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Strategy

Implementation and development mainly for agencies, local and state government.
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We work with agencies, local government and state government to strengthen planning frameworks, embed clear strategic direction and support better implementation on the ground. Our experience across a wide range of departments and councils means we can translate high‑level policy into practical, workable strategies that fit local context.
 

SD Planning has a strong track record of collaborating with government clients to develop robust
planning schemes, implement strategic reviews and integrate realistic findings into clear actions and processes, all within required timeframes. We do this in a cost effective and efficient way that recognises organisational constraints and resourcing realities.

Recent Work Includes:

  • Reviewing Design and Development Overlay and related Strategic Reviews for regional and
    peri‑urban councils, supporting contemporary built form and growth management outcomes

  • Strategic planning implementation advice for Councils updating their policy frameworks

  • Major Town Strategies and Structure Planning advice for growing regional municipalities,
    aligning land use, infrastructure and community priorities

  • Reviews of planning systems or frameworks for all levels of Government

  • Planning Scheme Reviews and implementation support for Councils such as Bass Coast Shire Council, Strathbogie Shire Council, Yarra City Council and others, ensuring controls remain current, clear and fit‑for‑purpose

Development

Services and Planning Approvals
 

We work with a broad range of private sector clients to provide strategic, practical and commercially
focused planning advice across the full development lifecycle.

Our Services Include

  • Due Diligence for site selection and development investment advice

  • Planning permit application preparation, lodgement and management through the approval process in order to obtain planning consent

  • Project management of sub-consultant teams required on large scale or complex development applications

  • VCAT representation/advocacy

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Our approach is responsive, collegial and outcomes‑focused, which has led to a high rate of repeat clients and referrals. Clients value our ability to combine critical thinking, strong technical planning expertise and practical delivery experience, including the coordination of infrastructure and servicing issues that are often central to successful development outcomes.

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Recent Work:

We regularly advise on and secure planning approvals for:

  • Residential development, including units, townhouses and multi-lot subdivision

  • Retail development

  • Child care centres

  • Medical centres and office development

  • Agricultural and agriculture related development in the Farming Zone and Green Wedge Zone

  • Car parking waivers

  • Warehouse and industrial development

  • Signage

  • Accommodation, including farm stay and group accommodation

  • Function centres, restaurants, breweries and wineries


We also regularly manage projects involving complex planning considerations, including heritage bushfire, native vegetation, erosion, flooding and design focused controls.

SD Planning has also worked to secure approvals for multi‑lot subdivisions in PSP and other growth areas ranging from 80 to 450 lots. This work has included
 

  • Coordinating multidisciplinary consultant teams

  • Preparing planning reports and supporting assessments, including Section 56 and PSP assessments

  • Overseeing landscape and design inputs

  • Managing the planning application process through to determination

  • Supporting post‑approval implementation, including infrastructure delivery and coordination

Planning

Planning and Education Services
 

We partner with local and state government to build internal capability in planning, governance and
decision‑making, with a strong focus on practical education for officers and councillors. We help teams
navigate complex statutory frameworks, lift assessment quality and make robust, defendable decisions.

We have also developed a suite of education and capacity‑building tools to support planners,
non‑planners and councillors to understand the full spectrum of town planning, from policy
development through to statutory implementation and review. These programs focus on building
confidence, shared language and a common understanding of roles and responsibilities across teams.

We deliver tailored workshops, briefings and boutique coaching on planning processes, including
specialist sessions on conflict of interest, delegations and governance in the planning context. We also
work with executive and governance teams to design training programs that meet mandatory councillor
professional development requirements while responding to local strategic priorities.

Recent Work Includes:

  • Representation and education at conferences and sector forums on town planning, local
    government governance and practical implementation of planning strategies

  • Induction and refresher sessions on planning for councillors and delegated officers across
    multiple Victorian councils, including a formal delivery partnership with VLGA for the Councillor
    Skills Development Program

  • In‑house or online workshops for Planning Teams on statutory assessment, decision writing and
    hearing preparation.

  • Coaching and mock‑hearing preparation for council officers appearing at VCAT and Planning
    Panels, with an emphasis on evidence, cross‑examination and expert witness roles.

  • Reviewing planning schemes and undertaking team capacity and process reviews, with a focus
    on education and discussion with planners to build understanding and educate during the
    process.

  • Mentoring planners and councillors through formal channels to support and strengthen their
    capacity. Programs have included the DTP Regional Hubs Mentoring Program and VLGA
    Councillor support.

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