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Town Planner

compliance

When you need one

Complex DAs with variation requests, Clause 4.6 (NSW), Statement of Environmental Effects drafting, Council liaison, RFI responses, pre-DA meetings.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Town Planning (or equivalent) + post-graduate experience. Planning Institute Australia (PIA) Registered Planner is a voluntary credential.

Professional body

Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)

Typical cost (Town Planning Report / Statement of Environmental Effects)

A$1,500–25,000

Per-state notes

Town planning is NOT a registered occupation at state level. PIA membership is voluntary. Anyone can prepare an SEE — but Council expects industry-standard quality.

Key outputs

✓Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE — NSW)
✓Town Planning Report (other states)
✓Clause 4.6 Variation Request
✓Pre-DA briefing notes
✓Council referral coordination
✓RFI response strategy
✓L&E Court appeal evidence (if required)

What triggers engaging them

▸DA with variations
▸Complex site (overlays, heritage, multi-zone)
▸Council RFI received
▸Pre-DA meeting

Notes

Town Planners are often the project quarterback — coordinating between architect, surveyor, engineers, and Council. Strong town planner can save weeks on a DA timeline + recover refused DAs.