National Perspectives, Local Outcomes: Insights from the 75th PIA National Congress
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
In May, Harley Dykstra's planning team travelled to Canberra to attend the 75th Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) National Congress, joining planning professionals from across the country to discuss the challenges, opportunities and ideas shaping Australia's future.
Bringing together planners, policymakers, consultants and industry leaders, the Congress provided a valuable opportunity to step away from day-to-day project work and engage in the broader conversations shaping Australian communities.
Shared Challenges, Broader Perspectives
One of the strongest takeaways from the Congress was that many planning challenges are shared across the country.
While each state operates within its own planning framework, discussions consistently returned to housing affordability, population growth, infrastructure delivery and community expectations.
As Harley Dykstra planner Matthew reflected:
"We're all experiencing similar issues. Everyone has their own nuances and challenges, but we're all going through similar problems."
The conference also highlighted the value of gaining a national perspective. For many attendees, it was an opportunity to see how planning is evolving beyond Western Australia and to learn from approaches being adopted in other states.
"WA is a very small portion of the planning industry nationwide. Seeing the techniques and systems being used across the country gives you perspective." - Travis
Housing, Density and the Future of Growth
Housing supply and population growth were key topics throughout the Congress.
As Australia's population continues to grow, planners are increasingly being challenged to consider how future communities will be accommodated while maintaining liveability and access to infrastructure.
Many discussions focused on density and how cities can respond to growing housing demand. While Perth has traditionally relied on greenfield growth, other states are already navigating medium and high-density development at a much larger scale.
"Everyone's going to have to start thinking about apartments." - Lawrence
The conversations reinforced that density is not simply about increasing housing numbers. Successful outcomes depend on thoughtful planning, quality public spaces and infrastructure that supports growing communities.
Learning from Other Cities
One of the most valuable aspects of attending a national conference was hearing how different cities are responding to similar challenges.
Jayde highlighted the contrast between Perth's greenfield developments and the urban renewal projects being delivered in larger eastern-state cities.
"We're designing large greenfield communities, while planners in Melbourne are repurposing old parking lots and drainage areas to create open space." - Jayde
The comparison demonstrated that while planning principles may be consistent, solutions need to reflect local conditions and community needs.
Technology and the Future of Planning
Technology also featured heavily throughout the Congress, particularly the growing role of artificial intelligence and data-driven planning tools.
Presentations explored how AI is being used to support strategic planning and improve decision-making processes.
"The real takeaway was that AI is coming. What some organisations are already using this technology for is pretty incredible." - Travis
The Congress reinforced the importance of embracing innovation while ensuring technology continues to support, rather than replace, professional expertise and practical decision-making.
Thinking Beyond Individual Projects
Perhaps the most important takeaway was the reminder that planning is about more than individual developments.
Discussions around national population growth and future settlement patterns encouraged planners to think beyond project boundaries and consider the long-term future of Australian communities.
"It's not just about doing individual applications for individual projects. As planners, we're also planning for people across our communities." - Henry
For the Harley Dykstra team, this broader perspective was one of the most valuable outcomes of attending the Congress.
Turning Ideas into Outcomes
While the Congress showcased innovative ideas and emerging trends, it also reinforced the importance of practical implementation.
Good planning is about delivering outcomes, not only about creating a vision.
Many of the discussions highlighted the gap that can sometimes exist between strategic aspirations and real-world delivery. Factors such as infrastructure, servicing requirements, land ownership, market conditions and project feasibility all influence whether a proposal can move from concept to reality.
For Harley Dykstra, this practical perspective remains central to the way we work. By balancing long-term planning objectives with on-the-ground realities, we help clients and communities achieve outcomes that are both ambitious and achievable.
Looking Ahead
The 75th PIA National Congress provided an opportunity to connect with peers, learn from planners across Australia and engage with the conversations shaping the future of our cities and regions.
From housing affordability and density to technology, demographics and future growth, the experience reinforced the importance of staying connected to national discussions while applying those insights locally.
As Clayton reflected, the conference was a chance to "zoom out" and see how individual projects contribute to something much bigger.
By bringing these learnings back to Western Australia, Harley Dykstra continues to evolve its approach and deliver planning solutions that respond to the changing needs of communities today and into the future.
