Hustle & Bustle podcast

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
Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025  Bills this Parliament | Queensland Parliament
PIA Qld Leaders Lunch 2025 - Leaders Lunch 2025
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What is the Night-time Economy with John O’Callaghan

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.

Michelle Howard - How to Walk Alongside First Nations Communities

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 – QueenslandBefore we jump into the interview, here are a few key updates from the world of planning:
📜 New Planning Bill IntroducedThe 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-InA 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 EnquiryThe 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 MasterclassA 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 InsightsGet 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

What Planners are Asking from the Next Australian Government

This is my first solo episode for Season 3! With the federal election only a matter of days away, I step through the Planning Institute of Australia's Federal Election Platform. In this solo chat, I explain:
What are the key asks of the planning profession for the next Australian Government? 
How can the next Australian Government help facilitate more well-located housing, plan for climate action and resilience, create a stronger National Urban Policy, and tackle the national shortage of planners? 
You can find PIA's Election Priorities document here National | Planning for a Better Future - Federal Election Priorities 2025
In planning news, I mention a few upcoming events:
Janes Walk (in honor of great urbanist Jane Jacobs)
Gold Coast - Event Display
Sunshine Coast - Event Display
Suncorp Stadium at night - Rescheduled event: International Women’s Day Safe Cities | Safe Streets Night Walk - Queensland Walks
Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) fundamentals - PLANET QLD | Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) Fundamentals
 

Bradley Rasmussen - Where Will Development Happen Next?

In this episode, I’m joined by Bradley Rasmussen  – CEO and founder of Sizztech, the creators of Forecaz, a cutting-edge platform that predicts urban growth and change. Bradley shares how data-driven modelling is transforming the way planners and decision-makers understand land use, infrastructure needs, and future development scenarios.
We unpack the role of urban growth models, how they work, and why they matter. Plus, we explore the challenges of aligning modelling with real-world policy and funding decisions – and how planners can make the most of these powerful tools.
If you’re curious about PlanTech, the future of cities, or just love planning conversations, this one’s for you.
🎧 Tune in to learn:
How urban growth modelling works
What data drives these predictions
How modelling can support better planning decisions
Advice for planners wanting to upskill in this space
Some of the resources Bradley mentions:
Home | Australian Housing Data Analytics Platform
PlanTech Best Practice Guidelines PlanTechBestPracticeGuidelines.pdf
Planning Congress 2025
📰 Planning News covered in this episode
It’s been a big fortnight in planning!
Elimbah reclassified under ShapingSEQ – enabling a development application
Bundaberg MID approved for social and community housing.
North-west QLD wind farm proposal back in motion.
Birtinya MID for housing repealed.
Tewantin SFD housing proposal revoked.
Julian Simmonds announced as Acting CEO of EDQ.
📝 PIA Submission: Our latest State Budget submission calls for investment in strategic planning and a new scholarship program to grow Queensland’s planning workforce. 2025 State Budget asks.pdf
📅 Upcoming Event: In early May, join Assistant Minister Rebecca Young MP and Paul Needham, Chief Planner at Townsville City Council, for a breakfast event in Townsville. Breakfast with the Assistant Minister for Planning, Housing and Better Regulation

Peter Richards - Gaining New Perspective with Urban Sketching

In this episode of the Hustle and Bustle podcast, host Nicole Bennetts sits down with architect and urbanist Peter Richards to explore the art of urban sketching. With over 40 years of experience in architecture and urban design, Peter shares his passion for the role of drawing in the design process and its significance in shaping our cities.
Peter RichardsPeter is an architect with extensive experience in projects ranging from small-scale buildings to large city designs. As Principal of Architecture and Urban Design at Archipelago, he is renowned for his collaborative approach and has contributed to over 150 design workshops in Australia and internationally. Passionate about urban quality and the connection between people and place, Peter is a strong advocate for the role of drawing in the design process.
Episode Highlights:
The importance of good design and why well-designed cities matter.
What urban sketching is and why it’s an essential skill for designers and planners.
Peter’s career highlights and challenges over the years.
What motivates Peter as a design leader today.
The biggest challenges facing our cities and communities in the next decade.
Planning News Update:
State Government Delivery Plan for the 2032 Games released: PIA continues to advocate for integrating venues and infrastructure into the city through the Green Pathways, Gold Places initiative. QLD | Green Pathways, Gold Places Advocacy Document
Upcoming Event: Planning for Disaster Resilient Communities PLANET course with Stephen Dredge – a half-day online session covering planning for natural hazards and their impact. PLANET | Planning for Disaster Resilient Communities

Riley Flanigan - Can We Solve the Housing Crisis?

Housing affordability and availability are at crisis levels, but why? And what can we do about it?
In this episode, we sit down with Riley Flanigan, an urban designer, strategic planner, and city strategist at Urbis, to unpack the forces behind Australia’s housing crisis.
Riley has been at the forefront of housing research, policy, and advocacy, including his writing and his contributions to PIA Qld's Housing Working Group. With deep insights into master planning and housing policy, he’s been contributing his voice on housing challenges and solutions.
From policy roadblocks to promising reforms, we cut through the noise to explore what’s really happening in the housing system and what needs to change.
In this episode, we discuss:✅ The key factors that have led to the housing crisis✅ Whether current policies are addressing the root causes✅ The need for both short-term fixes and long-term solutions✅ One (or two) major policy shifts that could make a real difference✅ What gives Riley hope for a better housing future
In this week's planning news:
⭐ Residential Activation Fund: The Deputy Premier announced the guidelines and eligibility criteria for Round 1 of the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund. Residential Activation Fund | State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
⭐ Applicable event extended: On 19 March, the Planning Minister declared the Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred Recovery event. to be an applicable event. The applicable event declaration allows extended hours of operation for certain uses, and the ability to apply for a temporary use license.  Applicable events | Planning⭐ Call in Notices: the Deputy Premier issued two proposed call-in notices for the Marmadua Energy Park and Middle Creek Energy Hub.  The notices seek submissions from the proponent, community and other parties about whether the proposed developments qualify as a state interest and should be assessed by the Deputy Premier.  Ministerial call-ins | Planning⭐ Sunshine Coast TLPI Approved: the Deputy Premier approved a Temporary Local Planning Instrument proposed by Sunshine Coast Council to facilitate more local hotel proposals in Maroochydore and Caloundra, with an aim to support the tourism development of the Sunshine Coast. MEDIA STATEMENT: Maroochydore and Caloundra revitalised with new hotels on the way  - Ministerial Media Statements
⭐ DA Planners Forum: first one for 2025 is happening next week. Its online and free for PIA members, $20 for non-members. All are welcome - DA Planners Forum
⭐ Policy in Action Workshop - making good development stack up. Join us next week in 7 locations across Queensland! Free for PIA members Policy In Action 2025 - Making Good Development Stack-up
Tune in for an insightful conversation that goes beyond the headlines and into the real challenges—and solutions—shaping the future of housing.

Laura Harvey & Haleen Singh - Planning the Gateways to Our Cities

In this episode, I'm joined by Laura Harvey, Planning Manager at Queensland Airports, and Haleen Singh, Planning Advisor with Port of Brisbane. We explore the unique world of planning for airports and ports—two critical transport hubs that serve as economic drivers, destinations, and catalysts for urban and regional development.
Episode Highlights:
Laura and Haleen share what drew them to this work.
A look into a typical day in their roles and the complexities involved.
Discussion on how airports and ports shape the cities and regions around them.
Key planning challenges they face and strategies to address them.
Insights into how technology is shaping the future of these sectors.
Latest Planning News in Queensland: Before diving into our conversation, latest planning updates in Queensland:
The Planning Minister has declared the Tropical Cyclone Alfred event in South-East Queensland as an applicable event, allowing extended operating hours for essential services like shops, warehouses, transport depots, health care services, and hardware stores to support recovery efforts. Applicable events | Planning
Extensions to assessment periods under the Planning Act have been implemented for certain development application timeframes. extension-notice-11-march-2024.pdf
Brisbane City Council’s planning scheme amendment has gone live, introducing reduced and maximum car parking rates for inner-city areas—a move aimed at improving housing affordability. Citywide amendment - Inner-City Affordability Initiative | Brisbane City Council
Upcoming Events: The 3rd Annual Policy in Action Workshop is on April 2nd at Arup Brisbane and live-streamed to six locations across Queensland. This free event for members will explore Making Good Development Stack Up from various perspectives. Policy In Action 2025 - Making Good Development Stack-up
Tune in to this episode for an engaging discussion on the fascinating world of airport and port planning.

Chris Isles - Harnessing Big Data and Human Behaviour

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Isles, General Manager of Advocacy, Major Projects, and Economic Development at Redland City Council. With over 20 years of experience in planning, economic development, and major projects, Chris is a well-respected leader in the industry.
As a member of PIA Qld’s Plan Tech working group, Chris has a strong interest in how technology and data can shape better cities. From digital twins to AI and big data, we explore how these tools are transforming planning and decision-making.
In this conversation, we discuss:
🚀 What sparked Chris’ passion for technology in planning🏙️ How digital tools are reshaping the way we design cities🌏 The role of tech in tackling major urban challenges—housing, transport, climate resilience📊 Are we using the vast amounts of data cities generate effectively?And in 🏗️ Latest Planning News:
🌪️ Cyclone Alfred – Expected to cross the SEQ coast in the coming days, marking the first cyclone to hit the region in around 50 years. Stay safe, and heed the warnings.
📜 Planning Scheme Updates – Ipswich City Council and Sunshine Coast Council are making progress on their new planning schemes. Ipswich is set to adopt its scheme in the coming months, while Sunshine Coast will refine its draft before public consultation.
📢 Upcoming Events – The Central Queensland Symposium is back on March 28, this time in Airlie Beach for a full-day, in-person conference. A must-attend for planners and allied professionals— CQ Planning Symposium 2025
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers.

Adam Beck - The Future is Coming

My guest today is Adam Beck, General Manager of Business & Market Development at Hub Group and Co-Founder of TEMPO Institute.
About two weeks ago, the American Planning Association released its fourth Trend Report for Planners, featuring over 100 trends shaping urban planning. You can access the report here 2025-Trend-Report-for-Planners-Screen-Reader-Version-r1.pdf
As a trend-scout for this report, Adam shares key insights, surprising trends, and what they mean for the future of cities. We discuss how planners and city leaders can respond to emerging trends, differentiate between fads and fundamental shifts, and predict the one trend that could transform city planning in the next five years.
Adam is a leader in urban transformation, focusing on innovation in the built environment. He shares practical steps planners can take now to adapt to change.
 
Plus, we cover the latest planning news, including:
First round of announcements for the Scheme Supply Fund - see PIA's media release here Planners welcome Queensland Government’s funding for well-planned homes
and the Call for Abstracts now open for the PIA Queensland State Conference 2025 in Toowoomba. PIA QLD State Conference 2025