Amy Marsden - Passionate Advocate for Affordable Housing

In this episode, Nicole sits down with Amy Marsden, Director of Planning at Therefor Group. Amy brings over 20 years of national and international experience in planning and development, with a strong focus on affordable housing, inclusive communities, and meaningful planning outcomes.

Together, they explore:

• The real-world projects Amy is working on and her role in shaping them

• The challenge of balancing community concerns with the urgent need for more housing

• Misconceptions about those who rely on social and affordable housing

• What Amy would change about housing policy if she had a magic wand

• Advice for young and emerging planners who want to make a difference

🗞️ Planning News Update

Before the interview, Nicole shares the latest planning news in Queensland:

• The Planning and Other Legislation Amendment Bill has passed Parliament

• Key changes include: a new community benefit framework, special planning powers for 2032 Games infrastructure, shorter consultation periods for regional plans, changes to infrastructure charging, and refinements which affect development control plans (DCPs)

  • 📌 A Policy Briefing will be hosted soon by PIA—stay tuned

• 🗓️ Also, don’t miss the PIA Queensland Leaders Lunch on 25 July in Brisbane: the End-of-Financial-Year celebration of Queensland planning profession.

🔗 Links & Resources

• Bills this Parliament | Queensland Parliament

• PIA Qld Leaders Lunch 2025 - Leaders Lunch 2025

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