2008
Gold Sponsor:
Planning Scholarship Research and Training
Award for Excellence to Commonwealth Department of Defence
Project: External Land Use Application Process – Stakeholder Training Program
Judges’ Comments: This is a valuable training document, the material well presented. It should ensure consistent and appropriate processing of responses to development proposals abutting defence establishments.
The judges elected to award both GHD and Purdon Associates for their nominations in thefollowing category of Social and Community Based Planning. Both nominations also received a joint award at the 2009 National Awards for Planning Excellence in Darwin.
Social and Community Based Planning
Award for Excellence to GHD Pty Ltd
Project: Redeveloping Community Sites (Former ACT School Sites)
Judges’ Comments: This entry dealt sensitively with a major community issue already highly exposed to public concern and gained community respect for its open, honest and innovative approach to consultation.
Social and Community Based Planning
Award for Excellence to Purdon Associates
Project: Further Use of Former ACT School Sites
Judges’ Comments: This work involved the unenviable task of public consultation in regard to the closure of 15 ACT school sites. The report demonstrated a transparent, comprehensive process, well received by the 1300 persons who attended the meetings.
Urban Design Built Ideas & Achievement
Award for Excellence to Parsons Brinkerhoff Australia
Project: The Acton Development
Judges’ Comments: A well documented entry providing an outstanding example of sensitive development of an important site containing a significant heritage building in Central Canberra. The redevelopment contains an interesting mix of arts facilities, cafes, retail and residential apartments with a creative reuse of the heritage building in a quality landscaped setting.
The Acton Development also garnered the Division President’s Award.
The following nominations received Commendations
Social and Community Based Planning
Commendation to Susan Conroy Cultural Planner
Project: Marrickville Cultural Research Project 2008
Urban Design – Built Ideas and Achievement
Commendation to National Capital Authority
Project: Section 63 City – Urban Design Guidelines
Social and Community Based Planning
Commendation to ACT Planning and Land Authority
Project: Planning System Reform in the ACT – Responding to Community Interests