Who We Are
SD Planning
SD Planning, is a strategic and statutory planning consultancy established in 2015 to meet the growing need for town planning services in metropolitan, per-urban, rural and regional Victoria. We have extensive experience in planning with strong skills in policy review and setting, stakeholder engagement and statutory planning technical drafting, planning law and implementation of planning strategies. We have proven experience securing planning approvals and working on a range of projects with private sector clients, Local and State Government and other Statutory Authorities.
Shannon Davies, Director
Based in Gippsland, Shannon is a Director of SD Planning and an experienced strategic and statutory planner with a strong local government background, particularly in rural and peri‑urban councils. She has more than 20 years’ experience, working across a wide range of metropolitan and regional planning schemes, giving her a sharp understanding of how provisions operate in practice and how to refine them to better deliver policy intent.
This breadth of experience allows Shannon to quickly unpack any planning scheme, identify strengths and weaknesses, and pinpoint targeted improvements that align strategic policy, local objectives and on‑the‑ground outcomes. She has planned for urban, peri‑urban, growth area, rural and regional city contexts and has a comprehensive working knowledge of the Victorian planning system and its processes.
Shannon also holds complimentary formal qualifications in Adult Learning and Education. She enjoys designing and delivering practical planning education for councillors, officers and community stakeholders. She is particularly interested in helping people gain confidence in using planning schemes, understanding strategic policy and participating effectively in planning processes.
As a Senior Sessional Member with Planning Panels Victoria, Shannon brings the perspective of an independent panel member to her advisory and education work.
Kate O'Reilly, Director
Based in the Central Highlands, Kate has a wide range of experience providing development advice and securing planning approvals in rural, urban, and metropolitan contexts. As Director of SD Planning, Kate
is a qualified town planner with more than 25 years’ experience having worked as a consultant and within local government in both Victoria, Tasmania and the UK.
Kate has experience managing a diverse range of planning applications, including complex major development proposals. She heads up the development approvals stream of SD Planning and has a keen interest in town centre, residential and rural planning in regional areas.
Kate’s excellent communication skills and breadth of experience enables her to bring together the required team and work to achieve optimal planning outcomes. Her project management style ensures that she focuses and detail and deliverability. Kate seeks to develop strong and collegial relationships with her clients and is approachable and responsive.