Planningxchange

Sophie Jordan has been practicing as a qualified urban planner for 20 years, working in both the local government sector and private practice before establishing Sophie Jordan Consulting Pty Ltd in 2012. This breath of experience has allowed her to develop a range of skills including development facilitation, project management, community consultation and preparation of strategic plans. Importantly, she understands the commercial realities of development and how to guide a project from inception to completion. Sophie has particular expertise in special use residential projects, mixed use developments and has worked extensively in the aged care and retirement sector, as well as several social housing and student accommodation developments across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. She is dedicated to finding solutions to how we can meet the housing demands of our diverse population and manage the changes that new built form has on our environment. Interview released 16 September 2019. Podcast produce

Orlando Harrison is a well experienced (but youthful) urban designer practising in a very contested space. Urban design is the half brother of both architecture and town planning. It straddles both fields but at times lacks certainty as to its legitmacy; neither fish nor fowl. Orlando takes an optimistic approach to the uplift that urban design can provide to citzens not just in the elitist wealthy inner city but also in the much distant struggling outer suburbs where the majority of residents live. An inspiration lesson in the simple fact that professionals are honourable when they realise their obligations and dedicate themselves to the productive and enjoyable use of scarce urban resources. With a backdrop of flatlining productivity, stagnant wages growth and an end to a resources driven economic boom; Orlando points to the need to make cities key economic drivers. This can be achieved in part by making them pleasant and enjoyable spaces. An interview with a delightful 'twist of lime'. Podcast produced by

McIntyre was founded in 2016 by husband and wife team Ned Scholfield & Raquel Boedo. The pair first started to think about creating their own label after spending a year working together on Ned's family sheep farm 'Glenoe' in Western Victoria.   The design philosophy behind the label is to create timeless, sustainable, & quality Merino goods. Based in Melbourne Australia the pair are passionate about manufacturing in Australia, and about educating customers on the benefits of wearing Merino wool.  The efforts of Ned and Raquel show that 'traditional' industries can be resurrected and that economic development need not just be about the sexy 21st century industries that every nation seems to promote. A compelling story of farming, passion and fashion. The pair discuss what they have learnt in their business development and as an aside provide insightful comments on good practice urban development. There are unusual links between fashion and city development; this podcast interview provides clues on how

In PX52, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview founding partner, Koos de Keijzer of DKO Architecture. The firm has projects throughout Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. He is a respected architect and urban designer, with a particular strategic understanding of residential design in all its forms. He is driven by a passion to explore new housing types, forms and configurations. This has given rise to a number of innovative apartment and housing design responses, embracing and enriching contemporary residential lifestyle. Podcast produced by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcasting Services. Podcast released 1 July 2019. For more details go to www.planningxchange.org

In PX51, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview John Henshall a Melbourne based economist who has recently authored 'Downtown Revitalisation and Delta Blues in Clarksdale Mississippi - Lessons for Small Cities and Towns'. John has previously appeared in PX21 which was released in October 2016. His book is about Clarksdale, a small town in Mississippi, USA and how the local community has revitalised the long-dilapidated downtown, with the renewal based on the town's intimate association with Blues music and the culture that flows through the Mississippi delta. He highlights underlying trends in downtown decline and revitalisation in cities in towns and cities in America, together with commentary of his own experience at home in Australia. This book delves into the positive role played by creative and risk taking individuals in the economic revitalisation of small places and provides a template for others to follow. The book provides useful insights to all planning professionals and those associated with place

In PX50, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview the dynamic Olivia Christie about her role as a project manager on various large scale commercial projects and specialist developments within the hospitality sector. Olivia talks of the importance of team spirit, co-operative engagement with regulators and the benefits of flexibility. She also talks about what she has learn't as a developer of a high quality mid sized residential development in Melbourne's inner south.  Olivia talks about her career development in a traditionally male-dominated industry sector. A very special interview subject in this milestone episode. The interview also coincides with the introduction of a new major sponsor for PX, the Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association (VPELA).  Interview produced by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcasting Services. Interview released on 2 May 2019. For further information visit www.planningxchange.org

In PX49, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Kate Roffey who has extensive experience as a CEO and Senior Executive within the commercial, government and not-for-profit sectors. In her current role as Director Deals, Investment & Major Projects at Wyndham City, Kate is focused on the growth of key international and national industry sectors and facilitating investment from both public and private entities via the creation of innovative deals that leverage value capture concepts to fast track delivery. Kate is also responsible for overseeing major projects in the areas of transport, construction and mixed used developments. Prior to this role, Kate was the CEO of the Committee for Melbourne. Before joining the Committee, Kate held an executive position at Tennis Australia as Manager of the Melbourne Park Redevelopment and was responsible for overseeing the master planning for this major redevelopment and for negotiating the $978 million funding deal with the State Government. Interview produced by Zak W

In PX48, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Cazz Redding, Director of Red Ink Planning. Cazz is based in Bright, North East Victoria. She discusses her career progression, starting a business and working 'in the bush'. Podcast released 23 March 2019. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX47, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Aaron Organ, Director and Principal Ecologist at Ecology and Heritage Partners. Aaron outlines current ecological issues, technological advancements and how we are better understanding the world around us. He talks to the link between town planning regulations and better ecological outcomes. In the podcast interview, new ideas are discussed on how to better help the natural world. A wide-ranging discussion on a subject not widely understood. Aaron also makes a plea for us to get out into the natural world and experience its delights. Podcast released 26 February 2019. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX46, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Doctor Elizabeth Taylor (Liz) about her book, 'Dry Zones: Planning and the Hangovers of Liquor Licensing History' published by Palgrave MacMillan. Liz has used analytical research methods to chart the rise of 'local control' over alcohol outlets and how this in turn led to early forms of what we now known as planning controls. Many of the examples of the past now repeat themselves with modern day contested planning issues. Liz is a Research Fellow at RMIT. Along with David Nichols (Melbourne University) she produces 'This Must be the Place', a podcast series that considers contemporary and historical planning issues. Liz and David were interviewed in PX38 which was released in June 2018. Podcast released 4 February 2019. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX45, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview author David Sornig about his new book 'Blue Lake'. David has researched the history and stories of the former 'Blue Lake', so named for its beauty by early colonists, through the area's spoilation and re-use. Known as 'Dudley Flats' the area adjacent the Melbourne CBD was for many years an 'outside' area with various squatter camps and lower end activities such as rubbish dumps, freight yards and docks. Very different to 'respectable Melbourne' the area gained a certain reputation as an area outside control and representing 'the other'. David weaves amongst the historical narrative the stories of three very different 'fringe dwellers'. This book is likely to win many awards for its moving description of the place and its people. A 'psycho-geographic' journey through a strange land. Podcast released 24 January 2019. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org

In PX44 Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview long term journalist and author Peter Mares on his new book 'No Place Like Home: Repairing Australia's Housing Crisis'. Peter discusses many aspects of housing and points to historical expectations and the new reality. The discussion identifies those disadvantaged by the new housing paradigm and offers a variety of solutions. Much debate followed Bernard Slat's 'smashed avo' article. 'No Place Like Home' provides a follow up and is a refreshing discussion on contemporary housing issues. Podcast released 10 January 2019. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX43, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Damian IIes. Damian is a Director at Hansen Partnership, a Melbourne based multidisciplinary urban consulting firm. Damian is in the middle of his career having worked for over 18 years in government and the private sector. Damian was recently involved in the 'Launch' social housing project that utilized vacant government land to house the homeless in portable high-quality accommodation. He talks of this process and the lessons it has for approaches to affordable and 'step up' housing. Other topics include bringing more diverse outcomes into development outcomes. Podcast released December 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org.

In PX42, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Pru Goward. Pru is the New South Wales Minister for Family and Community Services, Minister for Social Housing and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. An earlier portfolio including Minister for Planning. Prior to entering Parliament Pru served as Australia's Sex Discrimination Commissioner. An economist by training and a broadcaster by practice, Pru spent 19 years with the ABC where she received many awards including a special Walkey Award, journalism's highest honour. This interview includes discussion on the need for bravery in public policy and the need for fresh ideas that are ideology free. Also that we should have high expectations on what Government can achieve. Podcast released 28 October 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org

In PX41, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview David Bissell about his recently published book Transit Life - How Commuting is Transforming Our Cities (MIT Press). David is Associate Professor and Australian Research Council Future Fellow at the School of Geography, Melbourne University. In prepartion for the book, David undertook extensive field research and comprehensively reviewed previously published works. He brings new insights on how 'the commute' is changing citizens. The commute is a separate space in citizens lives and too often treated poorly. He identifies new means and approaches to making life better within these jorneys. Fresh and insightful, Transit Life brings humanity to a sometimes dry analysis of commuting times and means. The podcast interview includes discussions on the 'commute corridor' and how authorities, designers and practitioners can improve this space/sphere. Podcast released 31 August 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more informatio

In PX40, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Ged Hart the founder of TOM (Total Outdoor Media). Ged talks about the role of outdoor advertising within urban and regional areas. He talks of the broader role played by the medium not often appreciated, that is of a public messaging outlet for public wellbeing campaigns. Ged a long standing veteran of outdoor talks of the digital technology that is transforming the industry. Outdoor advertising is often a maligned aspect of the urban environment dismissed by many in the planning and design professions. Ged discusses the cultural association of outdoor in the popular psyche and argues that the 'creative' display on outdoor billboards is akin to public art. He makes the case that outdoor can co-exist with pleasant urban spaces. The demise of 'traditional media' and the rise and partnering of outdoor with new outlets of advertising (Google, Facebook and Instagram) is raised. A fascinating discussion on an aspect of city life rarely discussed in urban planning. Po

In PX39 Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview landscape architect Tim Vernon of the CDA Design Group. Tim talks about the changes since he started work in the 1980's, the influence of travel, sources of inspiration and the contemporary challenges (and joys) of landscape architecture. Podcast released 6 July 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org

In PX38, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Dr Elizabeth Taylor (RMIT) and David Nichols (Melb. Uni). Elizabeth and David produce 'This Must be the Place', an urban planning/history podcast also produced in Melbourne. In this 'cross interview' with our podcasting 'cousins' we talk about the divide between the academic world of planning and the 'practising' world of planning. The discussion ranges across the different spheres of planning and how academic research can be made more relevant and applied to the practising world of planning. Discussions also include observations on the pressures within the academic world and the nature of contemporary students, finishing off with an outlook on how technology is changing the workplace and world. Podcast released 5 June 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org.

IN PX37, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Brett Davis - Executive Director Regional Victoria of the Victorian Planning Authority. Brett discusses the particular issues and merits of regional planning. He also discusses his experiences as a Panel Member sitting in judgement of planning proposals at Planning Panels Victoria. Brett has worked at different levels of government and in private practice. A strong advocate of the value of town planning in making the life of citzens better. Podcast released 2 May 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information about the PX series go to www.planningxchange.org.

In PX36 Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Gavin Queit a Director of GK Solutions Pty Ltd (motto 'Securing Your Tomorrow'). Gavin discusses the design issues associated with protecting cities from criminal and terrorist attack and explains that security measures can be designed in such a way as to enhance the public realm whilst remaining 'fit for purpose'. He also discusses the 'duty of care' aspects of holding public festivals and the range of measures that can provide citizen safety. This interview will be of interest to all those involved in the design of public places, community events and those involved in the preparation of urban design guidelines. Podcast released 5 April 2018. For more details go to www.planningxchange.org.