Queensland Government Planning Awards
We are committed to shaping Queensland’s future — and that means investing in tomorrow’s planners by giving them an opportunity to put their skills, knowledge, and ideas to practice in real-life scenarios.
The Queensland Government Planning Awards give planning students the opportunity to submit applications to demonstrate innovative and practical approaches to real-world planning challenges — particularly related to engagement and consultation in planning.
Categories
The 2024 Queensland Government Planning Awards award categories include:
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University students submit a planning issue and proposed solution, individually or in teams of up to three, for a wicked planning problem, that relates to a real-world planning problem. Shortlisted nominees will be invited to give a 10-minute presentation to a judging panel, “shark-tank” style. Presentations were held on 11 October 2024.
Eligibility: Undergraduate, post-graduate and masters planning students
Prize: Four-week paid internship
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750-word rationale addressing the student’s outstanding planning talent
Eligibility: Female undergraduate, post-graduate and masters planning students
Prize: Four-week paid internship
*Universities can nominate a maximum of 3 students for this award.
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750-word rationale addressing the student’s outstanding planning talent
Eligibility: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander undergraduate, post-graduate and masters planning students
Prize: Four-week paid internship
*Universities can nominate a maximum of 3 students for this award
2024 Winners
Katie Pearce, University of Queensland
Winner—Wicked Planning Problem
Katie proposed a unique planning solution in response to the youth mental health crisis. She described ‘GUSTO’, a mobile app that provides youth friendly ways to get their head out of a smart phone and connect with like-minded people. The app includes challenges, ways to share adventures and use the technology in a positive way – to make the most of the outdoor opportunities their city can provide.
The Planning Senior Leadership Team panel congratulated Katie on her unique approach to link youth to associated amenities and her idea to encourage urban planners to use these ideas in their initial plans.
Lauren Hall, University of Queensland
Highly commended —Wicked Planning Problem
Lauren's project ‘Adaptive Reuse of Commercial Space’, noted that multiple solutions to the housing crisis need to be considered. Lauren suggested the use of vacant offices for the adaptive reuse of commercial space after the increase in office vacancies during and following Covid-19.
Her presentation discussed successful reuse cases and proposed local examples of how this concept can be applied effectively in Queensland.
Natasha Schwerin, Griffith University
Female student in planning award
Natasha is a fourth year Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning/Bachelor of Science student at Griffith University. Natasha has excelled in their studies and shown great commitment to the planning community through involvement in the Planning and Environment Griffith Students club and multiple Planning Institute of Australia programs, despite facing challenges during their studies.
Millie Gould, Queensland University of Technology
Indigenous student in planning award
Millie Gould is a motivated second year Indigenous Australian undergraduate student. Millie is pursuing a Bachelor of Urban Development (Honours) (Urban and Regional Planning) and a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science). Interest in these two disciplines provides Millie with the skills and knowledge to tackle the complexities of planning and sustainability, while also advocating for culturally inclusive urban development.
Previous winners
Contact us
For more information, please email learn-planning@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au.
Last updated: 19 Nov 2024