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

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.

• Bills this Parliament | Queensland Parliament

• PIA Qld Leaders Lunch 2025 - Leaders Lunch 2025

🎧 Thanks for listening to Hustle and Bustle! If you enjoyed the episode, please take a moment to rate, review, or share it with a fellow urban thinker.

📲 Follow Nicole on LinkedIn and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, I chat with planner, urban thinker and community engagement guru, John O’Callaghan, Director of JOC Consulting. John isn’t your average planner – and that’s exactly why I wanted him on the show.

He’s a creative, a connector, and someone who’s built a career around authentic community engagement and transformational city ideas.

Today, we’re talking about one of his passions: the night-time economy – and how cities can become more vibrant, inclusive, and alive after 6pm.

🎧 In our conversation, we explore:

• John's journey into planning and how he blends creativity into his work
• Why the nighttime economy is about so much more than just bars and restaurants
• The role planning plays in enabling great after-hours places
• Trends and ideas shaping the next wave of nighttime city-making

Whether you're a planner, a place maker, or just passionate about better cities – this episode is for you.

🗞 Before the conversation with John, we cover Planning Headlines

• On 13 May, a State Facilitated Development (SFD) for a proposed 73-unit, 8-storey development in Redland Bay was revoked by Queensland’s Deputy Premier and Planning Minister. This proposal exceeded the local 4-storey height limit and faced strong community opposition. 👉 SFD Revocation Notice.PDF
• Brisbane’s Lord Mayor has announced a review of the Low-Medium Density Residential Zone. This is a significant and timely move to support more gentle density in well-located areas. PIA has publicly welcomed this review. 👉 Read PIA’s full response: Planning Ahead: A Better Mix of Homes for Brisbane’s Future

📝 Submissions Update

• We’ve lodged our submission to the Planning and Other Legislation Amendment Bill, focused on the social impact and community benefit framework. QLD | Response to Inquiry into Planning and Other Leg Amendment Bill 2025
• We’re also working on a submission to the Productivity Commissioner on construction productivity – due 2 June.

📅 Upcoming Events

• I’m heading to PIA National Congress this week in Garramilla/Darwin – and I can’t wait! It’s always such a great opportunity to connect with peers, hear big ideas, and visit one of my favourite cities.

In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Howard, respected urban planner, social researcher, facilitator, and Managing Director of Collaborations. Michelle is known for her inclusive and thoughtful approach to public policy and urban development, and she joins us to discuss what First Nations allyship looks like in planning—and how we can all embrace it.

Michelle shares her insights on:

• Her career journey and what led her to focus on intercultural relationships

• The meaning of allyship—personally and professionally

• How planners can start their allyship journey with humility and respect

• Examples of strong, respectful allyship in action

• The shifts within the planning profession around First Nations engagement

• Why it’s vital for allies to make space for First Nations voices, and how to do it well

This conversation is a must-listen for planners, policymakers and anyone seeking to build more inclusive, respectful and culturally informed planning processes.

🗞 Planning News Round-Up – Queensland Before we jump into the interview, here are a few key updates from the world of planning:

📜 New Planning Bill Introduced The Queensland Government has introduced the Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, featuring:

• A social impact and community benefit framework for renewable energy projects

• Amendments to the Economic Development Act

• Amendments to the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Act 2021 🔗 Read the Bill and Explanatory Statement

📣 Proposed Ministerial Call-In A proposed call-in notice has been issued for a development at Coochin Creek, involving 150 tourist accommodation sites. The proposal raises key issues related to environmental protection and state interests. Ministerial call-ins | Planning

🏗️ Qld Productivity Commission Enquiry The newly formed Queensland Productivity Commission has launched its first inquiry into the construction sector. Stay tuned for developments and opportunities to contribute. terms-of-reference.pdf

📅 Upcoming Events

🔹 Two Way Planning, Design and Place Masterclass A full-day, in-person course with Carol Vale and Michelle Howard to support more effective collaboration with Indigenous communities. 📍 PLANET QLD | PLANET QLD | Two Way Planning, Design and Place Masterclass

🔹 Ipswich & Lockyer Valley Planning Schemes Insights Get the first look at the new Ipswich Planning Scheme at this upcoming event. 📅 29 May 2025 Planning for the Future: Ipswich & Lockyer Valley New Planning Schemes Insights