Issue No. 6
April 2018
Business NEWS
Celebrations Galore
Planning Excellence
Cooling the City
MasterPlan has had a wonderful celebration of its 40th anniversary and there is more to come. Have a look at our gallery!
We were honoured by the Planning Institute of Australia with an Award in the category Hard Won Victory.
Being part of the Cooling the City pop up initiative in Darwin was a great opportunity to show how we can change the city.
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Business NEWS
RECENT PROJECTS SA
Image credit: pipfunds.co.uk
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WASTE MANAGEMENT Advancing our knowledge MasterPlan has played a significant role in the waste management space over the years and continues to explore, research and advance ideas in the planning, design and delivery of projects. Our community and our statutory framework sometimes overlooks the very practical need to accommodate the results of our use of materials and products of our manufacturing. The management of waste in our communities is a high priority and planning needs to comprehend the essential nature of that management and ensure we can accommodate these needs in a cost effective and sensitive manner. We have had the good fortune to partner with innovators and thinkers in the industry, an industry that is evolving by the application of technology often driven by environmental and social needs. These changes also reflect the political and statutory
imperatives of our society and to this end MasterPlan invests in its own research and development. In New South Wales, the Government has recently introduced CDL and MasterPlan has assisted FlagCan SA Pty Ltd with submissions and proposals for the establishment of infrastructure to manage collection sorting and product reclamation. There is the ongoing desire in Australia to advance CDL given the many benefits to the community of material recovery and reduction of litter. Other areas of resource recovery have come to the fore. With significant infrastructure projects comes the need to manage the surplus materials, some to be treated and stored, others to be recycled and reused. Some of these activities create challenges in our communities when impacts have not been identified or adequately assessed.
MasterPlan has assisted on many projects to provide a balanced and considered response with evidence based analysis. Our waste skill group recently visited facilities in England including a waste to energy plant in Bristol that incorporates cutting edge technology and puts back energy and other valued product from a significant portion of the City of London waste stream. This research project adds to the comprehension and depth of knowledge essential to the well-rounded capabilities we are able to contribute to your waste management project. We are always updating our knowledge and have extensive experience with projects in this sector. Let us help you with your major development approvals in South Australia. Just give us a call 08 8193 5600 or send us an email plan@masterplan.com.au
Business NEWS
CHANNEL 9 STUDIOS MasterPlan has been assisting Tynte Street Developments Pty Ltd with a proposal to redevelop the former Channel 9 television studios at the corner of Tynte Street and Wellington Square North Adelaide. The site had been continuously used for television broadcasting since 1959 until its sale in 2015, when the broadcaster relocated into the CBD. The site is located in the heart of North Adelaide and is surrounded by heritage buildings and residential development. It is also one of the largest sites in North Adelaide with redevelopment potential.
We assisted Adelaide City Council through the Development Plan Amendment process to facilitate the site’s redevelopment for an integrated residential and retail development. The DPA was approved on 30 May 2017. A medium-rise development of residential and serviced apartments, ground level café and bakery and adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage listed buildings has been lodged with the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP). It is expected that SCAP will consider this application at the June 2018 meeting.
COOPERS BREWERY Passion for the craft Coopers is a South Australian icon and, living up to its “passion for the craft”, Coopers recently celebrated the opening of their new Maltings plant. The site is well located in an industrial precinct and Coopers have rightly celebrated the form and function of the new facilities. Coopers undertook extensive and exhaustive investigations into the planning and design of the plant to ensure the integration of key elements provided the most efficient and orderly development of the site. This allows
future growth and opportunity to expand to meet growing demand. MasterPlan’s contribution to the team through this process of design development for planning purposes and the application preparation were important elements to the outstanding result. MasterPlan maintained close communication with Council, EPA, DPTI Transport Services and the State Assessment Commission to ensure the project was understood in both its
site context and its locality. This led to a carefully considered application that was well received due to its clarity and comprehensive planning analysis. The collaborative approach of the agencies through the planning process is applauded. Coopers now has a great proposition in service to its own brewing enterprise as well as sale and export of the highest quality malt product, thus further enhancing the business growth and the state’s economy.
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RECENT PROJECTS NT
Did you know we have been in the Territory for almost one decade? We have extensive experience specific to the NT and can help you get development approval. Just call our office 08 8942 2600 or send us an email: plan@masterplan.com.au
SUPER A-MART Convenience to community MasterPlan collaborated with Gabbert Design, the project architects, to obtain development consent for the large format retail development in Berrimah. The very well located development on the Stuart Highway will include Super A-Mart, the anchor tenant, as well as five other tenancies, car parking and landscaping. The experience of the developer provided insight into efficiencies and the need to investigate further the demand for car parking. MasterPlan and the client undertook car parking
surveys of similar developments in the Darwin area. MasterPlan used this evidence to support a reduction in car parking spaces to suit the project and showed parking evidence from the investigations. Development approval was required within firm timeframes in order for project construction to commence as planned. MasterPlan and the project team negotiated with the Department of Transport to agree on access upgrades required to the Stuart Highway intersection. MasterPlan’s responsive-
ness ensured that these negotiations were finalised before the Development Consent Authority meeting and that the application was approved without delay. MasterPlan guided the team to clear development conditions in order for construction works to commence. MasterPlan’s ongoing assistance also included a variation application for minor changes to the development configuration.
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FOUR OWLS Practical residential solutions Four Owls is an innovative multiple dwelling development with a high quality design outcome, built form. The 943 square metre multiple dwelling site, located in Farrar, is located close to the Palmerston Regional Hospital. In association with Ashford Group Architects, a design was prepared for six one-bedroom multiple dwellings on the site. This represented a 200 percent over-densification of the site based on the NT Planning Scheme prescriptions. Variations were also required to car parking layout, building setbacks and private open space. MasterPlan prepared a strong and successful planning argument based on the merits of the proposal which was ultimately approved. Our community needs housing choice.
GUNYANGARA
Breaking news
Residential subdivision Gunyangara is a small community on Gunyangara Island, located 14 kilometres west of Nhulunbuy in the East Arnhem Region. Disclaimer: Stockphoto, not actual footage.
Gumatj Corporation Ltd engaged our services to prepare a development application for a subdivision to provide housing for a growing population. Continuing an established pattern of residential development, the subdivision will provide 14 urban residential sized allotments between 1,004 square metres to 1,148 square metres. Tenure arrangements and underlying lot layouts can often present challenges in remote areas. However, MasterPlan successfully navigated the Planning Scheme and NT Planning Act requirements.
Gumatj Corporation and Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) have secured land in North East Arnhem Land to establish Australia’s first commercial space centre.
MasterPlan has a growing list of successful projects in remote areas of North Australia, including East Arnhem Land, central and Western Australia.
MasterPlan has been engaged to provide advice throughout the development and subdivision phases of the project.
The project is expected to provide a benefit to the region in excess of $100 million. Planning is well underway for this project which will drive innovation and new technologies, boost tourism and assist in transforming Nhulunbuy from a mining town to an economic and services regional hub.
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RECENT PROJECTS QLD WATER PLAY PARK Discovery Parks creating quality facilities Norman Gardens, in Rockhampton, is the site for Discovery Parks’ initiated redevelopment of their existing facility to provide a zero-depth water play park. MasterPlan assisted with the assessment of the proposal against the Rockhampton Region Planning Scheme. Close consultation and research
with the Development and Building Division of the Rockhampton Regional Council identified that the development of a water park does not constitute a change of use or an increase in the scale of the use, but merely represents building works associated with a “Tourist Park” and more speci-
AYR RETIREMENT LIVING Material Change of Use for improved facilities MasterPlan Queensland was engaged by Hillward Pty Ltd, to prepare and submit a development application to the Burdekin Shire Council over land at strategically located Chippendale Street, Ayr. MasterPlan designed a layout and prepared the application for a material change of use to facilitate the development of a retirement village, significant to this regional community. Ayr has been identified as an area in need of retirement facilities, for locals to remain in familiar territory. The strategic location of the site within the Health Hub precinct as identified in the Planning Scheme rendered the
land ideally located with the Lower Burdekin House for the Aged opposite. These have great synergies and co-location advantages. MasterPlan prepared, lodged and managed the development application for a Material Change of Use. MasterPlan was instrumental in identifying this land and introduced and facilitated negotiations with not-for profit, well-respected operators of retirement and care facilities, to develop and manage the retirement village.
fically ancillary uses. It was confirmed that building work in this zone is selfassessable and therefore a more efficient outcome was achieved. Let’s have a chat about your upcoming development in Queensland to see how we can help you: 0413 832 601
Business NEWS
CHANGES TO LEGISLATION SA PLANNING SYSTEM
As we move further into the year 2018, the planning reform process in South Australia continues to build momentum. The SA Planning Portal saplanningportal.sa.gov.au has been upgraded to provide access to all the necessary information required for the ongoing operation and implementation of the existing system. The same site provides a one-stop destination for all the new planning reform initiatives and continues to grow and evolve as elements of the proposed new system are introduced. The State Planning Commission is now in place and has the prime responsibility of preparing and maintaining the Planning and Design Code. This is intended to be undertaken in close association with all Local Councils and their respective communities in
accordance with agreed Community Engagement Charters. Councils are also required to enter into Collaborative Work Programs to ensure a smooth transition to the new planning system. To facilitate this, DPTI has allocated a Transition Manager to each Council to assist in the transition process which includes a number of procedures including a Development Plan Review, the preparation of Code Theme Papers, a Strategic Planning Analysis and the development of a Transition Plan. MasterPlan are assisting its Council clients in the initial high-level Development Plan Review process and are well placed to undertake this important task given our long-standing history of policy development and development application assessment within Council areas.
The initial Development Plan Review process is essentially about what works and what does not work with the current system. It involves the identiďŹ cation of important zone and planning policy issues in each respective Development Plan. This includes policy gaps, policy duplication, obsolete policy and any new local policy or zone amendments that are required to guide future development in the respective areas. This analysis will feed into the strategic issues that will need to be addressed in the Code Theme Papers and the Strategic Planning Analysis that will ultimately lead to the development of a Transition Plan and the Planning and Design Code.
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT BILL Queenslands push for more green Early 2018, the Palaszczuk Government has introduced the Vegetation Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 to parliament. It includes some elements of the Vegetation Management (Reinstatement) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 that was not passed in 2016 and
will introduce several changes to the Vegetation Protection Management Act 1999, Planning Act 2016, Planning Regulation 2017 and Water Act 2000. Some aspects of the proposed legislation will take effect immediately. The Bill has now been referred to a
parliamentary committee, which will include public hearings and submissions. Read the full Bill on the Government of Queensland website and come and see us if you think this might aect your development or you need some guidance.
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ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 40 year anniversary functions at Char, Darwin and Eve‘s on the River, Brisbane
MasterPlan is enjoying a year of celebrations for hitting the BIG 40. In mid 2017 the Northern Territory office hosted a salubrious evening at Char with clients and colleagues. The NT office, led by Jack Priestley and based in Woolner, has further cemented its position in the Territory as professional of choice. Jack has a growing portfolio of clients and the variety of projects continues to impress.
The Brisbane River and Eve’s were the focus for similar 40 Year celebrations for our Queensland operations. MasterPlan is very new in Queensland but have growing roots particularly in the rural and regional, comprehensive residential and retirement sectors. Adelaide will be holding its major event at the end of the celebratory year.
MasterPlan, although celebrating its birthday and hence the 4 decades of professional, valued and sustainable enterprise, it also celebrates the ability to learn, grow and prosper and the people we work with and assist to bring your vision, initiative and ideas to fruition.
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UP IN THE AIR In 2017, we equipped our Darwin office with our first DJI Mavic drone to gather valuable insights into the land and vegetation characteristics of sites we investigate. The Northern Territory’s landscape is largely flat but often vegetated and sometimes very wet particularly in the rural and remote areas in which we work. The drone is a most valuable asset to assist in overcoming the challenges faced by our seasonal conditions.
Legislative amendment for commercial drone operation in late 2016 allows MasterPlan to conduct commercial operations. That was the perfect time to start our remotely piloted aircraft journey. MasterPlan are fully registered with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and have trained our drone operating personnel in the neccessary procedures. The implementation of our new technology will represent
a milestone year for our NT office as well as MasterPlan generally in expanding the level of planning services and investigations we can provide to you. Feel free to enquire about our new aerial imagery services at our Darwin office (08) 8942 2600 or online at www.masterplan.com.au
Business NEWS
AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
NEW DIRECTOR Michael Richardson joined the board of Directors at MasterPlan as of 1 July 2017. We are pleased to have gained such an experienced planner and long-term member of the MasterPlan team as a fourth Director of the company.
JOINT ROLE OF OFFICE/ACCOUNTS MANAGER In addition to her role as Office Manager, Lisa Brook has been appointed as Accounts Manager. With her administrative skills and her most efficient manner Lisa has proven to be the perfect fit for this role. Congrats!
Robe Golf Course Expansion MasterPlan SA and particularly Julie Jansen are delighted to have won the Planning Institute of Australia’s Award for Excellence in the category Hard Won Victory for their assistance in the Robe Golf Course Expansion in the District Council of Robe. The award category Hard Won Victory recognises a planning initiative that has resulted in positive planning outcomes and significant community benefits in the face of difficult or trying circumstances. The Robe Golf Course Expansion project demonstrated persistence by a small, not for profit regional golf course in Robe with a desire to create a contemporary standard golf course to meet its users expectations. One of the challenges was its location within a sensitive coastal environment that drew out a host of competing community expectations. Undeterred by these challenges, the golf course management engaged MasterPlan and the services of other specialists to navigate a plethora of competing legislation. It resulted in a redesigned 18 hole golf course that: • preserves and conserves sensitive coastal vegetation using a valuable vegetation offset in the form of heritage agreements (with consent of the Native Vegetation Council); • rezones land to accommodate additional housing stock; • enhances environmental practice with treated water reuse; and • provides an improved community recreational resource. The outcome could not have been achieved without the support of the Robe Community, the Council, the Native Vegetation Council, DPTI and the project’s consultant team.
PLANNING INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA Young graduate planner Katie Wilson became a member of the Planning Institute of Australia‘s National Education Committee whilst our Northern Territory planner Jack Priestley continues to be Young Planners Network convenor for the Northern Territory chapter. Watch out PIA Conference WA, they will be there in force.
PROPERTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES NT planner Jack Priestley has joined the Property Council’s Ecologically Sustainable Development Committee while director Greg Vincent returns as a member of the Planning & Urban Design Committee SA.
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GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY In 2017 the MasterPlan team accomplished much for themselves, but also gave their full support to a variety of great causes. On February 9th, MasterPlan flipped the pancakes for SA UnitingCare Pancake Day to fight poverty and disadvantage and we did it again in 2018. The NT team rose to the challenge of walking ten thousand steps per day for the EHE Rare Cancer Foundation Australia. The foundation started this challenge to raise awareness for rare forms of cancer and all donated money goes to much needed research. MasterPlan supports community in many ways and in QLD cycled for the Great Cycle Challenge Australia again,
an initiative which stands for lifesaving research into the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of childhood cancer. Closing the year, MasterPlan was a proud sponsor of the annual Variety Darwin Special Children’s Christmas party where children with special needs get to meet Santa, have an afternoon of fun activities and receive gifts. MasterPlan continues its long-term support for Variety - The Children‘s Charity and the Sammy D foundation. Coming up also is the Cure Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. Ride well Greg, Michael and Simon.
ISO CERTIFICATION QUALITY MANAGEMENT We work strictly after the 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.
This certification is specific to the services MasterPlan offers including land use planning, design, development advice, the preparation of master plans, strategic plans and concepts with practical and tangible outcomes.
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.
The quality management system is managed through the Adelaide office and applies throughout our Australian operations to provide independent professional advice.
Business NEWS
SPONSORING COOLING THE CITY After becoming part of the Property Council of Australia’s Sustainable Development committee, our NT manager Jack Priestley worked with other members of the committee to make the Cooling the City pop up initiative a success. The initiative saw the construction of a 12 x 4 metre pop up made from palettes, with the purpose of demonstrating the value of vegetation and
shade in the built environment. The pop up featured fans, shade sails, plantings, seating and lighting. The structure was placed in two different locations in the Darwin CBD and maintained by volunteers of the committee. It included an online survey which is currently being evaluated and will inform any advice given to the government and other stakeholders.
Darwin citizens and tourists alike were able to experience first hand the changes we can make to our environment to reduce the heat island effect, while also revitalising and improving the visual amenity of the street. The key educational goal of the project was to change public and authority attitudes towards a more walkable city and question the perceived reliance on car parking.
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OUR INSPIRATIONS Our planner’s current favourites in educational and entertainment resources OKO App by Nadya Suvorova Travelling through satellite images taken from the NASA database this aerial puzzle game is definitely mesmerizing our Planners. The game‘s rich otherworldly soundscapes are composed from recordings taken aboard space shuttles. Available for iPad (iOS 8.0+) only.
Neighbors and Neighborhoods: Elements of Successful Community Design How does the design of a neighborhood affect the people who live there? This book explains how a neighborhood’s design lays the groundwork for the social relationships that make it a community. Blending social science with personal interviews, the author shares the lessons of planned communities.
‘Our future in cities’ TED Talks playlist Humanity‘s future is the future of cities. This list of talks lets our Planners explore the crowded favelas, greened-up blocks and futuristic districts that could shape the future of cities. Find it here: www.ted.com/playlists/29/our_future_in_cities
NEW FACES April 2017
July
July
Stewart Hocking
Katie Wilson
Grant Croft
Planner
Planner
Planner
Stewart’s extensive Council experience places him in a unique position to provide advice on a wide range of urban and regional projects.
Joining us as a graduate Planner with an honours degree, Katie aspires to create positive outcomes within the built environment.
Grant joins MasterPlan as a Planner with a wealth of local government experience and extended management and conflict resolution skills.
Business NEWS
WORK ANNIVERSARIES 2017
FATHER GRANT
Greg and Harry hit the big 15 this year!
Only half a year after joining the MasterPlan team, Grant Croft welcomed his newborn son Leo Percy into the world. Family Croft is over the moon with their healthy little bundle of joy with maybe a few sleepless nights to come.
Throughout 2017 we had two big work anniversaries to celebrate. Greg celebrated his 15th MasterPlan anniversary with us, as did Harry, one of our production team, photographer and graphic guru. Kudos you both for your great work, enthusiasm, initiative and your loyalty!
NEW HORIZONS MasterPlan has grown its activities and roles in all States and the Northern Territory over the past few years. This is why we have recently reviewed the way we deliver services to bring your visions to reality.
Returning from paternity leave, Grant shared the ďŹ rst stories and pictures. The team was delighted to meet the new addition a couple of weeks later. Congrats from all of the MasterPlan team!
We are currently in the process of putting additional resources in place to achieve this goal and to enhance our capabilities in project and resource management, due diligence and concept development. This will add to our extensive knowledge and capabilities in development application preparation and assessment and the management of proposals through the sometimes complex and challenging planning process. Our expertise, as a contributor to your ideas and your project team, will help guide your decision making and add value to your project. We are pleased to announce Peter Stanley has joined the team. Find out more about him on our website!
November
January 2018
Jordy
Avi Paul
OUR TEAM
Reception & Administration
Planner
Jordy brings exceptional organisational skills, patience and a beautiful smile to the front desk at the Adelaide office.
Avi is a young energetic Planner with an architectural degree and background. He is most enthusiastic about his role in our team in Darwin.
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.
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Proud members of
MasterPlan SA 33 Carrington St, Adelaide SA 5000 Phone (08) 8193 5600
MasterPlan QLD Phone 0413 832 601
MasterPlan NT 33/16 Charlton Ct, Woolner NT 0820 Phone (08) 8942 2600
Contact Email plan@masterplan.com.au Online www.masterplan.com.au