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The role of local government in Australian cities

webinar

Wednesday 24 March 2021

Online

This webinar presented findings from a forthcoming AHURI research project — Local government co-ordination: metropolitan governance in twenty-first century Australia — led by Prof Andrew Butt, RMIT University. This research examines the role of local government engagement and coordination in modern Australian metropolitan governance. It focusses on the role of local governments in cooperation with one another, the state governments, and other actors at the metropolitan scale.


Speakers

Prof. Andrew Butt, RMIT University

Andrew is a lecturer with over 20 years practical experience in planning. Andrew’s research includes investigations of the processes and practice of planning in non-metropolitan settings. He is particularly interested in the way in which land use planners operate as professionals in a context where drivers of change often sit outside of the limits of planning action. He is presently developing a collaborative project developing scenario modelling for future population and land use change, impacts and policy options in central Victoria. These include a focus on the politics of planning for intensive agricultural systems. He is also involved in research on planning for agricultural systems, particularly intensive agriculture.

 

Liz de Chastel, Senior Policy Adviser, Australian Local Government Association (respondent)

Liz is an experienced planner and policy adviser with over 25 years’ experience working in complex urban, regional and social planning settings, policy development and advocacy. Liz has worked in senior roles within the NFP, government and the private sector in the NT, Qld and ACT. Liz joined the Australian Local Government Association in February 2018. In this role she provides advice to the ALGA Executive and Board on policy issues and manages ALGA’s engagement with a range of officials’ groups including with planning, cities, urban issues, housing, migration and settlement and finance. Liz has qualifications in urban planning and management and is a Registered Planner and Life Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia.

 

Dr Tom Alves, Head of Development, AHURI (facilitator)

Tom leads the Professional Services and Strategic Initiatives components of AHURI's business. As Head of Development, he works closely with AHURI’s University partners, Australian governments, industry, the community sector and other stakeholders to deliver responsive, high-quality professional services and to develop AHURI’s standing as an authoritative voice in international housing and urban policy discussion. Tom has a PhD in Housing and Urban Studies and has held positions at RMIT University and The University of Melbourne in the disciplines of Property, Architecture and Urban Planning. He has substantial experience in policy and advisory work with the Victorian Government and fourteen years’ experience working in architectural practices in Melbourne and Sydney.

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24 March 2021

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Local government co-ordination: metropolitan governance in twenty-first century Australia