What Does a Town Planner Do? 

What Do Town Planners Actually Do? 

Town planners work on a wide range of projects and community issues.

This can include:

• Strategic planning

• Housing and growth planning

• Public space planning

• Transport and infrastructure coordination

• Environmental planning

• Community consultation

• Assessing development proposals

• Long-term planning for future communities

Some planners focus on:

• Big-picture strategy
  while others focus on:

• Local development and neighbourhood planning

Planning combines:

• Research

• Problem solving

• Community engagement

• Systems thinking

• Long-term decision-making

Planning Is About More Than Development

Planning is sometimes misunderstood as simply approving buildings or development applications.

But planning also involves:

• Community wellbeing

• Walkability

• Public transport

• Environmental sustainability

• Public space

• Social infrastructure

• Community participation

Town planners help balance:

• Growth

• Infrastructure

• Environment

• Community needs

• Future opportunity

Planning decisions can influence communities for generations.

Where Do Town Planners Work?

Town planners work across many different sectors.

This includes:

• Local government

• State government

• Private consulting

• Property and development

• Transport and infrastructure agencies

• Community organisations

• Research and policy organisations

Planners may work on:

• Housing strategies

• Infrastructure projects

• Public domain improvements

• Community engagement

• Regional growth planning

• Environmental management

• Urban renewal projects

Planning is a broad and evolving profession.

Skills Used in Planning 

Planning combines many different skills and interests.

Town planners often use:

• Communication

• Research and analysis

• Writing and reporting

• Strategic thinking

• Collaboration

• Community engagement

• Problem solving

• Spatial and systems thinking

Planning can suit people interested in:

• Communities

• Cities

• Housing

• Environment

• Infrastructure

• Public policy

• Social outcomes

• Long-term change

Planning and Community Participation  

Town planners often work closely with communities and stakeholders.

This can involve:

• Public consultation

• Workshops and engagement

• Community feedback

• Participatory planning

• Explaining planning processes

• Understanding local issues and lived experiences

Community knowledge is an important part of understanding how places function.

Good planning involves both:

• • Technical knowledge and

  • Community understanding

Why Planning Matters for Young People  

Young people are deeply affected by planning decisions relating to:

• Housing affordability

• Transport access

• Public space

• Community wellbeing

• Access to opportunity

Yet many young people are not aware that planning is a career pathway or field of study.

Planning gives people opportunities to help shape:

• Communities

• Infrastructure

• Public space

• Housing systems

• Future cities

Planning can combine:

• Creativity

• Strategy

• Community impact

• Public purpose

Young people can play an important role in shaping future communities.

Why This Matters for Greater Western Sydney

Greater Western Sydney is one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia.

The region is experiencing major changes relating to:

• Housing growth

• Transport investment

• Infrastructure planning

• Community development

• Public space and urban renewal

Town planners are involved in helping communities navigate these changes and think about long-term growth and wellbeing.

Planning will continue playing an important role in shaping the future of Western Sydney.

Town Planning and the Fair Share Framework 

The Fair Share Framework recognises that healthier and fairer communities require:

• Fair Home

• Fair Access

• Fair Opportunity

• Fair Health

• Fair Voice

Town planners work across many of these connected systems.

Planning influences:

• Housing access

• Transport and connectivity

• Community wellbeing

• Participation

• Long-term opportunity

The framework encourages more connected, place-based and people-focused approaches to planning and growth.

Related Framework Pillars

Further Learning & Career Pathways 

Planning Institute of Australia – Become a Planner 

Learn more about planning careers and how planners help shape housing, infrastructure and communities across Australia. 

Planetizen

Resources, articles and educational content exploring cities, planning and urban development.

Related Resources  

• What Is Urban Planning?

• Why Young People Should Care About Planning

• Why Transport Matters

• Understanding Local Government

• Housing Is the System