as she was presented with an award electing her to Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia in November last year. She continues to do great work and is incredibly deserving of this accolade.
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ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 2017 is the year of MasterPlan‘s 40th anniversary. The company was founded by Brian Turner in 1977. From that gestation Geof Bone and Simon Tonkin built Bone and Tonkin Planners and rebranded it into MasterPlan in the late 90‘s.
Since then we‘ve worked on 15472 projects, opened two interstate branches and captured endless memories. A lot has happened since then and a lot will happen this year to celebrate this milestone together with our highly valued clients, our
irreplaceable consultants, important advisors and befriended government officials. Watch out for campaigns, events, MasterPlan trivia and our favourite photos from 40 years of planning excellence!
ISO CERTIFICATION QUALITY MANAGEMENT We have been recertified to the new ISO 9001:2015 standard MasterPlan’s client outcomes are the key focus of the service that we provide. Therefore the quality, timeliness and cost need to be managed and monitored efficiently throughout the planning process to achieve the desired results. One way MasterPlan commits to quality is our ongoing obligation to Australian Standards of Quality, through our certification under the ISO 9001 standard. This ensures we are subject to independent audits to provide a quality of service and to always improve what we do.
This certification is specific to land use planning, design, development advice, the preparation of master plans, strategic plans and concepts with practical and tangible outcomes. The quality management system is managed through the Adelaide office and applies to both Adelaide and Darwin facilities, and covers the whole of Australia to provide independent professional town and country planning advice.
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SOCIALLY CONNECTED To broaden our reach and provide continuous visual updates of our various ongoing projects and developments we decided to establish Instagram as an always up to date online portfolio. We enjoy speaking to the young generation of planners, who bring a lot of freshness and agility to the table. We are proud to constantly keep up with the latest opportunities online and to drive forward innovation in an age-old profession. Visit us on:
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Supporting people in need by not only donating, but actually walking in other people’s shoes is the greatest way of giving Last year has been a big one for our MasterPlan team, who not only accomplished much for themselves, but also gave their full support to a variety of good causes. Starting the year off with the Adelaide JDRF Ride To Cure Diabetes on January 21st, Greg Vincent, Michael Richardson, Simon Tonkin and their team have raised awareness and funds towards Type 1 Diabetes research. Shortly after, like every year, lovely Sharon Tonkin flipped the pancakes on February 9th to celebrate the SA UnitingCare Pancake Day to fight poverty and disadvantage.
Kerri-Anne Tatchell rose to the challenge of sleeping out on June 23rd for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout. The St Vincent de Paul Society started this challenge to raise awareness of the difficulties that come with homelessness and all money raised goes towards food trucks and temporary accommodation. Closing the year was Queensland manager Linda Henning, who cycled 317 kilometres in October for the Great Cycle Challenge Australia which stands for lifesaving research into the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of childhood cancer. MasterPlan also supports Variety - The Children‘s Charity and the Sammy D foundation on an ongoing basis.
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OUR FAVOURITE BOOKS 2016 Our planner’s favourite releases and influences last year
Street Fight by Janette Sadik-Khan
Where We Want to Live by Ryan Gravel
As New York City’s transportation commissioner, Janette Sadik-Khan managed the seemingly impossible and transformed the streets of one of the world’s toughest cities into dynamic spaces safe for pedestrians and bikers. Her approach was dramatic and effective: Simply painting a part of the street to make it into a plaza or bus lane not only made the street safer, but it also increased foot traffic, which improved the bottom line of businesses.
Cities have the capacity to create a healthier, more satisfying way of life by remodelling and augmenting their infrastructure in ways that connect neighbourhoods and communities. Gravel came up with a way to do just that in his hometown with the Atlanta Beltline project. It connects 40 diverse Atlanta neighbourhoods to city schools, shopping districts, and public parks, and has already seen a huge payoff in real estate development and local business revenue.
Dream Cities by Wade Graham Dream Cities explores our cities in a new way — as expressions of ideas, often conflicting, about how we should live, work, play, make, buy and believe. It tells the stories of the real architects and thinkers whose imagined cities became the blueprints for the world we live in.
Click here to see Planetizen‘s top 10 planning books of the year 2016
NEW FACES February 2016
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October
Sue Haefner
Hajnal Nagy
Matt Atkinson
Graphic Designer, NT
Receptionist
Planner
Guten Tag! Sue had only arrived from Germany a few months earlier, before she started working for us as our new Designer in the Darwin office.
After almost three years as a restaurant manager, basketball enthusiast Hajnal is now our new front face in the Adelaide office.
Matt joins MasterPlan as a Planner with a wealth of Local Government experience and has a hankering for golf – he plays off 5!
Business NEWS
WORK ANNIVERSARIES 2016
LISA TIED THE KNOT Many of you know her well, Simon Tonkin’s last resort, office manager and super-human PA Lisa Minervini. Well, not anymore! In February 2016 Lisa tied the knot in a wonderful ceremony and spoke her vows to her loving and supportive boyfriend Neil. We are very happy for her to have found the love of her life and are even more happy that after her honeymoon in Bali we now have a gorgeous Mrs. Brook amongst us. Congrats from all the MasterPlan team!
David (5 years), Michael (10 years), Julie (15 years), Wayne (20 years) and Graham (30 years) hit the big ones in 2016! Throughout 2016 we had some big work anniversaries to celebrate. From our ‘youngsters’ David and Michael to our trusted and experienced director Graham who hit the big 30 this year. A collaborative 80 years of working at MasterPlan. Kudos to all for your great work, enthusiasm, initiative and your loyalty!
November
Daniel McKenna
OUR TEAM
Planner
When working on your project, we consider the technical and professional expertise required and form the best team to achieve a successful outcome for you.
Daniel studied architecture, project management and urban planning and joins the Adelaide team after a stint in Local Government.
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MasterPlan SA 33 Carrington St, Adelaide SA 5000 Phone (08) 8193 5600
MasterPlan QLD 104/139 Commercial Rd, Teneriffe QLD 4005 Phone (07) 3852 2670
MasterPlan NT 33/16 Charlton Ct, Woolner NT 0820 Phone (08) 8942 2600
Contact Email plan@masterplan.com.au Online www.masterplan.com.au
Watch this space Website
We‘re almost ready to launch our new website: Get ready for a fresh design going hand in hand with informative content and our latest project updates.
40 years of excellence
This year marks the 40 year anniversary of MasterPlan (read page 12 for more detailed info). We have a great agenda to celebrate this event throughout the whole year, so watch our facebook page for updates, events and specials!