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Plan for more planners
High population growth, water shortages and increased pressure on infrastructure have resulted in an escalating demand for qualified planners and the University of the Sunshine Coast is hoping to help address the shortage.
The increased demand, also a direct result of legislation changes, is having an impact on local councils and government organisations who struggle to attract the limited number of skilled candidates available.
“I have experienced real difficulties in attracting and retaining staff due to the shortage of qualified planners, despite our remuneration rates being well beyond the award,” said Julie Edwards, General Manager of Planning and Development for Maroochy Shire Council.
“The changes in the Integrated Planning Act make it very difficult for developers to get applications through the Development Approval process which has created a demand for practising professionals that far exceeds the supply.”
Pam Dyer, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, has identified a similar demand internationally and therefore maintains that a career in Regional and Urban Planning provides students with a variety of work in a variety of locations.
“While the Sunshine Coast is a hotbed location for rapid growth which requires strategic planning to ensure a quality of both built and natural environments, demand for planning skills reaches far beyond our region,” the Dean said.
Julie Edwards agrees and believes that in many ways travellers are the best planners. As a result, she encourages her staff to take time off for long periods to experience national and international travel.
“Travellers get out and about and see how things happen elsewhere which is the best
‘professional’ development and experience,” Ms Edwards said.
“If you are interested in planning, I would definitely recommend one of the professional planning university courses. I also encourage students to obtain work experience during their holidays which gives them a better understanding of the theory they are studying and prepares them for the workforce.”
The Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning is designed to put students at the forefront of major issues such as water resources and population growth and distribution. Students will receive a balanced focus on built and natural environments and a multitude of career opportunities.
Courses in the program include ecologically sustainable development, ethics, policy, monitoring, health and management. Students can also expect to acquire skills in areas such as law and processes, conflict resolution, understanding of professional practice and ethics as well as professional communication and management skills.
This USC degree also articulates into the Griffith University Postgraduate Diploma with credit and therefore provides students with a pathway to accreditation by the Planning Institute of Australia.